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LIBRARY 


OF  THE 


MASSACHUSETTS 

AGRICULTURAL 

COLLEGE 


No._4 


souRCE_L^liej2.e..„+a.-ncie 
OPer 

E79 


H0RT.58. 


JULIEIT  M'P'L'S. 


1 

er 
Ht9 


■P 


EDWARD  0.  JENKINS,  PRINTER, 
No.  26  JFraiikfort  Sitxttt,  Ntin  gorft. 


V.  \  z 


A.  1 

PAGE 

Abies  Menziesii 30 

Tuberosa 5fio 

Acclimation 35 

Achimenes 380 

Gliicsbrechtii 84 

Advertisement,  model 55 

Advice  and  Example 276 

A  Few  Words  on  Business  ....  570 

Agi-icultural  Exhibitions    431 

Humor 490 

Society 237 

Agriculturist,  American 431 

Alps,  Traveller  among 94 

Amaryllis 314 

Amateur's  Confessions 314 

Ideas  of   Propagating   new 

Fruit 129 

Wants      55 

American  Fruits  in  England . .  41,  93 
Pomological  :eo . . . ."  189,  375,  468 

Andersons  Willows 428 

Andromeda  Arborea 459 

Annual  Fairs  over 524 

Answers  to  Correspondents  .  .46,  98, 
147,  192,  241,  340,  885,  484,  485,  53u 
573 

Aphides 132,  155 

Aphis  WooUey,  to  prevent 131 

Aphidiphagi    155 

Apios  Tuberosa 5S1 

Apple,  Frogmore  Nonpareil  —  168 

Julien    .   — 11 

The  Equinitely 549 

Apples 2S5 

Bachelor  or  King 310 

Baldwin .    144 

Belle  Flower 144 

Carolina  Eed  June .   143 

Cox's  Orange  Pippin 168 

for  generarCultivation 1.50 

Green  Crank 191 

Hagloe 143 

Hawley 481 

Holmes'  Sweet 213 

in  Ohio  143 

Keeping  of 144 

Limber  Twig  191 

Lord  Raglan 168 

Maiden's  Blush 143 

Miller  Seedling 530 

.Nickajack  191 

R.  I.  Greening 144 

Eambo 144 

Roxburg  Russet 144 

&pitzenburg,  E 144 

Taylor's  Seedling 168 

Wee-bee-tuck 530 

Winter 191 

Apricot,  Dwarf 527 

Apricots 168 

Frogmore  Seedling .'. .  16S 

in  Guernsey 102 

Kaisha 163 

White 187 

Aquariums 186 


PAGE 

Aquarium,  the  Garden 236 

Architecture,  Rural,  Hints  on  . .  507 

Ardisia  Crenulata 25 

Artificial  Fruit 192 

Australian  Ivy 190 

Autumn  Strawberry 526 

A  Work  of  Art 572 

Azaleas,  Chinese 142 

JB. 

Badge  of  American  Freedom  . .   425 
Bagley's  Perpetual  Raspberry. .  425, 
481, 572         ,t; 

Bananas  in  Texas 389 

Bartram,  John        255 

Baskets  for  Conifers 103 

Bean,  New  Pole, 238 

Bee  Stand,  Indicator 387 

Bees 389 

Feeding 92 

Begonia  Laciniata 204 

j>gx 559 

Bells  and' Whistles'. '.'... " '. .' ." '. . .' .'  105 

Benthamia  fragifera 93 

Bignonia  Venusta 385 

Birds,  rearing  of   387 

Blackberry,  New  Rochelle    ...  311 

Lawton 311,  498 

Wine 433 

Black  Rock 394 

Bonpland,  Death  of 431 

Botanical  Explorers 42 

Text  Book 141 

Botany,  Journal  of 14(i 

of  the  Exp'oringExpiditions  517 
Bouquet,  the  Illustrated    ..   282,379 

Box  Edging,  Substitute  for 332 

Brown,  Dr^  Robert 417 

William 399 

Bryonia,  palmata 190 

Buckleya  Distichophylla 530 

Buflf;ilo 394 

Vineries ' 502 

Bulbs 44,293 

from  old  Scales 333 

Bumelia,  Smooth-leaved 420 

Bush  Fruit,  retarding 523 

Business,  A  Few  Words  on  ....  570 

€. 

Cabinets,  Plant 190 

Calceo'arlas,  best 218 

Calendars 1.52 

California  Agricultural  Society.  2S8 

Fruit  Growers 62 

Seeds 531 

Wine  and  Brandy 486 

Canada  479 

and  the  Canadians 377 

Trip  to    393,  443 

Campylobotris  Argyroneura 359 

Capacity  of  Virginia    to  Grow 

Apples. 572 

Carolina,  South,  productions  of.     94 


PAGE 

Catalogues,  etc..  Received,  47,  99, 101, 
193,  242,  288,  336,  334,  425,  483,  495 
573 

Catawissa  Raspberry 284 

Caterpillar,  Vegetable 362 

Cerasus  Japonica  192 

Chat — Country  Life 537 

Cherry,  New 54 

Large  Morello 183 

Moyer"s  Honey  Heart 22 

Tree,  The 145 

Cheap  Information  — 550 

Chinese  Garden 390 

Chrysanthemums     379 

Church  Building,  Hints  oa 348 

Cincinnati,  Around 465 

Horticultural  Society  191 

Cinerarias,  Specimen 553 

Climatology 428 

Cocoanut  Fibre 292 

Confessions  of  an  Amateur 314 

Conifers,  Guano  for 275 

Connecticut,  The  Vine  in 138 

Construction  of  Glass  Houses...  128 

Cooks  and  Cooking 426 

Cooper,  James 396 

Cost,  How  to  Calculate. 504 

Cote  des  Nieges  Nurseries 899 

Cottager's  Kale    191 

Cotton    491 

Country  Life 537 

Country,  Life  in  the 9,  153 

Visiting  the  City 345 

Coverings,  Mats,  etc 525 

Cranberry  Culture 114 

Crystal  Palace  Doings        . .  333 

Cuba,  A  Trip  to  .        23,  70,  126, 174 
Cultivation,  Stray  Thoughts  on.  201 

of  the  Gooseberry 535 

Culture  in  a  Fernery 428 

of  Specimen  Cinerarias  553 

Cuphea  Eminens  190,  287 

Curculio  Remedy 227,  836 

Warfare  on 278 

Cyclamens,  The    46 

Cydonia  Japonica  342 

Cy tisus  nubigensis 526 

JD. 

Decandolle's  Prodromus  —  ...  183 

Delights  of  Garden  and  Lawn. .  239 

Delisle,  A.M 396 

Dendrobium  Nobile 190 

Devonshire,  Duke  of 187 

Diely  tra    335 

Spectabilis 47 

Dignity  of  Labor 525 

Dioscorea  Batatas,  94,  122,  140,  190, 
232,  526 

Diseases  of  Plants 81 

Doronicum  Bourgfel 25 

Douglas's  Fir  283 

Downer's  Strawberry  371 

Downing,  A.  J 291 

Downinir's  Landscape  Gardening  411 

Dwarf  Pear  Culture 319 


N.  S. :  Vol.  VIII. 


•  4.1*^0 


PAGE 

Economics I(i5 

Editor's  Table,  40,  89,  138,  185,  233, 
2sl,  329,  377,  425,  478,  524,  570 

Eichornia  Tricolor  204 

English  Wine 49 

Equinitely  Apple 549 

Errata.   98,  574 

Espalier  Hurdles 415 

Eugenia  Luma.   232 

Ugni.    5t 

Evergreens  again 287 

and  Eed  Spider 399 

A  Word  for         159,219 

Another  Word  for 23'J 

Transjilanting  Wild 69 

Example  and  Advice 276,  378 

F. 

Fairmount  Park    42 

Fairs,  State 336 

Feat  in  Cultivation 139 

Feathers 13 

Fernery  Culture 42S 

Ferns,  Hardy 21 

Garden 49 

Ferrier.  Hon  James 398 

James,  Jr 39S 

Field,  R.  Stockton  83 

K.  8.,  Seat  of. 857 

Figs    I(i9 

Brown  Ischia    109 

Lee's  Perpetual     1(19 

White  Marseilles 109 

Fire 185 

Fish  and  Dormice    S35 

Flora  of  Japan 49 

of  Tasmania    145 

of  the  West  Indies 49 

Flore  des  Serres 97, 146 

Florence  Flask 419 

Flowers  near  Smoky  Towns 46 

Flovver  Pots,  Improved 38C 

Forest  Trees,  manuring 831 

Fountain  and  Garden 188 

Frames  for  Hot-houses 44 

Fruit 387 

at  the  South 226 

and  Manure 20 

Domestic  and  Tropical .   ...  500 
Growers'   Society  of  Wes- 
tern New  York 136,  377 

Trees 295 

Trees,  manure  for 538 

Fruit,  Foreign 277 

New,  Propagating  of 129 

of  1S57,  Notes  on 72 

of  the  Season    311,425 

Fruit  Grower's  Society  Western 

New  York 566 

Fuchsias —   240 

Fulton,  James  D.,  Obituary 3S 

Fumigation  made  easy 883 

G. 

Galphimia  Glauca 85 

Garden  and  Fountain ISS 

Bos  or  Tub 879 

How  to  Enjoy 1S4 

Jungle.   ...  50 

Gardener's  Assistant 37 

Gardening 98 

Gardens.  E.vperimental 91 

Laying  out 154,  .334 

Over-rich .  .  8(16 

Gas,  Heating  by 264,  282 

Tar 246 

Georgia,   its  Fruit  Capabilities 

413,  429 
Pomological  Society 505 


Glass  Houses 128,482 

Gloxinias 380 

Gooseberry,  Downing's  Seedling,  313 

Cultivation  of  the 553 

Gooseberries,  Training  of 834 

Gossip,  51,  100,  146, 194,  243,  291, 

8il,  386,  435,  582,  674 

Gould,  Ira 397 

Grafting  the  Grape  Vine 186 

Grape,  Albino 13 

and  its  Culture   214 

Black  Damascus 294 

Black  Hamburg 13 

Borders 459 

Lrincklc 12 

Canadian  Chief 13,  15 

Canby's  August 12 

Cassady 12 

Catawba 11 

Clara 12 

Clapier 13 

Clinton    12 

Concord 12,  13,  94,  238 

Culture 421 

Delaware,  of  Ohio,   13,  68, 

143,  179,  331,  481 

Diana 122 

Elsiuborough 12 

Emily  12 

Esperione 74 

Garrigues 185 

Golden  Hamburg 74,  427 

Hall     143 

Hartford  Prolific, 122, 166 

Herbemont 13 

Houses,  etc 515,  559 

Hybridizing,  the 86 

Isabella 11,  122 

Lehman  13 

Lenoir,  &c 13 

Logan 13,  95 

Louisa 12 

Mangam 12 

Marion 13 

Method,  Simpson's 94 

Muscat  Catawba 485 

Muscat  Hamburg 167 

Ohio,  or  Segar  Box 12 

Pure  Juice  of 239 

Question 4S1 

Raabe,  or  Honey 12 

Rebecca 12,  14,  48,  122,  381 

Kinging  the 423 

^age,  &c 13 

Stockwood   Golden    Ham- 
burg      27 

Swatara 13 

Sweetwater IS 

The 11,122,186 

Traminer 179 

Trentham  Black 168,  217 

Vine,  Gigantic 448 

White  Sweet  Water 122 

Wilmington..  12 

Grapes 237,  286,  824,  511 

A  new  enemy        4o2 

and  Grape  Houses 4il5 

and  Mildew 1.34 

Do  we  care  for  enough 416 

in  California 55 

in  the  Shade      279 

New,  in  England 167 

Shanking  of 293 

Grasshoppers  in  Minnesota.   ...  809 
Gray,  Dr.,  How  Plants  Grow . . .  426 

New  Books 141 

Greek  Ideals  of  Gardening 299 

Greenhouse ". .    ...   295  { 

Climbers  47 1 

I  esign  for 4;?  I 

Greenshields,  J.  B 396 1 

Griscom,  David  J 95 


PAGE 

GroundNut  500 

Guano  for  Conifers 275 

Gummere,  W.,  Residence   496 

ir. 

Hair,  Human,  a  Manure 862 

"  Handy  Helps  to  useful  knowl- 
edge"     551 

Hartford  Agricultural  Society  . .  288 

Hawkmoth 325 

Heat  and  Light 35 

Heating  and  Cooking 105,  141 

by  Gas 264,282 

Heat,  "Ventilation,  Rain 95 

Hedges 283 

and  Evergreens 189 

Osage  Orange 24 

Holland,  Mrs 896 

Honeysuckles,  Training  of 261 

Hooper's  Fruit  Book 1&9 

Horse,  Locomotion  of  tlie 66 

Horticulture  in  Missouri 59 

House  Conservatories 141 

House,  Design  for  a 60 

How  ['lants  Grow 333 

Humbugs 240 

liuntin  a  Horse  Pond 861 

Hunting  Park,  Plan  of 460 

Hyacinths 433 

Hybridizing. 343,  862,  452 

The  Grape.  .86, 119,  158,271,  823 

I. 

Ice  Houses 105 

Ilex  Fortuni 204 

lUairea  canarinoides 204 

Illustrations  of  the  Old  Garden 

Book 170 

Implements    for    Garden    and 

House 415 

Indigofera  dosua 529 

Insects 284,  825 

on  the  Larch 450 

Pleasures  of 426 

Iowa,  a  Talk  from 32 

Notes  from 323 

Ivy,  Australian 190 

jr. 

Johnson's,  Prof  Report 188 

Jones,  Samuel  T.,  Death  of 187 

Jungle,  a  Garden 50 

June,  Delights  of 281 

K. 

Kemp's  New  Book 518,  560 

Kin,  the  Botanist 255 

Kniphofla 528 

Uvaria 432 

Labels,  Tree •■  483 

Ladies'  Dresses 45 

Landscape  Gardening 239 

Lantanas,  the  Best 218 

Larch,  Insects  on '•  •  456 

Lawns 331 

Laying  out  Grounds 296,  352 

Leptodactylon  Californicum 85 

Leslie,  Hon.  James 395 

Letter  from  A.  J.  Downing 411 

Life  in  the  Country 9,  57 

Lily  of  the  Valley 68 

Literature  of  the  Garden 489 

Lonicera  Anguslifolia 167 

Loudon,  Mrs.,  Death  of 431 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


PAGE 

Loudon's  Lady's  Companion....  479 

Luck 234 

Lupinus  Menziesii 204 

Lnun,  William S96 

Lyman,  S.  Jones 895 

Lyon,  John 256 

M. 

Madison,  "Wisconsin 571 

Mahonia  Japonica 238 

Mahonias,  New 282 

Magnolias 253 

Manure  for  Fruit  Trees 538 

Manuring  Forest  Trees. 331 

Marliet  Gardeners  of  London. .  .  370 

Purposes  for 297,  414 

Marsliall,  Humphrey 25 

Massachusetts"  llort.  Society  —     89 

Medlars 93 

Michigan  Hort.  Society 149 

Mignonette  Sauce 292 

Mildew  and  Grapes 135 

in  Wheat 140 

Miscellanea,  53, 102, 245, 292,  342,  437, 
4S5,  533 

Missouri  Horticulture 59 

Motfat,  Hon.  Jolm 397 

ilontreal ...  395 

Morel,  The  282 

Morrisania  Hort.  Society  . .  384,  432 

Mosquito  Powder 43 

Mouldy  Roots 140 

Mount"  Vernon  and  the  Ladies. .  400 

Moutans,  Cultivation  of. 107 

Mulberry,  Downing's  Everbear- 
ing      58 

N. 

Natchez 127 

Natural  Objects 284 

Nature's  greatness 176 

Necarines 163 

Downton 163 

Hardwick 168 

■    Murray 168 

Vermash 168 

Nettles 387 

New  Plants,  25,  84,  204,  260,  859,  451 

Flowered  in  America 307 

Niagara  Falls 893 

Notes  for  the  Month,  55,  76, 103, 151, 

196,  239,  246,  343, 891,  439,  487,  585 
575 

Novelty 135 

Nursery  for  Sale  41 

Nuttall,  Thos. 256 

Nymphea  Gigantea 529 

O. 

Ohio  Pomological  Society 142 

Old  Book  of  the  Orchard 40 

Onion,  The     222 

Orchard  Houses 292,  440,  478 

Orchideous  House 257 

Osage  Orange  Hedges 24 

Owen"s  Address,  Prof 565 

I». 

Pampas  Grass 43,  205 

Park,  Hunting  460 

New  York 829 

Parks,  The   829 

Parsons  &  Co.'s  Nurseries 389 

Patent  Office 172 

Tree  Protector 238 

Peach  Bourdine 168 

Catharine 168 

Early  York  16S 


PAGE 

Honey  456 

Pucelle  des  Malines  16S 

Sahvay 16S 

Scott's  Early  Eed  16S  i 

Vineuse  de  Fromentin  168 1 

Walburton  Admirable.  • 16- 

Peaches 143 

Pear,  Auguste  de  Maraise 75 

Belgian  School 112 

Bergamotte  Louis 121 

Bergamot  Seckel 169 

Bergen 221 

Beurr6  Clairgeau 50 

Beurr6  de  Konink 75 

Beurre  Goubault 121 

Beurr6  Haggerston 121 

Blisht,  a  Fungus 20 

Bloodgood 121 

Boston 166,  481 

Brudnell's  Seedling 169 

Consellier  de  la  Cour 169 

Culture 2.34,421 

Culture,  Thoughts  on. .  117,  250 

Democrat  and  Schman 527 

Doyenne  de  Ete 121 

Doyenne  de  Juillet 121 

Dwarf.  Culture 819 

Grand  Bretagne 321 

Island 221 

Kingsessing 121 

Kirtland's  BeurrS 121 

Manning's  Elizabeth 121 

Matthew's  Eliza 169 

Ott's  Seedling 121 

Pinneo    • 481 

.      Poire  Peche 169 

Sabine  D'Hiver 169 

Seaton  Seedling 169 

The  Alexander 34 

The  Great 98 

Trees  Removing 112 

Triomph  de  Jodoigne 169 

Tyson    121 

Verulam 821 

Victoria 146 

Pears,  Ages  of 187 

Diseases  of 890 

Easter  Beurr- 282 

Grown  for  Market.  208,  372,  518 

Group  of  Summer 121 

How  to  raise  Seedling 382 

in  Ohio 143 

more  Notes  on 368 

New 74 

on  the  Quince  Stock 541 

Planting  Dwarf 888 

Pruning  of 272 

Select  List  of 13!) 

Pinus  Lambertiana 219 

Plan  for  a  Rose-House  and  Con- 
servatory. .  .   544 

Plant  Cabinet 110 

Hunters,  the. 254 

Planting 335 

Plants,  New  25,  84,  204,  260,  359,  4.il 
New,  Flowered  in  America.  307 

Plowing  Machines 479 

Plum,  Columbia 4^ 

The 246 

Plums 168,  208 

Angelina  Burdett 168 

Jefferson  168 

List  of  Best    270 

Eeine  Claude 168 

Standard  of  England 168 

Woolston  Gage 168 

Poinsetta  pulcherrima 309 

Pomological  Society  of  Georgia.  505 

Pomology,  Southern 457 

Potato  chardon  82 

Disease 98 

Uses.of 54 


PAGB 

Potatoes,  Planting Is6 

Pot  Culture 486 

Pot  Pourri .    46 

Preparing  Soil 116 

Preserving  Flowers 4S6 

Princeton,  N.  J 88,  857 

Primula  Mollis S'-5 

Pruning 139 

Summer 843 

The  Pear    2.30 

The  Practice  of 229,  272 

Publisher's  Card 233 

Purchasing  Trees 220 

Pursh,  The  Botanist 255 


Quince,  (See  Articles  on  the  Pear.) 
R. 

Rain 95 

Rapidity  in  Striking 139 

Raspberries  and  Bulbs 572 

Raspberry,  Bagley's   Perpetual  425, 
426,  481 

Brinkle's  Orange 812 

Catawissa 284 

Fastolf 313 

Hudson  River  313 

The  Flowering ...     18 

Eat  Trap 861 

Trumpet 862 

Rats  and  other  matters 361 

Rebuke,  Merited 837 

Reciprocity 345 

Redpath,  John 397 

Red  Spider  on  Evergreens 899 

Review  87,   518,  560 

Rhode  Island  Hort.  Society  ....  384 

Rhododendron 285 

Rhubarb,  Cultivation  of  and  va- 
rieties of 16 

Which  is  Best 374 

Ringing  the  Grape  Vine 423 

Rivers    and   the   Belgian   Pear 

School    112 

Rivers'  Rose  Amateur's  Guide  .  lo9 

Robins  in  Rhode  Island 2>>7 

Roots 3.52 

Mouldy.. 140 

Rose  and  its  Culture 225 

House  and  Conservatory. .  544 

Lists 145 

The,  Perfume  of 457 

Mount 897 

Roses,  Bedding 246 

from  W.  Rivers 241 

from  Pittsburg 240 

Hints  on 294 

List  of 225 

Propagation  of 336 

Show  of,  London 884,  408 

Stake  for 883 

The 246,356 

Weeping 93 

Ross,  Don 898 

Eubus  nutans 204 

Rules,  Good  to  Observe 337 

Rustic  Furniture 304,  860,  861 


Sabbatia  Campestris 85 

Salad  Sauce 4-38 

Salvia  Candelabrum 85 

Salvias  and  their  Culture 205 

Sawbridgeworth,    Herts^  Eng.,  507 

Sea  Flowers 816 

Seed,  Stock,  and  Graft 80 

Seminary  Gardens. 
Sensitive  Plant 
Sewing  Machines. 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


PAGE 

Ship  Timber  in  Florida 145 

Sljrubs  near  smoky  Towns 45 

Training 29 

with  Ornamental  Berries. . .     28 

Simpson's  Grape  Method 94 

Smoke,  a  Bottle  of 426 

Social  Intercourse 153 

Solomon's  Gardens 397 

Sowerhy's  Grasses 146 

Spirea  Callosa 291 

Grandiflora 842 

Spring 234 

Squash,  Custard 101 

Mammoth 102 

Sn-awberries 192,  285 

Albany  Seedling 407 

Alice  Maud 46S 

Autumn 526 

Buists'  Prize 407 

Burr's  N-ew  Pine 285,  468 

Gompte  de  Flandre 46S 

Downer's  Prolific 371 

English  181 

Fillmore 467 

for  Amateurs 377 

Foreign  Varieties 408 

for  Market    377 

Hooker 468 

Hovey's  Seedling 285,  407 

Imperial  Scarlet  407 

Jenney's  Seedling 467 

Kitley's  Goliath 46.S 

Large  Early  Scarlet 285 

Long  worth's  Prolific. . .  407,  467 

Marylandica 468 

M'Avoy's  Superior 407 

M'Avoy's  Seedling 467 

Hyatt's  Prolific  Ilautbois  . .  407 

Notes  on 407 

Peabody 407 

Peabody's  Seedling 468 

Primate  408 

Princess,  Royal 467 

Kead's  No.  1 408  1 

Scarlet  Magnate 408,  467 

Scott's  Seedling 408 

Triomphe  de  Gand 408,  468  I 


PAGE 

Trollope's  "Victoria 408,  467 

Vicomtesse  Herlcart 467 

Victoria 468 

Walker's  Seedling.    ...   285,408 

Wilson's  Albany 464,  467 

Young's  Germantown 408 

Striking,  Rapidity  in  1  9 

Subsoil  Irrigation 140 

T. 

Terra  Cotta  Ornaments 878 

The  Perfume  of  the  Rose 547 

Thermometer 485 

Thuja  Borealis 289 

Toronto 394 

Torrance,  Jolm  397 

Town  and  Country 249 

Training  Honeysuckles 261 

Trees  and  Shrubs 29, 140 

Travel 572 

Tree  Guard 415 

Tree  Labels  483 

Trees  near  Smoky  Towns, 45 

Trellises 283 

and  Wire  Designs 142 

Trenton  Falls 393 

Trip  to  Cuba 23,  70,  126,  174 

Canada 39.3,  443 

Tritonia  Uvaria 528 

Turner,  Dawson 431 

U. 

United  States  Ag.  Society 13S 

Utica 893 

V. 

Varieties  189 

Vases  for  Gardens 29 

Vegetable  Gardens, 257 

Ventilation 99 

Verbena  Cultivation 265 

Select  List  of 266 

The 191,  240 


PAGB 

Victoria  Regis 13S 

Villa  Parks 495 

Vine  Borders 885 

Disease 322 

in  Connecticut 140 

Northern  Limits  of 76 

Vineries,  cheap 36 

Vineyard,  The    55,  103,  151,  196,  246 
295,  343,  891,  439,  4S9,  575 

Violet  of  Rouen 839 

Violets  in  Winter 68 

Visits  to  Country  Places 83,  357 

W. 


Waltonian  Propagating  Case  . . . 

Wants,  An  Amateur's 

Warder  on  Hedges 

Water  Rams 

Watsonia  Iridifolia 

Weather 97,  138 

Weevil,  The  Pea 

Welg,elia  Middendoifiana 

What  has  been  learned 

Where  to  Feed  Fruit  Trees 

Whitlaw,  the  Botanist 

Willows 

Wilson.  Hon.  Charles 

Wine,  Blackberry 

Cellar 

Winter  Enjoyments 

Forcing  and  Propagating 
House 

Ruralities  in  Boston 

Wire  Designs 

Wisconsin  Fruit  Growers 

Wistaria  Frutescens 

Wooden  Labels,  To  preserve. . . 

Woodlawn 

Woolly  Aphis,  Preventive  of . . . 
Worm,  Value  of  the  Earth 


Yam,  The 

Yucca  Gloriosa 


ISO 

105 
169 
185 
283 
113 
144 
540 
256 
428 
397 
433 
105 
57 

555 
185 

142 
290 
274 
145 
83 
131 
240 


526 
575 


INDEX  TO   CORRESPONDENTS. 


A. 

PAGE 

Adeline 358 

Agricola •■    .    IT'2 

Allen,  John  Fiske 271,  515 

Lewis  F 208 

Amateur,  Watertown  148 

B. 

Bacon,  William 117,  r39 

Barker.  Daniel  218,  307,  451 

leech  Tree  314 

Benton,  Mvron  B 60 

Berckmans,  L.  E.,  27,  53,  74,  112, 121 

429,  505 

Bissell,  C.  P 511 

Bouquet  Maker,  A 190 

Bracket,  Charles 14S 

Biibach,  John  G 128 

Buchanan,  E.,  55,  76,  103.  151, 196, 

239,  246,  84:3,  391,  489,  535 

Buckley,  S.  B 434 

Buist,  "Eobert 50,  99 

C. 

Campbell,  Oeo.  W 416 

Chorlton,  William,  16,  il4,  222,  454 

Cincinnatus  116 

Clinicus 261 

Cocklin,  E.  H 328,386 

Cofman,  Samuel  191 

Colman,  M •...  257 

Collins,  Isaac  434 

Constant  Reader..    47 

Copp.ick,  W.  K 502,  513 

Corson,  Alien  W 459 

Creed,  W 129 

D. 

T> ''SI 

Daniels,  Howard 352,495 

D.  D 3S6 

Darby,  Prof.  J.  W. ;  5  J 

De  Blaqulere.  Hon.  P.  B 553 

Dewey,  Col.  D.  S 48,  380, 528 

Dillon,  Isaac 47 

Dowiier,J.8 371 

Downing,  A.  J 411 

Downing,  Charles 220,  371 

Duggin,  Charles 504 

E. 

Eaton,  John  B.,  84,  405,  819,  369,  454 
55.'i,  559 

Elliott,  F.  Pv 372 

E.S.W ; 46 

F. 

F.G.  W... 434 

Fitz-Kandolph 414 


PAGE 

Fortune,  Mr. 390 

Fuller,  Andrew 126 

G. 

Georgia  Correspondent 413 

Grant,  C.  W     874 

Gridley,  Rev.  A.  D 159,  288 

G.  Westchester 1  3 

H. 

Hall,  Judge  James  465 

Harnden,  W.  P 131 

H.  C.  W 484,432 

Henze.  Gustave 82 

Hollick,Dr.  F 1  4 

Holme.sE.  S 213 

Howatt,  John 208 

Iluidekoper,  U   421 

jr. 

Jaques 145 

J.B.R 148 

J.E 21 

JefFrevs,J  884 

J.  L.  S 336 

Johnson,  William 190 

Juvenis 899 

J.  W.S  434 

I,. 

L 254 

L.  B.,  New  Jersey,  27,  tS,  74,  112, 
121 

Lipsey,  W.  B 69 

Little,  Henry 98,  112 

Longwortb,  N 58 

M. 

M 190,433 

Marg.iret 241 

Mathews,  James  32,  227 

McClintoek,  A  143 

Medicus 126 

Meehan,  Thomas 18,  438 

Melinda 840 

Miller,  Addison  Smith 240 

Miller,  Samuel.  .11,  280,  286,  482,  523 

Minnesota 809 

Mish,  H.  A 407 

Mundie,  William 80 

Myers,  H.M 59 

N. 

Norton,  E 459,  541 

Negley,  James  S 225,  261 

North,  Prof.  Edward 299.  493 


O. 

PAGE 

Old  Contributor 55 

Old  Subscriber 840 

Owaleegena.  507 

P. 

Parker,  D 553 

Pennsylvania  Subscriber 123 

Phina,  John 273 

Plank,  E.  N 23 

P.,  Monterey 340 

P.  P 434,485 

P.  P.  T  385 

Prince,  W.E 123 

R. 

Raabe.  Peter 629 

Rand,E    8 287 

Read,  W.  H 99,134 

Rivers,  Thomas 260,  383 

Rogers,  Augustus  D 86,119 

Eussell,  Drr  G.  W 166,  404 

Eusticus 311 

8. 

8 3S6,  485 

Sargent,  H.  W 230,  414 

Saul,  John ISl 

Saunders,  William,  55,  103, 128, 151, 
196,  247,  280,  343,  391,  439, 460,  432, 
585 

Simplex  883 

Smith,  E.  Morris 496 

Stauffcr,  Jacob 132,  165,  325 

Strong,  W.C 72,  113 

Subscriber,  An  Old  840 

Subscriber,  Massilon 4S5 

T. 

Teas,E.  T 886 

Thomas,  A 179 

T.  M 462 

Tompkins,  William 263 

Trowbridge 114 

T.T 98 

V. 

Van  Beuren,  J 226 

W. 

Watson,  John, 93 

Webster,  W 644 

White,  W.  N.,  168,  310,  362,  457,  505 

Wilcox,  W.  H 432 

Wilder,  Marshall  P •  376 

Withers,  F.  C 843 

Wodenethe 414 

W.  T.,  Germantown,  N.  T 852 

W.  W 66 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


LIST     OP     PLATES. 


Julien  Apple, 

Downing's  Everbearing  Mulberry, 

A  Group  of  Summer  Fruit, 

"Watsonia  Iridifolia,  var.  Fulgens, 

Cone  of  Pinus  Lambertiana, 

Wistaria  Frutescens  Magnifica, 

Bachelor  Apple, 

Kingsessing  Pear, 

Bumelia  Lycioides, 

Strawberries, 

Fondante  de  Malines  Pear, 

Equinetely  Apple, 


Frontispiece  to   January  number. 

do.  Februa'-y     do. 

do.  March  do. 

do.  April  do. 

do.  M.iy  do. 

do.  June  do. 

do.  July  do. 

do.  Angust         do. 

do.  September  do. 

do.  October        do. 

do.  November   do. 

do.  December    do. 


LIST    OP    ENGRAVINGS. 


Abies  Menziesii 30 

A  Garden  and  Fountain  18S 

Alexander  Pear 84 

Aphides,  or  Plant  Lice 132, 156 

A  Plant  Cabinet Ill 

Auguste  de  Maraise  Pear 1o 

Belts  of  Trees 520 

Ditto 621 

Bergen  Pear 221 

Beurre  Clairgeau  Pear 50 

Beurre  de  Konink  Pear 75 

Boat  House 508 

Brinckle's  Orange  Raspberry 812 

Canadian  Chief 14 

Church  design 851 

Columbia  Plum   4S3 

Construction  of  Glass  Houses 12S,  129 

Cranberries  in  Pots 114 

Design  for  a  Country  House 61 

Douglas  Fir 252 

Downing's  Seedling  Gooseberry 813 

Dw.irf  Apricot  Tree  527 

Espalier  and  Tree  Guard 415 

Flowering  Raspberry 19 

Flower  of  the  Grape 82S 

^jotpath  Gate  415 

Garden  Aquarium 287 

Gas  Heating  Stove 265 

Gigantic  Grape  Vine 44S 

Golden  Hamburg  Grape  427 

Graftingthe  Rose 11^9 

Gr.and  Bretagne  Pear 821 

Greenhouse  43 

Holmes'  Sweet  Apple 213 

Honey  Peach 456 

Illustrations  of  the  Old  Fruit  Book 170, 171 


Improved  Flower  Pot 3S0 

Instruments  for  Dusting  the  Grape 135 

Island  Pear  221 

Landscape  Gardening  561,  562,  563,  564 

Locomotion  of  the  Horse f!6 

Lonicera  Angustifolia 167 

New  PLOchelie  BUackberry 811 

Ornamental  Vases 184 

Osage  Orange  Hedge 25 

Pampas  Grass 206 

Plan  of  Hunting  Park 461 

Plan  of  Orchidebus  House 258 

Play  House 510 

Pruning  the  Peach  Tree  273 

Rebecca  Grape 14 

Residence  of  W.  Gummere  497 

Ringing  the  Grape  424 

Rose  House  and  Conservatory 546 

Ground  Plan  to  ditto  546 

Rustic  Furni.ure 304,  305,  860,  361 

Scenery 523 

Ditto 524 

Sea  Flower 317 

Spinx  Moth  and  Ichneumon  Flies 826 

Spur  of  the  Pear  Tree 230 

Staminate  and  Pistillate  Strawberries 311 

Standard  Rose  Support  833 

Strawberries • 285 

Trellis 283 

Trellis  and  Wire  Work  Designs 142 

Waltonian  Proi>agating  Case  403 

Vases  for  Gardens 96 

Verulam  Pear 321 

Winter  Forcing  and  Propagating  House    556 

Ground  Plan  to  ditto  556 


1^^'- 


itt  in  tl]e  Cowutrg* 


"Ji^X^^  t^^^^  cities  have  been  tried  and  have  been  found  a  failure 
X%.     by  many  in  pursuit  of  happiness — whether  it  be  because  busi- 
ness is  unsuccessful,  or  that  their  minds  find  little  satisfaction  and 
repose  in  crowded  thoroughfares — the  country  and  its  occupations 
will  find  new  votaries.     Some  have  formed  ecstatic 
anticipations  of  the  pleasure  which  rural  life  pro- 
duces ;  they  have  been  so  wearied  by  the  search  for 
^  money,  by  erroneous  estimates  of  the  profits  of  trade, 
^  by  mistaken  confidence  in  human  honesty,  that  they 
i?  are  ready  to  bury  themselves  in  comparative  soli- 
tude, hoping  to  surround  their  firesides  with  domestic 
pleasures,  books,  a  few  friends,  and  content. 

Take  heed,  unwary  citizen,  how  you  precipitate 
matters.  "Carking  care"  is  not  confined  to  towns;  with  the  human  mind,  where- 
ever  it  goes,  the  seeds  of  dissatisfaction  accompany  it;  we  cannot  have  everything 
to  our  minds  in  city  rows  ;  in  villas  it  is  the  same ;  in  cottages  the  difficulties  are 
undiminished ;  the  palace  no  less  than  the  hovel  contains  the  same  ever  floating 
fungus  of  disappointment.  A  city  man  suddenly  transported  to  fields  where  na- 
ture holds  sway,  needs  preparation  for  the  change  ;  some  seeds  will  not  germinate 
without  soaking;  the  store-keeper  who  scarcely  knows  a  pear  from  an  apple-tree, 
needs  information  before  he  begins  to  plant.  But  most  he  needs  to  know  how 
to  pass  his  time  without  the  customed  ledger,  or  the  society  of  mere  acquaint- 
ances that  have  helped  to  chat  life  away. 

We  once  knew  intimately  a  fat  merchant  replete  with  cash,  who  won  the  hand 
of  the  most  beautiful  and  accomplished  lady  of  her  day.  To  be  near  her  friends 
he  bought,  built,  and  settled  in  the  country.  There  chanced  to  be  a  neighborly 
farmer  of  elegant  leisure,  to  whom  trees  were  companions,  walks  with  nature, 
society ;  the  fresh  air  was  poetry,  books  his  delight,  and  his  pen  gave  happy 
employment  on  a  dull  wintry  day.  Poet  he  was  in  the  estimation  of  those  of  his 
contemporaries  who  chanced  to  know  his  merit,  and  though  few,  a  fitting  and  appre- 
ciative audience  listened  to  his  humorous,  his  witty,  or  his  religious  musings.  The 
village  newspaper,  then  with  only  a  very  limited  circulation,  and  that  strictly  local, 
caught  up,  whenever  the  author's  modesty  could  be  overcome,  his  fun,  his  satires 
on  the  things  around  him,  or  his  happy  musings  when  the  world  wagged  to  suit 
the  rhymer.  His  life  resembled  that  of  Cowper's  ;  he  was  a  bachelor  looking 
from  the  loop-holes  of  retreat  on  a  world  then  just  about  to  ruin  itself  with  steam 
and  railroads.  These  he  eschewed,  and,  we  believe,  though  a  steamboat  left  and 
arrived  at  the  village  wharf  more  frequently  than  every  day,  he  never  put  his  life 
in  danger  by  traversing  her  decks,  and,  if  we  rightly  remember,  gave  her  but  one 
sorrowful  glance.  He  was  a  resident  of  New  Jersey — not  distant  from  Phila- 
delphia— a  city  in  which  he  slept  but  one  night,  and  was  so  disturbed  by  the  noises 
that  no  inducements  were  strong  enough  to  take  him  there  again.  In  his  fine 
inherited  farm  he  took  great  delight ;  he  was  the  reverse  of  morose ;  he  was 
genial  in  all  things,  and  in  a  select  circle  of  near  relatives  was  not  only  greatly 
admired,  but  beloved.  He  was  no  hermit  either,  but  daily  paid  a  visit  to  the  vil- 
lage post-ofiice  for  his  most  liberal  supply  of  books,  papers,  and  periodicals,  and 
in  a  chat  with  favorite  connections  threw  ofi"  sparks  of  information  and  humor 
which  have  left  their  impress  on  another  generation.  At  home,  too,  the  few 
who  knew  him  well,  found  him  genial  and  hospitable.  We  shall  have  somethi 
more  to  say  of  this  almost  unknown  American  poet  and  gentleman.     To  day 


g^= 


N.  S. :  YoL.  YIII.—January,  1858. 


devote  a  small  space  in  order  to  insert  two  playful  letters  appropriate  to  the  Hor- 
ticulturist, which  he  addressed  to  our  corpulent  friend  and  his  wife  on  their  farm- 
ing prospects,  hoping  to  interest  our  readers  in  what  we  may  hereafter  copy  : — 


TO 


ABOUT  TO  REMOVE  FROM  THE  CITY  TO  RESIDE  ON  A  FARM  IN  NEW  JERSEY. 


The  rural  mansion's  reared  at  last, 
The  toil  of  building  almost  past ; 
And  now,  while  winter's  stormy  gale 
Around  you  scatters  snow  and  hail, 
Some  evening  hours  are  spent,  I  guess, 
In  planning  future  happiness — 
Deciding  where  these  shrubs  shall  grow, 
Those  fruits  expand,  or  flow'rets  blow ; 
Where  waving  pines  shall  throw  their  shade. 
And  where  the  verdant  lawn  be  made ; 
Which  fields  for  grain,  and  which  for  clover. 
And  conning  great  and  small  things  over. 
I  love  these  plans — they  Iteep  the  mind. 

And  body  too,  alert  and  gay, 
For  every  hour  employment  find, 

And  banish  hyp  and  gloom  away. 

Thou'rt  travelling  now,  my  friend,  the  road 

Which  leads,  I  think,  to  joy's  abode  ; 

But  though  not  wond'rous  wild  and  rough,J 

'Tis  strewed  with  trivial  jolts  enough. 

Though  ills  of  various  liinds  compose 

The  farmer's  long,  long  list  of  woes. 

Thou  soon  wilt  find  the  laboring  race, 

Should  occupy  no  second  place: 

Their  time  and  toil  though  dearly  bought. 

One  half  at  least  are  good  for  naught. 

(In  this,  our  land  of  milk  and  honey. 

Where  earth  is  plentier  far  than  money, 

The  careful  and  industrious  poor 

An  independence  soon  secure.) 

Item — 'tis  spring — the  orchards  bloom. 

And  every  zephyr  breathes  perfume  ; 

'Tis  time  the  Indian  corn  was  planted. 

For  this,  some  extra  help  is  wanted  ; 

Away  to  this,  and  t'  other  neighbor. 

To  find  a  man  to  do  this  labor : 

And  when  the  work  of  hiring's  done, 

He'll  play  three  hours,  and  labor  one. 

Once,  on  a  time,  a  farming  brother, 

lieturning  from  some  jaunt  or  other, 

His  train  domestic  thus  addressed, 

To  know  how  business  had  progressed : 

""Well  Richard — I've  been  some  time  out, 

What  work  have  you,  pray,  been  about?" 

"  Helping  Tom,  sir." 
"'Tis  well,  Dick,  thou  hast  acted  right. 
United  hands  make  labor  light. 
Thomas,  I  see  the  corn  wants  hoeing. 
Pray,  what  have  Dick  and  you  been  doing?" 

"  Nothing,  sir." 

The  grass  is  cut — is  turned — is  dry — 
Dark  clouds  proclaim  that  rain  is  nigh  ; 
But  lo !  the  wheel  has  lost  a  spoke. 


The  gears  are  rotten,  shelvings  broke  ; 
Ere  all  these  things  can  be  amended. 
The  time  is  past,  the  shower's  descended. 

Thy  neighbor's  herd  of  hungry  swine — 
As  lean  as  Pharaoh's  famished  kine — 
Assail  thy  fence,  let  down  a  bar. 
And  with  thy  wheat  wage  cruel  war ; 
With  snout  insatiate  tear  the  ground, 
And  spread  wide  devastation  round  ! 

When  the  first  sprouting  grass  is  seen 

To  tinge  the  riv'let's  side  with  green, 

Thy  men  permit  the  cows  to  wander 

From  mead  to  mead,  up  here,  down  yonder ; 

Ruin  the  lots  through  which  they  stray. 

And  lose  their  appetites  for  hay. 

Till  each  dry  bone-betraying  hide 

Seems  Poverty  personified  ; 

Their  legs  refuse  to  bear  their  weight. 

And  crows  receive  them  soon  or  late. 

Through  some  unlucky  youngster's  fault, 
The  pigs  have  broth  too  hot,  and  salt; 
Hence  measled  shoulders,  scalded  throats. 
And  varied  ills  that  pester  shoots  ; 
Dogs  find  thy  sheep  delicious  picking, 
A  mink  each  night  purloins  a  chicken, 
Rats  share  the  corn,  and  mice  devour  the  bacon, 
The  turkeys,  geese,  and  ducks,  by  two  legg'd  rogues 
are  taken. 

And  will  thy  stomach,  friend,  be  quiet 
On  farmer's  plain  substantial  diet ; 
Thy  appetite  look  pleased  and  clever 
At  salt  and  dried,  recurring  ever? 
(For  ah  !  expect  not  here  to  meet 
"The  varied  fare  of  Market  Street.) 
And  canst  thou,  too,  thy  hunger  stay 
With  broken  meat  on  washing-day? 
If  not— tell  John  to  kill  the  calf, 
And  send  some  brother  farmer  half: 
And  when  he  slaughters  veal  or  sheep, 
In  turn  take  what  he  cannot  keep  ; 
Get,  for  thy  well-fed,  famished  veal. 
On  whicli  a  hawk  might  make  a  meal ; 
And  for  thy  tender,  juicy  mutton, 
Such  as  is  fit  no  dish  to  put  on. 

Thus,  anxious  friend,  for  thy  repose, 
I've  warned  thee  of  soine  coming  woes, 
That  during  winter's  blustering  weather, 

While  fenced  from  tempest — calm — secure — 
Thou  might'st  a  stock  of  patience  gather 

For  the  next  year's  expenditure. 


TO  THE  WIFE  OF 

ON  THE  SAME  OCCASION. 


As  some  pert  scribbler,  doubtless  vain  of  knowing 

Somewhat  of  digging,  ploughing,  harrowing,  hoeing, 

Has  deemed  it  proper  in  this  way  t'impart 

His  wond'rous  knowledge  in  the  farming  art ; 

I,  too,  would  humbly  otfer  to  thy  view 

Of  good  advice  a  homely  scrap  or  two  ; 

Let  then  the  following  precepts,  short  and  plain, 

Though  clad  in  rustic  garb,  attention  gain. 

No  useful  plant  admires  encroaching  weeds, 
No  healthy  chick  from  egg  unsound  proceeds; 
From  milk  or  cream,  with  garlic  tinctured  strong. 
Sweet  butter  comes  not  without  churning  long ; 


If  meddling  witches  should  thy  churn  infest. 
To  drive  them  from  it,  what  device  is  best, 
Fain  would  I  tell,  but  fear  to  tell  amiss, 
For  e'en  the  knowing  disagree  in  this — 
To  luckier  hours  the  business  some  adjourn, 
And  some  put — sly — a  dollar  in  the  churn. 
When  night  extends  her  sable  curtains  round. 
Constructing  cheeses  be  thy  maidens  found, 
At  morn's  first  blushes  let  the  work  be  stayed, 
For  cheese  should  always  in  the  dark  be  made 
So  flies  no  knowledge  of  th'  atfair  will  gain, 
IJut  the  fair  fabric  firm  for  years  remain. 


JULIEN  APPLE. 


On  no  pretence  permit  or  corn  or  hay 
To  take  the  gardener  from  his  cliarge  airar — 
Foul  weeds  will  mark  his  absence  with  delight, 
Spread  their  long  columns  with  resistless  might, 
In  countless  throngs  obnoxious  till  the  place, 
And  crush  the  eatable  and  floral  j'ace. 

By  long  experience,  rotten  eggs  are  found 

Near  twice  as  long  in  hatching  as  the  sound  ; 

Hence  those  to  whom  the  worth  of  time  is  known, 

Let  their  hens  hover  o'er  the  good  alone  ; 

To  know  their  state  the  wise  have  various  ways — 

Some,  patient,  hold  them  to  the  solar  blaze ; 

Some,  east  and  west  attentive  list'ning  shake  'em, 

And  some,  more  cautious,  think  it  best  to  break  'em. 

When  infant  ducklings  first  delighted  stray 

To  the  loved  stream,  and  cleave  the  liquid  way, 

Observe  their  wanderings  with  a  watchful  eye, 

For  varied  dangers  there  in  ambush  lie  ; 

The  tortoise  finds  them  most  delicious  food, 

And  pikes,  voracious,  soon  will  thin  the  brood  ; 

And  oft,  when  homeward  bends  the  waddling  train, 

To  spread  their  plumage  to  the  sun  again. 

Prone  on  their  backs  they  fall,  and  there  must  lie. 

To  sleep  forever,  if  no  help  is  nigh. 

But  oh  !  permit  no  cruel  hand  to  lave 
The  new-born  turkey  in  the  chilling  wave, 


Nor,  heedless  of  his  pity-pleading  note. 

Thrust  nauseous  pepper  down  his  burning  throat; 

Forbear  to  tempt  him  corn  or  cheese  to  eat. 

Let  eggs  and  onions  form  his  savory  treat : 

When  winged  with  wind,  impetuous  showers  descend. 

The  shivering  urchin  from  the  storm  defend  ; 

So  shall  he  soon  rove  distant  meadows  over. 

And  guard  from  hostile  insect  tribes  the  clover. 

When  louring  clonds  obscure  the  solar  ray, 
And  eastern  breezes  chill  the  drizzling  day. 
For  washing  house  bid  every  hand  prepare — 
And  let  them  not  the  wholesome  deluge  spare : 
Of  chairs  and  tables  clear  the  wondering  rooms. 
And  call  the  tribes  of  buckets  and  of  brooms  ; 
To  some  far  corner,  undisturbed  and  dry. 
From  mops  and  water  bid  thy  husband  fly : 
Then  o'er  the  floors  let  rushing  waves  extend, 
Roll  through  the  entry,  and  the  stairs  ascend. 
So  will  in  time  the  air  within,  no  doubt. 
Almost  as  pleasant  prove,  as  that  without. 

But  my  best  maxims  trivial  must  appear 

To  one  who  has  such  able  counsel  near  ; 

Th'  accomplished  housewife's  various  arts,  full  well 

The  much  loved  mistress  of  *****  *  can  tell. 


JULIEN   APPLE.* 

Julian.     Juling. 

A  Southern  apple,  of  uncertain  origin.  Fruit,  medium,  roundish,  tapering 
somewhat  to  the  eye,  rather  one-sided.  Calyx,  small,  in  a  narrow  basin.  Stem, 
short,  in  a  moderate  cavity.  Skin,  thin,  yellowish-white,  striped  and  marked  with 
carmine,  of  a  beautifully  waxen  appearance,  sprinkled  sparingly  with  whitish  dots. 
Flesh,  white,  tender,  juicy,  and  fine  flavored ;  indeed,  the  finest  summer  apple 
known  North  and  South.  Middle  of  July  in  Georgia. —  White's  Gardening  for 
the  South. 


THE    GRAPE. 

BY  SAMUEL  IVHLLER,  CALMDALE,  LEBANON  COUNTY,  PA. 

XF  the  experience  of  one  who  cannot  attend  most  of  the  hor- 
X  ticultural  exhibitions  is  deemed  worth  a  place  in  your 
journal,  the  following  is  at  your  service. 

Circumstances  preventing  me  from  attending  any  of  the 
horticultural  and  agricultural  fairs,  this  fall,  except  our  State 
one  at  Philadelphia  (where,  hy  the  way,  the,  show  of  grapes 
was  rather  a  slim  one),  I  took  it  upon  myself  to  note  closely 
my  own  grapes,  and  those  that  have  been  sent  me  from  other 
places,  by  my  friends. 

Isabella. — Not  a  ripe  berry  on  my  grounds,  although  a 
number  of  bearing  vines.  [This  fruit  is  uncertain  in  Penn- 
sylvania, and,  now  that  we  have  better,  will  gradually  be 
superseded  here. — Ed.] 

Cataioha. — A  total  failure,  except  where  they  are  trained 

against  the  east  and  south  side  of  my  house  (brick  wall)  ;  about  one-half  rotted ; 

the  balance  were  as  fine  as  could  be,  and  would  have  eclipsed  by  far  any  on  exhi- 

*  See  Frontispiece. 


bition  at  the  State  Fair  at  Philadelphia.     [Still,  it  is  inferior  to  the  newer  Re- 
becca, Delaware,  and  Diana. — Ed.] 

Clinton. — But  few  plants  under  cultivation  ;  was,  as  usual,  fine  ;  only  fit  to  eat 
when  very  ripe. 

Diana. — A  dozen  or  two  bunches  on  a  young  vine  ;  beautiful,  compact  bunches, 
and  of  excellent  quality ;  will  become  one  of  my  standard  varieties. 

Ganhy''s  August. — A  very  good  grape,  quite  early,  and  said  to  be  an  excellent 
bearer ;  had  a  few  bunches  sent  me  ;  they  were  not  quite  average  specimens. 

WiImingto7i. — A  very  handsome  and  good  white  grape.  Bunch,  handsomely 
shouldered.  Berries,  oval,  medium  size,  and  of  a  greenish-yellow  color ;  but  all 
such  are  termed  white.     Supposed  to  be  a  native  ;  quite  hardy  and  productive. 

Clara. — A  most  beautiful  and  excellent  grape.  13unch,  quite  large.  Berries, 
medium  size,  sweet,  and  high  flavored,  with  little  or  no  pulp.  A  seedling  of  Mr. 
Raabe,  of  Philadelphia ;  will  most  likely  compete  with  Rebecca,  being  white  like 
the  Rebecca,  if  its  hardiness  (which  is  not  yet  fully  tested  in  the  open  country)  is 
once  established.  It  has  stood  exposed,  without  injury,  the  last  two  severe  win- 
ters, in  Philadelphia. 

Raah,  or  Honey. — Bunch,  a  little  below  medium,  not  shouldered,  very  compact. 
Berry,  below  medium,  deep  red,  and  as  sweet  as  honey ;  to  my  taste,  as  good  as 
the  best ;  scarcely  any  pulp  at  all ;  said  to  be  hardy. 

BrincMe. — Another  of  Mr.  Raab's  seedlings,  somewhat  like  Frankindale,  but 
decidedly  better.  This,  I  fear,  will  not  stand  exposed  to  our  severe  winters  in 
the  country,  although  hardy  in  the  city. 

Emily. — Described  by  some  nurserymen  as  a  white  grape,  which  it  is  not,  being 
red  like  Catawba  ;  had  no  taste  of  it  yet,  but  know  it  to  be  one  of  the  most  vigor- 
ous of  growers.  I  have  vines,  struck  in  the  house  last  February,  from  eyes  that 
are  now  ten  feet  high, 

Gassady. — Why  has  this  beautiful  and  superior  grape  been  allowed  to  lay  so 
nearly  unemployed  ?  On  a  little  bit  of  a  plant,  set  out  in  the  fall  of  1855, 1,  this 
season,  had  at  least  two  dozen  bunches  of  very  handsome  Cassadys,  which  fruit 
was  pronounced  by  some  very  good  judges  as  the  best  on  the  table,  where  Ca- 
tawba, Concord,  Isabella,  and  a  number  of  others  were  shown.  "Vine,  hardy, 
and  a  strong  grower.  Bunch,  medium.  Berry,  hardly  medium,  the  whitest  of 
all  the  natives,  but  little  pulp,  sweet,  with  an  aroma  not  to  be  excelled  by  any 
foreign  variety. 

Concord. — Needs  no  comment.  When  well  cultivated  in  our  latitude,  is  a  first- 
rate  grape  [we  do  not  agree — Ed.]  ;  and  for  market  for  the  masses,  will  hold  the 
lead  for  the  present.  [Then  the  masses  don't  discriminate. — Ed.]  When  grown 
here,  it  is  far  superior  to  those  grown  in  its  original  place,  or  anywhere  in  the 
North. 

Ehinhorough. — A  first-rate  little  grape,  and  ought  to  be  in  every  collection. 

Oliio,  or  Segar-Box. — I  have  had  a  strong  vine  these  four  years,  and  never  yet 
had  a  ripe  berry  ;  mildews  badly. 

Louisa. — A  seedling  of  my  own  ;  resembles  Isabella  very  much,  but  has  fewer 
seeds  than  that  or  any  other  American  grape  with  which  I  am  acquainted.  Free 
from  rot  or  mildew,  strong  grower,  and  hardy.  A  prodigious  bearer,  with  but 
poor  culture,  and  will,  in  size  of  bunch  and  berry,  quality  of  fruit,  &c.,  compare 
very  favorably  with  most  American  grapes. 

Rehecca. — Enough,  but  not  one  word  too  much,  has  been  said  of  that  grape.  I 
have  two  vines  growing,  but  they  have  not  fruited.     Had  a  taste  of  a  berry  of  it 

the  fair,  through  the  kindness  of  Dr.  Brinckle. 

ry  Ann. — A  seedling,  raised  by  J.  B.  Garber,  of  Columbia.     Bunch,  med 


THE  GRAPE. 


size.  Berry,  do.,  quite  oval,  black,  with  a  peculiar  brownish  cast.  Skin,  not 
thick.  Pulp,  small,  and  a  rich,  exceedingly  sweet  flavor.  Ripens  among  the 
very  earliest  of  our  good  grapes  ;  strong  grower,  hardy,  and  an  excellent  bearer. 

Albino. — A  white  grape  ;  originated  with  the  same  as  the  last  named.  I  have 
not  yet  seen  the  fruit,  but  it  is  said  to  be  good,  and  quite  handsome,  hardy,  and 
vigorous. 

Delaioare,  of  Ohio. — The  head  and  front  of  all  American  grapes,  when  quality 
is  brought  into  question.  For  a  grape  as  large  in  bunch  and  berry,  and  product- 
ive, hardy,  and  free  from  mildew  and  rot,  as  the  Concord,  and  as  good  as  Ohio 
Delaware,  I  would  stop  but  very  little  to  offer  a  premium  of  one  hundred  dollars 
to  the  originator,  to  be  produced  within  the  next  five  years.  But  what  would  be 
a  hundred  dollars  to  such  a  lucky  individual  ?  his  fortune  will  be  made. 

Le  Noir,  Norton's  Yirginia  Seedling,  Herbemont's  Madeira,  are  all  well  worth 
cultivating. 

Sage,  or  Charter  Oah,  Northern  Muscadine,  Early  Amber,  Early  August,  &c., 
are  only  worth  cultivating  where  the  fox  flavor  is  desirable  ! 

Black  Hamburgh,  Sweetwater,  Canadian  Chief,  Concord,  and  Isabella,  were 
sent  me  from  Canada  West ;  the  three  first  named,  and  Isabella,  would  have 
weighed  very  near  a  pound  to  the  bunch.  The  Concord  is  far  inferior  to  those 
grown  here,  in  point  of  flavor,  although  the  berry  is  larger  than  mine.  But  such 
Hamburghs,  Sweetwater,  and  Chief,  make  one  almost  wonder  what  glass-houses 
are  for,  for  these  were  grown  in  the  open  air,  and  as  free  from  rust  as  a  new  pin. 
The  mode  of  keeping  the  mildew  from  them,  shall  be  given  to  you  in  some  future 
communication  by  me,  unless  the  grower  of  these  splendid  grapes  gives  it  to  you 
himself  (W.  H,  Reade,  of  Port  Dalhousie,  C.  W.),  who  is  one  of  those  substantial 
horticulturists  and  who  does  a  thing  right  when  he  undertakes  it. 

That  the  knowing  ones  may  be  helped  to  distinguish  a  Canadian  Chief  from  a 
Sweetwater,  the  following  will  be  a  pretty  correct  guide  :  Canadian  Chief  is  more 
compact  and  shouldered  in  the  bunch,  the  berry  more  inclined  to  oval  than  round, 
and  has  an  amber  tint  not  common  to  Sweetwater ;  not  quite  as  sweet  as  the  lat- 
ter, but  more  sprightly ;  has  not  often  more  than  one  seed,  and  that  straight  and 
blunt  at  the  small  end,  while  Sweetwater  has  usually  two,  and  sometimes  three 
seeds,  which  are  a  little  curved  and  pointy  at  the  small  end. 

No  one  need  call  the  Chief  a  native,  nor  need  he  expect  it  to  stand  our  win- 
ters unprotected ;  those  who  do,  will  be  disappointed. 

Marion. — Bunch,  medium.  Size  of  berry,  do.  ;  black,  very  round,  harsh,  and 
unpleasant,  until  cool  weather,  when  it  is  rich  and  agreeable.  Juice,  exceedingly 
dark,  and  will  make  a  splendid  wine  ;  will  most  likely  prove  valuable  at  the  North. 

Logan. — Quite  early.     Bunch  and  berry,  good  size,  sweet,  and  excellent. 

Herbemont. — Beautiful,  compact  bunch.  Berry,  below  medium  ;  little  or  no 
pulp  ;  rich  and  sugary.  A  little  tender,  I  fear,  but  well  worth  a  fair  trial ;  will 
make  a  rich  wine. 

Clapier. — Although  a  foreign  variety,  has  fruited  splendidly  in  the  open  air. 
Bunches,  of  good  size,  oval.     Berry,  white,  and  very  good. 

Swatara. — An  early,  sweet,  little  grape.  Bunch  and  berry  below  medium  size, 
but  as  compact  as  corn  grains  on  a  cob.  Was  discovered,  many  years  ago,  in  a 
ravine  through  which  the  Swatara  River  flowed.  The  original  vine  is  now  forty 
feet  under  water,  there  being  a  reservoir  built  for  the  use  of  the  Union  Canal,  now 
over  where  it  grew. 

Lehman. — A  splendid,  large  bunch  and  berried  grape  ;  nearly  white,  but  rather 
late,  unless  in  a  good  exposure.     Raised  by  Wm.  Lehman,  of  New  Lebanon,  fr 
of  the  Bland,  crossed  by  Isabella. 


THE  GRAPE, 


I  have  now  fifty  varieties  of  native  grapes  under  trial,  and  have  the  promise  of 
some  twenty  more ;  all  shall  have  a  fair  trial,  if  I  live,  and  the  results  be  given  to 
the  public.  Fifteen  foreign  varieties  just  started,  which  shall  have  a  trial  in  the 
open  air,  and  if  they  don't  do  well,  shall  have  a  house  built  to  run  them  into. 

Out  of  the  fifty  varieties  under  way,  I  see  an  occasional  sly  fox  beginning  to 
show  himself;  but  if  one  out  of  five  of  the  new  ones  will  prove  worth  cultivating, 
I  will  be  satisfied. 

\^Rehecca  Grape. — A  valued 
correspondent  reminds  us  that  no 
figure  of  the  Rebecca  grape  has 
been  given  in  the  pages  of  the 
Horticulturist.  On  examination 
we  find  this  has  been  the  case, 
owing  to  an  accident  to  the  best 
bunches  we  have  received  ;  and  we 
now  supply  a  cut,  Fig.  1,  copied 
by  permission  from  Charles  Down- 
ing's  new  book  on  fruits,  which  is 
a  very  fair  representation,  though 
the  great  compactness  with  which 
it  grows  can  scarcely  be  said  to  be 
given.] 

[^Canadian  Chief. — As  regards 
the  Canadian  Chief  grape,  there 
seems  to  have  been  some  hasty  de- 
cisions ;  we  will  not  say  these  were 
induced  by  prejudice  or  a  feeling 
of  distrust,  but  we  feel  very  sure 
that  no  thorough  trial  has  been 
made  of  it  in  this  latitude.  "With 
a  view  of  making  the  experiment, 
we  procured,  the  past  fall,  eight 
vines  from  Mr.  G.  W.  Fearman, 
of  Hamilton,  Canada  West,  and 
they  are  now  planted,  in  this 
neighborhood,  under  favorable  au- 
spices. The  box  of  the  grapes 
sent  us  in  the  fall  of  1856,  proved 
to  be  scarcely  ripe,  but  their  ap- 
pearance was  certainly  much  in 
their  favor,  and  we  had  a  wood- 
cut made  of  the  largest  bunch  im- 
mediately. It  proved  too  large 
for  our  pages,  and  was  thus  laid 
by,  but  by  reducing  one  side  of 
some  half  dozen  berries,  we  are  en- 
abled to  insert  it  on  the  opposite 
page.  Fig.  2. 

The  fact  that  this  fine  bunch  of 
grapes  was  produced  in  the  open 
air  in  Canada  is  established,  but  it  is  said  the  grape  vine  is  not  hardy.  Whether 
it  is  necessary  to  lay  it  down  every  winter  and  to  cover  it  or  not,  such  bunches  of 


Rebecca  Grape. 


Canadian  Chief  Grape. 


GARDEN  VEGETABLES — RHUBARB. 


grapes  are  worth  any  trouble  of  that  kind,  and  we  see  no  reason  why  it  may  not 

be  cultivated  without  such  care  further  south;  certainly  it  should  have  a  fair  trial 
before  decisive  opinions  are  hazarded.  It  has  received  the  go  by  in  some  quarters, 
but  notwithstanding  has  been  in  such  demand  as  to  make  it  difficult  to  procure  a 
root.  The  whole  vine  was  layered  last  year,  and  no  grapes  ripened  on  it.  We 
have  a  fine  photograph  representing  it  in  1855,  and  showing  a  most  prolific  crop, 
with  bunches  about  half  as  large  as  the  heads  of  the  first  owner  and  of  Mr.  Fear- 
man,  who  are  pointing  to  them  from  each  corner  of  the  picture. 

We  wish  justice  to  be  done  to  all  such  introductions,  and  whether  the  vine  be 
of  foreign  origin  or  not,  if  it  ripens  such  fruit  in  Canada,  and  "probably"  will 
ripen  it  better  there  than  elsewhere,  as  Mr.  C.  Downing  suggests,  it  is  entitled  to 
a  fair  experiment  in  more  than  one  climate. — Ed.] 


g^lRDEN  vegetables,  no.  13.— rhubarb. 

BY  WM.  CHORLTON. 

Rhubarb,  or,  as  it  is  often  named.  Pie  Plant,  is  composed  of  a  number  of 
varieties  that  have  emanated  from  two  species  of  the  genus  Rheum,  viz  :  R.  rha- 
ponticum  and  R.  undulatum,  each  of  which  in  a  natural  state  is  very  distinct  in 
external  appearance.  The  former  has  furnished  most  of  the  green  and  more 
cylindrical-stalked  sorts,  and  all  the  tardy  ones  ;  while  the  latter  gives  us  the  semi- 
cylindrical,  red,  and  earliest  kinds.  Cross  iDreeding,  however,  has  been  now 
carried  out  so  far,  that  the  true  specific  difference  is  nearly  obliterated,  and  the 
result  is  a  great  improvement  in  size,  productiveness,  and  flavor.  So  much  has 
righly  directed  skill  accomplished  in  this  case,  that  a  drastic  acid  leaf,  not  much 
larger  than  a  yellow  dock  (to  which  these  plants  are  nearly  allied)  has  now  attained 
to  the  dimensions  of  four  feet  in  diameter  under  the  best  of  culture,  and  a  greatly 
superior  sprightly  acid  taste  in  the  three  feet  long  and  correspondingly  thick  leaf- 
stalk, the  only  part  used  for  culinary  purposes.  Some  authorities  say  that  a  third 
species,  R.  hehridum,  has  served  a  part  of  duty  in  this  general  amalgamation  ;  but, 
as  the  name  indicates,  we  doubt  if  this  is,  or  ever  was,  anything  more  than  a 
natural  bastard;  others,  again,  assert  that  R.  palmatum  furnishes  the  officinal 
rhubarb  root,  while  the  fact  is,  it  has  not  yet  been  accurately  determined  which  is 
the  true  and  genuine  article.  Likely  enough  many  sorts  are  manufactured  into 
what  should  be  from  one  source  only,  and  that  the  greater  part  of  the  difference 
in  medical  action  arises  from  this  cause.  These  medicinal  properties  are  purgative, 
tonic,  and  yet  astringent,  and  there  is  little  doubt  but  we  get  all  the  three  in  a 
modified  form  from  the  parts  used  in  cookery,  which  makes  it  self-evident  that  we 
could  not  use  a  better  alterative,  in  a  reasonable  quantity,  as  food  at  the  time  of 
change  from  the  extreme  winter's  cold  to  summer's  heat;  the  season  when  rhubarb 
is  in  greatest  abundance. 

The  genus  Rheum,  collectively  and  aboriginally,  inhabits  the  wastes  of  Siberia, 
the  plains  of  Tartary,  and  the  lofty  mountains  that  cut  off  India  from  the  cold 
table  land  to  the  north;  and  in  cultivation  it  delights  in  a  cool,  moist,  but  well- 
drained  situation.  As  an  edible,  it  is  invariably  improved  by  high  culture,  and  is 
best  suited  in  an  open,  light,  deep,  rich  soil,  having  a  porous  under  base,  through 
which  the  superfluous  water  may  pass  away.  Nothing  will  be  gained  by  stinting 
this  plant ;  consequently,  if  we  wish  for  profit,  we  must  trench  deep  and  manure 
heavily.  For  a  general  and  permanent  crop,  proceed  as  follows :  Early  in  th 
choose  a  situation  and  soil  as  near  to  the  above  described  as  the  limit  of 


place  will  admit  of;  the  exact  circumstances  matter  little,  and  mark  off  the  size 
of  the  intended  required  space.  This  for  a  large  family  may  be  about  thirty  square 
yards,  and  will  accommodate  as  many  plants.  Commence  at  one  end,  take  out  a 
trench  two  feet  deep,  by  two  feet  wide,  wheel  the  soil  to  the  opposite  end,  have  in 
readiness  a  good  quantity  of  rotted  barn-yard  manure,  cover  the  bottom  three 
inches  thick,  and  over  this  a  portion  of  soil  from  the  next  excavation  that  is  to 
be,  mixing  a  portion  of  each  as  the  work  proceeds,  so  that  when  the  next  trench 
is  opened  a  like  two  feet,  the  first  shall  have  received  six  inches  in  depth  of  the 
manure.  At  the  end  of  two  or  three  weeks  turn  over  the  bulk,  mix  again,  and 
level  down.  We  are  now  ready  for  planting.  Mark  off  distances  of  three  feet 
square,  and  place  one  plant  in  each,  so  that  the  upper  part  may  be  elevated  some 
three  inches  above  the  general  level,  spread  out  the  rootlets  carefully,  and  cover 
from  the  sides,  leaving  a  small  mound  sloping  upward  towards,  and  two  inches 
above  the  crown.  Spread  over  the  whole  surface  two  inches  of  rotted  manure, 
and  all  will  be  right  for  the  winter.  The  best  roots  for  planting  are  those  which 
have  been  separated  into  single  buds  the  season  previously  ;  but  when  such  are 
not  to  be  had,  the  large  stools  may  be  divided  into  such,  retaining  a  quantity  of 
healthy  roots  to  each.  A  planting  thus  made  will  continue  productive  and  furnish 
excellent  quality  for  five  or  six  years,  if  an  annual  mulching  and  forking  be  practised. 
It  is  also  advisable  to  cut  out  the  flower-stalks  immediately  as  they  are  discernible, 
as  if  left  to  produce  seed  they  exhaust  the  roots  considerably. 

When  there  is  an  ambition  for  developing  this  plant  to  its  greatest  capacity,  it 
is  requisite  to  make  a  plantation  every  year,  that  of  the  present  doing  duty  for 
the  next.  For  this  purpose,  in  the  early  part  of  summer,  prepare,  as  before  stated, 
so  as  to  be  ready  for  planting  the  latter  part  of  June.  At  this  time  examine  your 
old  roots  ;  choose  those  which  have  good  crowns  ;  take  up  carefully  ;  remove  all 
but  the  youngest  unexpanded  leaves;  divide  each  offset,  and  retain  all  the  roots 
possible.  Plant  and  mulch  as  before  advised.  If  the  weather  is,  and  should  con- 
tinue to  be  dry,  keep  the  ground  moist  by  copious  watering.  By  this  process  the 
active  circulation  is  retarded  during  the  summer  months,  and  the  after  centraliza- 
tion, which  produces  the  flower  stems  in  embryo,  prevented  ;  and  there  is  time 
enough  through  the  autumn  to  furnish  a  solid  leaf-forming  bud  with  abundance 
of  roots  that  will  absorb  any  amount  of  liquid  manure,  if  not  applied  too  strong, 
when  the  leaves  are  somewhat  expanded  the  next  spring.  At  this  time  put  on  an 
extra  mulching,  and  every  week  or  ten  days  give  a  thorough  soaking  with  the 
liquid  drainings  of  the  dunghill  or  hog-pen  ;  this  latter  should  be  weakened  by  an 
equal  quantity  of  water,  and  both  should  not  be  in  too  fresh  a  state.  Guano 
diluted,  one  pound  to  twelve  gallons,  and  freely  used,  will  answer  almost  equally 
well.  If  there  is  good  drainage  below,  the  ground  may  be  saturated  with  these 
substances  ;  but  care  should  be  exercised  in  the  application,  as  the  central  crown 
would  be  I'otted  by  frequent  contact. 

It  will  be  seen  from  a  careful  perusal  of  what  is  here  written  that  there  is  a 
previous  preparation  of  the  plant  before  these  powerful  stimulants,  so  plentifully 
supplied,  are  recommended,  and  that  its  physical  condition  is  ready  to  receive 
them.  Under  any  other  circumstances  they  would  do  more  harm  than  good. 
Never  apply  such  things  to  any  plant  unless  it  be  healthy  at  the  roots,  and  in 
active  growth.  By  this  process  I  have  grown  rhubarb  stalks  three  feet  long,  and 
seven  inches  in  circumference,  the  leaves  being  four  feet  in  diameter ;  and  others 
have  done,  and  still  may  do  better  with  the  right  sorts. 

Forcing. — Rhubarb  admits  of  being  forced  very  readily,  and  thus  will  take  the 
place  of  apples  in  pastry.     The  same  practice  and  conveniences  as  are  recorded 
November  No.  (1857)  for  .asparagus,  will  apply  to  this  in  all  the  detail ; 


but  further,  if  the  plants  be  in  the  open  garden,  they  may  be  forced  where  they 
are  located  by  simply  covering  barrels  over  them,  and  heaping  around  and  above 
with  hot  stable  manure  and  tree  leaves  mixed,  sufficient  to  maintain  a  temperature 
of  about  60°  inside  the  barrels.  Be  careful  that  the  heat  does  not  become  too 
great,  or  the  roots  will  be  scalded.  Some  two  weeks  will  be  gained  in  the  stalks 
being  earlier  ready  for  use  by  the  covering  with  barrels  alone,  provided  they  are 
kept  on  all  winter.  It  will  be  understood  here  that  the  development  is  carried  on 
in  the  dark,  and  the  plants  will  require  to  be  fully  exposed  to  light  and  air  when 
the  growth  becomes  weakened.  The  blanching  of  rhubarb  in  this  way  renders 
the  texture  so  brittle  and  tender,  that  peeling  is  unnecessary ;  the  acid  is  more 
sprightly,  and  the  astringent  taste  reduced,  while  in  the  red  colored  kinds  the  color 
is  a  beautiful  pink,  or  carmine. 

There  are  many  varieties  in  cultivation,  but  the  following  will  answer  all  pur- 
poses and  are  the  best. 

MyaWs  Linnceus. — First  quality  in  all  respects,  very  early  and  productive,  color 
pink,  large  size. 

MyatVs  Victoria. — Good  quality,  early,  productive,  very  large  size,  color  dark 
red.  I  have  gathered  six  stalks  of  this  kind  at  the  same  time  from  one  crown 
which  weighed  over  thirty-three  pounds. 

MyaWs  Prince  Albert. — Yery  early,  and  a  good  sort  for  forcing,  color  light 
pink. 

Giant. — A  very  productive,  green-colored,  late  and  large  sort.  Bears  pulling 
all  summer  better  than  any  other.  Buist's  Large  Early  Red,  and  Mammoth,  and 
Gaboon's  Seedling  are  said  to  be  extremely  fine.  These  three  I  have  not  yet 
seen,  and  here  a  word  of  advice  :  always  buy  rhubarb  roots  from  some  respectable 
nurseryman  who  has  a  character  at  stake,  or  you  may  be  sorely  disappointed  in 
your  future  expectations. 


THE  FLOWERINa  RASPBERRY  AS  A  FRUIT. 

BY  THOS.  MEEHAN. 

Most  horticulturists  are  familiar  with  this  plant  (the  Ruhus  odoratus  of  bota- 
nists), as  it  is  very  commonly  seen  in  shrubbery  borders,  where  it  is  introduced 
for  the  sake  of  its  very  showy  flowers.  I  do  not  think,  however,  that  any  person 
ever  saw  it  fruit  under  cultivation.  I  have  had  the  plant  under  my  observation 
cultivated  both  here  and  in  other  countries,  and  I  never  saw  a  berry  unless  in  a 
wild  state. 

The  improvements  which  have  been  noticed  in  the  common  blackberry,  lead  one 
naturally  to  look  for  like  results  in  other  native  fruits.  There  seems  to  me  no 
reason  why  entirely  new  races  of  fruits  may  not  be  obtained  from  our  own  stocks, 
the  original  of  all  our  cultivated  fruits  being  but  improvements  from  the  native 
stocks.  Such  races  would,  in  all  probability,  prove  far  more  easily  cultivated, 
and  return  more  certain  results,  than  those  now  in  existence.  This  has,  to  a  great 
extent,  been  shown  to  be  the  case  in  the  matter  of  the  grape ;  and  cultivators  are 
now  making  skilful  efforts  in  the  attempt  to  improve  it  still  further. 

In  a  trip  to  the  woods  in  Montgomery  County,  in  this  State,  recently,  it  occurred 
to  me  whether  the  flowering  raspberry  could  not  be  made  to  bear  fruit  under  cul- 
tivation. There  must  certainly  be  some  reason  why  they  do  not  bear  fruit  in  such 
a  case,  and  probably  no  reason  why  that  obstacle  to  its  use  as  a  fruit  cannot  be  re- 
moved. If  so,  it  would  certainly  be  very  valuable,  for,  in  its  wild  state,  it  is  far  from 
an  inferior  fruit;  to  my  taste,  at  least,  it  i&  superior  to  the  American  Rasp- 


THE  FLOWERING  RASPBERRY  AS  A  FRUIT. 


berry,  or  Thimbleberry  (Eubus  occidentalis),  and,  on  its  native  rocks,  as  I  then  saw 
them,  it  bore  frnit  in  greater  abundance  than  I  ever  saw  the  best  cultivated  raspberry 
do.  I  think  that,  by  raising  them  from  seed,  a  variety  might  be  obtained  that 
would  bear  berries  when  cultivated,  and  the  foundation  thus  be  laid  for  still  greater 
improvement,  I  am  the  more  inclined  to  the  belief  that  such  experiments  would 
eventually  be  successful,  because  some  of  our  new  raspberries  occasionally  show 
a  tendency  to  produce  staminate  flowers,  and  I  have  no  doubt  the  raspberry  will, 
after  as  many  generations  of  seedlings  have  been  produced  as  the  strawberry  has 
gone  through,  be  as  perfectly  polygamous  as  that  fruit  is  now  known  to  be.  Would 
it  not  be  worth  while  for  our  horticultural  societies  to  offer  premiums  for  the  best 
specimens  of  our  blackberries,  and  American  and  flowering  raspberries  ?  If  the 
fruit  for  competition  were  even  obtained  from  the  woods  and  wild  places,  it  would 
have  the  effect  of  stimulating  attention  to  the  subject. 

[The  subject  being  one  of  interest,  we  called  the  attention  of  a  botanical  friend 
to  it,  and  he  has  not  only  supplied  additional  information,  but  has  forwarded  us  a 
wood-cut  (made  by  himself,  as  an  amateur),  and  we  append  both Ed.] 

J.  J.  Smith,  Esq. — Dear  Sir  :  In  reply  to  yours  of  the  11th.  inst.,  permit  me  to  copy  from 
iliQ  Flora  of  North  America  (by  Torrey  &  Gray),  as  the  description  accords  so  well  with 
my  own  observations,  and  it  may  be  proper,  however  well  known,  that  it  should  accompany 
the  cut. 

"  Ricbus  odoratus  (Linn.). — Hispid,  with  glandular  hairs,  especially  the  peduncle  and 
calyx.  Stem,  shrubby,  branched.  Leaves,  large,  three-lobed  (the  lower  ones  five-lobed), 
the  middle  lobe  prolonged,  all  acute 
or  acuminate,  mucronately  serrulate- 
toothed.  Stipules,  nearly  free,  decidu- 
ous. Peduncles,  many-flowered,  com- 
pound. Flowers,  very  large.  Sepals, 
appendiculate,  with  a  very  long  cusp, 
shorter  than  the  obovate-orbicular 
(purplish-rose  color)  petals.  Fruit, 
very  broad  and  flat." 

"  Rocky  places,  Canada,  as  far  north 
as  the  Saskatchawan !  and  Northern 
States  !  to  the  mountains  of  Georgia  ! 
June  to  August.  Stem,  erect,  three- 
fourths  foot  high.  Leaves,  pubescent 
beneath,  cordate  at  the  base.  Pedun- 
cles and  upper  part  of  the  stem,  &c., 
densely  clothed  with  purplish,  very 
clammy,  glandular  hairs.  Cusps  of 
the  calyx  as  long  as  the  segments, 
sometimes  dilated.  Fruit,  yellowish 
or  red  when  mature,  well-flavored,  but 
many  of  the  carpels  usually  abortive." 
— Rose-flowering  Raspberry. 

Remarks. — 1st.  Linnjeus  has  the 
credit  of  naming  this  plant,  while,  in 
the  Botanical  Magazine,  t.  323,  it  is 
stated  that  "  C^rnutus"  (Jacob  Cor- 
nuti),  "  who  first  figured  and  described 
this  plant,  gave  it  the  name  of  odora- 
tus, on  account  of  the  very  grateful 

fragrance  of  its  foliage."     If  this  is  correct,  then  botanists  ought  to  append  "  Cor."  instead 
of  "  L.,"  who  has  honors  enough,  and  needs  not  those  of  any  other. 

2d.  It  is  not  always  erect.    I  have  met  with  it  much  reclined.    On  the  20th  of  August  last, 
while  examining  the  flora  of  Duncan's  Gap,  Mifflin  County,  Pa.,  I  met  with  it  in  abundance, 
being  then  both  in  flower  and  fruit.     The  shrubs  were  vigorous,  the  fruit  large,  and 
flavored,  to  my  taste.     Pursh  calls  the  flavor  "  very  fine." 


PEAR  BLIGHT  A  FUNGUS. 


I  can  see  no  reason  why  the  plant  should  not  yield  its  fruit  in  our  gardens,  if  planted  in 
a  damp  soil  of  peat  or  bog  earth,  in  a  shady  situation,  especially  when  raised  from  the  seed, 
and  perhaps  by  crossing  the  flower  with  some  of  the  hardy  kinds  of  raspberries,  a  hybrid 
of  considerable  value  might  be  obtained  from  its  seeds.  It  is  certainly  worthy  of  a  fair 
trial,  on  account  of  its  large,  rose-like  flowers,  as  well  as  for  the  size  of  its  fruit.  I  am 
aware  that  our  Northern  species,  closely  allied  to  this,  have  been  unsuccessfully  tried  by 
English  horticulturists,  and,  according  to  Loudon  (who  states  that  the  R.  odoratus  was  in- 
troduced into  England  in  the  year  1700),  it  would  never  yield  its  fruit. 

The  Arctic,  or  Dwarf  Crimson  (liubus  Arcticus),  is  exceedingly  delicious,  and  grows  in  the 
wildest  and  most  exposed  districts  of  Lapland,  Labrador,  Rocky  Mountains,  &c.,  often  the 
only  food  found  in  those  dreary  regions.  Linnaeus  thus  speaks  of  it,  with  much  feeling  :  "  I 
should  be  ungrateful  towards  this  beneficent  plant,  which  often,  when  I  was  almost  pros- 
trate with  hunger  and  fatigue,  restored  me  with  the  vinous  nectar  of  its  berries,  did  I  not 
bestow  on  it  a  full  description."  The  Cloud-berry  (Rubus  chamceinorus),  growing  in  sphag- 
nous  swamps  throughout  Arctic  America  from  Greenland  to  Behring's  Straits,  Maine,  White 
Mountains  of  New  Hampshire,  &c.,  has  a  large,  delicious  fruit,  composed  of  few  and  large 
carpels,  ripe  in  August.  Some  poet  of  the  Shakspearian  school,  while  speaking  of  those 
dreary  lands,  says  truly  : — 

"  Ever  enduring  snows,  perpetual  shades 
Of  darkness,  would  congeal  the  living  blood, 
Did  not  the  Arctic  tract  spontaneous  yield 
A  cheering  purple  berry,  big  with  wine." 

Herein  we  have  another  evidence  of  the  beneficence  and  goodness  of  God,  so  manifest  in 
all  His  works  and  ways,  by  kindly  supplying  the  wants  of  His  creatures  in  all  lands,  and 
in  every  clime.  Yours,  truly,  J.  Staoffek. 

Mount  Joy,  Pa. 


PEAR   BLIGHT   A    FUNGUS. 

BY  R.  R.  SCOTT,  ROCHESTER,  N.  Y. 

Dear  Sir  :  Having  learned,  by  unpleasant  experience,  that  enthusiasm  in  the 
development  of  hidden  truths,  either  in  ethics  or  science,  ofttimes  entails  ridicule 
upon  the  humble  devotee,  I  have  almost  abandoned  the  hope  of  being  able  to 
divert  attention  from  the  seen  and  obvious  to  the  hidden  truth  of  nature.  Myself 
an  humble  individual,  without  that  pecuniary  position  which,  in  our  day,  secures 
for  the  shallowest  observer  a  hearing  and  respect,  it  was  my  aim  to  keep  my  name 
from  before  your  readers,  lest  it  might  do  injury  to  the  subject  discussed.  You 
have  thought  proper,  however,  to  publish  it  over  a  scrap  relating  to  the  "Fungus," 
which  causes  the  "leaf  blight  and  cracking  of  the  pear."  This  inquiry,  we  may 
safely  conclude,  belongs  to  the  science  of  pomology,  so-called ;  theu  why  do  not 
pomologists  busy  themselves  to  investigate  and  explain  it  ?  Strange,  that  theory 
after  theory  has  been  promulgated  and  withdrawn,  not  one  of  these,  as  yet,  suf- 
ficient to  account  for  the  phenomena  in  all  its  bearings.  Some  months  ago,  in 
reply  to  an  inquiry,  I  communicated  the  inclosed  article  to  an  agricultural  monthly, 
but  whether  it  was  out  of  place,  or  too  abstruse,  it  was  lost  sight  of.  A  late  arti- 
cle in  the  Gardeiiers^  Chronicle  restates  the  facts  deduced  from  further  investiga- 
tions. In  order  to  explain  the  matter,  it  may  be  advisable  to  give  the  article  to 
your  readers : — 

RUST  AND  CRACKING  OF  THE  PEAR. 

No  satisfactory  cause  has  been  assigned  at  any  of  the  meetings  where  the  subject  has 
been  discussed,  for  the  rust  and  cracking  which  injures  some  varieties  of  the  pear  and 
apple,  and  particularly  the  Virgalieu  or  White  Doyenn6,  among  the  former,  and  the  Early 
Strawberry  among  the  latter.  Nor  in  the  published  proceedings  of  pomological  societies, 
any  definite  cause  been  stated  to  which  this  defect  may  be  attributed. 

Berkley,  one  of  the  ablest  continental  writers  on  these  abstruse  branches  of  natural 


philosophy,  presents  the  following  particulars,  which,  we  presume,  refers  to  the  malady  in 
question  : — 

"  Species  of  mould  of  the  family  of  Ilehmntlwxporium,  or  Cladiosporium,  become  dreadful 
pests  on  the  leaves  of  pears  and  apples,  especially  of  the  former. 

"  The  Cladiosporium  dendriticum  (of  VValroth)  arises  uniformly  beneath  the  true  cuticle,under 
which  its  mycelium  (or  spawn)  radiates  in  every  direction.  It  exhausts  the  strength  of  the 
leaves,  and  often  kills  the  young  twigs  ;  while,  on  the  fruit,  it  forms  unsightly  black  patches, 
rendering  it  unsalable,  and  sometimes  inducing,  or  else  accompanied  by,  extensive  cracking. 
When  once  it  has  attacked  a  tree,  it  is  very  apt  to  return  in  succeeding  years, 

"  A  new  progeny  raised  from  the  seed  of  diseased  individuals,  will  exhibit  the  parental 
malady." 

The  same  writer  recommends  as  the  only  probable  remedy  he  knows,  the  collecting  and 
burning  of  the  infected  leaves  and  shoots,  and  the  application  to  the  buds  and  remaining 
portions  of  a  mixture  of  sulphur,  lime  and  gum  tragacanth,  the  latter  to  make  the  mixture 
permanently  adhesive,  the  former  to  act  on  the  deposited  spores  (seeds). 

No  other  remedy  is  known  when  the  malady  has  been  established.  We  presume  this  is 
the  rust  and  cracking  so  much  complained  of  as  infesting  our  Virgalieu  Pear,  by  Eastern 
cultivators.  Those  who  have  abandoned  the  cultivation  of  the  Virgalieu  or  White  Doyenn^, 
working  their  trees  of  that  variety  with  others  not  so  subject  to  the  disease,  only  partially 
remedy  the  evil,  as  the  sorts  substituted  will  doubtless  become  infested  if  the  foregoing 
statements  are  correct.  The  true  policy  would  be  to  destroy  the  whole  tree,  or  so  to  wash 
it  as  to  destroy  all  trace  of  the  cryptogamic  pest.  As  the  rust  and  cracking  is  more  preva- 
lent in  some  localities  than  others,  some  predisposing  cause  must  encourage  the  propagation 
of  this  mould  ;  this  is  either  to  be  sought  in  the  atmospheric  peculiarities  of  the  locality, 
or  in  the  nature  of  the  soil.  It  is  said  the  more  the  soil  of  a  district  becomes  cultivated  or 
worn  out,  the  more  the  Virgalieu,  Si.  Michael,  or  White  Doyenn^,  will  rust  and  crack. 

Unfortunately  for  our  fruit  growers  and  farmers,  attention  to  practical  science  is  not  a 
characteristic  of  our  country.  We  have  only  a  few  energetic  botanists,  whose  labors  are  not 
appreciated  as  they  should  be.  The  New  York  State  Agricultural  Society  has  conferred  a 
great  benefit  on  the  farming  community  by  the  circulation  of  Dr.  Fitch's  essay  on  insects  ; 
what  association  will  call  to  the  aid  of  the  farmer  and  gardener  some  able  cryptogamic 
botanist  and  physiologist  ?  S. 


HARDY    FERNS,    NATIVE    AND    BRITISH. 

BY  J.  E.,  GENEVA,  NEW  YORK. 

Dear  Sir  :  Permit  me  to  offer  through  the  pages  of  the  Horticulturist,  a  fevr 
remarks  on  this  beautiful  class  of  plants,  which  appears  to  be  greatly  neglected 
by  the  people  of  this  country,  especially  amongst  our  ornamental  gardeners.  If 
we  take  into  consideration  the  great  variety  and  beauty,  with  their  hardiness  and 
easy  cultivation,  this  is  one  of  the  most  lovely  tribes,  and  would  be  a  great  acqui- 
sition to  the  flower  garden,  and  can  be  cultivated  by  the  cottager  or  amateur,  as 
well  as  by  the  wealthiest.  I  think  the  most  ornamental  way  to  grow  the  Fern  is 
to  make  a  nice  rockery ;  this  can  be  done  by  procuring  a  quantity  of  rough  stones 
and  irregular  pieces  of  wood  ;  the  situation  loest  adapted  to  the  growth  of  Ferns 
is  rather  a  moist,  well  shaded  place.  An  open  north  aspect  is  the  best.  First 
take  and  train  up  a  quantity  of  soil  to  form  a  gradual  slope,  and  then  place  a 
quantity  of  old  stumps  or  roots  of  trees  or  anything,  with  a  good  number  of 
rough  stones,  so  as  to  give  the  slope  a  romantic  appearance  ;  then  take  some  good 
strong  loam,  one-half  loam,  mould  one-fourth,  and  one-fourth  peat  soil,  mixing 
them  all  well  together,  and  then  placing  it  six  or  eight  inches  thick  amongst  the 
wood  and  stones.  This  done  according  to  any  design,  it  will  now  be  ready  for 
the  seed  or  plants,  whichever  is  the  easiest  to  procure.  I  think  the  seed  might 
be  sown  at  any  season  of  the  year,  but  seeds  collected  in  the  fall  might  be  sown 
the  last  week  in  April,  and  you  will  have  a  quantity  of  interesting  yjlants  the  same 
season.    The  following  varieties  are  perfectly  hardy  and  beautiful  distinct  species. 


moyer's  honey  heart  cherry. 


Aspidium  or  Shield  Fern,  A.  dentatum,  A.  bulbiferum,  A.  fragile,  A.  lan- 
chitis,  A.  regiurn,  A.  cristatum,  A.  labatura,  A.  filix  mas,  A,  fontauum,  A.  filix 
fcEraina,  A.  spinulasum,  A.  rhasticuna,  A.  oculeatum. 

Asplenium,  Spleenwort,  A.  ruta  muraria,  A.  trichomanes,  A.  viride,  A.  mari- 
Bum,  A.  adiantum  nigrum,  A.  ebeneum,  A.  alternifolium,  A.  lanceolatura,  A,  rhiza- 
phyllum,  A.  septentrionale. 

Blechnum,  Stone  Fern,  B.  boreale,  anoclea  sensibilis,  or  sensitive  Fern. 

Polypodium,  Polypody,  P.  vulgare,  P.  combricum,  P.  dentatum,  P.  dryopteris, 
P.  auriculatum,  P.  virginicum,  P.  caleareum. 

Botrychium,  Moon  Wort,  B.  lunaria,  B.  fumeriodis,  B.  dissectum. 

Ophioglossum,  Adder's  Tongue,  O.  vulgatum. 

Osmunda,  Flowering  Fern,  0.  regalis,  O.  cirmamemea,  O.  claytoniana. 

Lycopodiura,  Club  Moss,  L.  selaginodis,  L.  alpinum,  L.  nudum,  L.  denticu- 
latum,  L.  obscurum,  L.  complanatum. 

Scolopendriura,  Hart's  Tongue,  S.  vulgare,  S.  officinarum. 

Adiantium,  Maiden  Hair  Fern,  A,  capis  veneris,  A.  pedatum. 

Woodsia,  Hyperborea,  W.  ilnense,  Woodwardia  virginica. 

Pteris,  Brake,  P.  aquilina,  P.  caudata,  P.  atrapurpurea,  P.  crispa. 

I  have  noted  a  few  of  the  hardy  varieties,  which,  with  a  little  attention,  would 
have  a  pleasing  effect.  These  varieties  are  quite  hardy,  being  indigenous  to  the 
Northern  States  and  Britain. 

These  plants  are  beautiful  under  greenhouse  treatment,  many  of  the  varieties 
keeping  their  foliage  all  the  winter.  I  hope  ere  long  to  see  this  lovely  class  of 
plants  largely  cultivated,  so  that  we  may  keep  pace  with  our  brethren  across  the 
channel.  I  think  there  are  a  few  of  our  gentlemen  and  ladies  that  will  be  able  to 
appreciate  the  beauties  of  nature  peculiarly  displayed  in  this  curious  yet  magni- 
ficent genera;  there  is  room  for  considerable  additions  to  the  above  selection, 
but  it  will  be  found  to  be  complete  in  distinctness.  Will  not  some  of  our  lovers 
of  nature's  beauties  take  a  step  towards  increasing  this  family?  it  is  calculated  to 
lead  us  to  a  meditation  towards  Nature's  God,  from  whom  we  have  such  choicest 
gifts. 


MOYER'S  HONEY  HEART  CHERRY. 

Mr.  Josiah  G.  Youngken,  of  AUentown,  Pa.,  through  whose  hands  we  origi- 
nally received  specimens  of  the  Jackson  Apple  of  that  region,  sends  us  an  account 
of  a  cherry  with  the  above  name,  which  is  highly  prized  in  his  vicinity.  Mr.  Y. 
cultivates  most  of  the  popular  varieties  of  cherry,  but,  of  all,  he  considers  this 
the  most  profitable.  He  writes  :  "  The  original  tree  is  yet  standing,  in  Spring- 
field Township,  Bucks  County,  Pa.  It  is  a  healthy,  vigorous  grower,  forming  a 
round  head,  has  large  flowers,  and  is  very  productive.  The  fruit  is  of  the  largest 
size,  of  a  regular  heart  shape,  with  the  suture  extending  half  round.  Color,  rich 
red.  Flesh,  pale  yellow,  juicy,  sweet,  and  of  high  flavor.  The  fruit  is  borne 
on  long  stems,  and  is  in  season  the  middle  of  June." 

We  should  be  glad  to  receive  specimens  of  this  variety  in  due  season.  There 
are  now  a  great  number  of  cherries  that  it  will  be  difficult  to  exceed,  ripening  about 
the  middle  and  end  of  June ;  but  there  is  much  room  for  improvement  in  early 
cherries,  from  the  incoming  of  the  Purple  Griotte  to  the  Napoleon  Bigarreau.  If 
this  variety  will  step  in  between,  it  may  be  very  valuable. 


A  TRIP  TO  CUBA  AND  THE  SOUTHERN  STATES, 

No.  8. 

EATING  Havana  near  the  close  of  March,  our  Ame- 
rican party  found  good  accommodations  on  the  steamer 
Empire  City ;  on  board  were  about  one  hundred  of 
"Walker's  men  then  returning  as  the  forlorn  hope  from 
the  disastrous  campaign  in  Nicaragua.  They  were  very 
badly  off  for  everything,  and  no  doubt  suffered  much  for 
clothing  during  part  of  our  passage  to  New  Orleans. 

Voyages  by  steam  have  now  become  so  common  that 
descriptions  of  them  must  be  omitted  by  travellers  who 
expect  to  be  read.  Suffice  it,  that  the  Delta  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi was  safely  reached  in  a  heavy  fog — that  our  pilot 
mistook  his  position  and  entered  a  pass  quite  too  shallow 
for  our  lumbering  ship — that  we  spent  a  whole  day  in  the 
mud,  with  the  paddles  going,  and  passengers  irritated,  till  relieved  by  a  tug  and 
the  swell  created  by  two  ships  in  charge  of  a  steamer  passing  under  our  lea,  and 
within  jumping  distance. 

This  bar  at  the  mouth  of  the  mighty  river  occasioned  much  talk  ;  and  some  green 
men  declared  that  if  it  existed  in  places  they  knew  of  the  merchants  would  clear 
it  out  every  day  rather  than  submit  to  such  an  annoyance  !  forgetting  the  difficul- 
ties occasioned  by  the  immense  mass  of  rolling  waters  which  descend  filled  with 
the  light  debris  of  the  country  above. 

The  water  at  the  bar  at  the  mouth  is  fourteen  feet  in  depth,  which  is  double  that 
of  the  Nile,  Euphrates,  Indus,  &c.,  and  fortunately  does  not  grow  shallower ;  five 
miles  above  the  sea  the  river  is  found  to  be  still  one  hundred  and  forty  feet  deep  ; 
here,  as  well  as  above,  its  current  at  the  surface  and  on  the  bottom  has  nearly  an 
equal  velocity.  At  New  Orleans  Professor  Drake,  in  1844,  found  the  depth  to  be 
two  hundred  arid  forty  feet.  This  extraordinary  depth  affects  the  imagination  with 
a  strange  feeling  of  awe  as  one  looks  at  the  surface,  resembling  externally  that  of 
other  rivers  we  are  accustomed  to,  which  present  to  the  eye  a  much  greater  volume ; 
the  impression  is  enforced  by  the  remark  that  no  one  who  has  the  misfortune  to 
fall  into  its  current  ever  comes  up  alive.  The  ages  and  ages  that  it  has  been  run- 
ning one  road  have  elevated  its  banks  without  raising  its  bottom.  The  Thames, 
Loire,  Po,  Elbe,  Vistula,  Danube,  Dnieper,  Don,  and  Yolga  united,  fall  short  of 
the  Mississippi  nearly  one  third  in  the  volume  of  their  waters ;  the  vastness  of  the 
idea  is  increased  when  we  remark  that  during  a  greater  portion  of  the  year  this 
river  affords  a  navigation  equal  to  the  circumference  of  the  globe. 

Of  the  successive  layers  of  cypress  swamp  known  to  exist  on  the  banks,  it  is 
sufficient  to  refer  those  in  search  of  knowledge  to  Lyell  and  other  recent  writers 
who  have  unfolded  the  wonderful  operations  of  this  mighty  stream  for  successive 
ages,  developing  from  the  water,  grass  preceding  the  cypress,  and  the  cypress  the 
live  oak.  The  elevation  of  the  grass  zone  is  assumed  to  have  occupied  1,500  years, 
corresponding  nearly  with  the  known  elevation  of  the  Nilotic  valley,  and  some  go  so 
far  as  to  assert  that  the  whole  geological  formation  has  consumed  a  period  exceed- 
ing 158,000  1  Sir  C.  Lyell  estimates  it  at  60,000  years.  How  dwarf  and  pigmy 
is  man;  measuring  the  life  of  the  present  inhabitants  by  these  opinions,  their 
existence  seems  comparable  only  to  the  life  of  a  fly  that  settles  on  a  grain  of 
and  is  brushed  away  forever  by  a  breath  of  air. 


As  we  ascend  the  river  the  mind  must  continually  recur  to  the  vastness  with 
which  the  silent  operations  of  nature  are  here  conducted — so  slowly  that  during  the 
existence  of  three  generations  there  is  made  scarcely  as  much  impression  as  would 
be  created  by  placing  a  grain  of  fine  sand  in  a  teacup  or  a  pitcher  of  water,  and 
yet  so  surely  that  its  effect  after  thousands  of  years,  are  astonishing  and  tangible. 
Awe  must  take  possession  of  the  most  frivolous  minds  as  the  successive  pheno- 
mena of  the  great  Delta  are  rapidly  exposed  to  view. 

Ascending  as  we  did  much  of  the  distance  in  the  night,  less  opportunity  for 
observation  than  would  have  been  agreeable  was  afforded ;  the  smell  of  orange 
groves  frequently  filled  the  cabins;  as  day  dawned  we  saw  the  plantations  of  this 
fruit  in  considerable  numbers  ;  one  or  two  are  very  celebrated  for  the  quantities 
they  produce,  and  we  could  but  remark  that  these  were  sheltered  by  plantations  of 
forest  trees  around  them  to  keep  ofi"  the  northern  blast,  and  to  protect  them  from 
high  winds  which  would  scatter  the  fruit ;  thus,  we  see  the  importance  of  this 
kind  of  protection  even  on  the  borders  of  the  tropics,  and  in  the  region  of  the 
orange  and  the  cane ;  how  much  more  important  in  our  colder  clime,  and  espe- 
cially on  those  prairies  still  open  to  the  coldest  blasts  from  the  lakes. 

New  Orleans  reached,  we  took  an  early  stroll  through  its  level  streets,  and  were 
again  interested  to  see  the  trees  in  fall  leaf  and  bloom  before  the  advent  of  April. 
The  sour-orange  trees  were  loaded  with  golden  frtiit  as  in  Cuba ;  the  roses  were 
magnificent,  climbing  to  the  tops  of  the  houses  ;  the  Locust  and  the  Pride  of 
India,  favorite  street  trees,  the  latter  especially,  were  in  full  beauty.  At  the  shops 
a  few  strawberries  without  much  flavor  had  made  their  appearance,  and  we  were 
delighted  to  see  at  this  early  date  at  the  fruit  stores  a  ripe  yellow  fruit  of  the 
medlar  family,  here  called  the  Mespilus  Plum,  which  blossoms  in  December,  and 
is  now  sought  for  here  with  greater  avidity  than  any  fruit  planted  at  the  north. 
It  is  oblong,  with  small  seeds  said  to  contain  much  prussic  acid,  and  possesess  an 
agreeable  acidity. 

It  is  highly  pleasant  to  find  one's  self  on  American  soil  again  ;  coming  from 
Havana,  New  Orleans  has  a  homish  look,  which  it  would  scarcely  possess  if  ap- 
proached from  up  the  river.  So  lately  from  the  tropics,  the  dress,  hats,  &c.,  were 
all  different  from  what  we  had  so  recently  left ;  and  it  was  very  striking  to  see 
people  perambulating  without  cigars  in  every  mouth. 

A  few  remarks  on  New  Orleans  and  the  garden  of  Henry  Lawrance,  an  enthu- 
siastic horticulturist,  will  not  detain  us  long,  when  we  shall  ask  the  reader  to  ac- 
company us  on  a  trip  to  Natchez,  where  there  is  much  to  interest  the  lover  of 
gardens. 


OSAGE  ORANGE  HEDGES.  — A  SUBSTITUTE. 

Two  years  or  more  ago,  we  venturned  to  suggest  that  the  Osage  Orange  hedge 
would  rarely  be  successfully  grown  in  America.  The  plant  comes  nearer  to  what 
we  want  than  any  other  yet  introduced,  but  it  requires  an  amount  of  attention 
which  it  rarely  receives,  and  hence,  principally,  its  failure.  Our  remarks  called 
forth  a  considerable  amount  of  feeling  at  the  time,  and  letters  poured  in  upon  us 
in  such  numbers,  that  we  began  to  think  we  had  trod  upon  somebody's  corns.  We 
had,  however,  seen  many  jobs  of  planting  it,  and  especially  along  the  Illinois  rail- 
roads, where  the  plants  were  set  down  and  left  to  their  fate  ;  they  were  overgrown 
with  weeds,  and  had  never  been  trimmed  or  attended  to ;  many  of  the  plants  were 
deceased,  wTiile  those  retaining  life  were  growing  up  into  trees. 

Mobile,  lately,  we  were  astounded  by  seeing  a  great  sign  with  "  0 


Trimmed  Osase  Orange  Hedare. 


Orange  Hedge  Company"  painted  on  it ;  but  we  saw  no  good  hedges.     Now,  a 
good  hedge  of  this  plant  should  be  something  like  this  : — 

How  many  of  the  vaunted 
hedges  look  thus  ?  And,  ne- 
glected, they  are  worse  than 
useless,  because  they  exhaust 
the  neighboring  ground. 
"  Bad  hedges  are  a  nuisance 
to  the  eye,  to  the  pocket,  and 
to  any  farmer's  crops.  The 
sooner  we  make  up  our  minds 
to  be  thorough  enough  to  se- 
cure a  good  hedge,"  somebody 
has  said,  "whether  of  Osage 
Orange  or  not,  the  better." 

The  editor  of  the  Northwestern  i^armer  (Dubuque,  Iowa)  agrees  with  us,  that, 
in  the  main,  the  Osage  Orange  will  not  answer ;  the  region  of  the  Northwest  is 
too  cold  for  it,  and  he  proposes  a  new  plant,  which  he  calls  the  New  Hampshire 
Thorn,  but  gives  no  other  name  to  it.  His  engraving,  however,  represents  very 
strong  thorns  that  must  be  really  formidable.  "  The  wood,"  he  says,  "is  extremely 
tough  and  hard,  bending  like  a  withe,  even  after  being  cut  some  months."  He 
adds  "  that  he  has  taken  measures  to  procure  and  distribute  seeds."  One  of  the 
correspondents  of  that  journal  says  : — 

"  The  following  inferences  I  drew  from  information  and  observation  : — 

"  1.  That  it  is  most  decidedly  the  hardiest  thorn  with  which  I  am  acquainted. 

"2.  That  it  is  the  best  guarded  of  any  thorn  I  have  seen,  its  prickles  being 
from  two  inches  in  length  downwards,  and  proportionally  strong. 

"3.  That  it  will  bi^ar  cutting,  and  improve  by  it  the  thick  shrubby  nature  of 
the  plant. 

"  4.  That  the  size  of  its  growth  is  just  what  is  required  for  a  hedge  exposed  to 
stock. 

"  5.  That  if  properly  planted  and  managed  while  young,  it  will  be  impossible 
for  either  man  or  beast  to  break  through  it." 


NEW    PLANTS. 

Ardisia  crenulata. — This  is  a  very  ornamental  little  plant,  or  greenhouse 
shrub,  that  may  be  readily  managed  as  a  window-plant.  In  February,  its  berries 
(a  great  ornament)  are  in  perfection,  the  plant  being  at  that  time  covered  with  a 
profusion  of  its  coral-like  fruit  that  hang  in  small  clusters  beneath  and  among  the 
leaves,  and  which  retain  the  brilliancy  of  their  color  for  a  great  length  of  time. 
Even  without  the  berries,  it  is  a  very  beautiful  plant  for  a  room,  having  long,  ser- 
rated leaves,  of  a  fine,  glossy  green.  Ardisia  cremdata  will  grow  very  well  either 
in  a  cold  room  or  one  where  there  is  a  fire,  and  should  receive  a  supply  of  water 
frequently,  until  the  commencement  of  April,  after  which  it  may  have  it  every 
day.  This,  like  all  other  plants  with  shjning  leaves,  soon  shows  the  dust ;  it  is, 
therefore,  a  good  plan  to  sponge  the  leaves  once  a  week,  by  which  means  it  will 
always  be  a  gay  and  lively  ornament  for  the  sitting-room,  and  its  health  will,  at 
the  same  time,  be  promoted.  A  mixture  of  loam  and  peat  soil  is  found  to  grow 
it  well. 

DoRONicuM  BouRG^i  {Bourgeauh  Leopard's  Bane). — Found  by  M.  Bourgeau 


N.  S. :  YoL.  VIII.—January,  1858. 


during  1855,  at  Barranco  de  Angostura,  in  the  Canary  Islands.  It  closely  re- 
sembles the  Cineraria,  and  is  "a  highly  ornamental  greenhouse  plant,  flowering 
during  the  spring  months."  The  ray  florets  are  lilac,  and  the  disk  purple,  studded 
with  the  golden-colored  anthers. — Botanical  Magazine,  t.  4994. 

FoRSYTHiA  susPENSA  (Penduloics  Forsythia). — It  is  the  Kengjo  of  Ksempfer, 
Syringa  suspensa  of  Thunberg,  and  Lilac  perpense  of  Lamarck.  It  was  intro- 
duced from  Japan  in  1833  by  Mr.  Yerkerk  Pistorius,  but  has  only  recently  been 
cultivated  in  England.  Messrs.  Yeitch  seem  to  be  its  first  cultivators  here,  and 
sent  flowering  specimens  to  Kew  in  April  of  the  present  year.  Its  flowers  are 
yellow,  and  "larger  and  handsomer  than  those  of  F.  viridissimay — Ibid.,  t,  4995. 

CiRRHOPETALUM  CuMiNGii  {Ml-.  Cuming^s  Cirrhopetalum). — Messrs.  Loddiges 
flowered  this  very  lovely  Orchid  in  1841.     It  was  imported  from  the  Philippine 

Islands  by  Mr.  Cuming.     Flowers,  crimson  and  purple.     Blooms  in  spring 

Ibid.,  t.  4996. 

Berberis  japonica. — When  Mr,  Fortune  was  in  China,  in  1848,  he  discovered 
and  sent  to  England  three  new  Berberries,  viz  :  Beali,  intermedia,  and  japonica  ; 
and,  unquestionably,  there  are  no  finer  hardy  evergreen  shrubs  in  cultivation  than 
these  are.  As  I  do  not  recollect  having  seen  any  published  drawing  of  the  ber- 
ries of  either  of  these  plants,  I  beg  to  submit  to  your  notice  a  sketch  of  those  of 
B.  japonica.  When  ripe,  they  are  similar  in  color  to  those  of  B.  aquifolium,  but 
in  size  (and  in  this  respect  they  are  somewhat  irregular),  they  more  nearly  resem- 
ble grapes.  Their  appearance  is  indeed  very  fine  and  rich.  They  are  borne  in 
terminal  racemes,  at  first  erect,  but,  subsequently,  as  the  berries  color,  pendent. 
I  have  seen  many  plants  on  which  the  berries  were  very  much  more  numerous 
than  those  sent. 

The  foliage,  too,  is  very  fine.  Each  leaf  usually  consists  of  four  or  five  pair  of 
leaflets  and  a  terminal  one.  From  twelve  to  eighteen  inches  is  the  usual  length 
of  an  entire  leaf.  The  three  species  named  are  perfectly  hardy,  and  succeed  well 
in  a  soil  composed  of  good  fibrous  loam  and  decayed  leaves  or  manure. — George 
LovELL,  Bagshot.      Gardeners''  Chronicle. 


FRUIT    AND    MANURE. 

BY  L.  B.,  NEW  JERSEY, 

In  your  November  number  my  attention  has  been  attracted  by  the  "  Old  Dig- 
ger's" letter.  In  my  opinion  it  contains,  in  an  elegant  and  compressed  form,  all 
that  has  been  and  could  be  said  about  the  cultivation  of  fruit  trees.  It  ought  to  be 
printed  apart  and  put  in  the  daily  memorandum  or  garden  book  of  every  amateur 
or  fruit  grower. 

To  expect  from  a  pear  or  apple-tree  the  most  delicate,  sugared,  high-flavored 
products,  and  that  in  large  quantities,  without  any  cultivation  of  the  soil,  or  with 
not  half  the  care,  labor,  and  expense  given  to  a  corn  crop  or  a  potato  patch,  seems 
to  be  folly,  when  we  consider  that  in  Nature's  eternal  laws  nothing  can  grow  where 
the  natural  food  is  wanting.  The  trees  of  our  woods  have  their  leaves,  the  de- 
cayed branches  and  shrubs,  besides  the  natural  benefits  of  rains  and  atmospheric 
influences ;  still,  when  oak  woods  have  had  their  time,  oak  will  grow  no  more  in 
the  same  soil,  at  least  thriftily,  and  without  changing  its  constituents.  It  is  a  well- 
known  fact  that  virgin  soils  produce  spontaneously  first  the  noblest  among  the 
forest  trees,  afterwards  an  inferior  sort,  till  nothing  but  cedars  or  resinous  plants 
will  cover  the  once  rich,  now  worn-out  soil. 

I  am  often  asked  why  do  the  apple-trees  bear  no  longer  around  here  ?  or, 


STOCKWOOD  GOLDEN  HAMBRO'  GRAPE. 

they  yield  a  scanty  crop,  why  is  the  fruit  so  wormy,  so  poor  that  it  is  hardly  fitted 
for  the  market  ?  The  reply  is  very  easy.  The  soils  have  been  worn  out,  not 
only  by  fifty  or  more  crops  of  apples,  but  also  by  the  grass,  clover,  and  other  un- 
manured  crops,  by  all  which,  the  phosphates,  carbonates,  and  the  once  abound- 
ing potashes  of  the  old  forests,  have  been  carried  to  market  without  any  restitution 
to  the  generous  soil.  So  much  for  the  growth  of  the  trees  and  their  bearing. 
Now,  when  it  happens  that  by  a  long  interval  of  rest  the  trees  have  regained  some 
strength  by  the  natural  influences  of  the  air,  rain  and  snow,  nitrogen  and  ammonia, 
they  soon  blossom  and  yield  another  crop  of  fruit ;  but  the  soil  has  been  so  long 
in  grass  and  so  long  neglected,  that  worms,  bugs,  and  a  legion  of  insects  have 
found  in  that  undisturbed  soil  a  permanent  home  for  themselves  and  their  genera- 
tions ;  and  no  sooner  is  a,  fruit  set  than  they  are  at  work  by  hundreds  to  sting 
and  deform  it. 

A  fruit  orchard  requires  higher  cultivation  than  any  other  crop,  because  it  is 
cultivation  in  ttoo  stories,  a  crop  below  and  one  above.  All  that  seems  so  very 
plain  that  I  am  often  amazed  when  I  see  very  able  farmers,  who  would  laugh  at 
the  idea  of  getting  a  wheat  crop  in  a  long  neglected  soil,  without  any  manure  or 
extra  labor,  look  at  their  apple-trees  as  if  they  were  exceptions  to  the  general  rule, 
and  boimd  to  bear  no  matter  how  poor  the  soil  may  be,  because  they  did  so 
fifty  years  ago ! 

A  remark  in  Mr.  William  Bacon's  letter  (same  number)  hints  at  the  possibility 
of  overfeeding  trees.  There  is  truth  in  that.  In  the  very  rich  and  virgin  soils  of 
the  West,  where  the  trees  are  so  luxuriant  in  their  rapid  growth,  severe  winters 
do  great  injury  ;  we  all  know  the  results  of  our  last  winters  in  those  rich  prairies  ; 
but  here  there  is  little  danger  of  overfeeding.  Our  soils  are  comparatively  poor, 
and  we  are  better  protected  by  woods,  hills,  buildings,  &c.  Let  us  not  forget 
that  artificial  products  require  artificial  treatment.  Our  refined  fruit  trees  can 
never  be  so  hardy  as  the  virginal  wild  trees  of  the  species ;  neither  can  they  suc- 
ceed in  soils  where  the  wild  tree  can  find  supply  and  food  for  itself  and  its  coarse, 
small  product.  The  object  of  nature  is  to  perpetuate  the  species  by  seed,  ours  to 
reduce  the  seed  for  the  benefit  of  the  pulp  ;  what  is  only  an  accessory  in  nature's 
views  becomes  our  main  object.  When  the  laws  of  vegetation  are  introverted  in 
that  way,  our  utmost  skill  and  nurturing  is  required  to  keep  up  those  artificial 
creations.  They  can  bear  manuring  and  feeding  better  than  forest  trees  would  do ; 
and,  if  we  do  not  inflate  and  swell  their  limbs  with  too  much  ammonia  and  water, 
if  we  use  the  constituents  required  for  wood-formation  chiefly,  as  potash,  phos- 
phates, lime,  &c.,  there  will  be  little  danger  of  overfeeding  trees,  and  I  fear  that 
for  a  long  time  to  come,  the  reverse  will  mostly  be  the  case. 


Stockwood  Golden  Hambro'  Grape. — This  newly  introduced  grape  is  un- 
doubtedly very  fine  ;  it  is  of  the  white  class,  and  was  obtained  from  seed  of  the 
old  Black  Hambro',  impregnated  with  pollen  of  the  White  Sweetwater.  In 
hardiness  of  constitution,  it  equals  the  Hambro',  and,  for  rapidity  of  growth,  beats 
that  well  known  variety.  It  is  a  most  abundant  bearer,  and  a  free  setter,  ripening 
its  fruit  in  the  same  house  at  the  same  time  as  the  Hambro' ;  and  it  is  a  most  ex- 
cellent bearer  in  pots.  In  size  of  bunch  and  berry,  it  equals  the  Hambro',  when 
that  variety  is  grown  to  perfection.  Skin,  thin  and  tender,  of  a  pale  yellow,  but 
when  highly  ripened,  of  a  pale  amber.  Flesh,  delicate  and  melting,  very  juicy, 
and  remarkably  rich,  sugary,  and  vinous,  leaving  on  the  palate  a  full  and  lusciou 
flavor. 


SHRUBS  WITH  ORNAMENTAL  BERRIES. 


SHRUBS    WITH    ORNAMENTAL    BERRIES; 
SUPPLEMENTAL. 

BY  E.  N.  PLANK,  WOLCOTT,  NEW  YORK. 

LL  of  your  readers,  as  well  as  myself,  bave  perused 
with  great  pleasure  T.  Meehan's  notes  on  "  Shrubs 
with  Ornamental  Berries."  The  subject  is  one  of 
interest  to  every  lover  of  Nature,  and  has  been 
handled  with  judgment  and  ability.  However,  to 
make  the  list  more  complete,  and  to  bring  into 
notice  a  few  indigenous  shrubs,  which,  perhaps, 
^  are  not  so  generally  cultivated  as  they  deserve  to 
be,  the  following  notes  as  supplementary  to  those 
of  Mr.  Meehan  may  be  acceptable  : — 

1.  Celastrus  Scandens.  Staff-tree. — Waxwork. 
— There  are  few  of  our  native  shrubs  more  worthy 
of  cultivation  than  the  Staff-tree.  It  climbs  by 
twining  around  the  trunks  of  small  trees,  frequently 
attaining  the  height  of  twenty  or  more  feet.  It 
blossoms  in  June,  bearing  pendulous  racemes  of 
greenish-white  flowers.  The  fruit  consists  of  oval, 
berry-like  pods  of  an  orange  color,  which  opening  in  autumn  display  the  beautiful 
scarlet  aril  which  envelops  the  seeds.  The  berries  are  persistent,  retaining  their 
form  and  beauty  until  late  in  the  spring.  The  plant  delights  in  an  alluvial  soil, 
and  is  of  easy  cultivation. 

2.  Solaniim  dulcamara.  Bittersweet. — This  is  the  true  Bittersweet,  though  the 
name  is  sometimes  applied  to  No.  1.  This  plant  is  also  a  climber,  and  is  some- 
times seen  in  cultivation  as  a  covering  for  arbors,  for  which  it  is  well  adapted. 
The  lower  leaves  are  usually  cordate,  the  upper  ones  hastate.  The  flowers,  which 
are  purple,  are  produced  in  cymose  clusters.  The  berries  are  oval,  and  of  a  beau- 
tiful scarlet. 

3.  Menispermum  Canadense.  Moon  Seed.— The  foliage  of  this  plant  is  its 
chief  attraction.  The  leaves  are  large,  smooth,  and  generally  six-angled.  The 
small,  white  flowers  are  produced  in  clusters.  The  fruit  (drupes)  are  about  the 
size  and  color  of  frost  grapes.     The  stem  is  climbing. 

4.  Cornus  stolonifera. — This  shrub,  which  is  a  common  inhabitant  of  our 
northern  swamps,  is  worthy  of  cultivation  not  only  for  its  white  berries  which  are 
very  ornamental,  but  also  for  the  beauty  of  its  shoots,  which  in  winter  especially 
are'of  a  bright  red  color.  I  have  known  this  plant  to  blossom  tivice  in  a  season. 
C.  Canadensis  is  a  beautiful  dwarf  species,  seldom  attaining  a  height  of  more  than 
six  inches.  It  bears  a  terminal  umbel  of  white  flowers  surrounded  by  a  large 
petaloid  involucre.     The  berries  are  red  and  very  showy. 

5.  Lonicera  ohlongifolia  and  L.  ccerulea  ;  both  fine  shrubs  bearing  ornamental 
berries,  are  sometimes  met  with  in  our  low,  rocky  woods.  The  flowers  of  both 
species  nearly  resemble  those  of  L.  ciliata.  The  berries  of  both  species  are  con- 
nate, formed  by  the  union  of  the  ovaries  of  the  twin  flowers.  The  berries  of  the 
first-mentioned  species  are  purple,  those  of  the  last  are  blue. 

6.  Benzoin  oderiferum.  Spice  bush. — While  collecting  plants  during  the  sum- 
of  1855,  I  noticed  that  the  intense  cold  of  the  preceding  winter  had  killed 
fine  shrub  down  to  the  snow  line. 


TRAINING  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

Y.  Samhiicus  puhens.  Red-berried  Elder. — This  sbrub  grows  plentifully  with 
us  here  in  "Western  New  York.  It  certainly  is  a  fine  plant,  and  were  it  less  com- 
mon, would  doubtless  be  cultivated.  It  blossoms  very  early  in  the  spring,  and 
ripens  its  berries  in  June.  The  contrast  afforded  by  a  bush  loaded  with  ripe 
berries  in  the  mouth  of  flowers  is  very  fine. 

Early  in  autumn  I  visited  the  original  Sheldon  Pear  Tree,  standing  on  the 
Major  Sheldon  Farm,  now  owned  and  occupied  by  Lorenzo  Cady,  Esq.  The  tree 
is  twelve  or  fifteen  inches  in  diameter  at  the  base,  and  is  probably  twenty-five  or 
thirty  feet  in  height.  It  is  of  a  fine,  pyramidal  form,  and  gives  evidences  of  health 
and  vigor,  having  made  shoots  the  present  season  of  ten  or  twelve  feet  in  length. 
It  bore  this  year  an  average  crop  of  fruit  which  sold  readily  for  twelve  dollars  per 
barrel.  The  farm  on  which  the  tree  stands  is  in  the  town  of  Huron,  Wayne 
County,  IS".  Y.  E.  N.  P. 

P.  S. — Above  a  year  ago  you  promised  us  a  new  American  edition  of  Lindleyh 
Tlieory  and  Practice  of  Horticulture  ;  may  we  look  for  its  publication  soon  ? 

[We  may  as  well  say  at  once  that  Lindley's  new  edition  is  vastly  superior  to  the 
first ;  it  was  prepared  for  publication  ;  the  new  wood-cuts  were  made,  when  it  was 
found  that  the  neiv  would  interfere  with  the  old.  It  is  the  etiquette  of  the  trade 
not  to  publish  on  each  other,  and  the  proprietors  of  the  old  and  superseded  edition 
were  not  prepared  to  enter  upon  the  expense  of  the  much  larger  book ;  they  had 
it  under  consideration,  however,  when  the  money  panic  set  in,  and  we  cannot  now 
say  when,  if  ever,  the  American  public  will  obtain  this  invaluable  work  ;  the  cost 
of  the  English  edition  is  over  six  dollars. — Ed.] 


TRAINING    TREES    AND    SHRUBS. 

A  GOOD  deal  has  been  written  and  spoken  about  "  reformatory  training"  in  our 
social  system ;  we  should  be  none  the  worse  off  by  a  little  reformation  in  the 
training  of  some  of  our  trees  and  shrubs,  which  would  be  the  means  of  obtaining 
better  specimens  of  plants  and  more  abiding  ornaments  to  the  flower  garden  and 
shrubbery. 

Lately,  an  arbor-vitse  was  cut  down  which  measured  about  eighteen  inches  in 
diameter  about  a  foot  from  the  ground  ;  for  many  years  it  was  a  beautiful  plant, 
both  for  breadth  and  height,  but  the  bad  training  of  its  youth  was  the  cause  of  its 
destruction  in  its  declining  years.  Instead  of  training  it  with  one  stem,  there  were 
several  stems  allowed  to  grow  together,  which,  in  the  course  of  years,  hastened 
the  destruction  of  the  plant.  There  were  two  series  of  roots  belonging  to  the 
tree — one  in  the  soil,  and  the  other  in  the  body  of  the  stem ;  when  the  several 
stems  increased  in  size,  the  bark  of  the  one  came  in  contact  with  the  bark  of  the 
other;  when  both  were  wounded,  a  lodgment  was  made  for  water,  roots  were  pro- 
duced at  the  injured  parts  that  pushed  their  way  into  the  wood,  which  hastened  its 
decay,  so  that  when  snow  or  heavy  winds  came,  the  branches  or  stems  were  liable 
to  be  broken  off,  and  the  breaking  continued  from  time  to  time  until  the  ruins  of 
the  plant  had  to  be  removed  altogether. 

The  training  to  single  stems  ought  not  to  be  confined  to  members  of  the  Thuja 
family,  but  might  be  extended  to  species  of  other  genera,  such  as  Juniperus,  Taxus, 
etc.,  so  that  when  winter  and  rough  weather  assailed  them,  they  would  be  able  to 
resist  the  storm. 


:Ss^ 


ABIES  MENZIESII. 


ABIES   MENZIESII. 

This  species  was  named  in  honor  of  A.  Menzies,  Esq.,  who  had  previous  to 
Douglas  travelled  over  a  great  part  of  the  northwest  coast  of  America,  and  had 


discovered  this  and  many  other  interesting  plants.     Douglas  found  it  in  North 
California,  and  describes  it  as  furnishing  a  useful  kind  of  timber. 

Manzies'  Spruce  appears  to  thrive  best  in  situations  where  the  soil  is  moist  for 
the  greater  part  of  the  year;  in  low  bottoms,  not  absolutely  flooded,  with  a  moist 
atmosphere,  it  grows  extremely  fast.  It  is  likewise  found  to  thrive  well  in  Scot- 
land, and  of  course  in  our  northern  and  central  regions ;  on  the  most  exposed 
moors,  it  never  suffers,  but,  on  the  contrary,  the  peaty  soil  and  humid  atmosphere 
appear  favorable  to  its  growth.  On  dry  soils  it  frequently  loses  a  portion  of  its 
leaves  during  the  dry  weather,  and  this  gives  it  a  shabby  appearance  and  has 
led  some  to  condemn  it.  In  such  situations  it  should  be  liberally  supplied  with 
water  during  the  crowing  season. 


DISEASE    IN    PLANTS. 

A  VERY  singular  case,  illustrative  of  the  effects  of  the  mycelium  of  Fungi  arising 
from  dead  wood  upon  neighboring  plants,  occurred  a  few  years  ago  in  Northamp- 
tonshire, England.  A  Golden  Rose,  remarkable  for  the  size  of  its  flowers,  and  a 
great  favorite  from  the  peculiar  circumstances  under  which  it  was  planted,  was  the 
subject  of  conversation  amongst  a  party  of  friends,  who  were  admiring  its  beauty, 
and  alluding  to  the  matter  of  interest  with  which  it  was  associated.  Though 
apparently  in  the  most  vigorous  health,  the  next  day  it  was  withered  as  if  killed 
by  a  stroke  of  lightning.  The  mystery,  however,  was  soon  developed.  On  ex- 
amination, the  roots  were  found  to  be  covered  with  a  white  web  of  mycelium, 
which  was  evidently  of  extraneous  growth.  Other  instances  have  occurred  of  a 
similar  character  in  the  same  garden,  and  we  have  in  consequence  been  convinced 
that  the  principal  reason  why  trees  will  seldom  succeed  where  an  old  one  has  died, 
is  due  to  fungi  arising  from  the  decayed  roots.  Evidence  of  a  like  kind  will  be 
found  in  Loudon's  Arboretum,  under  the  article  "  Larch."  The  principle,  however, 
is  of  far  wider  extent.  A  disease  was  noticed  some  years  since  in  several  parts  of 
England,  but  especially  at  Ely,  where  it  is  known  under  the  name  of  Copper  Web, 
as  attacking  Asparagus.  It  is  due  to  some  mycelium,  known  to  botanists  under 
the  name  of  Rhizoctonium,  but  of  which  the  perfect  form  has  not  yet  been  ascer- 
tained. In  France,  it  is  the  pest  of  lucerne,  chiccory,  saffron,  and  of  several  other 
objects  of  cultivation.  We  believe  that  it  is  always  traceable  either  to  dead  vege- 
table bodies  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  roots,  or  to  more  recent  substances  like 
sawdust,  mixed  in  the  manure.  It  is  well  known,  again,  that  tender  annuals  often 
damp  off  in  a  frame  without  any  apparent  cause.  Where  leaf-mould  or  matter 
from  the  base  of  fagot  ricks  imperfectly  rotted,  has  been  mixed  with  the  soil, 
mycelium  developed  on  the  little  fragments  attacks  the  roots  and  kills  them  ;  and 
we  have  found  the  same  effect  arise  from  lumps  of  hard  cowdung  mixed  with  com- 
post, which  are  very  apt  to  produce  mycelium. 

The  fungi  of  which  this  mycelium  is  the  infant  state,  in  many  cases,  could  by 
no  possibility  be  developed  upon  the  plants  which  it  destroys,  but  it  should  seem 
as  if  there  was  a  peculiar  tendency  in  many  fungal  threads  to  produce  decompo- 
sition upon  tender  cellular  tissue  with  which  it  may  come  in  contact,  and  if  one 
cell  only  be  attacked,  the  taint  may  easily  be  communicated  from  cell  to  cell  in 
any  direction  which  may  be  least  capable  of  resistance.  If  there  is  any  truth  in 
the  notion  (which,  within  certain  limits,  can  scarcely  be  denied)  that  particular 
roots  have  an  especial  reference  to  particular  branches,  we  have  a  ready  solution 
of  the  mystery,  that  one  branch  should  perish  while  the  rest  of  the  tree  is  healthy,  iff 
In  some  cases,  injury  no'doubt  arises  in  a  different  way  from  contact  with  decaying 


vegetable  matter,  where  no  mycelium  may  be  produced,  and  the  effect  may  be 
precisely  the  same.  An  interesting  account  of  injury  arising  from  such  a  cause 
is  given  in  the  Bihliotheque  des  Chemins  de  Fer,  in  Payen's  treatise  on  the  maladies 
of  several  objects  of  cultivation.  It  is  a  matter  of  experience  that  sugar  beet  is 
extremely  subject  to  decay  when  sown  on  ground  which  had  formerly  borne  a 
crop  of  the  same  vegetable.  The  plant  is  one  which  sends  down  a  long  tap- 
root into  the  ground,  and  when  the  crop  is  removed,  a  large  portion  of  this  gene- 
rally remains  behind,  though  at  a  considerable  depth  beneath  the  surface.  When 
the  tap-root  of  the  new  plant  strikes  down  to  this  depth,  as  it  will  naturally  do  if 
vegetation  is  vigorous,  the  tender  spongelets  are  affected  by  the  old  putrescent 
roots,  and  the  decay  is  soon  carried  upwards,  to  the  destruction  of  the  crop. 

The  inferences  from  the  subject  are  obvious,  and  show  the  necessity  of  increased 
care  in  many  quarters  of  the  garden,  where  matters  have  long  been  left  to  take 
their  chance. — M.  J.  B.,  in  Gardeners^  Chronicle. 


<  e-o  ♦  » 


A    TALK    FROM    IOWA. 

BY  JAMES  MATHEWS,  KNOXVILLE,  IOWA. 

I  HAVE  observed  an  obstruction  in  the  circulation  of  the  Horticulturist  this 
way,  since  the  reception  of  the  April  number.  I  presume,  without  looking  over 
my  receipts,  that  the  cause  is  non-payment,  which  is  a  good  one.  I  wish  every 
editor  in  the  land  would  pursue  the  same  course.  The  Horticulturist  is  one  of 
the  periodicals  that  I  want  as  long  as  I  am  able  to  take  or  read  a  ■^di\)QV,  provided 
it  continue  as  interesting  and  useful  as  it  now  is.  I  have  been  a  subscriber  from 
its  commencement  under  the  auspices  of  Mr.  Downing,  and  have  all  the  volumes 
bound. 

The  climate  in  this  part  of  Iowa  proves  too  severe  for  most  kinds  of  fruits,  ex- 
cept the  hardiest  varieties  of  apples.  The  two  past  winters  killed  all  the  peaches 
and  most  of  the  cherries  to  the  ground ;  also,  the  pears.  The  exceptions  with 
me,  amongst  the  cherries,  were  Early  May,  May  Duke,  Belle  Magnifique,  and 
Reine  Hortense  ;  and  out  of  some  fifty  to  sixty  varieties  of  pears,  Buffum  is  the 
only  kind  entirely  uninjured  by  the  freezing.  Both  of  the  winters  referred  to,  tlie 
thermometer  fell  frequently  to  20°,  and  at  three  or  four  times  from  24°  to  28° 
below  zero.  Catawba  and  Isabella  Grapes  killed  to  the  ground ;  Brinckle's 
Orange,  Catawissa  Raspberries,  and  Lawton  Blackberry,  quite  hardy.  Several 
others,  including  Gnevit's  Giant,  large  French  Monthly,  &c.,  killed.  All  the 
varieties  of  currants  and  gooseberries  of  course  perfectly  hardy. 

I  have  taken  some  pains  (as  apples  must  be  the  principal  reliance  for  those  who 
intend  to  make  their  homes  in  Iowa)  to  examine  and  ascertain  which  are  the  most 
hardy  and  reliable  in  this  vicinity.  I  have  had  the  aid  of  Mr.  Drury  Overton, 
who  is  my  neighbor,  and  a  nurseryman  of  seven  or  eight  years'  experience  here. 
We  have  set  down  as  perfectly  hardy  :  Red  June,  Fall  Wine,  Jannetting,  Smith's 
Cider,  Yellow  Bellflower,  American  Summer  Pearmain,  Early  Sheep's  Nose  (a 
very  fine  apple  every  way),  Newark  Pippin,  Shaker  Yellow  (a  first-rate  apple, 
ripe  in  August),  Wine  Sap,  Red  Sweet  Pippin,  Roman  Stem,  Holland  Pippin, 
Jonathan,  Summer  Queen,  Michael  Henry  Pippin  (no  better  apple  here).  Red 
Sweet  Roraanite,  Green  Everlasting,  American  Pippin,  Summer  Rose,  Red  Astra- 
cean,  Belle  du  Havre. 

Clinton  Grape  proves  perfectly  hardy  with  Mr.  Overton,  and  is  a  prodigious 
bearer.     I  ought  to  say  that  the  two  i]»ast  winters  have  been  an  exception.     Thi 
ow  to  be  so  both  from  the  testimony  of  the  first  settlers  here,  and  my 


A  TALK  FROM  lOAVA. 


observation.  I  removed  to  Knoxville  in  the  spring  of  1855.  There  were  then 
in  my  garden  four  peach-trees,  which,  from  size  and  appearance,  I  should  say  were 
from  five  to  six  years  old,  and  which  bore  a  fine  crop  that  year.  The  winter  of 
1855  and  1856,  they  were  killed  root  and  branch. 

Amongst  the  evergreen  sand  shrubbery  which  I  have  planted  out :  Scotch  Fir 
(Sylvestris),  perfectly  hardy  ;  White  Spruce  (Abies  alba),  Balm  of  Gilead  (Bal- 
samea),  Blue  Spruce  (Crerulea),  Norway  (Excelsa),  and  European  Silver  (Pec- 
tinata),  all  hardy,  and  grow  well  in  our  soil ;  Pines,  Austrian  (Austriaca),  Corsi- 
can,  Russian  (Rigensis),  and  Weymouth,  all  perfectly  sound;  Arbor-vita3  (Ame- 
rican), hardy  ;  Chinese,  considerably  injured  ;  Ginko  (Salisburia),  hardy  ;  African 
Tamarix,  killed  nearly  to  the  ground.  Several  varieties  of  the  Box,  all  injured 
badly.  Yew,  common  and  upright  (Hibernica),  much  injured  ;  Mahonia  aquifolia, 
suffered  considerably  ;  Weigelia  rosea,  perfectly  sound.  Amongst  soipe  twenty-five 
varieties  of  Bourbon  and  Hybrid-Perpetual  Roses,  all  were  cut  down  nearly  to 
the  ground,  but  this  injury  only  seems  to  increase  their  propensity  for  blooming, 
for  I  have  never  seen  freer  blooming  or  finer  specimens.  Amongst  the  finest,  I 
may  name — 1,  Mrs.  Elliott;  2,  Reveil ;  3,  Bon  Paxton  ;  4,  Josephine  Robert; 
5,  George  d'Amboise ;  6,  Sydonie ;  *7,  Duchesse  of  Sutherland;  8,  Felicite  of 
Rigeaux  ;  9,  L'Enfant  du  Mont  Carmel ;  10,  Madame  Trudeaux  ;  and  11,  Madame 
Laffay.  The  latter  has  branches  now  six  feet  high,  made  this  season.  No.  9  is 
one  of  the  finest  roses  I  have  ever  seen.     I  procured  it  of  Mr.  Le  Roy,  of  Angers. 

Baltimore  Belle  and  Queen  of  Prairies,  killed  down  considerably,  but  still  bloom 
finely ;  Yellow  Harrison,  of  course  perfectly  hardy  ;  Syringa,  Philadelphus,  and 
Grandiflora,  rather  tender ;  Bignonia  grandiflora  and  Radicans,  both  killed  top 
and  root ;  Wistaria  (Chinese)  and  Periploca,  killed  to  the  ground  ;  Persian  Lilac, 
hardy.  A  few  kinds  of  Spirea  are  hardy.  Japan  Quince  (Pyrus  Japonica),  per- 
fectly hardy ;  Horse-Chestnut  will  not  grow  with  me  in  our  soil ;  Mountain  Ash, 
European,  American,  and  Oak-leaved,  all  perfectly  hardy  ;  Weeping  and  Ring- 
leaved  Willows,  killed  down. 

The  foregoing  list  may  be  useful  to  persons  emigrating  to  this  State.  While 
we  have  to  deplore  the  want  of  encouragement  to  cultivate  the  fruits  generally, 
we  may  well  felicitate  ourselves  on  having  one  of  the  best  agricultural  States  in 
the  Union.  Our  crops,  this  year,  are  unexcelled.  Of  all  the  grains  and  vegeta- 
bles, we  have  a  superabundance;  and  yet,  if  the  unfavorable  accounts  we  have  are 
true  in  regard  to  Missouri  and  Kansas,  we  shall  have  a  market  and  paying  price 
for  all. 

Our  farmers  and  gardeners  need  none  of  your  bone-dust,  guano,  or  compost 
heaps,  to  stimulate  the  growth  of  their  productions.  Nature  has  bountifully 
provided  us  with  all  the  fertilizing  ingredients  we  shall  need  for  half  a  century,  if 
our  lands  are  properly  farmed.  With  the  culture  which  your  Pennsylvania  farmers 
give  their  lands,  our  prairies  would  yield  an  average  of  one  hundred  bushels  of 
corn  per  acre,  and  other  crops  in  a  like  proportion. 

I  shall  have  a  word  or  two  to  say,  soon,  about  my  curculio  remedy,  in  regard 
to  which  there  have  been  so  many  hints,  suggestions,  and  inquiries.  I  have  some 
reports  and  testimony  in  relation  to  experiments  made,  some  with  slight  modifica- 
tions, upon  my  invention,  which  will,  perhaps,  place  the  question  in  a  new  light. 
[Let  us  have  it  by  all  means. — Ed.] 


THE    ALEXANDER    PEAR. 


BY  JOHN  B.  EATON,  BUFFALO,  N.  Y. 

The  fine  native  pear  to  which  I  have  given  the  above  name,  originated  at  the 
village  of  Alexander,  in  Genesee  County,  the  seed  having  been  planted  thirty-five 
or  forty  years  since,  by  a  Mrs.  Churchill,  who  had  brought  it  from  Connecticut. 
The  original  tree  was  about  thirty  feet  in  height,  and  about  ten  inches  in  diameter 
of  trunk,  and  was  standing  when  I  first  learned  its  history,  but,  as  I  have  lately 
heard,  is  now  dead.  M.  Calvin,  Ely,  of  Cheektowaga,  in  this  county  (Erie), 
from  whom  I  obtained  the  foregoing  information,  had  worked  trees  from  the 
original  one  some  "twe  years  ago,  one  of  which  has  been  in  fruit  for  eight  or  ten 
years.  Specimens  from  Mr.  Ely's  tree  were  presented  at  the  exhibition  of  the 
Fruit  Growers'  Society,  held  in  this  city  September  13,  1855,  and  then  first  at- 
tracted my  attention.  Mr.  Ely  kindly  furnished  me  with  a  number  of  specimens, 
from  which  I  made  a  description  and  drawings.  Last  season,  I  was  unable  to 
obtain  any  of  the  fruit,  but  during  the  recent  State  Fair,  Mr.  Ely  was  present  at 
an  informal  meeting  of  pomologists  with  a  few  specimens,  which,  although  not  so 
large  as  those  which  I  had  before  received,  were  not  wanting  in  their  fine  flavor. 
Several  pomologists  of  eminence  who  were  present,  were  unanimous  in  awarding 
it  high  praise,  and  several  gentlemen  were  of  opinion  that  it  could  be  nothing  less 

than  that  fine  pear,  the  Gray  Doyenne, 
from  which  it  is,  however,  without  doubt, 
quite  distinct.  I  am  of  opinion  that  it 
will  prove  inferior  to  few  of  our  native 
varieties,  and  having  compared  it  with  a 
fine  specimen  of  the  Beurre  Bosc,  which 
happened  to  be  in  eating  at  the  same  time. 
I  had  no  hesitation  in  deciding  that  the 
Alexander  was  the  superior  in  flavor, 
although  perhaps  not  quite  so  fine- 
grained, and  in  this  opinion  I  was  not 
alone. 

The  following  is  a  description  :  Fruit, 
medium  size,  sometimes  rather  small, 
irregularly  obovate,  frequently  approach- 
ing oblong,  and  somewhat  one-sided. 
Stalk,  from  one  and  one-fourth  to  one 
and  one-half  inch  long,  rather  slender, 
curved,  fleshy  at  the  base,  and  inserted 
obliquely  (usually  at  the  side  of  a  swollen 
lip)  in  a  moderately  deep  cavity,  which 
is  often  nearly  obsolete.  Calyx,  small, 
partially  closed.  Segments,  short,  and 
irregular.  Basin,  narrow,  regular,  and 
pretty  deep.  Skin,  rather  thick,  yellow- 
ish-green, nearly  overspread  with  cinna- 
mon-russet, except  in  the  shade,  and 
having  occasionally  a  faint  brownish- 
blush  in  the  sun.  Flesh,  white,  a  little  coarse,  and  somewhat  gritty  at  the 
melting,  and  very  juicy.    Flavor,  sugary,  rich,  and  very  fine.    Core,  small.     Seeds 


Alescander  Pear. 


HEAT  AND  LIGHT — ACCLIMATION. 


small,  nearly  black,  and  pointed.  Ripe  from  September  20  to  October  15.  Very 
good.  Shoots,  rather  stout,  yellowish.  Leaves,  one  and  one-fourth  to  one  and 
one-half  inch  long,  narrow,  sharply  acuminate,  deep  green,  glossy,  and  scarcely 
serrated.     Petioles,  long  and  slender. 


HEAT  AND    L  IGHT.— AC  C  L  I  M  ATI  ON. 

BY  AN  OLD  CONTRIBUTOR. 

Fruit  only  obeys  the  general  laws  which  regulate  the  formation  of  vegetable 
secretions.  Heat  and  light  are  unquestionably  the  agents,  though  perhaps  not 
the  sole  agents,  upon  which  all  the  qualities  of  plants  depend.  No  art  can  induce 
the  rhubarb  plant  to  form  in  Europe  the  medicinal  substances  which  give  value 
to  the  drug  in  those  bright  and  heated  regions  of  Asia  which  it  inhabits,  nor  can 
the  tomatoes  ripened  in  England  be  for  a  moment  compared,  for  excellence,  to 
those  produced  in  the  north  of  Africa.  Among  the  immediate  causes  of  the 
changes  that  occur  in  the  secretions  of  fruit,  heat  and  light  being  of  the  first  im- 
portance, the  peculiar  qualities  of  fruit  are  imperfectly  formed  without  them,  espe- 
cially in  species  that  are  natives  of  countries  enjoying  a  high  summer  temperature. 
It  is  found,  that  among  the  effects  of  high  temperature  and  an  exposure  to  bright 
light,  is  the  production  of  sugar  and  of  certain  flavors,  and  that,  under  opposite 
circumstances,  acidity  prevails. 

Yery  curious  results  are  produced  by  this  law  on  plants  in  the  same  latitudes, 
under  different  circumstances  of  light  and  heat.  In  some  parts  of  England,  for 
instance,  trees  and  plants  which  are  natives  of  tropical  climates,  often  remain  in 
the  open  ground  through  the  winter  without  injury.  Oranges,  citrons,  myrtles, 
camellias,  magnolias,  the  Mexican  agave,  &c.,  require  no  protection  from  frost, 
and,  in  sunny  exposures,  are  grown  in  the  open  air ;  yet  the  above  fruits  are  dif- 
ficult to  ripen  under  the  most  favorable  circumstances  of  position.  The  grape 
rarely  ripens,  while  currants  are  acid,  and  only  gooseberries  and  strawberries 
attain  perfection ;  the  apple,  hardy  as  it  appears  in  the  American  climate,  rarely 
comes  to  perfection  in  positions  of  the  average  exposure,  owing  to  the  low  tem- 
perature and  humidity  of  the  summer  there,  in  contrast  with  the  high  temperature 
and  freedom  from  sensible  moisture  here.  The  spread  of  wheat  and  the  better 
cereals,  is  of  recent  date  in  the  British  islands,  and  is  due  only  to  the  great  care 
and  superior  cultivation  applied.  In  1747,  a  small  field  of  wheat  w^as  a  great 
curiosity  at  Edinburgh,  and,  up  to  1770,  very  little  grew  there  ;  now,  it  is  abund- 
ant. It  is,  then,  to  superior  light  and  heat  combined  that  we  are  indebted  for 
our  great  crops  of  cereals  ;  it  is  to  the  same  vivifying  causes,  in  greater  degrees, 
that  the  West  Indies  owe  their  pine-apples  and  highly  flavored  fruits  which  we  in 
vain  attempt  to  produce  without  artificial  means. 

It  may  be  considered  an  axiom  in  horticulture,  that  all  plants  require  the  soil  as 
well  as  the  atmosphere  in  which  they  grow,  to  correspond  in  temperature  with 
that  of  the  countries  of  which  they  are  natives.  The  mean  temperature  of  the 
soil  should  be  above  that  of  the  atmosphere ;  how  much  above,  depends  upon 
climate  and  season.  The  earth  is  warmer  than  the  atmosphere,  as  a  general  rule. 
When  plants  are  cultivated  in  glass  houses,  there  is  little  difficulty  in  supplying 
them  with  the  amount  of  bottom  heat  which  they  may  require  ;  but  this  can  either 
not  be  effected  at  all,  or  only  to  a  limited  degree,  by  a  selection  of  soils  and  situa- 
tions, when  plants  are  cultivated  in  the  open  air ;  and  hence,  one  of  the  many 
difficulties  of  acclimatizing  in  a  cold  country  the  species  of  a  warmer  climate.  It 
is  true  that  plants  will  exist  within  wide  limits  of  temperature,  and,  consequently. 


CHEAP  VINERIES. 

a  few  degrees  of  difference  in  the  natural  bottom  heat  to  which  they  are  exposed, 
may  not  affect  them  so  far  as  to  destroy  them  ;  but  it  cannot  be  doubted  that  the 
conditions  most  favorable  to  their  growth,  are  those  which  embrace  a  temperature 
rather  above  than  below  that  to  which  they  are  accustomed  in  their  native  haunts. 
This  point  ascertained,  we  have  come  to  an  important  discovery  regarding  accli- 
mation. 


CHEAP    YINBRIES. 

To  build  a  cheap  vinery,  use  posts  at  back  5  feet  apart,  5  inches  by  2j,  8  feet 
out,  and  2  feet  in  the  ground ;  posts  in  front  5  feet  apart,  of  same  dimensions  as 
those  at  back,  3  feet  out  of  the  ground  and  20  inches  in ;  the  ground  must  be 
well  rammed  around  the  posts.  Rafters,  14  feet  long,  3  inches  by  2^  ;  mine  were 
ready  cut  for  glazing  at  Montgomery's  saw-mills,  Brentford.  They  have  been  in 
their  present  places  eight  years,  and  have  neither  warped  nor  sagged  ;  they  may 
be  placed  15  inches  apart.  These  14-feet  rafters  give  me  ground  width  inside  of 
about  12 J  feet;  so  that  my  house  is  8  feet  high  at  back,  3  feet  at  front,  and  30 
feet  long.  To  give  more  head  room,  I  have  a  sunken  path  in  its  centre  15  inches 
deep,  and  2  feet  wide.  My  walls  are  formed  of  f-inch  Deal  boards,  not  feather- 
edged  or  rebated,  nailed  as  closely  together  as  possible  (they  shrink  and  let  in  air 
all  the  better)  ;  they  are,  as  well  as  the  rafters  and  other  parts  of  the  house,  painted 
with  anti-corrosive  paint  of  a  bright  stone  color,  and  the  effect  is  neat  and  good. 
Three  sliding  shutters  (each  3  feet  long  and  10  inches  wide)  are  in  the  back  wall, 
or,  rather,  boards,  within  about  18  inches  of  the  top.  One  10-inch  board  at  front 
is  on  hinges,  forming  a  shutter,  so  as  to  give  a  continuous  opening  there  10  inches 
wide.  The  roof  itself  is  fixed — a  matter  of  some  importance  in  cost.  My  soil 
is  dry  and  sandy,  so  I  have  not  prepared  any  border,  but  merely  forked  in  some 
rotten  dung,  mixing  it  with  the  soil  to  about  20  inches  deep.  I  prune  the  vines 
on  the  spur  method,  do  not  grow  large  bunches,  and  always  have  a  nice  crop.  I 
have  fourteen  Black  Hamburgh  vines  in  my  house,  for  I  reckon  that  a  vine  on  the 
spur  system,  and  the  summer  shoots  well  shortened  in,  ought  not  to  occupy  more 
than  2  feet  in  width  ;  they  give  me,  in  round  numbers,  about  one  cwt.  of  grapes 
annually.  The  vines  are  planted  inside  the  boarded  wall  in  front,  and  as  there  is 
no  brickwork,  their  roots  have  full  liberty  to  go  inside  or  out.  Air  is  my  great 
ally.  I  believe  that  our  summer's  sun  gives  heat  enough  to  ripen  all  the  fruits  of 
temperate  climates  under  glass,  and  that  the  vast  increase  of  heat  by  day,  when 
the  sun  shines,  is  quite  enough  without  endeavoring  to  "  shut  it  in"  at  night,  as 
the  old  gardeners  used  to  say,  which  only  gives  grapes  with  thick  skins,  and  with- 
out color.  I  am  now  only  alluding  to  the  ripening  of  fruits  at  their  natural  sea- 
son ;  forcing  to  have  them  early  is  quite  another  affair. 

Grapes,  particularly  Black  Hamburghs,  are  easily  grown  under  glass.  I  have 
not  yet  said  the  cost  of  my  vinery.  I  am  almost  fearful  it  will,  by  the  builders, 
be  tiaought  too  cheap.  My  30-feet  house  did  not  cost  seventy-five  dollars,  and  I 
have  a  strong  suspicion  that  a  man  fond  of  doing  his  own  carpentry  might  do  it 
for  fifty  or  sixty.  Glass  is  cheap,  rafters  are  cheap,  and  |-inch  boards  for  the 
walls  are  also  cheap  enough. — Vigneron,  in  London  Florist. 


'/The   Young  Gardener's  Assistant.     By  Thomas  Bridgeman, 
'New  York,  1857.     A  new  edition,  with  an  Appendix. 

This  is  an  original  work,  by  the  late  Mr.  Bridgeman,  which 
has  long  kept  its  place  as  a  standard  book  in  the  gardening 
world,  and,  with  McMahon's  (published  in  Philadelphia),  con- 
tinues to  be  the  guide  to  the  novice  no  less  than  the  practised 
hand. 
TVe  like  to  record  the  success  of  practical  men.  In  the  case  of  the  Messrs. 
Bridgemans,  we  find  an  industrious  and  thoughtful  father  successful  through  a 
lengthened  career,  and  leaving  his  sons  established  in  the  same  business  and  in  the 
same  place,  after  his  death.  Nos.  876  and  878  Broadway,  New  York,  are  now  the 
property  of  the  two  sons,  Andrew  and  Alfred.  The  seed  department  is  managed 
by  Alfred,  and  the  greenhouses  by  Andrew  Bridgeman,  in  two  well-built  stores, 
with  their  dwellings  above.  The  business  was  first  commenced  in  1828,  by  the 
father,  and  continued  by  him  until  1850  (the  period  of  his  decease),  when  the 
sons  erected  two  four-story  houses,  well  adapted  to  their  objects ;  the  southerly 
one  is  devoted  to  the  sale  of  vegetable,  herb,  flower,  and  grass  seeds,  horticultural 
books,  and  garden  tools  and  implements  ;  the  walls  are  plastered  on  all  sides  with 
cement,  and  the  floor  is  of  concrete,  making  it  secure  from  dampness  and  the 
attacks  of  vermin.  In  the  house  devoted  to  the  plant  department,  the  basement 
is  divided  into  a  flower-room  for  keeping  and  making-up  cut  flowers,  and  a  pack- 
ing-room and  general  stowage  ;  the  store  is  appropriately  fitted  up  with  shelvings, 
counters,  &c.,  and  floored  with  encaustic  tiles:  in  connection  with  it  is  a  green- 
house, eighteen  feet  wide  and  one  hundred  and  thirty  feet  long.  A  neat  fountain 
with  gold  fishes  in  the  front  part,  attracts  much  attention  from  the  Broadway 
loungers. 

This  greenhouse  is  heated  by  two  of  Hitching's  hot-water  apparatus,  advertised 
in  this  journal,  and  which  Mr.  B.  assures  us  answer  admirably. 

The  country  establishment  is  at  Astoria,  where  there  is  a  fine  propagating  house, 

g^^t -  = 


five  greenhouses,  two  rose-liouses,  one  rose  pit,  and  about  forty  sashes  of  frames 
for  violets,  pansies,  &c.  The  grounds  are  ornamented  with  difiTerent  varieties  of 
fruit-trees,  and  are  occupied  principally  in  growing  roses,  ornamental  and  flower- 
ing shrubs,  fruit,  herbaceous  and  greenhouse  plants,  asparagus,  rhubarb,  straw- 
berries, &c.  &c.  Mr.  B.  is  prepared  to  execute  orders  to  auy  amount  for  forest 
trees,  dwarf  pears,  &c. 

In  the  city  store  will  be  found  one  of  the  finest  collections  of  bulbous  roots ;  a 
number  of  each  kind  are  potted  for  those  who  desire  to  have  them  already  started 
— a  convenience  which  many  salesmen  cannot  afford.  Here  will  also  be  found 
fancy  flower-pots,  bulb-glasses,  and  baskets  for  flowers,  of  which  latter  ornaments 
they  fill  innumerable  orders  during  the  winter  season,  as  well  as  hand-bouquets 
and  designs  for  parties  and  suppers.  The  greenhouse  in  the  city  is  filled  with 
plants  suited  for  private  houses  during  winter,  and,  in  spring,  they  are  replaced 
with  bedding-out  plants,  for  which  the  establishment  is  famous  throughout  the 
Eastern  and  Middle  States. 

This  sketch  of  the  business  of  two  brothers  in  the  heart  of  New  York,  realizes  an 
agreeable  picture,  and  is  an  example  of  exactly  what  we  like  to  see.  To  minds  im- 
bued with  a  love  of  nature's  gifts,  and,  of  course,  admirers  of  the  floral  world,  it 
would  seem  to  us  to  afford  an  amount  of  enjoyment  which  few  other  occupations 
can  give.  We  record  it  for  the  encouragement  of  those  who  may  now  be  strug- 
gling with  economy  and  industry  to  found  similar  establishments  elsewhere.  There 
is  not  a  city  in  our  land  where  equally  persevering  attention  and  honesty  may  not 
bring  like  results. 


A  Series  of  Nine  Botanical  Diagrams,  By  the  Rev.  Professor  Henslow,  of  the 
University  of  Cambridge.  Day  &  Son ;  issued  for  the  Committee  of  Council 
on  Education,  Department  of  Science  and  Art.     London. 

These  are  colored  figures  printed  on  paper  40  inches  by  30,  from  drawings  on 
zinc  by  Mr.  Fitch. 


OBITUARY.  — JAMES  D.    FULTON. 

Died,  suddenly,  on  tlie  22d  of  October,  Mr.  James  D.  Fulton,  of  Marcus  Hook  (formerly 
of  Philadelphia),  in  his  forty-third  year.  Mr.  Fulton  was  in  New  Jersey,  with  some  of  his 
men,  collecting  packing  moss,  when  he  complained  of  not  feeling  well,  suddenly  fell  to  the 
ground,  and  soon  after  expired.  It  was  long  known  to  himself  and  his  friends  that  he 
labored  under  a  disease  of  the  heart,  and  his  death,  though  sudden,  was  not  altogether 
unexpected. 

Mr.  F.  was  one  of  the  most  active  working  members  of  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural 
Society,  and  the  fruit  committee,  especially,  will  sustain  a  severe  loss.  Of  one  whose  course 
in  life  had  been  so  unobtrusive  as  was  that  of  Mr.  Fulton,  devoid  of  striking  incident — in- 
deed, of  variety  itself — but  little  may  be  said  of  interest  to  others  than  friends  who  appre- 
ciate his  worth,  and  lament  his  early  death,  occurring,  as  it  did,  before  his  plans  of  useful- 
ness had  been  fully  consummated. 

James  D.  Fulton  was  born  at  Bainbridge,  County  Down,  Ireland,  and  accompanied  his 
parents  to  this  country  when  about  six  years  of  age.  His  father  had  been  bred  to  horticul- 
tural pursuits,  which  circumstance  gave  direction  to  the  son's  bent  and  inclination.  Some 
time  after  his  arrival  in  this  country,  his  father  sought  and  obtained  employment  at  the 
nursery  grounds  of  the  late  D.  and  C.  Landreth,  and  was  for  a  short  period  foreman  of  the  Fifth 
Street  branch  of  their  establishment ;  the  son,  then  a  school-boy,  acquired  the  rudiments  of 
an  English  education.  It  is  not  known  that  he  exhibited  an  especial  tact  or  inclination  to 
study,  but  great  aptness  for  the  mechanical  effort  of  writing,  which  was  not  impaired  by 


OBITUARY — JAMES  D.  FULTON. 

hardened  sinews,  the  result  of  daily  labor ;  few  men  with  whom  writing  is  an  every-day 
occupation,  could  use  the  pen  with  greater  celerity  or  grace. 

The  decease  of  his  father,  whilst  he  was  still  a  mere  youth,  leaving  his  mother  dependent 
on  her  own  exertions,  led  to  his  being  placed  with  the  Messrs.  Landreth,  in  the  capacity  of 
an  appi'entice,  whilst  the  mother,  to  be  near  her  son,  resided  in  the  family  of  one  of  those 
gentlemen  ;  and  it  may  here  be  observed,  as  an  instance  of  long-continued  connection  (so 
unusual  in  this  country),  that  though  in  advanced  age,  she  still  remains  a  useful  attache  of 
the  present  firm  of  David  Landreth  &  Son. 

On  reaching  manhood,  James  ultimately  became  the  foreman  of  Mr.  Thomas  Landreth, 
in  which  position  he  so  conducted  as  to  secure  the  good  opinion  of  his  employer  and  his 
customers.  On  Mr.  T.  Landreth  relinquishing  business,  the  nursery  grounds  passed  into 
the  hands  of  Mr.  David  Landreth,  who,  being  otherwise  engaged,  interested  Fulton  in  the 
concern,  giving  him  the  sole  charge  of  the  nursery,  which  he  so  managed  as  to  secure  the 
approbation  of  all  persons  having  business  relations  with  the  establishment.  On  Mr.  Lan- 
dreth's  declining  that  branch  of  his  profession,  Mr.  Fulton  decided  to  embark  in  business  on 
his  own  account,  with  the  intent  to  confine  his  attention  more  particularly  to  greenhouse 
plants,  to  the  propagation  and  cultivation  of  which,  especially  camellias,  he  had  a  special 
inclination,  and  perhaps  was  not  excelled  in  successful  efi'orts  in  that  department  of  horti- 
culture. 

Mr.  Fulton  had,  but  a  few  months  previously  to  his  decease,  removed  to  a  small  property 
recently  purchased  by  him,  adjoining  Marcus  Hook,  in  Delaware  County,  Pa.,  where  he  was 
surrounding  himself  with  the  means  of  rational  enjoyment,  and  was  giving  promise  of  in- 
creased usefulness.  He  had  there  lain  the  foundation  of  a  systematic  nursery,  and  had  his 
life  been  prolonged,  his  grounds  doubtless  would  have  proven  of  much  public  utility.  It 
has  been  ordered  otherwise,  and,  in  his  case,  the  emphatic  declaration,  "  in  the  midst  of 
life  we  are  in  death,"  was  verified.  Whilst  out  from  home,  on  business  connected  with  his 
nursery,  he  was  suddenly  stricken  by  an  affection  of  the  heart,  and  died  within  an  hour 
of  the  attack,  in  the  forty-third  year  of  his  age,  leaving  a  widow,  childless. 

Mr.  Fulton  brought  to  his  profession  the  aid  of  reading,  observation,  and  reflection,  and 
though,  like  most  self-made  men,  he  may  have  been  at  times  over-confident  in  his  conclu- 
sions and  deductions,  he  had  the  merit  of  receiving  with  respect  the  opinions  of  others  ; 
and  there  are  none  who  associated  intimately  with  him  but  will  bear  witness  to  his  integrity 
of  purpose  in  every  relation  of  life.  Like  others,  he  was  not  without  peculiarities  of  charac- 
ter, one  of  which  was  his  refusal,  from  some  covenantic  sentiment,  to  claim  the  right  of  citi- 
zenship, and,  of  course,  he  never  exercised  the  elective  franchise  pertaining  to  that  con- 
dition— in  this  particular,  presenting  a  striking  contrast  to  his  countrymen  in  general.  It 
is,  however,  with  him  in  his  professional  capacity,  this  sketch  is  concerned,  and  the  writer 
can  conscientiously  pronounce  him  to  have  possessed  the  best  characteristic  of  his  profes- 
sion— he  was  reliable  in  every  particular — no  man  ever  intrusted  his  interest  in  his 
keeping,  and  was  unfairly  dealt  by.  In  no  pursuit  in  life  is  opportunity  greater  or  more 
frequent  to  lean  to  the  side  of  our  own  interest  than  that  of  the  nurseryman ;  and  it  may 
be  safely  affirmed,  that  in  none  where  an  equal  measure  of  intelligence  and  industry  is 
requisite,  is  compensation  so  illy  bestowed. 

He  who  would  discharge  his  duty  to  the  public  in  that  capacity,  should  bring  to  his  aid 
more  than  a  mere  average  share  of  intelligence,  close  observation,  and  patient,  unflagging 
industry.  He  may,  as  many  do,  get  on  with  less,  but  nothing  less  will  strictly  qualify  him 
for  his  post.  Possessing  these  requisites,  he  may  naturally  expect  the  result  to  be  inde- 
pendence, if  not  wealth ;  but  how  few  there  are,  if  any,  in  this  country  who  have  attained 
it !  We  shall  not  speculate  on  the  advantage  of  prolonged  Industry,  nor  moralize  on  the 
relative  usefulness  to  the  community  and  individuals  of  idleness  and  industry ;  our  object 
is  simply  to  call  attention  to  a  fact,  with  the  view  to  impress  upon  the  reader's  mind,  if  he 
have  occasion  to  purchase  the  products  of  the  nursery,  that  prices  apparently  high,  in 
many  cases  yield  but  inadequate  return  for  necessary  care  and  skill. 

In  conchiding  this  brief  notice  of  one  who  has  so  suddenly  passed  away,  it  is  gratifying 
to  bear  testimony,  and  record  the  fact  on  pages  devoted  to  the  promotion  of  the  pursuit  to 
which  he  was  so  ardently  attached,  of  his  sterling  worth ;  in  every  relation  of  life  he  was 
"an  honest  man." 

His  quiet  manner,  and  unobtrusive  mode  of  getting  along,  made  the  name  of  Fulton  but 
little  known  abroad ;  he  never  advertised,  and  thus  one  of  the  best  and  most  promising 
nurseries  of  the  vicinity  of  Philadeli^hia,  was  rarely  mentioned  beyond  a  small  circle.     Thi 
course  can  rarely  be  as  successful  as  one  which  promulgates  a  knowledge  of  what  is 
forward. 


editor's  table. 


The  old  Book  on  Oechakds  and  Gardening,  of  which  we  have  ah'eady  spoken,  and  given 
specimens,  and  which  is  the  greatest  curiosity  in  its  way  that  we  have  seen,  goes  far  to 
prove  that  all  knowledge  is  not  exactly  modern.  It  enforces  much  that  orchardists  and 
gardeners  of  the  present  times  insist  on,  and  altogether  jnakes  a  good  foundation  for  a  hor- 
ticultiaral  library.  We  are  glad  to  learn  it  is  exciting  lively  interest,  and  proves  an  incen- 
tive to  our  friends  to  make  a  little  exertion  to  obtain  readers  for  us,  and  thus  procure  the 
work  for  themselves. 

The  knowledge  which  the  ancients  had  of  farming  and  gardening,  has  lately  been  exa- 
mined by  Dr.  Daubeney,  who  has  just  published  his  "Lectures  on  Roman  Husbandry, 
delivered  before  the  University  of  Oxford."  He  takes  up  the  history  of  agriculture  as  the 
science  was  developed  by  Columella.  The  early  husbandmen  prized  the  rich  loam  soils, 
and  learned  to  distinguish  the  earth  that  is  soon  crusted  by  the  sun  from  that  which  is 
friable,  black,  and  porous,  and  judged  of  the  land  by  ascertaining  whether  it  produced  the 
lotus,  the  reed,  or  the  basket-rush.  They  knew  where  to  find  springs,  and  how  to  estimate 
an  argillaceous  district.  To  this  day,  in  the  South  of  France,  men  are  held  in  high  estima- 
tion who  possess  the  art  of  finding  hidden  waters,  and  that  was  an  old  Grecian  invention. 
It  is  a  curious  circumstance,  that  one  of  the  methods  described,  by  Hesiod  is  precisely  the 
same  as  that  now  employed  by  certain  African  tribes  ;  they  ascend  to  a  hill-top  before  sun- 
rise, and  when  the  warmth  of  the  dawn  begins  to  glow,  they  observe  where  exhalations 
rise.  The  Attic  farmer,  moreover,  understood  the  processes  of  irrigation,  the  tokens  of  tlie 
weather,  the  agricultural  signification  of  stars,  clouds,  swarms  of  insects,  the  coloi-s  painted 
on  the  sky  by  the  setting  sun,  the  ground  fogs  round  Hymettus,  the  vapors  on  the  Caplia- 
rean  peaks.  He  judged  from  circles  round  the  moon,  meteors,  rainbows,  bubbles  on  the 
surface  of  a  river,  the  cry  of  a  crane  or  chafiinch,  the  flight  of  island  birds,  the  roll  of  dol- 
phins, the  creeping  of  the  land  toad  into  its  pool,  the  burning  of  the  caudle-wick,  and  a 
hundred  other  natural  omens.  But  it  was  in  the  processes  of  agriculture  that  the  Greek 
ingenuity  most  conspicuously  displayed  itself.  The  farmer,  if  wealthy,  kept  smiths',  car- 
penters', and  i)otters'  works  upon  his  land,  and  constructed  his  own  wagons  with  ilex  axles, 
maple  yokes  for  the  oxen,  poplar  or  mulberry  felloes  in  the  wheels.  He  applied  manure  to 
the  fields,  and  justly  appreciated  the  value  of  guano.  Few  improvements  have  been  made 
on  the  manure  pits  of  ancient  Greece  ;  the  Grecians  had  a  harvest  home  as  in  modern  times. 

The  Greek  authors  supply  abundance  of  details  on  the  floriculture  of  their  contemporaries, 
on  the  artificial  blanching  of  roses,  on  the  planting  of  garlic  near  their  roots,  with  the  fan- 
ciful intention  of  enhancing  their  fragrance  ;  on  the  immersion  of  lily  bulbs  in  cinnabar 
and  purple  wine,  on  the  cultivation  of  stoneless  jjeaches,  piebald  figs,  and  almonds  bearing 
natural  inscriptions. 

In  his  view  of  Roman  husbandry.  Dr.  Daubeney  indicates  many  similar  points.  Like 
the  Greeks,  the  Romans  prized,  above  all  other  kinds,  the  manure  yielded  by  birds,  reject- 
ing that  of  aquatic  species,  unless  mixed  with  superior  qualities.  The  sweepings  of  dove- 
cotes were  highly  valued.     The  use  of  chaplets  necessitated  the  cultivation  of  flowers. 


editor's  table. 

although  "  winter  coronets"  were  made  from  shavings  variotisly  dyed,  which  afterwards 
gave  place  to  gold  and  silver.  Among  fruits,  he  considers  the  melon  was  unknown  before 
the  times  of  Pliny,  but  it  was  before  his  time  that  it  was  recommended  to  perfume  it,  by 
keeping  the  seed  in  a  bed  of  rose  leaves  1 

The  peach,  he  says,  was  brought  from  Persia,  and  Columella  alludes  to  the  fable  of  its 
poisonous  qualities  ;  probably  the  prussic  acid  in  the  kernels.  These  topics  possess  interest, 
and  might  occasionally  be  curious,  if  reproduced  at  our  agricultural  and  horticultural 
societies,  where  men  sometimes  promulgate  news  that  was  familiar  to  the  oldest  writers 
whose  productions  are  preserved. 


NuKSEKT  Gkounds  FOR  Sale. — We  refer  to  the  advertising  sheet  for  the  particulars  of  a 
nursery  spot  near  this  city,  which  is  worthy  the  consideration  of  some  practical  man,  who 
would  receive  aid  in  his  sales  which  would  be  very  valuable,  and  would  not  require  him 
to  seek  business  entirely  himself.  The  land,  we  know,  has  the  best  capabilities,  and  is 
partly  stocked. 


American  Fruits  in  England. — British  gardening  has  become  celebrated  for  the  great  im- 
provements it  has  effected  in  floriculture,  and  the  whole  process  of  rural  adornments. 
Strangely  enough,  pomology  has  been,  to  a  great  extent,  neglected.  In  the  hands  of  a  few 
enterprising  men,  strawberries  and  exotic  grapes  have  improved  a  little,  but  the  horticultu- 
ral societies  have  done  little  towards  encouraging  a  popular  taste  for  fruits.  Latterly,  a 
pomological  society  has  been  formed ;  and,  more  recently,  the  London  Horticultural  Society 
has  had  exhibitions  specially  for  fruits,  the  first  of  which,  held  October  24,  seems  to  have 
been  very  successful.  Foreign  growers  were  invited  to  compete,  and  it  was  hoped  tliat 
some  contributions  would  be  sent  from  this  country.  We  did  not  expect  that  anything 
would  be  forwarded,  as  the  chances  would  be  very  unequal  of  their  success  after  so  long  a 
voyage,  in  a  contest  with  fruit  just  fresh  from  the  hands  of  the  growers  to  the  exhibition 
tables.  We  were  therefore  much  gratified  to  see,  in  the  report,  amongst  the  exhibitors, 
Messrs.  Hovey,  of  Boston,  and  that  their  courageous  experiment  of  astonishing  John  Bull 
with  American-grown  fruits,  was  not  altogether  unsuccessful.  Of  the  pears,  the  report 
says : — 

"  Messrs.  Hovey,  of  Boston,  showed  a  collection  of  American  pears  in  this  class  ;  they 
had  a  warm,  brown  look  with  them,  but,  in  point  of  growth,  were  greatly  inferior  to  English 
fruit.  We  understand,  however,  that  this  has  been  a  bad  season  with  the  Americans  for 
pears,  and  those  exhibited  were  likewise  damaged  very  much  from  travelling,  all  of  which, 
in  some  measure,  served  to  detract  from  what  merit  they  would  otherwise  have  possessed. 
They  consisted  of  Beurre  d'Anjou,  Beurre  Gris  d'Hiver,  Beurre  Bosc,  Beurre  Superfin,  Beurre 
Diel,  Duchess  d'Angouleme,  Paradise  d'Automne,  Swan's  Orange,  Beurre  Clairgeau,  Passe 
Colmar,  Van  Mons  Leon  le  Clerc,  Glou  Morceau,  Nouveau  Poiteau,  Marie  Louise,  Edwards' 
Elizabeth,  Sheldon,  Winter  Nelis,  Colmar  d'Aremberg,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  and  others." 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that,  with  three  exceptions,  the  collection  should  have  been  made  up 
of  kinds  of  foreign  origin.  American  pears  seem  nearly  unknown  in  England.  The  Seckel, 
from  the  private  garden  of  the  Queen  of  England,  took  the  first  prize  as  a  single  dish.  The 
Lodge  is  noticed  as  a  fine,  juicy,  American  variety,  but  entirely  destitute  of  aroma.  These 
are  the  only  American  names  we  notice  in  a  long  list  of  worthies,  unless  "  Chapman's  Pear" 
is  intended  for  the  Chapman  of  Philadelphia,  which  is,  at  best,  but  second  rate. 

The  apples  seemed  to  have  better  pleased  our  cousins.  The  report  says  :  "  Of  these  there 
was  a  large  and  extremely  good  exhibition,  and  the  great  size  and  large  amount  of  color  in 
many  of  them,  rendered  them  objects  of  universal  admiration."  For  the  table,  the  Baldwin 
was  considered  superior;  and  the  Rhode  Island  Greening,  after  (like  a  "raw  Vermonter") 


N.  S. :  YoL.  YIII.— January,  1858. 


exciting  their  laughter  by  its  "  green"  exterior,  was  pronounced  "  excellent  for  general  pur- 
poses," nevertheless. 

In  speaking  of  the  apples  from  the  royal  gardens,  the  report,  after  naming  some,  con- 
tinues, "  and  the  Jefferson,  which  is  a  new  American  variety,  of  excellent  quality  and  great 
beauty."  This  will  be  information  to  many  of  our  readers.  We  presume,  the  kind  known 
in  New  York  as  the  "  Jefferson  County,"  is  the  one  alluded  to.  If  any  of  our  friends  have 
had  any  experience  with  this  kind,  we  should  be  glad  to  receive  it. 


Faiemount  Park. — Our  fellow  citizens  are  becoming  impatient  at  the  conduct  of  their 
representatives  in  Councils.  A  large  sum  of  money  has  been  paid  by  private  persons,  to 
present  a  large  addition  to  the  Fairmount  Park,  and  we  now  see  our  "  city  fathers"  allowing 
the  place  to  be  occupied  by  picnic  parties,  the  trees  neglected  and  injured — because,  for- 
sooth, they  are  afraid  of  the  foreign  voters !  This  will  not  do.  The  native  vote  demands 
attention  to  the  wants  and  wishes  of  a  great  city,  and  a  Park  we  must  have.  Let  the 
present  incumbents  say  or  do  what  they  will,  public  sentiment  demands  action  in  a  matter 
to  which  Councils  are  committed  by  their  own  acts,  no  less  than  by  legislative  command 
in  the  law  consolidating  the  great  city  of  Philadelphia. 

If  Councils  will  authorize  it,  and  prevent  the  overrunning  of  the  Park  by  picnic  parties, 
we  would  undertake  to  enlist  a  sufficient  number  of  our  friends — the  gardeners — to  supply 
a  great  amount  of  trees  gratuitously,  if  necessary.  Plant  these,  make  a  good  sward,  and 
a  few  roads  and  paths,  and  the  thing  is  ready  for  a  finish  whenever  educated  men  control 
our  local  legislation.     Let  us  have  no  jobs. 

Botanical  Explokeks. — Fraser's  name  often  occurs  among  the  early  botanical  explorers 
of  this  country,  and  it  is  given  to  several  plants,  including  a  fine  Rhododendron.  The  elder 
Fraser  visited  Newfoundland  previous  to  the  year  1784,  and  commenced  his  researches  in  the 
Southern  States  in  1785.  Michaux,  in  his  first  expedition  to  the  mountains,  in  1787,  speaks 
of  having  travelled  with  him  for  several  days.  Under  the  pati-onage  of  the  Russian  govern- 
ment, he  returned  to  this  country  in  1799,  accompanied  by  his  eldest  son,  and  revisited  the 
mountains.  It  was  Mr.  Fraser's  good  fortune  to  discover  and  collect  living  specimens  of 
the  new  and  splendid  Rhododendron  Catawbiense,  from  which  so  many  hybrid  varieties 
have  since  been  obtained  by  skilful  cultivators.  The  father  and  son  revisited  the  Southern 
States  in  1807,  and  the  latter,  after  the  decease  of  the  father,  in  1811,  returned  to  this  coun- 
try, and  continued  his  indefatigable  labors  till  1817.  Lyon  and  Pursh,  both  gardeners  to 
Mr.  Hamilton,  of  Philadelphia,  next  visited  the  wilds  of  the  Southwest.  Kin  (a  queer 
German)  next  investigated  this  great  botanical  region  ;  and  then  came  Nuttall.  Dr.  Gray 
subsequently  made  a  tour  to  the  mountains  of  Carolina,  and  published  his  account  in  Sil- 
liman's  Journal,  from  which  these  facts  and  dates  are  taken. 

All  these  explorers  have  given  more  or  less  attention  to  the  scenery — Bartram,  especially ; 
and  we  are  tempted  to  requote  from  Dr.  Gray,  who  credits  the  following  description  of  the 
Roan  Mountain  to  Professor  Mitchell : — 

"  With  the  exception  of  a  body  of  granite  rocks,  looking  like  the  ruins  of  an  old  castle, 
near  its  southwestern  extremity,  the  top  of  the  Roan  may  be  described  as  a  vast  meadow, 
about  nine  miles  in  length,  and  with  a  maximum  elevation  of  six  thousand  and  thirty  feet, 
without  a  tree  to  obstruct  the  prospect,  where  a  person  may  gallop  his  horse  for  a  mile  or 
two,  with  Carolina  at  his  feet,  on  one  side,  and  Tennessee  on  the  other,  and  a  green  ocean  of 
mountains,  raised  into  tremendous  billows,  immediately  about  him.  It  is  the  pasture 
ground  for  the  young  horses  of  the  whole  country  about  it  during  the  summer.  We  found 
the  strawberry  here  in  the  greatest  abundance,  and  of  the  finest  quality,  in  regard  to 
size  and  flavor,  on  the  30th  of  July."     Prof.  Mitchell  is  of  Chapel  Hill  University,  N 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 


Greenhouses  are  too  often  unsightly.  Elegance  should  prevail  in  a  structure,  the  very 
object  of  which  is  to  express  ornament  and  refinement.  The  expense  of  construction  is  no 
greater  for  a  graceful  proportion  and  good  design  than  a  frightful  one,  stuck  all  over  with 
meretricious  ornamentation.  As  a  rule,  elegance  is  favorable  to  cheapness,  as  those  lines 
and  angles  which  most  please  the  eye,  are  usually  those  which  consume  the  least  amount 
of  material. 

The  annexed  design  is  for  a  moderate  greenhouse  on  a  south  or  east  wall,  within  view  of 
the  house  windows,  or  communicating  with  one.  The  top  lights  are  placed  at  an  angle  of 
450.  An  ornamen- 
tal moulding  or 
cornice  runs  along 
the  front,  serving 
as  a  gutter  to  carry 
off  the  rain.  The 
front  sashes  extend 
without  interrup- 
tion from  the  roof 
to  the  ground,  one 
of  them  opening  as 
the  door.  The  cost 
of  such  a  structure 
need  not  be  greater 
than  is  usually  paid 
for  a  homely  build- 
ing, which  would 
be  an  eye-sore  to 
every  person  of 
taste.  The  accom- 
panying is  at  once 
elegant  and  simple ; 

it  consists  mostly  of  glass,  the  sashes  for  which  being  now  made  with  machinery  (though 
we  confess  not  so  well  as  by  hand),  form  a  small  item  of  the  cost.  It  affords  greater  accom- 
modation within  than  can  be  had  in  a  structure  half  timber,  and  affords  ample  light. 

The  eye  should  never  be  annoyed,  most  especially  in  all  that  pertains  to  flower  culture. 


Pampas  Grass. — The  Southern  States  may  possess  this  beautiful  ornament ;  at  the  North, 
it  is  much  to  be  feared  it  will  not  succeed.  The  Gardeners^  Chronicle  gives  this  description  : 
"A  few  blades  of  worthless  grass  in  four  months  had  formed  a  tuft  large  enough  to  be  trusted 
to  the  unj)rotected  ground  ;  in  four  months  more  it  had  formed  a  great  hemisphere  of  grace- 
fully curving  leaves.  When  winter  came  it  went  to  rest ;  with  warm  weather  it  roused 
itself,  and  immediately  commenced  a  gradual  overflow  of  beautiful  foliage,  till  in  six 
months  more  it  stood  revealed  in  all  the  grace  and  majesty  of  its  nature.  It  might  be  de- 
scribed as  a  fountain  of  vegetation,  acquiring  more  and  more  force  from  day  to  day,  till  at 
last  the  gushing  fluid  sprang  up  into  jets  of  living  silver." 


Mosquito  Powder. — In  the  new  book  of  travels  by  Mr.  Fortune,  whose  services  we  are 
happy  to  know  have  been  engaged  by  the  Patent  Oflice  at  Washington,  there  is  a  receipt 
for  the  composition  of  the  mosquito  powder  mentioned  by  other  visitors  of  China  as  emi- 
nently successful  in  dispersing  these  nuisances.     What  "  nu-wang"  is,  we  are  not  informed. 
'  The  persons  employed,  at  the  end  of  two  months,  ascertained  that  the  ingredients  were  pine 


and  juniper  sawings,  wormwood  leaves,  and  tobacco  leaves  reduced  to  powder,  a  small  por- 
tion of  nu-wang,  and  arsenic.  The  quantity  of  the  latter  is  exceedingly  small,  and  can 
hardly  be  injurious  to  health.  The  odor  is  not  at  all  disagreeable,  "not  more  so  than  the 
incense  which  is  burned  in  every  Chinaman's  house  who  can  afford  the  luxury.  It  is  no 
luxury  to  the  mosquito,  however,  for,  in  two  or  three  minutes  after  it  is  ignited,  not  a  buzz 
is  heard,  or  mosquito  seen.  Mr.  Fortune  ascertained  the  proportion  of  the  ingredients,  and 
the  diflferent  forms  in  which  it  is  for  sale.  One  of  these  is  in  little  coils,  one  hundred  of 
which  may  be  bought  for  a  sum  equivalent  to  three  pence  of  our  money,  and  two  of  them 
will  suffice  for  a  night,  in  an  ordinary-sized  room." 


Frames  for  Hothouses. — At  a  late  meeting  of  the  London  Horticultural  Society,  Mr.  How- 
lett,  a  gardener  of  Norwich,  sent  a  better  model  of  his  new  plan  of  shading  and  protecting  hot- 
houses than  that  furnished  by  him  at  the  great  manufacturers'  show  at  Chiswick,  in  June 
last.  He  covers  the  outside  of  the  entire  roof  of  the  house  with  what  may  be  called  a 
Venetian  blind,  made  of  thin  boards,  opening  and  shutting  by  means  of  a  quadrant  which 
can  be  set  to  any  angle  at  which  it  may  be  thought  proper  to  fix  the  louvres.  Of  course  in 
this  as  in  most  other  matters  connected  with  gardening,  expense  is  an  important  item,  and 
on  this  point  Mr.  Hewlett  says :  "  I  have  had  estimates  made  of  the  cost  of  fixing,  and  I 
find  that  6d.  per  superficial  foot  would  be  about  the  cost.  I  am  not,"  he  adds,  "  so  sanguine 
as  to  expect  that,  at  that  price,  people  would  cover  more  than  a  small  portion  of  their  glass  ; 
but  I  think  that  for  fern,  orchid,  and  propagating  houses,  it  would  be  found  convenient  and 
valuable."  '  We  think  so,  too.  From  the  same  was  also  a  model  of  a  shutter  for  protecting 
cold  pits  and  frames  in  winter.  This  was  a  black,  water-proof  canvas,  stretched  over  skele- 
ton wooden  frames,  which  are  intended  to  be  laid  over  mats,  Frigi  domo,  or  other  protecting 
materials,  to  keep  them  dry,  and  therefore  add  to  their  durability  and  efficiency.  These 
frames  are  stiffened  by  means  of  diagonal  braces. 

Crattegus. — At  the  same  time,  from  the  garden  of  the  Society,  c^me  branches  loaded  with 
ripe  fruit  of  the  following  Cratseguses,  which  are  at  present  extremely  ornamental,  and  in 
this  respect,  perhaps  the  best  of  their  kinds,  viz :  Aronia,  Leeana,  Orientalis,  Macracantha, 
Coccinea,  and  Punctata  brevispina.  Of  these,  Leeana  had  fruit  nearly  as  large  and  showy 
as  that  of  a  Siberian  Crab ;  that  of  Aronia  was  pale  yellow,  and  tolerably  good  to  eat ; 
Orientalis  and  Punctata  had  dull  red  port-wine  colored  fruit ;  Coccinea,  large  and  bright 
red,  while  that  of  Macracantha  was  brilliant  red,  with  a  beautifully  smooth,  polished  sur- 
face. It  will  thus  be  seen  that  these  Cratseguses  are  objects  of  great  ornament  in  autumn 
when  they  are  in  fruit. 


Bulbs. — It  has  been  a  fine  December  for  planting  bulbous  roots,  and  the  probability  is, 
there  will  be  a  good  display  of  these  flowers  next  spring.  As  an  instance  of  interest  in 
this  line,  we  may  mention  that  such  was  the  enthusiasm  of  Mr.  •  G.  C.  Thorbum  (now  of 
Newark,  N.  J.),  in  order  to  ascertain  whether  it  was  soil  or  climate  that  so  much  weakened 
the  second  and  after  years'  growth  of  foreign  bulbs,  that  he  actually  imported  from  Holland, 
one  autumn,  two  large  barrels  of  the  finest  soil  from  a  hyacinth  nursery,  and  made  one  bed 
entirely  of  it,  removing  all  the  original  soil.  The  result  was  a  most  magnificent  bloom — 
the  admiration  of  thousands  of  his  visitors.  He  carefully  took  up  these  bulbs  in  June,  and 
dried  them  in  the  shade.  They  shrunk  fifty  per  cent.,  and,  on  replacing  them  carefully,  in 
the  fall,  he  had  the  moi-tification  to  find  them  flower  next  year,  weak  and  feeble  stemmed, 
with  not  over  half  the  bells  which  were  on  them  the  first  year.  So  it  must  have  been  the 
climate ;  our  warm  and  exciting  rains  of  May  and  June,  and  the  heat,  are  too  much  for 
them 

Mr.  Thorbum  was,  we  understand,  the  first  to  introduce  crocus  pots  for  winter  flowering 


of  those  lovely  little  pets.  His  instructions  say  :  "  Leave  out  the  pots  •with  crocus,  etc.,  to 
make  them  hardy,  as  the  longer  they  are  out  in  the  atmosphere  the  stronger  they  flower  in 
doors,  when  it  is  too  cold  to  leave  them  out  day  and  night ;  in  the  mean  time,  take  my  advice, 
and  use  them  roughly.  Unless  a  very  hard  frost  (250  or  20O),  don't  bring  them  in,  let  them 
have  the  rain  (as  much  as  falls),  as  it  is  a  well  known  fact,  that  a  bulb  of  hyacinth  in  a 
pot  never  begins  to  grow  well  until  the  pots  are  loell  filled  ivith  its  silvery  roots ;  then,  it 
thinks  of  shooting  upward,  which  the  genial  warmth  of  the  house  favors.  Hyacinths  or 
tulips  never  deteriorate  from  double  to  single,  but,  in  our  climate,  degenerate  into  mere 
small  flowers  with  numerous  offshoots.  It  is  a  fact,  that  after  the  first  year,  both  hyacinths 
and  crocus  dwindle  to  half  their  size,  and  never  flower  as  strong  as  when  first  imported  and 
flowered." 


Ladies'  Dresses. — The  Westminster  Review  has  taken  up  the  topic  of  crinoline,  and  thiis 
alludes  to  inconveniences  that,  doubtless,  some  of  our  readers  will  recognize :  "  The  most 
delicate  flowers  in  the  garden  are  cut  off  by  the  ladies'  hems  as  they  walk  the  path,  and 
the  little  greenhouse  is  no  place  for  such  tragedy  queens  ;  they  cannot  move  without  knock- 
ing down  half  a  dozen  pots." 


Trees  near  Smoky  Towns. — We  are  sometimes  asked  to  give  a  list  of  trees,  shrubs,  and 
flowers,  that  will  grow  in  or  near  smoky  towns  and  cities.  The  following  contains  such  a 
catalogue,  and  may  be  usefully  consulted  even  for  places  where  smoke  is  not  seen,  but 
where  the  evident  effects  of  a  close  population  prevent  many  things  from  fully  prospering : — 

trees  that  will  live  in  or  near  smoky  towns. 

Acer  palmata  (Hand-leaved  Sycamore). — Handsome  foliage  and  branches. 

Carpinus  (the  Hornbeam). — This  close-twigged,  bushy-growing  tree  is  sometimes  seen  in 
such  a  situation  of  considerable  size. 

Crataegus  (the  Thorn). — Several  varieties  of  Thorns  will  live  in  the  neighborhood  of  towns, 
provided  the  soil  is  dry  and  deep. 

Cytissics  (the  Laburnum). — This  half-shrubby  tree  can  be  recommended  for  the  heart  of 
towns. 

Platanus  occidentalis  (the  Western  Plane-Tree). — This  is  the  very  best  for  planting  near 
cities  or  towns. 

Populus. — Some  Poplars  thrive  in  a  middling  way  in  towns.  The  best  is  the  Balsam 
Poplar  {Populus  halsamiferci). 

Sambucus  (the  Elder). — This  is  scarcely  a  tree,  but  it  has  the  quality  of  being  very  hardy 
in  all  places.     Plant  it  where  nothing  else  will  grow. 

Tilia  (the  Lime). — At  a  small  distance  from  the  town,  the  Lime  maybe  planted.  It 
loves  a  dry,  deep  soil. 

SHRUBS. 

Aucuba  japonica  (the  Golden-spotted  Japan  Laurel). — This  evergreen  shrub  seems  almost 
created  to  bear  the  smoke  with  impunity.  Where  the  common  Laurel,  Box,  and  others 
languish  and  die,  this  hardy  Eastern  plant  flourishes  well.  Hardy  though  it  is  in  Phila- 
delphia, it  will  not  bear  the  strong  currents  near  high  buildings  nor  exposure  to  the  winter 
sun. 

Berberis  aquifolia. — A  well-known  evergreen  dwarf  shrub,  with  early  yellow  flowers,  suc- 
ceeded by  purple  berries.     Very  handsome  shining  foliage. 

Buxus  (Box-Tree). — Well-known  as  a  perfectly  hardy  evergreen  near  Philadelphia  and 
New  York. 

(the  Holly). — This  shrub  thrives  very  fairly  in  such  situations,  provided  a  deep, 
dry  loam  is  present. 


Ruscus  aculeatus. — Not  very  handsome,  but  bears  smoke  well. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  we  would  recommend  the  common  Lilac,  Syringa,  and  Snow- 
berry  shrubs,  that  will  live  almost  anywhere,  provided  care  is  taken  to  thin  their  branches 
out,  and  destroy  the  suckers  annually. 

FLOWERS. 

The  list  of  flowers  that  will  live  in  or  near  large,  smoky  towns,  is,  of  necessity,  but  scanty. 
In  general,  early  flowers  do  the  best,  because  their  foliage  has  so  short  an  existence  that 
they  do  not  suffer  so  much  as  others  whose  foliage  is  more  persistent.  To  keep  them  as 
healthy  as  possible  under  such  an  unfavorable  position,  let  the  syringe  and  the  rose  water- 
pot  be  in  constant  use  during  the  growing  months. 


Anemone  japonica. 

"        vernalis. 
Anthericum  liliastrum. 
Arum  Italicum. 
Aster,  several  varieties. 
Astrantia  major. 
Betonica  grandiflora. 
Caltha  palustris  flore-pleno. 
Campanula  glomerata. 
Centaurea  montana. 

"  macrophylla. 

"  macrocephala. 

Clematis  erecta. 
Dielytra  formosa. 
Doronicum  Caucasicum. 
Erigeron  Villarsii. 
Ficaria  ranunculoides  flore-pleno. 


Helianthus  multiflorus. 

Hemerocallis  flava. 
"  fulva. 

Hieracium  aurantiacum. 

Hypericum  elegans. 

Iris,  many  varieties. 

Ononis  rotundifolius. 

Orobus  vernus. 

Pulmonaria  officinalis. 

Saxifraga.  Many  species  of  Saxifrage  bear 
smoke  well.  We  remember  seeing  several 
large  patches  in  the  very  centre  of  one  of 
the  smokiest  of  towns. 

Solidago  minuta. 

Trollius  Asiaticus. 

Veratrum  nigrum,  fine  foliage. 

Vinca  major  and  minor. 


Answers  to  Correspondents. — The  Cyclamens,  &c. — (W.  W.)  These  are  very  suitable 
window  plants.  As  soon  as  the  bloom  is  over,  and  they  show  a  yellow  tinge,  refrain  from 
watering,  first  gradually,  and  then  altogether.  When  quite  withered,  remove  all  decayed 
foliage,  and  place  the  pots  in  a  sheltered  situation  out  of  doors,  turning  them  on  their  sides 
to  exclude  rain.  In  winter,  take  them  in-doors,  and  as  soon  as  they  begin  to  push,  examine 
the  drainage,  top  dress  or  repot,  and  give  a  little  water,  increasing  it  by  degrees  ;  smallish 
pots  will  answer.  Your  Dielytra  spectabilis  should  not  be  over  forced ;  a  coolish  atmosphere 
suits  it.  Daphne  indica  and  odora  should  be  brought  into  the  room  from  a  place  where 
there  has  been  less  heat  than  is  usual  in  parlors,  as  soon  as  the  flower  buds  show  themselves. 

Pot  Pourri. — This,  we  presume,  is  what  you  mean  by  "  a  perfume  made  of  sweet-scented 
leaves,  &c.,  for  fancy  jars."  Mix  half  a  pound  of  common  salt  with  a  quarter  of  a  pound 
of  saltpetre,  a  quarter  of  an  ounce  of  storax,  half  a  dozen  cloves,  a  handful  of  dried  bay 
leaves,  and  another  handful  of  dried  lavender  flowers.  This  basis  of  the  Pot  Pourri  will 
last  for  years,  and  you  may  add  to  it  annually  petals  of  roses  and  of  other  fragrant  flowers 
gathered  on  dry  days,  as  fancy  may  dictate.  By  the  same  rule,  you  may  add,  if  approved 
of,  powdered  benzoin,  chips  of  sandal  wood,  cinnamon,  orris  root,  and  musk.  A  very  ex- 
cellent Pot  Pourri  is  made,  in  winter,  with  a  pound  of  dried  rose  petals,  mixed  with  four 
ounces  of  salt,  and  two  of  saltpetre,  on  which  were  put  eight  drops  of  essence  of  ambergis, 
six  drops  of  essence  of  lemon,  four  drops  of  oil  of  cloves,  four  drops  of  oil  of  lavender,  and 
two  drops  of  essence  of  bergamot. 

S.  W.)     There  is  no  difficulty  in  raising  verbenas  from  seed,  provided  you  can 


it  good.  As  you  have  a  frame,  you  sliould  make  up  a  gentle  hotbed  about  the  end  of  Feb- 
ruary, and  as  soon  as  the  heat  is  sweet  and  moderate,  you  may  sow  the  seeds  of  your  ver- 
benas either  in  pots  or  shallow  seed-pans.  When  the  seedlings  come  up,  you  should  prick 
them  out  in  pans  or  shallow  boxes,  and  gradually  inure  them  to  bear  the  open  air.  Towards 
the  middle  of  May,  you  may  plant  them  out  in  your  large  beds.  Of  course  you  are  aware 
that  your  beds  will  Lave  all  the  colors  of  the  rainbow  (excepting,  probably,  yellow),  and 
will  therefore  be  all  alike  in  that  respect.  One  thing  is  possible  :  you  may  obtain  some 
new  and  improved  varieties  ;  otherwise,  we  think  your  beds  will  not  be  very  interesting. 

Greenhouse  Climbers,  etc. — The  following  are  evergreen  climbers  for  a  cool  conservatory, 
and  grow  very  fast  and  intermediate  between  shrubby  and  herbaceous,  lasting  many  years, 
and  getting  over  the  roof  very  quickly :  Coboea  scandens  ;  Maurandya  Barclayana,  semper- 
florens,  and  antirrhinifolia ;  Rodochiton  volubile,  and  Lophospermum  erubescens.  The 
following  are  hardier  still,  and  more  shrubby,  but  slower  in  growing :  Clematis  odorata, 
ccerulea,  and  Sieboldii.  The  following  will  grow  rapidly,  and  be  somewhat  shrubby :  Doli- 
chos  lignosus,  Passiflora  coerulea  and  Ccerulea  racemosa,  Lonicera  japonica,  Jasminum 
revolutum  and  gracile,  and  Sollya  heterophylla. 

Hardy  plants  that  will  flower  early  in  the  conservatory,  are  Wallflowers,  Deutzias,  Wei- 
gelas,  &c. 

Eugenia  ugni. — A  cool  house  will  suit  it  in  winter,  where  many  degrees  of  frost  would 
not  enter,  and  any  house  not  kept  hot  will  do  for  it  in  summer.  The  Guava  is  easily 
managed.  If  frost  is  excluded,  both  plants  will  do  well  in  a  peach  house  or  a  vinery  where 
there  has  not  been  much  artiflcial  heat. 

DiELTTRA  sPECTABiLis.  (A  CONSTANT  Readee.) — It  cau  be  lifted  out  of  the  borders  into 
pots  of  suitable  size  at  any  time  after  the  stems  of  the  plants  have  died  down  naturally,  or 
in  the  spring,  just  as  the  crowns  are  beginning  to  appear  again,  which  is  also  a  good  time 
to  divide  the  roots.  Plants  thus  lifted,  with  a  little  care,  into  large  pots,  flower  admirably 
in  a  cool  and  airy  conservatory.  Those  lifted  in  the  autumn  for  frame  or  other  protection, 
can  be  excited  into  flower  much  earlier. 

(A  Subscriber,  Baltimore  County,  Md.)  Your  pear-trees  are  in  good  positions.  Give 
them  a  mulching  of  manure,  and  some  superphosphate  of  lime  beneath  it.  Dig  this  in  next 
spring,  adding  a  couple  of  handfuls  of  guano  at  that  time.  Let  the  mulching  be  as  exten- 
sive as  the  limbs,  so  that  the  roots  will  all  get  the  benefit. 

The  gentleman  who  dates  from is  respectfully  informed  that  do  not  con- 
stitute the  whole  of  horticulture,  nor  are everything.  It  is  Hazlitt,  if  we  remem- 
ber, who  speaks  of  persons  with  one  idea,  thus  :  "  There  are  people  who  have  but  one  idea  ; 
at  least,  if  they  have  more,  they  keep  it  a  secret,  for  they  never  talk  but  of  one  subject." 
Abernethy  thought  his  pill  a  cure  for  all  disorders. 

Isaac  Dillon,  Zanesville,  Ohio,  calls  our  attention  to  an  error  of  the  printer,  in  the  Decem- 
ber number,  where  the  Stockade  Pear  is  called  Stockdale. 

(S.  S.)  The  Fable  of  the  Trees,  to  which  you  allude,  is  in  the  ninth  chapter  of  Judges, 
verses  8-15.  Of  this  Addison  said,  "  Jothan's  fable  of  the  trees  is  the  oldest  that  is  extant, 
and  as  beautiful  as  any  that  have  been  made  since  that  time." 

Grapes. — We  have  frequent  applications  to  know  where  the  Delaware  and  Rebecca 
•  grapes  are  to  be  had.  We  refer  to  the  advertising  pages  of  this  and  former  months  for  the 
information. 


Catalogues,  etc.,  received. — Annual  Report  of  the  Managers  of  the  Chester  County  Agri 
cultural  Society,  West  Chester,  Pa.,  with  the  oration  amply  interspersed  with  poetical  quota 
tions. 


A  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  Deciduous  and  Evergreen  Trees 
and  Shrubs,  Roses,  Dahlias,  and  Flowering  Plants,  Camellia  Japonicas,  Azaleas,  and  other 
Greenhouse  Plants,  cultivated  and  for  sale  at  the  Forest  Nursery,  near  Elkton,  Todd  County, 
Ky.  By  J.  S.  Downer  &  Son,  1857.  Kentucky  possesses  a  soil  and  climate  well  adapted 
to  make  it  a  garden,  and  we  are  glad  to  know  that  it  has,  in  Mr.  Downer  and  his  son,  most 
useful,  practical,  and  honest  nurserymen,  who  are  distributing  with  success  every  variety 
of  trees  and  ornamental  shrubbery  which  can  be  procured  in  America  and  abroad.  Our 
letters  frequently  mention  the  Messrs.  Downer  with  the  highest  approval.  One  of  our  pro- 
mised pleasures  is  a  revisit  to  the  gardens  and  farms  of  Kentucky.  Some  of  Mr.  Downer's 
friends  have  greatly  misunderstood  a  notice  of  his  former  catalogue,  which  has  been  explained 
to  him  to  his  entire  satisfaction. 

Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  Evergreens,  Flowering  Shrubs  and  Plants, 
Roses,  &c.,  at  the  Morris  Nurseries.  Cultivated  and  for  sale  by  J.  S.  Darlington  &  Co., 
Westchester,  Pa.,  one  of  the  establishments  in  which  Pennsylvania  justly  takes  a  pride. 

Mr.  Baumann,  of  Bollwiller,  in  the  Upper  Rhine,  has  issued  a  Catalogue  in  English,  of 
the  plants  he  has  for  sale.  It  is  rich  in  fruit  trees  cultivated  on  the  continent  of  North 
Europe,  in  a  bad  climate,  and  it  has  the  reputation  of  the  sorts  being  correctly  named. 

Catawissa  Raspbekky. — A  circular  from  Joshua  Peirce,  of  Washington,  D.  C,  setting  forth 
the  value  of  this  newly-introduced  perpetual  fruit,  gives  opinions  in  its  favor  from  the  best 
sources.  The  Catawissa  we  consider  a  most  valuable  introduction.  It  ripens  its  berries 
till  hard  frost.     No  doubt  it  is  to  be  the  parent  of  still  better  fruit. 


J.  Jay  Smith. — Dear  Sir  :  Isn't  the  Rebecca  Grape  a  "  great  institution"'  for  a  small  one  ? 
(I  use  the  above  expression  to  avoid  a  repetition  of  the  descriptive  term,  "decided  ac- 
quisition," which  I  i/i/??t  /  Aawe  seen  used  semi-occasionally  !)  and  the  Delaware,  too  ?  The 
Rebecca,  I  think,  will  nearly  answer  the  requirements  which  you  once  suggested  to  me  as 
very  desirable  for  a  new  hardy  grape.  I  have  one  line  young  vine  of  it,  obtained,  about  a 
year  since,  from  Mr.  Brocksbank,  which  has  made  a  growth  so  good,  the  past  season,  that 
I  shall  expect  fruit  from  it  soon — possibly  a  specimen  next  year.  Two  bunches  of  the  ripe 
grapes  from  Mr.  B.,  were  sent  to  me  in  the  fall  of  1856,  and  were  unanimously  commended 
by  the  leading  members  of  our  Horticultural  Society.  I  have  the  promise  of  a  "copy"  of 
the  Delaware,  next  spring,  from  a  friend,  for  the  reception  of  which  (the  vine,  not  the  friend  !) 
I  have  already  provided  a  border,  suitably  large,  deep,  and  well  composted.  By  the  way, 
have  you,  personally,  the  Hartford  Prolific  ?  If  not,  I  should  be  pleased  to  present  you  with 
one  in  the  spring.  [We  have  not,  and  being  just  now  greatly  interested  in  the  grape,  shall 
be  glad  of  a  "copy." — Ed.] 

This  grape,  allow  me  to  say,  is  destined  to  take  a  high  rank  among  hardy  native  vines, 
not  in  your  latitude,  possibly,  but  north  of  New  York.  We  do  not  claim  for  it  that  it  is 
always  equal,  in  every  respect,  to  the  Isabella,  although  many  good  judges  have  so  pro- 
nounced it.  But  it  is  of  "  good"  quality,  to  say  the  least,  and  is,  invariably,  from  fifteen  to 
twenty  days  earlier  than  the  Isabella,  with  the  same  exposure,  soil,  &c.  Mr.  Chorlton  has, 
on  two  occasions  (in  1856  and  1857),  expressed  to  me  an  opinion  quite  favorable  as  to  its 
merits,  generally,  and  particularly  in  favor  of  its  being  a  first-rate  wine  grape.  It  will 
surely  surpass  the  Concord  in  many  desirable  points. 

Col.  Wilder  has  so  far  signified  his  tardy  adherence  to  "  our  side,"  as  to  order  from  the 
nursery  of  J.  Mason  &  Co.,  of  Hartford,  this  fall,  two  dozen  Hartford  Prolifics— a  part  for 
fruiting,  and  a  part  for  propagation. 

"Jam  satis." — Perhaps  I  am  trespassing  upon  your  time  and  patience.     [Quite  th 
trary.— Ed.]  Yours,  respectfully,  Daniel  S.  Dewey,  Hartford,  Co 


English  Wine. — At  a  late  pomological  meeting  in  London,  Mr.  Wilkins  handed  round 
some  wine,  which,  he  said  had  been  manufactured  from  his  roots  of  Mangel  Wurzel,  and 
•was  but  ten  months  old.  "  This,"  says  the  Chronicle,  "for  a  light  wine,  was  certainly  very 
excellent,  and,  Mr.  Wilkins  declared,  could  be  retailed  at  a  profit  at  6c?.  per  quart  bottle. 
A  practical  chemist  from  London  stated  his  opinion  that  all  it  wanted  was  an  astringent, 
which  Mr.  Wilkins  said  he  had  discovered  in  the  hop  root,  and  which  would  render  it  a 
wholesome  beverage.  We  also  tasted  bread  made  of  one-third  of  Mangel  Wurzel  and  two- 
thirds  flour,  and  which  was  certainly  fully  equal  to  the  average  quality."  [We  trust  none 
of  this  wine  will  find  its  way  to  America. — Ed.] 


PR0NING  THE  ViNE. — If  gardoucrs  would  consult  the  spade  as  well  as  pruning  knife,  they 
would  avoid  disasters.  To  prune  skilfully,  a  vine  planted  unskilfully,  is  like  richly  furnish- 
ing a  house  built  on  sand ;  the  foundations  give  way,  and  the  decorations  are  crushed  in 
the  general  ruin.  So  far  as  vines  are  concerned,  it  would  be  better  to  leave  them  unpruned 
than  to  plant  them  in  earth  they  cannot  feed  upon,  or  in  places  where  their  roots  gangrene 
at  the  extremities.  The  vine  requires  a  strong,  dry,  warm  soil,  and  people  plant  it  in  a  light, 
wet,  or  cold  border.     How  can  the  knife  make  such  vines  thrive  ? 


Garden  Ferns. — It  gives  us  pleasure  to  refer  to  an  article,  in  the  present  number,  on  ferns  ; 
these  plants  will  sooner  or  later  become  great  favorites  with  true  admirers  of  the  beautiful. 
Most  lovers  of  a  garden  contrive  to  have  something  a  little  varied  from  last  year  in  a  part 
of  their  grounds.  "  What  have  I  to  do  with  thee,  dull,  unjoyous  constancy  ?"  sings  an  old 
poet,  and  with  some  show  of  reason.  Perhaps  nothing  that  will  cost  less,  these  hard  times, 
would  be  more  satisfactory  than  to  collect  all  the  hardy  ferns  from  the  neighborhood,  one 
or  more  of  each  according  to  the  space  to  be  occupied.  The  situation  must  be  shady,  but 
not  wet ;  neither  must  it  be  entirely  dry,  for  though  ferns  may  be  seen  growing  in  the  hot 
sun,  as  a  rule  they  attain  their  full  luxuriance  only  in  the  shade. 

In  addition  to  the  extreme  beauty  of  the  foliage,  the  easy  cultivation  of  most  of  the 
plants  comprised  in  the  class  Cryptogamia,  should  induce  horticulturists  to  add  many  of 
these  truly  beautiful  objects  to  their  collections.  We  always  place  a  high  estimate  on  the 
taste  of  the  possessor  of  a  fernery ;  a  hardy  one  forms  a  pleasing  and  attractive  feature  in 
garden  scenery,  and  the  fine  foliage  of  many  of  the  strong  growing  kinds  produces  a  glorious 
effect  when  seen  floating  in  the  breeze.  The  shape  and  extent  will  be  best  dictated  by  the 
owner's  fancy,  but  one  thing  that  is  essential,  is  at  least  a  foot  in  depth  of  suitable  soil  in 
proximity  to  the  roots.  The  soil  which  suits  most  ferns  of  moderate  growth,  is  three  parts 
of  rather  light,  fibry  peat,  and  one  part  turfy  loam,  not  of  a  stiff  character ;  or  leaf  mould 
will  be  found  to  answer.  This  should  not  be  made  fine,  but  used  on  the  surface  ;  if  rough 
pieces  occur,  so  much  the  better  ;  the  finer  should  be  placed  nearest  the  roots.  On  the  surface 
may  be  placed  blocks  of  old  wood,  roots  of  trees,  stones,  or  anything  of  a  rough  appearance, 
which  not  only  gives  a  rustic  feature  in  keeping  with  the  plants,  but  is  a  direct  means  of 
retaining  moisture. 

The  distance  between  the  plants  may  be  three  feet  for  the  strongest  kinds,  and  a  propor- 
tionate distance  for  smaller ;  but  remember  the  shade. 


It  is  announced  that  Dr.  Grisebach  has  undertaken  the  preparation  of  a  complete  Flora 
of  the  West  India  Islands,  in  aid  of  which  the  English  Treasury  has  granted  £300.  A  bota- 
nist more  qualified  for  the  work  could  hardly  have  been  selected. 

We  also  learn,  from  Hooker's  Journal,  that  Mr.  Chas.  Wilford,  lately  one  of  the  botanical 
assistants  in  the  herbarium  of  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Kew,  has  joined  the  British  Mis- 
sion to  Japan  as  collector  of  plants  for  that  establishment.    Let  us  hope  that  circumstances 


will  favor  his  carrying  out  successfully  the  object  of  his  mission.  In  a  horticultural  point 
of  view,  Japan  is  one  of  the  lauds  of  promise. 

The  Flora  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  is  reported  to  be  taken  up  in  earnest  by  Prof.  Harvey, 
of  Dublin,  who  long  resided  in  the  colony,  and  whose  materials  for  the  purpose  are  most 
ample. 

Robert  Hogg,  of  London,  has  issued  Parts  1  and  2  of  a  Natural  History  of  the  Vegetable 
Kingdom,  which  is  well  spoken  of.  It  is  arranged  on  the  system  of  Decandolle,  and  is  illus- 
trated. 


New  Pear — Beueee  Clairgeau.  By  R.  Buist,  Philadelphia. — I  send  a  fine  specimen  of 
this  superior  large  pear ;  its  acquaintance  will  be  worth  one  year's  subscription  to  your 
friends — ripe  in  all  October.  It  does  well  as  a  dwarf,  and  the  fruit  is  as  fine  12  inches  from 
the  ground  as  12  feet ;  not  so  with  many  other  sorts,  viz. : — 

Beurr^  Capiaumont 
does  not  succeed  as  a 
dwarf;  neither  fruit  nor 
foliage  remains  perfect 
on  the  tree  6  feet  from 
the  ground,  but  the 
same  tree,  when  it 
reaches  the  height  of  8 
to  16  feet,  is  a  perfect 
picture  of  luxuriant  fo- 
liage, golden  fruit  with 
garnet  cheeks  and  fine 
quality;  large,  full,  and 
plump ;  no  deformity  ; 
so  that  the  same  tree  in 
the  months  of  August 
and  September  has  no 
foliage  near  the  ground, 
with  fruit  cracked,  hard 
sided,  black  spotted, 
with  a  top  lustrous  with 
green  foliage  and  pend- 
ent with  its  golden  fruit. 
We  are  only  in  the 
infant  state  in  regard  to 
fruit  culture  in  this 
thinking  country  ?  Our 
people  will  yet  be  the 
first  fruit  growers  of  the 
world,  and  there  is  no 
impracticable  feature  in 
the  banks  of  the  Schuyl- 
kill to  Port  Clinton  being  all  vineyards  ;  even  the  eastern  slopes  of  the  Alleghanies  will 
make  admirable  vineyards.     Your  grandchildren  will  see  it,  and  drink  the  wines  therefrom. 


Beurr6  Clairgean. 


A  Garden  Jungle.— A  correspondent  who  loves  the  ornamental,  and  succeeds  in  all  he 
undertakes,  writes  thus  :  "  The  most  successful  thing  I  had,  this  year,  was  a  large  circular 


editor's  table. 

bed,  fifteen  feet  in  diameter,  which  we  called  our  jungle,  filled  with  Canna  major,  Arums, 
Bananas,  from  the  conservatory,  the  three  Drac:enas  (ferrugiana,  terminals,  and  the  large- 
leaved  one),  Musa  Cavendisliii,  and  the  difierent  Aloes  and  Yuccas,  all  planted  closely  in 
the  ground,  a  little  raised  in  the  middle  ;  they  looked,  I  assure  you,  perfectly  tropical.  We 
only  wanted  a  Palm-tree  in  the  centre,  to  have  imagined  ourselves  with  you  in  Cuba.  You 
have  made  us  almost  crazy  by  your  botanical  descriptions  of  that  island  ;  as  soon  as  every- 
thing gets  settled  at  home,  we  shall  sail  for  that  "  fairy  isle,"  and  take  the  Horticulturist  for 
the  last  six  months  for  our  guide-book.  We  have  got  a  little  tired  of  Black  Hamburghs  and 
Muscats,  and  want  to  eat  oranges  off  of  the  trees,  and  see  a  twenty-acre  lot  of  Pine-apples, 
an  Aloe  hedge,  and  a  real  sugar  mill."  [Glad  to  hear  it.  Go  if  you  can,  and  are  in  want 
of  a  new  sensation. — Ed.] 


A  KEALLT  well-flavored  wine  can  only  be  obtained  from  grapes  at  a  point  of  perfect 

ripeness.  In  countries  where  the  vintage  begins  everywhere  on  the  same  day,  much  wine 
is  necessarily  pressed  from  the  unripe  or  over-ripe  fruits.  Tokay  is  extracted  from  grapes 
which  have  been  not  only  allowed  to  get  over-ripe,  but  partially  to  dry  upon  the  vines. 
When  the  grapes  are  allowed  to  dry  on  the  vines,  the  wine  is  called  dry  wine  ;  when  they 
are  dried  on  straw,  straw  wine  ;  when  the  juice  is  evaporated  by  heat,  boiled  wine  ;  cane- 
sugar,  beet-root,  or  potato  syrup,  is  introduced ;  nor  can  the  admixture  be  afterwards  de- 
tected. Raisin  juice  often  enriches  the  poorer  German's  bottle,  in  which  fermentation  is 
rarely  produced  ;  chalk  extracts  the  free  acids.  Professor  Mulder  tells  us,  the  custom  for- 
merly prevailed  in  France  of  allowing  a  working-man  to  go  into  the  vat,  the  temperature  of 
his  body  promoting  fermentation ;  individuals  were  thus  killed  by  the  carbonic  acid. 

Parrots  are  known  to  love  wine  ;  it  makes  them  very  jolly  and  talkative.  Pliny  men- 
tions this  :  "  She  loveth  wine  well,  and  when  she  hath  drunk  freely,  is  very  pleasant,  playful, 
and  wanton."  It  is  a  question  whether  birds  do  not,  in  some  degree,  at  least,  understand 
what  has  been  taught  them.  When  dinner  was  brought  up  in  the  presence  of  a  parrot,  she 
was  in  the  habit  of  crying :  "Bring  Polly's  sop,"  till  something  from  the  table  was  given  to 
it.  If  a  bottle  of  ale  or  wine  was  brought  in,  it  would  say  :  "  Waiter !  waiter  !  a  bottle  of 
wine,  and  a  cigar."  The  bird  would  shuffle  after  a  dog,  crying  :  "  I'm  coming !  I'm  coming  !" 
The  aptness  with  which  it  applied  the  words  to  the  object,  confirmed  the  impression  of  her 
understanding  their  import. 

By  the  spread  of  education — real  education  of  the  mind  and  manners  of  man — 

many  facilities  of  enjoyment  are  given  at  a  cheap  cost,  within  reach  of  multitudes.  By 
this  means,  the  book  of  nature  is  laid  open  before  him,  and  he  is  enabled,  with  a  little  self- 
control  and  perseverance,  to  taste  some  of  those  innocent  pleasures  which  give  double  value 
to  the  green  fields  and  fresh  air  of  his  holiday.  Some  knowledge  of  the  birds  and  flowers 
is  within  reach  of  the  humblest  observer  who  can  win  some  minutes  from  toil  and  trouble 
to  breathe  the  air  of  freedom. 

"  We  have,"  says  the  London  Chronicle,  "  from  Mr.  Rivers,  specimens  of  the  true  old 

Golden  Pippin,  gathered  from  a  tree  eighty  years  old,  planted  by  his  grandfather.  They 
have  the  same  delicious  smack  that  gave  the  sort  so  great  a  reputation.  The  young  trees 
grafted  from  the  old  stock  are  more  healthy  than  they  have  been  for  many  a  long  year  ; 
nor,  indeed,  have  they  for  some  years  been  so  subject  to  canker  as  they  used  to  be  thirty 
or  forty  years  ago.  We  cannot  but  wonder  that  those  who  place  fruit-trees  on  a  level  with 
the  supplemental  noses  of  the  great  Taliacotius,  should  not  have  remarked  that  the  so-called 
wearing-out  of  races  is  unknown  in  the  warm  climates  of  continental  Europe." 


At  the  late  fair  at  Stockton,  California,  among  the  prizes  offered  was  a  $50  dress  to 
the  unmarried  lady  who  made  the  best  loaf  of  bread. 

A  fruitful  source  of  injury  to  many  plants  in  greenhouses,  is  allowing  them  to  stand 

on  a  damp  medium,  which  often  clogs  up  the  drainage,  and  injures  the  foliage  by  a  miasmati- 
cal  vapor  that  frequently  rises  about  them,  especially  when  the  house  is  shut  up. 

In  a  grapery,  if  you  have  the  space,  it  is  not  a  bad  practice  to  have  two  vines  to 

each  rafter.  Allow  one  of  these  to  bear  as  much  as  it  will,  and,  when  exhausted,  remove 
it ;  cut  the  other  down  in  tlie  winter  pruning,  and  take  only  a  little  fruit  from  it  for  two  or 
three  years,  in  the  usual  manner. 

Plants  of  Dielytra  spectabilis  raised  from  seeds,  are  much  more  prolific  of  flowers 

than  from  cuttings. 

There  is  no  plant  that  would  appreciate  the  use  of  liquid  manure  during  the  rest 

period.  It  has  been  given,  for  experiment's  sake,  to  Justicias,  Veronicas,  &c.,  under  pot 
culture,  and  to  apple-trees  and  gooseberry  bushes,  in  the  open  ground,  while  in  a  dormant 
state ;  but  in  no  case  has  the  result  been  in  favor  of  its  use. 

Ransoms'  artificial  stone  has  attained  considerable  celebrity  in  England.  Profes- 
sors Henry  Faraday,  Hunt,  and  Garrod,  Sir  Henry  de  La  Beche,  Mr.  Phillips,  the  geologist, 
and  many  other  eminent  scientific  men,  have  described  it  as  one  of  the  most  useful  inven- 
tions of  the  age,  not  merely  for  garden  decoration,  but  for  the  manufacture  of  mill-stones, 
filters,  and  for  all  architectural  and  building  purposes  for  which  stone  would  otherwise  be 
employed.     It  is  much  used  for  garden  ornaments,  which  are  beautiful  and  cheap. 

Some  readers  will  doubt  when  we  tell  them  that  fine  white  candles,  of  the  best 

quality,  are  made  from  the  peat  of  the  Irish  bogs,  and  yet  it  is  true.  The  average  thick- 
ness of  this  peat  is  twenty-five  feet,  nowhere  less  than  twelve,  and  never  exceeding  forty- 
two.  The  chemist  converts  it  to  paraffine,  and  this  is  an  admirable  substance  for  making 
candles.  These  former  fuel  mines  are  estimated  to  extend  over  2,900,000  acres,  and,  by 
this  process,  the  land  will  become  tillable.  We  have  seen  the  candles  in  Philadelphia  ; 
Miey  rival  the  best  wax-lights  in  brilliancy  of  combustion. 

The  revenue  from  perfumes  equals  200,000  dollars  a  year  in  England.    So  enormous 

is  the  consumption,  tha,t  Jiower  farms  are  now  established  ;  they  exist  both  in  Europe  and 
Asia,  and  another  is  to  be  established  in  Australia.  England  has  her  flower  farm  at  Mitchum, 
in  Surrey,  where  lavender  and  peppermint  flourish  unrivalled.  Roses  are  also  cultivated 
there,  merely  for  the  purpose  of  making  rose-water. 

In  the  preparation  of  some  wines,  the  skins  and  stones,  and,  in  some  cases,  the 

stalks,  are  allowed  to  ferment  with  the  juice,  the  purple  and  white  skins  yielding  tannic 
acid,  while  only  in  the  former  does  any  coloring  matter  exist.  A  considerable  quantity  of 
white  wax  may  be  obtained  from  grape-skins  by  means  of  boiling  alcohol.  The  stones  are 
remarkable  as  containing  a  considerable  quantity  both  of  tannic  acid  and  a  fatty  oil,  the 
amount  of  which  Ray  reckons  at  more  than  ten  millions  of  pounds  weight,  annually,  for 
France  alone.  He  considers  it  as  well  suited  for  food  as  for  burning.  Bender,  of  Gob- 
lentz,  convinced  himself  that  it  was  not  worth  the  expense  of  pressing.  Zeimer  found  it 
disagreeable  to  smell  and  taste ;  but  it  has  been  suggested  by  others  to  roast  grape-stones, 
and  use  them  instead  of  coffee.  The  stalks  have  a  sharp,  astringent  flavor,  and  if  treated 
with  water  and  salt  of  oxide  of  iron,  yield  tannic  acid. 

Certain  tribes  of  mosses  take  possession  of  the  scanty  soil  formed  by  lichens,  and 

more  rapidly  increase  its  amount ;  while  others,  of  aquatic  habits,  convert  shallow  pools 
into  quaking  bogs,  and  create,  in  time,  vast  accumulations  of  vegetable  matter,  in  the  form 
of  peat.  These  are  truly  servi,  as  Linnseus  termed  them — servants  to  the  nobler  plants 
which  soon  succeed  them.  For  then  come  the  ferns,  the  colonists,  after  lichens  have  fur- 
nished them  a  foothold  on  the  rocks,  or  mosses  given  them  one  in  the  spongy  and  unstable 


morass ;  these  are  the  precursors  of  grasses,  rushes,  and  other  plants  of  more  immediate 
importance  to  man  and  the  higher  animals,  but  which  never  would  come  to  perfection  if 
left,  like  their  humble  but  indispensable  predecessors,  to  draw  an  unaided  subsistence 
directly  from  the  inorganic  world.  It  is  thus  that  the  bare  earth  is  at  length  enabled  to 
support  the  sturdy  forest,  or  the  rich  field  of  waving  grain, 

As  you  ramble  through  the  corn-fields,  and  see  the  shadows  running  over  them, 

remember  that  every  cloud  which  floats  in  the  blue  deep,  retards  the  vital  activity  of  every 
plant  on  which  its  shadows  fall.  "  Look  on  all  flowers,  fruits,  and  leaves,"  says  Blumen, 
"  as  air-woven  children  of  the  light.  Far  away  blazes  that  great  centre  of  force,  the  sun, 
which  spans  those  millions  upon  millions  of  miles,  and  brings  us  and  the  sun  together. 
From  it  issues  the  mystic  influence,  striking  the  electric  chain  wherewith  we're  darkly 
bound.  For  myriads  and  myriads  of  years  has  this  radiation  of  force  gone  on ;  and  now 
stored  up  force  lies  quiescent  in  coal  fields  of  vast  extent,  once  all  pure  sunlight,  hurrying 
through  the  silent  air,  passing  into  primeval  forests  before  man  was  made,  and  now  lying 
black,  quiet,  slumbering,  but  ready  to  wake  into  blazing  activity  at  the  bidding  of  human 
skill.  From  light  the  coal-fields  came  ;  to  light  they  return.  From  light  come  the  prairies 
and  meadow-lands,  the  heathery  moors,  the  reedy  swamps,  the  solemn  forests,  and  the 
smiling  corn-fields,  orchards,  gardens  ;  all  are  air- woven  children  of  light.  Now  we  under- 
stand why  men  are  sickly  and  stunted  who  live  in  narrow  streets,  alleys,  and  cellars,  com- 
pared with  those  who,  under  similar  conditions  of  poverty  and  dirt,  live  in  the  sunlight. 
In  bright  sunlight,  as  much  as  one-fifth  more  carbonic  acid  is  expired  than  in  feeble  light. 
And  have  not  all  farmers  and  cattle  breeders  unconsciously  paid  tribute  to  this  principle, 
by  keeping  their  animals  in  the  dark  to  fatten  them  ?" 

Notwithstanding  the  variety  in  the  quantity  of  sensible  moisture  present  on  different 

days,  in  the  Eastern  States,  the  average  of  this  condition  is  very  low,  no  forms  of  vegetation 
indicating  its  abundance.  Forests  are  free  from  mosses,  except  at  the  elevated  points,  and 
for  the  Central  States,  the  forms  of  succulent  vegetation  are  very  much  restricted,  the  grasses 
and  other  things  giving  evidence  of  aridity  as  the  distinguishing  feature,  and  failing  to 
cover  the  surface  with  a  constant  growth.  The  limit  of  this  permanence  of  the  English 
grasses  without  cultivation,  is  about  the  40th  parallel ;  and  soon  after  leaving  Philadelphia 
southward,  they  become  sensitive  to  the  aridity  of  summer,  and  require  careful  cultivation. 
South  of  the  38th  parallel,  they  are  difficult  to  possess  under  any  circumstances. 

A  curious  bet  was  made,  a  hundred  years  ago,  between  Lords  Rockingham  and  Or- 

ford,  for  five  hundred  guineas,  as  to  whether  five  turkeys  or  five  geese  would  in  the  short- 
est time  perform  a  journey  from  Norwich  to  London.  The  result  indicated  Lord  Orford's 
sagacity,  for,  though  at  first  the  turkeys  had  it  all  their  own  way,  the  geese  waddled  past 
them  at  night,  while  they  were  lazily  roosting  in  the  trees,  beside  the  hedgerow.  There  is 
a  moral  in  this  which  the  reader  will  readily  apply. 


Grapes  in  California. — As  a  source  of  future  revenue  to  the  State,  it  may  not  be  inap- 
propriate to  state  that  the  wine  interests  are  receiving  a  new  impetus.  A  company  has 
been  formed,  the  sphere  of  whose  operations  is  in  the  vicinity  of  Los  Angeles,  and  prepara- 
tions are  in  progress  for  cultivating  the  grape  on  a  scale  unequalled  in  any  of  the  most 
favorite  wine-growing  countries.  The  Directors  of  the  Los  Angeles  Vineyard  Society  held 
a  meeting  in  this  city  a  few  evenings  since,  and  had  occasion  to  sell  four  shares  of  their 
stock.  These  shares,  which  are  worth  $750  at  par,  were  sold  at  $795.  The  stock  is  not  in 
the  market  for  sale  on  speculation,  and  the  shares  are  held  mostly  by  persons  who  intend 


to  make  tlieir  homesteads  on  the  land  already  purchased  by  the  Society  on  the  Santa  Anna 
River,  in  Los  Angeles  County,  as  soon  as  the  vines  shall  begin  to  bear. 

Tobacco  is  also  a  product  which  must  hereafter  receive  much  attention.  Experiments 
have  fully  proven  the  adaptiveness  of  the  soil  of  many  portions  of  the  State.  The  soil  and 
climate  of  the  Sacramento  Valley,  as  well  as  that  of  the  southern  counties,  is  admirably 
adapted  to  its  growth.  The  same  may  be  said  of  cotton,  which  eventually  must  become 
one  of  our  leading  staples.  A  company  has  also  been  formed  for  the  prosecution  of  the 
rice  culture,  and  a  large  tract  of  land  is  now  in  process  of  preparation,  in  San  Joaquin  County, 
with  this  view. — San  Francisco  Shipping  List. 


Syrian  Peach. — At  the  late  British  Pomological  Society,  Mr.  Veitch  exhibited  specimens 
of  the  Syrian  Peach — the  type  of  a  new  race  of  peaches,  as  the  Stanwick  is  among  Necta- 
rines. It  has  a  small  kernel.  The  flesh  separates  freely  from  the  stone,  is  very  melting 
and  sweet,  and  has  a  remarkably  fine  and  rich  flavor. 


New  Cheery. — At  the  same  time,  Mr.  Rivers  brought  specimens  of  Belle  Agathe  Cherry 

a  variety  about  the  size  of  a  Merry,  and  heart-shaped,  with  a  firm,  Bigarreau  flesh,  and 

of  excellent  flavor.  The  color  is  dark  red."  A  Cherry  in  October  is  valuable,  and  one  which 
the  birds  and  insects  will  not  touch,  is  doubly  so.  Belle  de  Septembre  Plum  is  a  very  ex- 
cellent kitchen  variety,  with  rather  more  flavor  than  kitchen  varieties  usually  have  late 
in  the  season.  We  have  seen  it  cooked,  and  its  juice  is  of  a  beautiful,  lively  crimson,  as  if 
colored  with  cochineal.     It  also  makes  an  excellent  preserve." 

Eugenia  ugni. — The  report  of  the  meeting,  in  the  Cottage  Gardener,  says  :  "  Mr.  Turner 
brought  a  dish  of  the  fruit  of  Eugenia  ugni,  grown  at  Slough,  in  the  open  air.  They  were 
the  size  and  shape  of  the  berries  of  the  Hawthorn,  and  pretty  much  the  same  color,  but 
perfectly  ripe.  The  taste  is  that  of  the  Black  Currant  flavored  with  allspice,  and  without 
its  prevailing  acid,  being,  in  fact,  rather  sweet.  This  fruit  is  certainly  very  agreeable  to 
taste,  but  we  do  not  think  it  is  one  which  can  be  eaten  to  any  extent,  or  which  will  estab- 
lish itself  as  a  recognized  fruit  in  this  country.  It  wants  succulence,  as  its  substance  is 
rather  dry.  When  novelty  has  passed,  and  other  subjects  have  engrossed  public  attention, 
Eugenia  ugni,  as  a  fruit-bearing  shrub,  will,  in  our  opinion,  retire  to  enjoy  a  quiet  respecta- 
bility among  other  half-hardy  exotics.  Should  it  be  otherwise,  the  taste  of  the  fruit-eating 
portion  of  society  must  materially  alter."  [This  statement  has,  we  see,  brought  out  dis- 
senting remarks,  some  declaring  the  fruit  exhibited  was  not  ripe. — Ed.] 

Fruit- Gathering  Instrument. — At  the  same  time,  was  exhibited  a  fruit-gathering  instru- 
ment, thus  described :  "  The  apparatus  consists  of  a  rod,  which  may  be  of  any  length  (say 
six  feet  or  three  feet),  and  on  the  end  of  it  is  placed  a  movable  contrivance  composed  of 
two  rings,  which  meet  and  part  like  a  pair  of  shears,  and  these  rings  are  covered  with  a 
disk  of  vulcanized  India  rubber.  They  are  worked  by  means  of  a  sort  of  trigger,  which  is 
at  the  hand  end  of  the  rod,  and  when  they  clasp  the  fiuit,  the  two  disks  of  India  rubber 
yield  to  the  pressure,  and  the  fruit  is  gathered  uninjured.  In  place  of  these  disks,  Mr. 
Jones  can  also  fix  a  netted  bag  and  a  cutting  and  holding  apparatus  for  gathering  grapes. 
This  is  a  very  desirable  invention,  and  cannot  fail  to  come  into  general  use  among  amateurs 
and  ladies  who  do  not  care  to  mount  a  ladder,  or  risk  the  safety  of  their  necks  by  practising 
gymnastics  up  a  pear-tree."  [Is  not  this  very  much  the  same  as  one  patented  in  America? 
—Ed.] 

Uses  of  the  Potato. — In  France,  the  farina  is  largely  used  for  culinary  purposes.  The 
famed  gravies,  sauces,  and  soups  of  France  are  largely  indebted  for  their  excellence  to 


editor's  table. 

source,  and  its  bread  and  pastry  equally  so  ;  wliile  a  great  deal  of  the  so-called  cognac  from 
France  is  the  produce  of  the  potato.  Throughout  Germany,  the  same  uses  are  common  ; 
and,  in  Poland,  the  manufacture  of  spirit  from  the  potato  is  a  most  extensive  trade.  "  Stettin 
brandy,"  well  known  in  commerce,  is  largely  imported  into  England,  and  is  sent  from  thence 
to  many  of  our  foreign  possessions  as  the  produce  of  the  grape,  and  is  placed  on  many  a 
table  of  England  as  the  same  ;  while  the  fair  ladies  of  our  general  country  perfume  them- 
selves with  the  spirit  of  potato  under  the  designation  Eau  de  Cologne.  But  there  are  other 
uses  which  this  esculent  is  turned  to  abroad.  After  extracting  the  farina,  the  pulp  is  manu- 
factured into  ornamental  articles,  such  as  picture-frames,  snuff-boxes,  and  several  descrip- 
tions of  toys  ;  and  the  water  that  runs  from  it  in  the  process  of  manufacture,  is  a  most 
valuable  scourer.  For  perfectly  cleansing  woollens  and  such-like  articles,  it  is  the  house- 
wife's panacea  ;  and  if  the  washerwoman  happens  to  have  chilblains,  she  becomes  cured  by 
the  operation. — Paper  read  before  the  British  Association. 


A  "  Model"  Advertisement. — We  take  the  following  from  an  English  paper :  "  J.  J.  Foster, 
after  eight  years'  trial,  has  found  the  rose  '  Descartes'  the  best  for  stocks.  Price,  12s.  per 
100.  Manetti  stocks  given  away."  Here  is  a  starting-point  for  a  horticultural  "  gift  enter- 
prise," certainly. 

«  «  «  «  > 

glotcs  tax  tl]e  l);0nt]^, 

JANUARY. 
THE  VINEYARD. 

BY  R.  BUCHANAN,  CINCINNATI,  OHIO. 

Pruning  the  vines  may  be  continued  in  any  mild  or  moderately  cool,  dry  weather  during 
this  month.  No  injury  to  the  vines  has  yet  been  observed  from  winter  pruning  in  good 
weather. 

It  is  usual  to  rack  off  the  new  wine  in  this  month.  Select  a  clear  day.  Draw  the  wine 
off  carefully,  and  put  it  into  a  cask  made  perfectly  clean  by  scalding  water,  then  rinsed  out 
with  cool  water,  and  fumigated  with  a  sulphur  match.  The  lees  are  thrown  on  the  manure 
pile,  or  given  to  the  distillers  with  the  pomace  of  the  grapes,  to  make  brandy.  In  the 
vicinity  of  a  large  city,  the  lees  sell  at  thirty  to  forty  cents  per  gallon,  and  the  pomace  at 
SI  50  to  $2  per  barrel.  About  five  or  six  gallons  of  the  former,  or  one  and  one-third  barrel 
of  the  latter,  will  make  a  gallon  of  brandy.     The  distiller  retains  one-half  for  making  it. 

Examine  the  wine  every  week  or  ten  days,  fill  up,  and  keep  the  casks  bung  full,  and  the 
bungs  tight.  Nothing  else  is  requisite  until  May,  when  the  second  fermentation  takes  place  ; 
then  the  bungs  are  to  be  left  loose,  that  the  gas  may  escape.  In  eight  or  ten  days  this  fer- 
mentation will  cease  ;  the  casks  are  then  to  be  filled  up,  and  the  bungs,  with  clean  linen 
rags  wrapped  around  them,  driven  tight. 

BY  WILLIAM  SAUNDERS. 

Vegetable  Garden. — In  choosing  a  situation  for  the  culture  of  vegetables,  that  which 
affords  the  most  shelter  should  have  a  careful  consideration.  The  best  situation  and  aspect 
is  one  having  a  southwest  slope,  backed  on  the  north  and  east  points  by  a  shelter  of  trees 
sufficiently  distant  to  break  the  force  of  winds  without  interfering  with  the  crops.  This  is 
perhaps  of  more  importance  than  the  natural  adaptability  of  the  soil.  The  operations  of  cul- 
ture will  constantly  tend  to  alter  and  improve  the  soil.  A  free  loam  will  be  found  most 
suitable,  and  if  resting  on  a  somewhat  clayey  subsoil,  it  will  produce  heavier  crops,  and 
require  less  manure  than  where  the  subsoil  is  of  a  gravelly  or  sandy  character.  Draining 
will  be  indispensable  as  a  permanent  foundation  for  the  gradual  improvement  and  amelio- 
ration of  such  soils.  A  clayey  soil  also  requires  more  care  in  its  cultivation,  but  this  will 
be  more  than  counterbalanced  by  its  capacity  of  production.  Light,  sandy  soils 
general,  earlier;  much,  however,  will  depend  upon  the  situation.     A  clayey  loam 


editor's  table. 


drained  and  sheltered,  will  be  at  least  as  early  as  a  sandy  loam  on  an  exposure ;  and  tlie 
great  superiority  of  the  former,  for  general  purposes,  is  such  as  to  render  it  the  most  desirable. 
A  principal  feature  in  the  management  of  clayey  soils,  is  to  turn  them  over  roughly,  ex- 
posing as  much  surface  as  possible  to  the  action  of  frosts.  This  is  a  very  important  matter, 
and  has  the  effect  of  rendering  clayey  soils  capable  of  being  cropped  as  early  as  those  where 
sand  predominates. 

Fruit. — Fig-trees  are  not  sufficiently  hardy  to  stand  northern  winters  without  protection  ; 
they  may,  however,  be  preserved,  by  bending  them  down,  and  covering  with  soil.  They 
are  rather  rigid  when  they  get  old,  but  a  slight  twisting  will  rather  improve  their  fruiting. 
They  may  be  grown  in  pots  or  boxes,  preserved  in  the  cellar,  or  under  a  greenhouse  staging, 
during  winter,  and  set  out  on  the  lawn,  in  a  sheltered  position,  during  summer.  When 
the  leaves  fall  in  autumn,  they  should  be  kept  dry  until  growth  commences  in  spring.  Poor 
soil  is  best  for  them,  and  water  copiously  during  growth.  Orange  and  lemon-trees  may  be 
wintered  in  cellars,  but  they  must  be  kept  dry,  unless  the  air  is  dried  artificially,  when 
they  may  require  an  occasional  application  ;  they  will  stand  many  degrees  of  frost  when 
the  soil  is  kept  dry.  It  is  related  that,  on  opening  a  house  in  Paris  which  had  been  closed 
for  two  years,  several  orange-trees  were  found  alive,  although  they  had  not  received  any 
water  or  artificial  heat  during  that  time.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  they  may  be  pre- 
served, during  winter,  in  barns  or  out  buildings,  if  kept  dry  and  dark. 

Greenhouse. — Spring  flowering  bulbs  are  a  great  attraction  in  a  greenhouse,  and  their 
management  a  simj^le  matter.  About  September,  the  bulbs,  having  for  some  time  previous 
been  dormant  and  dry,  should  be  repotted,  and  set  up  on  the  shelf,  water  being  applied  in 
increased  quantities  as  they  proceed  in  growth.  Early  in  spring,  they  will  be  in  flower. 
Towards  the  end  of  summer  they  will  lose  their  foliage,  and  rest  for  a  period,  and  undergo 
a  similar  routine  of  treatment.  Lachenalias,  Ixias,  Babianas,  Sparaxis,  Alstromerias,  Hes- 
peranthas,  and  Oxalis,  are  the  kinds  alluded  to. 

The  management  of  the  atmosphere,  with  regard  to  ventilation  and  humidity,  will  now 
be  an  important  consideration.  In  artificial  temperatures  there  are,  constantly,  numerous 
counteracting  agencies  at  work,  destroying  the  natural  purity  of  the  air,  either  by  the  forma- 
tion of  injurious  gases,  or  extraction  of  moisture  ;  the  latter  was  a  frequent,  unsuspected 
cause  of  failure.  There  are  few  houses  supplied  with  a  hygrometer,  although  it  is  as  much 
necessary  as  a  thermometer,  the  proper  balancing  of  the  atmosphere,  with  regard  to  moisture, 
being  equally  im^^ortant  to  the  health  of  plants  as  the  degrees  of  heat  and  cold. 

Extraction  of  moisture  is  the  principal  cause  of  disarrangement  in  the  atmosphere.  As 
the  temperature  rises,  the  capacity  of  the  air  for  containing  moisture  increases,  and  if  not 
supplied  by  other  means,  this  water  will  be  extracted  from  the  plants.  The  amount  of 
water  carried  into  the  air  will  be  seen  by  the  deposition  of  ice  on  the  inner  surface  of  the 
glass  after  a  frosty  night.  Shallow  pans  containing  water,  should  be  kept  on  the  flues  or 
hot-water  pipes ;  for,  although  the  latter  radiate  heat  at  a  lower  temperature  than  brick 
flues,  they  supply  no  moisture.  The  common  say  that  "  pipes  gives  out  a  moist  heat,"  has 
no  foundation  in  truth. 

Planting  Trees. — The  system  of  removing  large  trees  with  balls  of  frozen  earth,  is  fre- 
quently practised,  and  occasionally  maybe  recommended  ;  but  is  a  very  expensive  process, 
and  by  no  means  justifiable  as  a  general  system.  No  amount  of  soil,  frozen,  or  otherwise, 
will  compensate  for  the  destruction  of  roots,  and  to  remove  all  the  soil  occupied  by  them  is 
simply  impracticable.  The  larger  and  older  the  tree,  the  further  will  the  roots  extend,  and, 
consequently,  the  fewer  of  them  can  he  secured  in  a  limited  sj)ace.  There  is  great  want  of 
discriminating  judgment  shown  in  this  matter  of  lifting  large  trees.  It  seems  to  be  an 
opinion  with  many  that,  provided  they  lift  a  ton  or  two  of  soil  with  a  tree,  success  must  be 
certain.  The  stunted  appearance  of  such  trees,  even  if  they  live,  ought  to  convince  planters 
that  the  process  will  not  pan.  To  secure  a  healthy  groivth,  the  branches  must  be  reduced  in  a 
corresponding  ratio  ivith  the  reduction  of  roots.  It  is  roots,  then,  and  not  soil,  that  ought  to 
be  removed  ;  and  the  roots  can  only  be  traced  and  secured  when  both  the  soil  and  the  air 
are  free  of  frost.  The  amount  of  pruning  that  the  branches  require,  must  be  left  to  the 
judgment  of  a  competent  and  experienced  planter.  During  the  progress  of  removal,  he 
will  ascertain  the  amount  of  root  mutilation,  and  he  will  be  further  guided  by  the  kind, 
age,  and  health  of  the  tree  that  is  being  operated  upon,  all  of  which  will  exert  a  special  in- 
fluence in  controlling  his  future  management  and  care.  Occasionally,  we  meet  with  instances 
where  success  has  been  all  that  could  be  desired  ;  but  all  practice  not  founded  upon  prin- 
ciple is  empirical.  Such  practice  may  be  successful,  because  it  may,  by  chance,  be  founded 
upon  a  natural  law  ;  but  this  being  unknown,  no  continuance  of  success  can  be  secured, 
and  all  the  future  is  uncertainty. 


V 

y 

V.' 

A  '■-■' 

w 

/  K 

v/' 

/K.  V 

- 

y/  \ 

DOWNINGr-'S 
Everb earing  Mul"b exrj". 


:3ȣ1., 


r 


tnirv 


^'^ 

»»^'^ii», 


it  were  aclii 


Ou  th. 


ae.     L(«t  It,  however,  not  be  spring-, 
"*^i'mn,  but  Vfinter,  i'l  ■"-■  -in,   i-  .;>.  ,,, 
i'lt  point  ic  U 

..edto  see  i-eof..  .  •  ,  .mv,'..,.  ,,,  ■.>•.  ji' 

:  of  congralulatkfi  that  winter  is 

!k-,  iS  not  like!)'  to  b(i  a  severe  on'e. 

ally,  for  as  much  snow,  hail.rfrost,  or 

xn  y;0!?sibly  alTord.     Surely,  everyl-oCy 

, ^nf)  a  winter  fin^sid^     candles,  warm 

1  :i  ample  drape- 

•  ut, 

:  «€(^ta  to  cali, 

li— 

■  1  mass^'-  h.;.'' ." 


'■  ''     •  '-:  u... :;..pu  ■'■  ■         'vinter  evt;..  .,,  ,.:■...  ,.i,,.-.;  rarely 

!  in  a  cold  ]ati(r;<le;  ilud  it  is  evident  that  most  of 

ii:!t  •  v;' 1  .i..;i.j.-,  mi.    ■  ,   •;.•  .iijtf.jied   -t^^  ■-•■*  -reather  stormy  or  inclement  in  some 

way  or  other.     You  need  not  be  whether  it  be  ^now,  or  frost,  or  wind 

60  strong  that  (as  some  one  has  saiaj  •  you  may  lean  your  back  against  it  like  a 

post.'     Something  of  the  sort  I  must  have,  and  if  I  have  it  not,  I  think  myself 

i  '  '•  ill-used ;  for  why  am  I  !called  on  lo  pay  so  heavily  for  winter  in  coals, 

•    if  t  am  not  to  have  the  article  good  of  its  kind  ?    Iso  •  a  Canadian 

y,  or  a  Russian  one,  where  every  ma,n  is  but  a  co-proprietor 

in  the  fe«  simple  of  his  own  ears  " 

ho  will  vecognlze  the  value  of  snch  scenes;  for  onrsclves,  we 
"'S.  hut  A  little-  milder  would  be  more  to  our  taste.    The  whiat- 
: Mg  up  the  valleys,  and  quickening  with  their  warmth 
Jiiflc  and  syrioga — theo>eniug  leaf  of  the  «)'••'"! 
dm  to  man's  pilgrimage,  the  ever  open-L; 
T-   In..  nr.],l  T^vinter,  '-'■e  are  thi-own  '■■"■■ 
■  year,  nil  nature  rejo' 


^^uvmeiii 


iji  Mjijue  liinu 
ow  thoro"T^'T 


U    ' 

C*J-.;c. 

new  1) 

to  the 

1  t:i^'. 

is  not 

cut 

irces,  u. 

cheers  ;■> 

have  bee  It  when 
y  be,  asserl,!ad 

■frttrr*  bw  de- 


N.  S.:  Toj..  VIlI._F.iBRT;ABf,  1868. 


downing's  ever-bearing  mulberry. 

apples  ?  or  constructing  some  rustic  piece  of  furniture  for  the  approaching  spring  ? 
It  is  sufficient  to  produce  the  enjoyment  our  pleasing  author  has  shadowed  so  well, 
that  all  hands  should  be  employed  in  what  interests  the  mind  ;  something  doing, 
something  done,  accomplished,  time  not  thrown  away,  sends  all  hands  happy  to 
their  rest. 

In  northern  climes,  where  the  days  are  shorter  than  in  the  more  tropical  regions, 
this  species  of  comfort  and  pleasure  is  better  known  than  in  southern  lauds.  The 
family  makes  preparation  for  the  longer  period  of  darkness,  and  assembles  round 
a  fire  common  to  all.  One  perhaps  reads  while  the  others  w^ork,  and  from  this 
period  of  their  lives  they  produce  the  ornamental  objects  which  embellish  their 
home,  or  those  numerous  small  wares  which  load  down  every  vessel's  deck  that 
leaves  an  Eastern  port.  Such — either  intellectual  pursuits  and  pleasures,  mechani- 
cal employments,  or,  better,  both  combined — should  all  aim  at,  who  desire  to  hail 
another  day  with  energy  for  renewed  exertion,  and  in  good  humor  with  their  fel- 
low creatures. 


DOWNING'S    EYER-BEARING    MULBERRY.* 

BY  L.  B. 

This  truly  distinguished  fruit,  so  different  from  the  other  American  Mulberries 
by  its  rich,  subacid  taste,  was  obtained  from  the  seed  of  the  Multicaulis  by  our 
worthy  and  experienced  pomologist,  Chas.  Downing,  some  twelve  years  ago,  in 
his  experimental  grounds,  near  Newburgh.  The  tree  is  very  vigorous,  hardy,  and 
productive.  Its  foliage  is  large  and  fine,  making  it  altogether  an  ornamental  as 
well  as  a  very  useful  tree.  It  comes  into  bearing  the  third  or  fourth  year,  and 
the  fruit  increases  in  size  as  the  tree  attains  a  more  mature  condition.  The  fruit 
ripens  in  succession,  from  the  1st  of  July  to  the  beginning  of  September,  pro- 
ducing a  never-failing  crop  of  the  most  luscious  fruit,  highly  valued  by  all  who 
have  had  an  opportunity  to  taste  it,  and  making  a  fine  dessert,  and  a  most  delicious 
pie  or  pudding  fruit. 

Size  of  the  fruit  from  over  one  inch  to  one  inch  and  a  half  in  length — about  half 
an  inch  in  diameter;  larger  under  good,  rich  cultivation.  Color,  purplish-black, 
with  small,  fine  grains,  of  a  delightful,  rich,  subacid  taste.  The  outline  of  the 
leaf  is  that  of  a  middle-sized  one. 


THE    DELAWARE    GRAPE. 

BY  N.  LONGWORTH,  CINCINNATI,  OHIO. 

A  ROOT  of  the  Delaware  Grape  was  sent  me  about  ten  years  since,  by  an  intel- 
ligent citizen  of  Delaware,  in  this  State,  who  informed  me  that  it  was  brought 
there  several  years  before  by  an  emigrant  from  New  Jersey,  who  stated  that  it  had 
been  there  cultivated  for  many  years  by  an  emigrant  from  Europe,  and  from  that 
circumstance  deemed  to  be  a  foreign  grape.  When  in  bearing  in  my  garden,  all 
my  German  vine-dressers  pronounced  it  the  best  German  wine  grape,  the  Traminer. 
As  I  have  never  found  a  foreign  grape  that  would  succeed  in  our  soil  and  climate, 
I  was  doubtful  if  it  could  be  of  foreign  origin.  But  if  a  native,  it  proved  of  less 
vigorous  growth  than  any  native  grape  that  I  have  seen.  I  never  kept  but  three 
or  four  vines,  and  the  one  sent  me  about  ten  years  since  has  not  increased  in  vigor 
of  growth.     It  produces  a  wine  of  good,  but  not,  as  far  as  tested,  of  superior 

*  See  Frontispiece. 


HORTICULTURE,  ETC.,  IN  MISSOURI, 

quality.  In  one  of  my  vineyards  there  are  several  vines,  and  some  wine  made  from 
the  grapes  yearly.  When  first  assured  of  its  being  the  Traminer,  I  thought  of 
planting  it  as  a  wine  grape.  From  its  delicate  growth,  had  I  done  so,  I  should 
have  planted  it  as  vines  are  planted  in  vineyards  in  many  parts  of  Europe — three 
feet  between  the  rows,  the  plants  in  the  rows  two  feet  apart.  The  bunches  and 
berries  are  small,  but  of  superior  quality  as  a  table  grape.  I  regret  that  I  have 
not  planted  its  seed,  as  I  have  a  seedling  of  the  Isabella  Grape  of  fine  quality, 
that,  in  the  open  ground,  bears  berries  larger  than  the  largest  European  grapes, 
even  when  raised  under  glass,  and  the  bunches  of  large  size.  From  the  Delaware, 
a  like  improvement  would  probably  occur.  It  will  be  our  own  fault  if  we  do  not, 
in  a  few  years,  equal,  if  not  surpass,  the  best  table  and  wine  grapes  of  Europe, 
by  planting  the  seed  of  our  best  native  grapes,  and  not  by  following  the  advice 
of  some  wise  European  writers,  who  say  "that  if  we  wish  to  improve  the  quality 
of  our  pears  and  apples,  we  must  not  do  it  by  planting  the  seed  of  our  best  fruit, 
but  by  commencing  with  the  seed  of  the  crab  apple  and  the  choke  pear,  and  im- 
prove by  degrees."  This  may  have  been  a  wise  course  in  the  days  of  Methuselah, 
when  men  lived  a  thousand  years,  but  it  is  not  suited  to  this  period.  A  country 
that  abounds  in  a  thousand  varieties  of  native  grapes,  should  leave  Europe  in  the 
background — where  a  native  grape  is  never  seen — both  in  table  and  wine  grapes. 
[The  Delaware  and  Traminer  are  distinct  grapes,  and  must  not  be  confounded. 
It  has  been  said  that  the  demand  for  the  former  is  met  by  some,  not  in  possession 
of  the  Delaware,  with  Traminer.     Purchasers  should  beware. — Ed.] 


HORTICULTURE,    ETC.,    IN    MISSOURI. 

BY  H.  M.  MYERS,  BOONVILLB,  MO. 

Feeling  a  common  interest  with  my  brother  Horticulturist,  I  have  thought  a 
few  words  from  the  far  West  might  be  of  interest  to  your  many  readers,  and,  with 
your  permission,  I  would  occasionally  give  some  notes  on  fruit  culture  from  this 
State,  believing  it  to  be  one  of  the  best  fruit  countries  in  the  United  States.  I 
have  travelled  and  conversed  with  many  persons  in  most  of  the  States,  and  from 
my  own  observation,  and  from  all  the  information  I  have,  I  come  to  the  above 
conclusion.  Now  for  my  own  actual  experience.  In  the  spring  of  1844,  I  com- 
menced my  improvements  ;  a  place  to  live  in,  first.  In  the  fall,  planted  my  fruit- 
trees,  and  not  a  year  has  passed  since  but  some  new  varieties,  and  those  of  the 
best  I  had,  have  been  planted.  In  three  years  from  the  seed,  my  peach-trees 
averaged  one  bushel  to  the  tree,  and  I  had  apples  enough  for  family  use,  in  the 
same  time,  from  two  years  old  grafts.  I  now  have  thirty  acres  in  all  the  various 
fruits  that  grow  in  this  climate,  yielding  me,  after  a  bountiful  supply  for  family 
and  friends,  a  net  profit  of  about  two  thousand  dollars  annually.  My  apple-trees 
will  average  (twelve  years  old),  this  year,  twenty  bushels  to  the  tree,  and  are  from 
two  feet  to  two  feet  eight  inches  in  circumference  round  the  body,  at  two  to  three 
feet  above  ground  ;  but  few  of  the  first  peach-trees  now  standing.  They  are  not 
long-lived  here,  but  bear  soon  and  abundantly  for  five  to  ten  years,  though  some 
in  this  county  are  twenty-five  years  old ;  but  the  fruit  is  much  better  on  young 
trees. 

The  Catawba  Grape  is  much  the  best  we  have,  and  does  finely,  and  will  average 
(good  and  bad  years)  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  to  three  hundred  gallons  of 
wine  per  acre.  A  few  vineyards  in  this  county  have  rotted  (say  one-half),  but 
most  of  them  are  not  as  yet  injured  materially.  I  suppose  twenty  thousand  gallons 
of  wine  will  be  made  in  this  county  this  year  (1857). 


Strawberries  also  do  well,  yielding  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  bushels  per  acre. 
Hovey's  are  the  principal  crop. 

All  fruits  do  well  here  except  the  heart  cherries  and  pears ;  they  take  the  blight, 
and  die  in  five  or  eight  years,  as  a  general  thing.  In  my  orchard  of  fruit-trees, 
I  raise  potatoes  and  low-growing  vegetables  for  the  first  six  or  eight  years  ;  then 
sow  down  in  red  clover,  and  ploughing  once  in  three  or  four  years,  so  that  the  land 
is  very  nearly  as  productive  as  if  no  trees  were  on  it. 

Our  crops  of  wheat,  oats,  and  grass,  in  this  State,  were  light ;  not  half  a  crop. 
Corn  (one  of  our  great  staples)  will  be  abundant ;  hemp  and  tobacco,  about  half 
a  crop. 

Our  railroads,  or  something  else,  have  given  a  new  impulse  to  business,  and 
property  is  rapidly  increasing  in  this  State,  though  but  little  attention  has  as  yet 
been  paid  to  horticulture.  I  have  tried  to  increase  the  circulation  of  your  very 
valuable  monthly  in  my  vicinity  ;  it  will  increase  much  in  a  few  years,  and  I  will 
continue  my  exertions  in  its  behalf.  We  would  be  very  much  pleased  to  have  you 
visit  us  this  fall,  during  our  Agricultural  Fair.  I  think  you  would  be  pleased  with 
the  horticultural  department. 


DESIGN   FOR   A    COUNTRY   HOUSE. 

BY  MYRON  B.  BENTON,  LEEDSVILLE,  DUTCHESS  CO.,  NEW  YORK. 

This  design  is  calculated  to  embrace  convenient  accommodations  for  a  large 
family,  combined  with  some  elegance,  without  any  great  outlay  for  a  high  style  of 
finish.  The  building  is  plain,  with  but  few  additions  simply  for  ornament,  and  is 
allied  to  the  Italian  in  style  of  architecture.  The  object  is  to  give  some  beauty 
and  elegance  of  appearance,  from  the  general  shape  or  form  of  the  building, 
rather  than  by  elaborate  carvings,  bead-work,  and  other  "hard-finish,"  which  are 
a  constant  expense  by  requiring  frequent  repairs,  as  well  as  the  great  cost  incurred 
in  their  construction  from  the  high  price  of  labor. 

The  approach  is  by  the  carriage  way,  which  leads  to  the  porch,  from  which 
opens  the  hall.  The  diagrams  of  the  first  and  second  floors  will  mostly  explain 
the  interior  arrangement.  Folding  doors  connect  the  parlors,  which  are  octago- 
nal rooms,  each  twenty  feet  from  side  to  side.  One  of  them  contains  a  large  bay- 
window,  and  from  the  other  opens  the  veranda,  by  the  triple  window.  The  library 
occupies  the  lower  part  of  the  tower. 

The  chamber  floor  furnishes  ten  capacious  apartments,  with  ample  closet  room. 
The  stairway  leading  to  the  observatory  opens  from  the  passage.  There  would 
be  another  small  room  in  the  tower,  immediately  under  the  observatory,  but  above 
the  second  story. 

The  entrance  to  the  observatory  is  through  a  horizontal  door  in  the  floor,  which 
being  balanced  with  weights,  is  opened  with  perfect  ease  by  a  cord  in  the  stairway. 
When  closed  it  forms  part  of  the  floor,  and  thus  leaves  the  room  unincumbered 
with  a  stairway. 

This  design  could  be  varied  to  suit  the  wants  of  a  family  who  wished  a  smaller 
and  less  expensive  house,  by  leaving  ofi"  the  back  addition,  and  substituting  the 
kitchen  in  place  of  the  bedroom.  The  library,  in  that  case,  could  be  taken  for  a 
bedroom. 

It  is  difiicult  to  give  an  estimate  of  the  cost  of  constructing  a  house,  in  diS'erent 
parts  of  the  country,  and  on  different  sites.  The  cost  of  this  would  probably  be 
four  to  five  thousand  dollars,  according  to  various  circumstances. 


CALIFORNIA    FKUIT-GR  0  WE  R  S'    CONVENTION. 

Held  at  Stockton ,  Thursday  Evening,  October  1. 
FROM  THE  CALIFORNIA  FARMER. 

Not  the  least  important  part  of  the  programme  of  proceedings  for  the  State 
Agricultural  Fair,  lately  held  at  Stockton,  was  the  Convention  of  Fruit  Growers, 
arranged  for  Thursday  evening,  "for  free  discussion  and  interchange  of  opinions." 

Mr.  Flint  spoke  of  raising  peaches  on  the  Bay  of  San  Francisco,  on  a  soil  of  a 
sandy  loam.  At  first  his  peaches  had  dropped  off  before  maturing,  and  he  was 
unable  to  raise  a  crop.  As  a  remedy,  in  November  he  dug  away  the  dirt  from 
the  trees,  and  applied  ashes  freely,  and  the  next  year  the  trees  were  loaded  with 
an  abundant  crop  of  fine  fruit.  He  recommended  heading  in,  that  the  trees  may 
be  formed  low,  and  the  fruit  should  be  shaded  as  much  as  possible.  As  our 
climate  was  different  from  the  Atlantic  States,  where  they  have  much  wet  weather 
throughout  the  year,  our  plans  of  operations  were  necessarily  more  or  less  different. 
He  also  recommended  deep  cultivation,  and,  as  an  example  of  its  benefits,  stated 
that  by  deep  cultivation  he  had  raised  fruit  successfully  where  previously  grass 
would  not  grow. 

Mr.  Osborne,  of  Napa,  agreed  with  the  foregoing.  At  one  time  he  lost  a  tree 
a  week  from  some  cause,  and  applied  whitewash.  For  pears,  he  had  applied  salt 
with  good  effect.  During  the  summer  he  would  not  plough  too  much  among  his 
fruit  trees,  but  cultivate,  without  turning  the  surface  under,  and  by  this  plan  he 
killed  out  the  weeds;  if  ploughed  deep  after  dry  weather  came  on,  weeds  would 
grow  again,  and  the  soil  become  very  dry. 

G.  H.  Beach,  of  Marysville,  said  he  did  not  want  to  plough  after  the  first  of  May, 
and  was  satisfied  Mr.  Osborne  is  right.  The  top  soil  should  be  kept  loose.  But 
deep  ploughing,  at  the  proper  time,  when  preparing  the  ground,  is  the  great  deside- 
ratum ;  by  using  the  subsoil  plough,  much  less  water  is  required  for  irrigation.  He 
cannot  get  along  without  irrigation  for  fruit  or  vegetables.  His  soil  is  a  sandy 
loam,  and  water  twenty  feet  below  the  surface.  If  water  is  within  five  or  six  feet 
of  the  surface,  no  need  of  irrigation.  His  soil  contains  no  alkali,  consequently 
no  bad  effects  resulted  from  irrigating ;  though  too  much  water  might  tend  to 
make  the  fruit  insipid.  In  reply  to  a  question  from  the  Chair,  as  to  what  kinds 
of  fruits  succeeded  with  him,  Mr.  Beach  said  he  had  not  had  much  success  with 
apples ;  though  he  had  found  that  mulching  trees  would  prevent  all  sunblight,  which 
at  first  affected  his  trees. 

Question.     Why  not  grow  the  trees  low  down  ? 

Mr.  Beach.  Too  much  trouble,  as  it  would  be  inconvenient  to  cultivate  among 
them.     In  three  or  four  years  trees  are  past  all  danger  from  sunblight. 

Chairman.     What  about  Mr.  Flint's  suggestion  of  heading  low  ? 

Mr.  Beach.  There  is  a  limit  to  it ;  if  trees  are  formed  too  low,  they  are  in  the 
way ;  the  limbs  two  feet  from  the  ground  would  give  room.  His  apple  orchard 
is  on  too  sandy  soil  to  succeed  well.  The  climate  is  the  best  in  the  world  for 
grapes,  which  grow  very  sweet.  Among  the  varieties  he  raised  were  Black  Ham- 
burg, Portugal,  July  and  Catawba ;  the  latter  even  sold  well  for  a  table  grape. 
Of  figs  he  had  some  dozen  foreign  varieties ;  the  white  will  stand  three  degrees 
more  of  cold  than  the  purple  ;  the  lower  the  land  and  plentier  the  water,  the  more 
liable  to  frost.     He  raised  several  varieties  of  white  grapes. 

Referring  to  figs,  Mr.  Osborne  considered  them  the  fruit  of  all  fruits.  Last 
he  obtained  one  White  Ischia  Fig,  and  now  he  had  from  it  300  trees  growing 

,.-■--  ■      ■        ■  *aLj**»jv 


CALIFORNIA  FRUIT-GROWERS'  CONVENTION. 


finely.  Would  not  prune  while  sap  is  ascending.  This  fig  ^as  larger  than  any 
others.  Those  exhibited  in  the  Hall  were  not  genuine.  The  frosts  of  last  year 
caused  no  injury.  He  has  another  fig  which  bears  three  crops  a  year.  Those  who 
thought  the  grapes  of  Los  Angeles  not  so  sweet  as  others,  should  try  some  when 
fresh,  and  not  judge  of  them  after  they  have  been  packed  in  redwood  sawdust  for 
several  weeks.  He  loved  the  Isabella,  as  it  reminded  him  of  his  old  home  and 
early  associations.  The  frost  last  winter,  though  more  severe  than  previously 
known,  injured  nothing  but  young  orange-trees.  Ice  formed  of  the  thickness  of 
a  sheet  of  paper,  causing  the  Indians  to  exclaim,  "  mucho  frio  1''^  They  had  some 
150,000  orange-trees,  and  200  lemon.  About  1000  acres  of  grape-vines  are 
planted  in  a  year,  averaging  1000  vines  the  acre.  In  another  year  they  would 
have  in  the  county  3,150,000  vines.  This  is  now  their  business  ;  formerly  it  was 
cattle ;  but  the  "  cattle  on  a  thousand  hills"  have  disappeared,  and  people  have 
turned  their  attention  to  the  vine.  They  make  some  raisins.  Allowing  one 
gallon  of  wine  for  each  vine,  at  $1  a  gallon,  ten  acres  would  produce  $10,000, 
and,  deducting  $2000  for  expenses,  would  leave  a  net  profit  of  $8000.  They  had 
suitable  land  enough,  if  brought  into  cultivation,  to  produce  yearly  $60,000,000  in 
wine.     Their  best  grapes  are  raised  on  high  gravelly  land,  irrigated. 

Mr.  Beach  said  he  imported  the  Catawba  Grape  for  wine,  but  many  preferred 
it  for  dessert. 

Mr.  Osborne,  of  IS'apa,  said,  last  year  his  foreign  grapes  were  killed  by  frost. 

A.  H.  Myers,  of  Alameda,  said  he  thought  there  was  no  danger  of  over-plant- 
ing fruit,  though  many  people  feared  there  was.  Trees  are  continually  being 
lost  from  various  causes  ;  many  are  killed  by  drought,  &c.  He  said  the  number 
now  planted  cannot  supply  the  market.  We  can  also  grow  a  great  many  varieties; 
we  can  grow  all  our  almonds  and  raisins.  There  are  ten  large  orchards  in  the 
State,  and  tenfold  more  cannot  supply  the  demand  for  fruit.  A  great  business 
could  be  made  in  dried  fruit ;  he  had  dried  peaches  in  the  open  air  in  three  days. 
Then  we  may  expect  large  accessions  to  our  population,  and  we  must  grow  fruit 
for  those  to  come,  as  well  as  for  our  present  population,  A  person  can  eat  more 
fruit  here  with  impunity  than  elsewhere.  We  should  endeavor  to  produce  new 
varieties,  which  in  a  few  years  we  could  ship  to  the  East,  and  undersell  dealers 
there  in  their  own  markets.  People  should  bear  in  mind  that  there  can  be  no  glut 
of  fruit  here. 

Chairman.  At  the  East,  good  fruit  maintains  a  high  price,  though  the  pro- 
duction is  great.  Winter  fruit,  when  imported  here,  becomes  fall  fruit.  We  can 
get  varieties  from  the  Southern  States  to  keep  up  our  supply. 

Judge  Daniels  said  we  should  endeavor  to  find  out  the  best  varieties  of  fruit 
for  our  climate.  He  had  had  ten  years'  experience  in  California ;  for  the  present 
should  confine  himself  to  the  subject  of  managing  trees.  When  trees  are  planted 
in  the  fall,  he  had  found  it  best  not  to  cut  the  top  at  the  time  of  planting,  but  to 
cut  in  the  spring.  He  would  not  cut  or  pinch  in  the  summer,  when  the  sap  is  in 
full  flow — decidedly  not.  Those  opposed  to  heading  trees  low,  probably  did  not 
wish  to  prune  or  pick  the  fruit  without  climbing,  or  prevent  weeds  from  growing, 
or  protect  the  trees  from  sunblight.  But  difi"erent  varieties  may  be  treated  differ- 
ently. With  apples  the  Jenneting  and  Alexander  should  be  cut  low,  while  the 
Bellflower  and  Esopus  may  grow  more  freely,  as  their  limbs  run  horizontally.  A 
low  tree  has  a  stiff  stem,  clean  bark,  and  you  can  look  over  it  better.  The  ob- 
jection that  you  cannot  plough  under  it  has  no  weight,  for  there  is  no  need  to  do 
so ;  it  is  not  the  place  to  plough,  close  to  the  tree,  where  the  roots  are  near  the 
surface ;  the  fine  fibres,  which  are  the  great  supporters,  are  at  a  distance,  and  h 
trees  should  be  irrigated,  and  not  near  the  body  of  the  tree. 


Mr.  Flint  said  that  ashes  applied  to  his  trees  saved  them  from  the  "curled  leaf." 
The  ashes  were  spaded  in  round  the  trees.  As  an  example  of  the  evil  of  training 
trees  high,  he  mentioned  the  case  of  an  extensive  orchard  of  imported  trees, 
planted  five  years  ago.  The  trees  were  trimmed  high,  and  had  as  yet  produced 
no  fruit  of  consequence,  the  dry  rot  being  one  evil.  This  result  is  equivalent  to 
an  immense  loss,  for  if  the  trees  had  been  properly  managed  they  should  have 
borne  fruit  enough  this  year  to  realize  $30,000. 

Mr.  Osborne,  of  Napa,  had  tried  ashes,  but  could  not  perceive  that  they  had 
any  effect. 

Mr,  Beach,  as  an  experiment,  applied  a  barrel  of  leached  ashes  to  a  single 
tree,  and  it  grew  a  third  larger  than  others  in  consequence. 

The  Chairman  said  there  was  much  complaint  in  regard  to  peach-trees  being 
affected  with  the  "curled  leaf."     He  believed  it  was  caused  by  cold  winds. 

Mr.  Flint.  It  extends  all  over  the  Atlantic  States  and  Europe,  and  the  cause 
was  generally  considered  to  be  unknown. 

Mr.  Beach  had  this  season  visited  Gen.  Sutter's  place,  and  also  been  on  Bear 
River.  He  had  found  that  where  an  orchard  was  so  situated  that  it  did  not  re- 
ceive the  southeast  winds,  the  trees  were  blighted.  But  there  was  nothing  in 
these  occurrences  that  need  alarm  any  orchardist.  We  must  expect  some  little 
drawbacks  among  our  many  advantages.  On  the  20th  of  January  last  the  weather 
became  quite  warm ;  peach-trees  started,  and  blossomed  two  weeks  earlier  than 
usual ;  this  was  followed  by  cold  winds,  and  he  had  no  doubt  was  the  cause  of  the 
blight  or  "curled  leaf." 

Capt.  Aram,  of  San  Jos6,  said  he  had  seen  no  blight  on  imported  trees  till  this 
year,  while  California  fruit  had  been  affected  every  year.  The  varieties  affected 
vary  according  to  the  seasons  and  locality.  The  Heath  Cling  failed  in  one  locality 
and  not  in  another.     He  agrees  with  other  gentlemen  as  to  the  cause. 

Mr.  Yount,  though  an  old  resident,  had  not  seen  it  till  within  a  few  years. 

Judge  Daniels  said  that  Southern  peaches  start  too  early  in  the  season,  or  before 
the  atmosphere  is  prepared  for  them,  when,  becoming  chilled  by  the  cold  winds, 
the  sap  bursts  out,  parasites  gather,  and  the  fruit  all  falls  off.  In  May  the  tree 
will  come  out  fresh  again.  We  must  get  trees  that  are  accustomed  to  shorter 
seasons,  which  do  not  start  so  soon,  and  will  do  much  better.  He  had  seen  the 
"curl"  in  this  State  for  ten  years;  when  he  first  came  into  Santa  Clara  Yalley 
from  Sutter's  Fort,  he  saw  it. 

The  Chairman  explained  that  when  he  spoke  of  obtaining  varieties  from  the 
Southern  States,  he  referred  to  apples. 

Judge  Daniels  (in  reply  to  the  statement  that  winter  apples  became  fall  apples 
here,  aud  would  not  keep)  said  the  Chairman  was  probably  not  aware  that  they 
had  a  two-year-old  Horticultural  Society  in  Santa  Clara  County,  and  at  the 
monthly  exhibitions  had  exhibited  fruit  every  month  in  the  year.  They  had  the 
Pearmain  in  winter,  and  the  Bellflower  in  winter.  Fruit  would  keep  as  well  here 
as  elsewhere,  if  properly  put  into  barrels  and  taken  care  of  Mr.  Osborne,  of 
Napa,  said  some  trees  he  imported  from  Boston  had  blighted,  and  he  believed  the 
cause  to  be  frost  after  warm  weather. 

Chairman.     How  about  alkaline  soil? 

Mr.  Flint.     Alkali  is  necessary. 

Judge  Daniels.  Although  alkali  is  an  important  element,  you  can  have  "too 
much  of  a  good  thing."  A  child  would  not  live  on  beefsteak.  We  must  plough 
deep  ;  we  should  not  put  peaches  on  such  soil.  There  is  much  yet  to  learn.  He 
had  observed  that  the  peach  does  not  curl,  if  sheltered  by  the  oak. 

.  Osborne,  of  Los  Angeles,  stated,  in  regard  to  alkali,  that  two  years  ago 


purchased  a  small  farm,  being  unacquainted  with  the  nature  of  the  soil.  Not 
thinking  of  alkali,  he  put  in  a  lot  of  fruit  trees  and  roses;  after  which  he  learned 
that  it  was  a  strong  alkali  soil,  and  that  his  trees  were  probably  lost.  As  a  remedy 
he  planted  tobacco  among  the  trees,  which  grew  well,  and  he  only  lost  about  one- 
third  of  his  cherry-trees,  no  pear,  apple,  or  quince,  and  the  roses  run  riot.  He 
had  not  been  troubled  with  the  curled  leaf,  and  observed  that  imported  varieties 
had  no  curl.  His  locality  had  a  southern  exposure  and  gentle  winds,  being  pro- 
tected at  the  north  and  west.  The  curl  seemed  to  be  hereditary  in  California 
trees.     He  uses  plenty  of  water. 

Mr.  Beach  said  two  of  his  trees  by  the  side  of  a  water  ditch  were  not  affected 
by  blight. 

[If  we  are  not  mistaken,  the  above  facts  and  other  remarks  were  regarded  by 
those  present  as  showing  pretty  conclusively  that  water  was  a  preventive  of  blight 
or  curled  leaf,  and  consequently  trees  irrigated  freely  would  not  be  affected.] 

A.  P.  Smith,  of  Sacramento,  was  decidedly  in  favor  of  deep  ploughing.  In 
cultivating  during  the  summer  he  was  opposed  to  ploughing,  as  he  was  satisfied  from 
experience,  that  only  the  top  soil  should  be  stirred ;  it  was  an  injury  to  stir  soil 
deep  during  dry  weather.  In  regard  to  irrigation,  he  was  satisfied  of  its  utility, 
and  that  it  was  of  great  advantage  in  fruit  growing,  though  of  course  fruit  coidd 
be  grown  without  it.  But  much  care  was  requisite  in  regard  to  applying  water 
at  proper  times,  and  there  were  many  things  to  learn.  When  the  peach  has  at- 
tained a  small  size,  it  remains  comparatively  stationary  for  a  time,  while  the  stone 
is  forming,  and  the  tree  is  apparently  dormant.  If  water  is  applied  at  this  time, 
it  starts  a  growth  of  wood,  and  the  peaches  all  drop  off.  But  after  the  formation 
of  the  stone,  when  the  peaches  again  commence  to  grow,  the  trees  may  be  irrigated 
with  advantage. 

A  design  is  on  foot  to  start  a  monthly  publication,  devoted  to  horticulture, 
mechanics,  &c.,  and  if  thirty  men  would  advance  $100  each  for  advertising,  a  fund 
would  be  raised  sufficient  to  establish  it  on  a  permanent  basis. 

Several  gentlemen  signified  their  willingness  to  subscribe,  but  some  objected  to 
do  so  unless  the  publication  was  in  their  own  locality,  and  considerable  discussion 
was  had  on  the  subject,  a  strictly  horticultural  production  being  mostly  favored. 

Mr.  Osborne,  of  Los  Angeles,  said  he  had  not  seen  anything  published  in  rela- 
tion to  their  great  staple.  There  were  many  points  on  which  they  desired  informa- 
tion. If  one  man  could  raise  grapes  earlier  than  his  neighbors,  they  wished  to 
know  the  plan ;  also  why  one  man  could  produce  more  wine  than  another.  In 
regard  to  the  importance  of  the  vine  product,  he  said  they  had  a  richer  placer  than 
the  mines,  though  the  land  was  only  assessed  at  12|-  cents  the  acre;  but  when 
properly  brought  into  cultivation  it  would  yield  $60,000,000  annually. 

Mr.  Osborne  was  in  favor  of  a  Committee.  The  many  cases  he  had  seen  of  the 
same  variety  of  fruit  under  different  names  proved  the  need  of  such  a  committee. 
In  the  Exhibition  he  found  his  old  acquaintance,  the  Roxbury  Russet,  called  by 
several  names,  and  Duchesse  d'Angouleme  was  called  Dutch  Pear. 

Judge  Daniels  thought  the  number  of  the  Committee  should  be  one  in  every 
county,  when  a  suitable  person  was  found.  A  few  of  the  Committee  might  be 
appointed  now,  and  the  balance  at  a  subsequent  time. 

A  motion  to  appoint  a  Committee  on  Nomenclature  was  then  adopted,  and  the 
following  gentlemen  appointed  on  the  Committee: — 

Judge  Daniels,  of  San  Jose,  Chairman;  A.  P.  Smith,  of  Sacramento;  Geo. 
H.  Beach,  of  Marysville ;  Wm.  H.  Osborne,  of  Los  Angeles. 

e  meeting  then  adjourned. 


LOCOMOTION    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Editor  Horticulturist  :  The  young  people  of  our  neighborhood  have  inte- 
rested their  elders  in  the  subject  of  the  manner  in  which  a  horse  moves  his  legs 
and  feet,  which,  it  seems,  we  have  disagreed  on.     Will  you  please  to  settle  it  ? 

Equus. 

Distinguished  anatomists  and  philosophers,  no  less  than  the  unlearned,  have 
fallen  into  gross  mistakes  upon  this  subject,  in  consequence  of  trusting  to  theo- 
retical opinion  rather  than  to  the  evidence  of  observed  facts.  There  is  more  than 
one  statue  in  the  world  mounted  upon  horses  with  their  legs  in  positions  that  would 
never  keep  them  up. 

A  late  English  Cyclopcedia  places  this  subject  in  its  true  light ;  as  it  possesses 
interest  to  all  our  readers,  with  the  aid  of  four  or  five  woodcuts  we  proceed  to 
make  it  intelligible. 

Quadrupeds  move  their  four  legs  either  singly  or  successively,  or  in  various 
orders,  which  correspond  with  the  different  velocities  of  the  animal.  These  dif- 
ferent kinds  of  movement  of  the  legs  are  known  under  the  terms  walking,  trotting, 
galloping,  and  leaping.  The  horse  illustrates  the  manner  in  which  the  locomo- 
tion of  quadrupeds  in  general  is  effected.  Though  the  subject  possesses  more  or 
less  interest  to  most  persons,  yet  of  the  millions  of  people  who  are  in  the  daily 
habit  of  seeing  the  horse  in  motion,  how  very  few  consider  the  means  by  which 
the  movements  of  that  valuable  animal  are  performed,  and  are,  consequeutly,  in 
the  condition  of  our  inquiring  correspondent. 

Let  us  suppose  the  horse  to  be  standing  on  its  four  legs  (as  in  Fig.  4),  and 
that  it  commences  the  walking  step  by  moving  its  left  hind  leg  (as  in  Fig.  1)  ; 
this  having  been  advanced,  and  placed  on  the  ground,  the  right  fore  leg  is  next 


Locomotion  of  Horses. 

raised  and  advanced  (as  in  Fig.  2),  and  having  been  placed  on  the  ground,  the 
right  hind  leg  performs  a  similar  movement,  and  the  legs  of  the  animal  are 


position  Fig.  3.  Lastly,  the  left  fore  leg  is  advanced,  and  placed  in  the  position 
of  Fig.  4.  These  four  movements  complete  the  step,  and  during  the  series,  the 
centre  of  gravity  of  the  animal  passes  over  a  corresponding  space.  This  is  the 
order  in  which  nearly  all  quadrupeds  move  their  legs  in  slow  walking ;  but  some 
authors  do  not  coincide  in  this  statement,  amongst  whom  is  Borelli,  who  has 
figured  the  horse  as  moving  both  the  legs  on  the  same  side  at  once  in  walking,  as 
some  horses  are  taught  to  do  in  the  amble,  and  as  the  giraffe  is  known  to  do  natu- 
rally. 

A  little  consideration  will  clear  up  the  error  into  which  Borelli  and  others  have 
fallen,  respecting  the  horse.  It  will  be  observed,  from  the  foregoing  statement, 
that  the  left  hind  leg  moves  first,  the  right  fore  leg  second,  the  right  hind  leg 
third,  and  the  left  fore  leg  fourth.  Now,  if  we  do  not  analyze  this  order  of  mo- 
tion from  its  commencement,  we  may  be  easily  deceived  ;  for,  in  walking  by  a 
horse,  the  two  legs  appear  indeed  to  move  together  on  the  same  side  ;  but  this 
arises  from  the  continuity  of  the  series  of  movements,  which  we  find  begins  with 
the  left  hind  leg,  and  terminates  with  the  left  fore  leg,  the  movement  of  the  right 
fore  leg  being  in  like  manner  followed  by  that  of  the  right  hind  leg,  which  con- 
tinuity of  movement,  if  not  carefully  discriminated,  gives  an  impression  that  the 
animal  moves  both  legs  on  the  same  side  simultaneously. 

The  Trot. — In  trotting,  the  horse  moves  its  legs  in  pairs,  diagonally.  Thus,  if 
the  legs  a  d  (Fig.  5)  be  raised,  and  advanced  first,  the  legs  h  e  will  be  raised  the 
instant  those  designated  hj  a  d  reach  the  ground.  On  the  other  hand,  when  the 
legs  h  e  are  raised  before  the  legs  a  d  reach  the  ground,  there  is  a  minute  interval, 
during  which  all  the  legs  are  raised  above  the  ground  at  the  same  time.  In 
trotting,  each  leg  moves  rather  more  frequently,  in  the  same  period  of  time,  than 
in  walking,  or  nearly  as  6  to  5 ;  but  the  velocity  acquired  by  moving  the  legs  in 
pairs  instead  of  consecutively,  depends  on  the  circumstance  that,  in  trotting,  each 
leg  rests  on  the  ground  a  short  time,  and  swings  during  a  long  one.  In  walking, 
the  trunk  oscillates  laterally,  whereas,  in  trotting,  it  oscillates  vertically ;  but  in 
each  of  these  kinds  of  movement  there  appears  to  be  a  slight  motion  of  the  trunk 
of  the  animal  both  laterally  and  vertically. 

It  may  be  observed  that  the  vertical  line  traversing  the  base  of  support,  passes 
through  the  horse  in  such  a  manner  as  to  leave  by  far  the  greater  part  of  the 
weight  of  the  body  to  be  supported  by  the  two  fore  legs. 

The  Gallop. — In  galloping,  the  horse  adopts  three  different  methods  of  using 
its  organs  of  locomotion,  which  are  distinguished  by  the  number  and  the  order  in 
which  the  feet  reach  the  ground. 

First  Order  of  Motion. — If  the  four  legs  reach  the  ground  in  succession,  the 
left  hind  foot  reaches  the  ground  first,  the  right  hind  foot  second,  the  left  fore  foot 
third,  the  right  fore  foot  fourth.  This  is  the  gallop  of  four  beats,  sometimes  de- 
nominated the  canter.  This  order  of  movement  is  not  adapted  for  great  speed, 
but  is  an  agreeable  motion  in  riding  on  horseback  for  ladies,  or  for  gentlemen  who 
ride  lazily  or  badly. 

Third  Order  of  Motion. — In  this  kind  of  action,  the  horse  moves  the  legs  in  the 
same  order  as  in  trotting  ;  that  is,  the  left  hind  and  right  fore  feet  reach  the  ground 
simultaneously,  then  the  right  hind  and  left  fore  feet.  This  is  the  order  in  which 
the  feet  move  in  racing,  and  whenever  the  greatest  speed  is  required.  It  is  called 
the  gallop  of  two  beats. 

Leaping. — In  leaping,  the  horse  raises  the  fore  legs  from  the  ground,  and  pro- 
jects the  body  upwards  and  forwards  by  the  hind  legs  alone.  It  is  well  known 
that  they  leap  rivulets,  hedges,  and  ditches,  with  great  ease,  even  under  the  burden 
of  heavy  riders ;  but,  to  accomplish  this,  an  enormous  expenditure  of  muscular 


action  must  be  required,  since  the  muscles  which  produce  the  effect  act  at  a  great 
mechanical  disadvantage. 

Horses  which  are  constituted  for  great  speed,  have  the  shoulder-joints  directed 
at  a  considerable  angle  with  the  arm.  Saintbell  has  given  the  relative  proportions 
of  the  several  parts  of  the  sl^eleton  of  the  celebrated  race-horse,  "  Eclipse,"  together 
with  the  angles  of  inclination  and  range  of  motion  belonging  to  the  joints  and 
legs.  According  to  his  account,  that  horse,  when  galloping  at  liberty,  and  at  its 
greatest  speed,  passed  over  twenty-five  feet  at  each  step  ;  these  strides  were  taken 
two  and  a  half  times  in  a  second,  being  at  the  rate  of  about  four  miles  in  six 
minutes  and  two  seconds,  or  forty  miles  in  an  hour  and  twenty  seconds. 

The  subject  has  puzzled  very  wise  heads,  and  will  interest  all  those  who  love  a 
fine  horse. 


WINTER    MANAGEMENT    OF    VIOLETS   AND 
LILY    OF    THE    YALLEY. 

The  first  thing  to  be  secured  is  an  immunity  from  frosts.  It  does  not  signify 
their  being  subjected  to  a  low  temperature  at  night — such  is,  indeed,  desirable — 
but  they  will  not  endure  frost  as  to  the  blossoming  principle.  I  am  here  speaking 
of  the  Neapolitan  Yiolet,  for  no  other  will  force  so  successfully,  as  far  as  I  am 
aware,  in  frames  or  pits.  Let  me  then  suggest  a  standard  of  temperature  ;  I  will 
merely  point  to  that  proper  to  obtain  if  possible.  From  the  early  part  of  Novem- 
ber to  the  end  of  February,  I  should  desire  from  40°  to  55°  by  day,  and  34°  to 
40°  by  night.  But  we  all  know  that  such  precise  conditions  are  not  easily  attain- 
able ;  all  I  can  say,  then,  is,  approach  this  standard  as  nearly  as  possible,  only  do 
not  let  them  freeze.  But  there  is  another  feature  attending  the  culture  of  winter 
violets  which  is  of  equal  importance  to  any  other  condition  ;  it  is  this — the  avoid- 
ance of  damp.  To  this  they  are  very  liable,  especially  after  being  shut  up  for 
days,  as  in  the  case  of  snowy  periods  and  those  of  intense  frost.  And  I  may  here 
remark,  that  the  more  gross  the  plants  are,  the  more  liable  are  they  to  a  kind  of 
putrefaction  in  the  foliage.  This  is  to  be  particularly  guarded  against,  for  it 
spreads  like  wildfire,  and,  if  not  checked,  will  speedily  undermine  the  utility  of  the 
plants.  Dryness  of  the  internal  air  of  the  frame  or  pit  is,  therefore,  one  of  the 
leading  features  in  violet  culture,  and  must  be  promoted  by  all  means  in  our 
power.  This  caution  at  once  points  to  the  reason  why  but  one  watering  had  been 
given  the  pit.  Therefore,  to  plant  them  in  a  tolerably  dry  or  mellow  medium, 
and  to  sustain  them  afterwards  with  as  moderate  an  amount  of  water,  is  one  of 
the  grand  points  to  aim  at.  And  let  no  man  be  alarmed  at  their  looking  dry  or 
husky  on  the  surface  ;  this  is  just  as  it  should  be,  for  the  violets  are  not  merely 
blossoming  through  the  soil  they  are  in,  but  through  a  disposition  which  has  been 
engendered  in  them  during  the  out-door  summer  culture. 

Let  me  direct  attention  to  their  ventilation  ;  nothing  requires  more  of  this  than 
the  violet.  On  all  occasions,  let  even  the  very  lights  or  sashes  be  pulled  off  in 
the  daytime,  provided  they  neither  freeze  nor  receive  any  rain,  or  otherwise  that 
there  be  no  cutting  winds. 

Lily  op  the  Yalley. — This,  although  a  common  border  plant,  is  a  great 
favorite  with  the  ladies  in  early  spring,  but  it  is  by  no  means  an  easy  affair  to 
force  it  early.  Strong  crowns  are  indispensable,  and  these  must  be  sought  for  by 
high  culture  during  two  seasons  previous  to  the  forcing  period.  The  roots  may 
be  taken  up  in  the  end  of  October  and  sorted,  selecting  the  thick  buds  with  their 
roots  as  entire  as  possible,  and  reserving  the  smaller  for  succession  buds  if  neces- 


sary.  The  strong  roots  may  then  be  placed  in  pots  as  thickly  as  possible,  and 
afterwards  plunged  overhead  in  cinder  ashes,  and  removed  to  heat  as  requisite. 
A  moderate  heat  suffices  for  them ;  from  60°  to  70°  maximum  of  bottom  warmth, 
and  an  air  heat  of  50°  to  55°  will  be  better  than  more,  as  they  are  apt  to  draw  or 
grow  up  weakly.  They  should  be  plunged  overhead  in  old  tan,  or  any  other  light 
material,  until  the  stems  are  fairly  through  the  soil,  and  then  the  surface  covering 
removed  in  order  to  stiffen  the  shoots.  One  caution  here  is  necessary — they  must 
not  be  exposed  to  light  suddenly.  When  first  removed  from  the  covering  their 
stems  will  be  whitish,  and  it  requires  a  week  to  inure  them  to  the  light,  and  this 
must  be  done  gradually,  or  the  shoots  will  suffer.  Afterwards  they  may  be  placed 
in  any  situation  indoors,  even  under  the  greenhouse  stage.  By  these  remarks,  it 
will  be  seen  that  a  bottom  heat  is  essential,  and  that  beyond  that  they  demand 
little,  except  an  immunity  from  the  frost.  The  soil  at  all  times  must  be  kept 
moist ;  they  abhor  drought. — Iota. 


TRANSPLANTING   WILD   EYERGREENS. 

BY  W.  B.  LIPSEY,  CARDINGTON,  OHIO. 

Thinking  that  a  few  remarks  might  be  acceptable  to  some  readers,  on  planting 
evergreen  trees  obtained  from  the  forest,  I  venture  to  give  some  of  my  experience. 
During  the  last  few  years  I  have  devoted  much  time  to  the  subject;  have  collected 
hundreds  of  thousands,  and  transplanted  a  considerable  portion  of  them,  I  find 
that,  to  be  successful,  the  plants  should  be  procured  in  soil  where  they  can  be 
taken  up  without  loss  of  roots,  and  from  open  grounds,  or  where  the  large  forest 
trees  do  not  shade  them  much ;  and,  above  all,  never  allow  the  roots  to  be  exposed 
to  the  sun  or  drying  wind.  Plant  carefully  in  good,  well-prepared  soil ;  a  partial 
shade  is  very  beneficial,  and  for  a  quantity  of  small  plants  the  shading  process  is 
simple.  Plant  thickly  in  beds  running  east  and  west,  some  four  or  five  feet  wide ; 
edge  up  broad  boards  on  the  south  side  of  the  bed,  and  forks  on  the  north,  with 
pales  reaching  from  one  fork  to  another;  cut  green  brush  from  forest  trees,  which 
will  be  nearly  or  quite  in  full  leaf,  lay  it  across  from  the  boards  to  the  pales  pretty 
thick,  just  above  the  tops  of  the  plants.  No  further  care  is  necessary  that  sum- 
mer, except  to  pull  out  what  few  weeds  may  make  their  appearance.  Shading 
pays  well  in  saving  plants;  for  example:  last  spring  I  put  out  in  one  bed,  some 
eight  rods  long  and  five  feet  wide,  about  40,000  plants,  principally  American 
Arbor  Yitas,  and  shaded  as  above,  and  I  can  safely  say  there  was  not  to  exceed 
200  dead  plants  in  the  bed. 

Some  kinds  of  large  trees  may  be  moved  successfully,  as  the  Firs,  Arbor  Yits, 
Larch,  &c.,  by  retaining  a  portion  of  earth  with  the  roots,  and  careful  manage- 
ment ;  otherwise  it  is  useless  to  spend  time  and  expense  with  them.  There  is  much 
imposition  practised  in  some  sections  by  tree  peddlers,  who  collect  wild  pines  and 
other  trees  from  the  rocky  hills  or  sand  deposits,  consequently  without  rootlets, 
expose  them  to  sun  and  wind,  sell  to  persons  who  do  not  understand  the  habits  of 
them,  and,  of  course,  nearly  all  die. 

The  White  Pine  is  by  some  considered  very  difficult  to  make  grow;  my  expe- 
rience is,  that  when  carefully  and  well  managed,  it  is  pretty  sure  to  succeed, 
although  not  so  well  as  the  Arbor  Yitse,  which  is  the  most  sure  of  all  evergreens. 

The  Balsam  and  Spruce  will  not  bear  much  exposure,  although,  when  properly 
cared  for,  will  generally  do  well ;  they  should  be  the  first  planted,  when  a  quan- 
tity is  received.  The  proper  time  for  planting  evergreen  trees  is  just  as  they 
commence  to  grow. 


A  TRIP  TO  CUBA  AND  THE  SOUTHERN  STATES. 

NO.  9. 

Mr.  Henry  Lawrance,  a  cotton  merchant,  is  the  horticulturist  of  New  Orleans. 
Mr.  L.  originated  the  Crescent  Seedling  Strawberry,  which  has  not  succeeded  at 
the  North,  but,  he  assures  us,  retains  all  the  characteristics  claimed  for  it  in  this 
climate.  The  fruit  was  just  coming  to  maturity,  and  was  bringing  monstrous 
prices  in  the  stores  on  Canal  Street.  Mr.  L.  kindly  drove  us  to  his  fine  garden 
residence,  now  almost,  if  not  quite,  within  the  built  part  of  the  city.  The  Cres- 
cent Seedling  bush  is  apparently  a  smallish  one,  with  only  a  few  leaves  above 
ground ;  yet  the  berries  were  very  numerous  and  showy,  but  not,  to  a  Northern 
eye,  very  large. 

At  Mr,  Lawrance's  we  again  felt  for  Northern  cultivators  who  were  now  (March 
31)  employed  in  shovelling  snow,  while  Mr.  L.'s  garden  was  most  superbly  orna- 
mented with  orange,  lemon,  and  lime-trees,  in  full  bearing.  His  foreign  grapes 
(in  the  open  air)  are  moderately  successful,  though,  we  presume,  the  atmosphere 
is  too  damp,  as  a  general  thing.  He  has  success  with  the  banana  when  planted 
on  the  southern  side  of  a  house.  His  bees  and  poultry  are  remarkably  fine,  and 
we  could  not  but  envy  some  of  his  successes. 

As  a  general  thing,  gardening  about  New  Orleans  is  not  much  studied.  Efforts 
are  being  made  to  get  up  a  horticultural  society,  and  Mr.  Lawrance  has  moved 
in  the  matter,  and  interested  some  of  the  influential  and  wealthy  citizens ;  but  the 
town  is  so  much  occupied,  in  winter,  by  transient  residents  seeking  a  fortune,  and, 
when  that  is  acquired,  leaving  for  their  native  places,  that  it  requires  great  exer- 
tion to  do  a  good  thing  for  general  benefit.  The  place,  too,  is  so  constantly  and 
easily  supplied  from  two  regions  by  steam — the  tropics  and  the  cereal  or  apple 
country  above — that  there  seems  less  inducement  to  cultivate  on  the  spot  what 
nature  appears  to  have  designed  to  bring  to  their  doors  at  so  little  cost.  Never- 
theless, a  society  will  be  very  useful,  and  we  were  very  glad  to  hear  Dr.  Mercer 
(the  Girard  of  New  Orleans)  express  his  willingness  to  assist,  and  his  interest  in 
the  matter.  Mr.  Lawrance,  we  were  glad  to  see,  had  supplied  Dr,  M.'s  table 
with  an  early  basket  of  Crescent  Seedlings. 

We  could  hear  of  but  few  good  public  gardens,  and  after  a  saunter  among  the 
beauties  of  the  suburban  villas  of  Lafayette,  where  more  variety  of  planting  might 
be  studied  with  advantage,  we  finished  our  view  of  New  Orleans  by  a  visit  to  its 
cemeteries.  They  present  the  novelty  to  Americans  of  entering  in  tombs  and 
ovens  above  ground ;  but,  altogether,  there  was  more  neatness,  and  less  to  object 
to,  than  we  had  been  led  to  expect.  Expensive  monuments  are  general  in  the 
best  grounds;  we  could  but  copy  from  one  the  following  most  touching  inscrip- 
tion : — 

"  There  is  not  an  hour 

Of  day,  or  dreaming  night,  but  I  am  with  thee  ; 

There's  not  a  breeze  but  whispers  of  thy  name, 

And  not  a  flower  that  sleeps  beneath  the  moon 

But  in  its  hues  and  fragrance  tells  a  tale  of  thee, 
Poor  Caroline ! 
Only  23. 

Dearly  loved,  and  deeply  mourned,  by  one  faithful  heart." 

There  is  but  one  inscription,  which  we  now  call  to  mind,  that  has  impressed  us 
cibly  in  reading  on  the  spot ;  it  is  that  of  Cray,  the  poet,  to  his  parent,  in 
hurchyard  of  his  own  elegy,  at  Stoke  Park,  the  residence  of  the  Penn  family  : — 


"  Tlie  mother  of  many  children, 
One  only  of  whom  had  the  misfortune  to  survive  her." 

Not  meeting  the  friend  to  whom  our  visit  was  principally  intended,  we  left  the 
elegant  hospitality  of  New  Orleans,  and  joined  him,  by  telegraphic  invitation,  at 
Natchez  (Mississippi),  ascending  the  river  in  the  fine  steamer  Princess,  built  to 
accommodate  the  better  class  of  passengers  from  Memphis  and  Natchez.  Every 
comfort  that  seems  practicable,  is  combined  in  this  boat ;  the  sleeping  arrange- 
ments are  eminently  comfortable ;  the  table  all  that  could  be  desired,  each  day 
furnishing  the  luxuries  which  we  had  brought  in  the  Empire  City  from  Havana, 
of  bananas,  oranges,  and  even  pine-apples.  So  far  has  the  luxury  of  these  river 
boats  been  carried,  that  a  St.  Louis  packet,  the  New  World,  now  sails  equipped 
with  the  force  and  material  of  a  daily  paper  on  board,  and  with  a  job  oflBce  attached 
for  printing  the  bills  of  fare,  and  other  work.  This  was  to  be  one  of  the  novel- 
ties of  the  Leviathan,  but  Brother  Jonathan  is  in  advance  of  the  English  in  these 
matters. 

The  upper  deck  cabin  of  the  Princess  is  two  hundred  and  eighty  feet  long;  when 
well  lighted  up  with  Cornelius'  Philadelphia  lamps,  it  is  one  of  the  most  striking 
scenes  imaginable.  We  ascended  rapidly  through  the  sugar  region,  and  entered 
upon  that  of  cotton  before  reaching  Natchez,  This  sugar  country  presents  many 
attractions ;  more  cultivation  and  thicker  settlements  than  we  anticipated.  We 
could  distinguish  as  a  frequent  tree,  the  Pecan,  which  is  somewhat  like  a  hickory, 
and  produces  most  abundantly ;  the  inhabitants  here  away,  however,  pay  little 
attention  to  supplying  anything  but  sugar.  The  best  pecans  come  dow  from 
Texas. 

The  progress  of  the  boat  was  stopped  occasionally,  to  run  its  bow  into  a  bank, 
and  land  a  few  passengers  or  cotton  baling  ;  the  cotton,  and  the  food  for  the  negroes, 
is  a  descending  cargo  on  this  river.  Occasionally,  very  large  and  showy  houses 
and  out-buildings  came  into  view  in  this  level  country,  marking  the  residences  of 
successful  sugar  growers,  and  sometimes  a  good,  shady  garden,  with  its  golden 
orange-trees,  marked  the  scene.  On  the  spots  most  adapted  to  sugar,  there  ap- 
peared to  be  an  amount  of  very  comfortable  housekeeping,  but  we  never  shall  get 
accustomed  to  a  river  that  is  always  pouring  itself  out,  and  running  one  way  I 
This  is,  no  doubt,  prejudice. 

The  great  rivers  emptying  into  the  Mississippi,  it  might  be  naturally  expected, 
would  present  some  kind  of  improvement  at  the  junctions;  but  rarely  do  we  find 
this  to  be  the  case.  At  Red  River,  we  stopped  to  dismiss  two  passengers,  and 
moored  alongside  a  "shore  boat,"  the  only  habitation  visible.  These  boats  are 
mere  waiting  places,  and  are  about  as  comfortless  as  possible. 

Natchez  reached,  our  first  visit  was  paid  to  the  great  plantation  of  Dr.  Mercer, 
Laurel  Hill.  The  road,  of  some  ten  miles,  passes  many  fine  plantations  and  ex- 
cellent houses ;  among  others,  that  of  Mr.  Sargent,  one  of  the  Boston  family  of 
that  name,  who  was  Commissioner  to  receive  Louisiana  into  the  Union  on  its  pur- 
chase. Here  began  to  be  visible  the  miles  upon  miles  of  hedges  of  the  Cherokee 
Rose,  which,  we  must  say,  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  objects  of  the  kind  ever 
presented  to  the  eye.  It  was  in  full  bloom — the  leaves  of  dazzling  brilliancy,  and 
the  coming  buds  most  vigorous  and  graceful.  These  hedges  occupy  the  great 
breadth  of  ten  feet,  and  fall  about  in  regular  festoons  of  exquisite  beauty,  which 
no  description  can  bring  vividly  to  the  reader.  What  a  pity  this  rose  is  not  hardy 
north  of  the  Carolinas  1 

But  if  the  hedges  were  so  magnificent,  what  was  the  Northern  lover  of  trees  to 
say  to  the  evergreen  magnolias,  M.  grandiflora,  which  soon  became  as  common 
as  our  oaks  in  the  forests  ?     Thousands  lined  the  road  in  every  coppice  with  their 


glorious  dark  foliage,  and  of  dimensions  like  our  tulip-trees.  This  experience  of 
hedges  and  magnolias  alone  compensated  for  all  our  fatigues.  Sometimes  the 
Cherokee  Rose  festooned  the  magnolia,  a  sight  we  hope  never  to  forget.  On 
entering  Dr.  Mercer's  park  and  woods  of  four  thousand  five  hundred  acres,  these 
trees  became  giants ;  intermixed  with  oaks,  the  contrast  was  lovely  beyond  our 
powers  of  description.  Dr.  M.'s  house  is  occupied  by  an  adopted  son,  Mr.  Shields, 
whose  hospitality  deserves  more  than  a  note  ;  it  is  built  to  suit  a  Southern  climate, 
and  might  be  likened  somewhat  to  a  first  class  East  India  bungalow,  enriched  with 
every  elegance.  Built  round  a  hollow  square,  and  of  one  story,  it  presents  an 
appearance  of  comfort  such  as  one  would  select  to  repose  in  for  a  few  centuries, 
if  the  lease  of  life  were  to  be  so  extended.  Its  verandas  and  projecting  shades 
exhibit  on  every  side  the  finest  old  trees  of  evergreen  magnolias,  casting  their 
dark  green  shadows  on  the  lawns ;  these,  and  the  fine  oaks,  record  their  planting 
by  nature's  hand  long  anterior  to  the  occupation  of  the  white  man  ;  they  would 
be  the  pride  of  the  oldest  family  in  Christendom.  Their  enormous  stems  were 
covered  with  running  vines,  while  the  limbs  of  one  magnolia  we  paced,  extended 
in  a  circle  of  three  hundred  feet  1  As  we  drove  through  the  park,  an  occasional 
whirr  marked  the  rising  of  a  wild  turkey  ;  so  completely  is  the  scene  one  of  nature's 
own  glorious  formation,  that  we  wished  all  our  readers  could  enjoy  it  with  us.  The 
Bignonia  capriolata  here  grows  wild,  and  festoons  itself  from  the  highest  limbs. 

In  the  garden  (ably  controlled  by  the  ladies  of  the  mansion),  the  Camellia  lives 
in  the  open  air,  and  attains  a  height  of  fifteen  feet.  Pomegranites  require  no 
housing,  but  issue  a  succession  of  scarlet  flowers  and  excellent  fruit.  But  what 
shall  we  say  of  the  roses  ?  A  white  Lady  Banks  Rose  we  took  the  pains  to 
measure ;  the  stem,  at  three  inches  from  the  ground,  is  twenty-one  inches  in  cir- 
cumference, and  it  covers  a  circuit  of  ninety  feet,  running,  and  hanging  full  of 
bloom  from  every  tree  within  its  reach,  to  the  height  of  thirty  or  more  feet  I 
Hedges  of  Pyrus  japonica,  Magnolia  purpurea  (eighteen  feet  high),  Wax-trees 
{Ligustrum  lucidum),  Crape  Myrtles  (Lagerstrcemia),  twenty-five  feet  in  height, 
Coral  plants,  Pittisporums,  and  similar  greenhouse  pets  with  us,  run  riot  in  this 
delicious  climate.  The  finest  red  roses  mounted  the  pine-trees  to  the  upper 
branches,  forty  feet  from  the  ground.  Moss  roses,  the  Olea  fragrans,  white  Tea 
roses  (whose  bloom  measured  eleven  inches  in  circumference),  peaches,  pears,  and 
so  forth,  were  as  numerous  and  superb  as  heart  could  wish.  Grapes  do  not  succeed 
very  well. 

Dr.  Mercer  possesses  eight  thousand  acres  here,  less  than  one-half  being  a 
cotton  plantation,  occupying  four  hundred  and  seventy  hands.  When  we  say  that 
we  dined  on  asparagus  and  strawberries  at  this  early  date  (April  3),  we  must  leave 
the  reader  to  imagine  the  rest. 


NOTES    UPON    THE    FRUITS    OF    1857. 

BY  W.  C.  STRONG,  BRIGHTON,  MASS. 

Mr,  Editor  :  It  may  be  interesting  to  fruit  growers,  in  other  States,  to  learn 
our  experience  in  Massachusetts  during  the  past  season.  I  send  a  few  notes,  and 
will  commence  with  the  early  small  fruits.  An  unusually  fine  display  of  new  Eng- 
lish varieties  of  strawberries  during  1856,  led  us  to  hope  for  the  same  result  this 
year ;  but  the  severe  cold  of  the  past  winter  disappointed  us.  Few  varieties  were 
on  exhibition,  and  these  not  to  be  compared  with  the  previous  season.  That  any 
sh  variety  is  desirable  for  our  climate,  is  a  question  yet  to  be  proved.  I 
it  is  conceded  that  the  Jenny  Lind  is  a  decided  acquisition,  and  entirely 


supersedes  the  Early  Yirginia  as  a  hybridizer  with  Hovey's  Seedling.  The  cur 
rant  is  deserving  of  more  attention  than  has  been  hitherto  paid  to  it.  Several 
new  varieties  have  made  their  appearance,  but  have  not  been  sufficiently  tested  to 
be  spoken  of  with  confidence.  We  regard  the  cherry  currant  as  too  acid  for  any 
purpose  [perhaps  it  might  supersede  cranberries,  or  be  useful  for  preserves — Ed.], 
and  of  no  value  for  wine.  The  wine  of  the  White  Dutch  had  a  decided  preference 
over  the  Red,  among  the  Fruit  Committee  of  the  Massachusetts  Society. 

A  full  opportunity  has  now  been  given  to  test  the  Lawton  Blackberry  with  our 
own  Dorchester,  and  we  give  unusual  honor  to  home  productions.  The  Dorches- 
ter is  regarded  entirely  superior  in  quality,  and  as  a  show  and  market  fruit.  It 
was  on  exhibition  from  August  8  to  September  21,  and  has  taken  all  the  pre- 
miums. 

Among  raspberries,  Fastolf  has  taken  the  first  premium.  Brinckle's  Orange  is 
not  yet  fully  cultivated  for  competition,  but  it  is  considered  a  great  favorite.  The 
Catawissa  has  indicated  remarkable  productiveness,  this  fall,  and  its  fruit  seems 
to  be  of  good  quality.     We  hope  the  second  year's  trial  will  give  us  larger  fruit. 

Of  gooseberries  we  make  but  little  account,  with  the  exception  of  Houghton's, 
as  a  market  fruit.  The  Mountain  Seedling  has  been  exhibited  for  the  two  past 
seasons,  and  seems  to  be  very  productive,  and  free  from  mildew.  It  is  of  medium 
size,  with  thick  skin,  but  of  fair  quality. 

Stanwick  Nectarines  were  again  tested,  and  pronounced  far  before  any  other 
variety,  in  point  of  flavor. 

Many  varieties  of  hardy  grapes  have  been  exhibited,  some  of  which  were  of 
marked  excellence.  The  Diana  has  for  years  been  a  favorite  as  a  table  grape  ;  but 
it  is  remarkable,  that  the  quantity  exhibited  has  always  been  limited,  and,  in  gene- 
ral, not  well  grown.  This  variety  undoubtedly  requires  high  culture,  and  great 
care  in  guarding  against  mildew.  It  wnll  probably  never  become  a  popular  or 
market  fruit.  A  bunch  of  Union  Yillage  was  exhibited  October  17,  which  was 
of  great  size  and  beauty,  but  was  not  tested.  The  Carter  Grape,  which  is  un- 
doubtedly a  seedling  from  the  Isabella,  and  is  probably  ten  days  earlier,  was  judged 
decidedly  more  sweet,  sprightly,  and  agreeable,  than  its  parent.  Concords,  under 
the  culture  of  Mr.  Bull,  have  preserved  their  usual  fine  appearance ;  but,  with 
respect  to  quality,  the  Rebecca  and  Delaware  stand,  thus  far,  unapproachably  at 
the  head  of  the  list.  They  were  tested  by  the  side  of  Sweet  Waters,  Black  Ham- 
burghs,  and  even  the  White  Frontignans,  grown  upon  the  walls  in  Boston,  and 
were  admitted  to  take  rank  with  them.  The  Delaware  was  deliciously  melting, 
and  reminds  us  of  the  flavor  of  Macready's  Early  White.  Rebecca  is  larger,  and 
with  a  fine,  vinous  aroma,  for  which  I  should  give  it  the  preference.  Both  with- 
stood the  severe  cold  of  our  past  winter.  Some  inquiry  having  been  made  respect' 
ing  the  "Massachusetts  White,"  I  will  say  that  it  has  not  been  exhibited  among 
us,  and  we  are  totally  ignorant  of  its  merits. 

In  regard  to  pears,  mention  should  be  made  of  Mr.  Dana's  seedlings.  No.  16, 
a  small  but  delicious  variety,  ripening  a  little  after  the  Seckel ;  and  also  of  No. 
19,  which  is  probably  a  seedling  from  Beurre  Diel,  and  is  of  good  quality,  though 
rather  coarse.  But  in  this  field  of  pears,  I  will  not  grow  prolix  over  the  thousand 
and  one  varieties  which  afflict  the  ears,  purses,  and,  shall  I  say,  mouths  of  the 
community.  With  the  present  extended  list,  to  discard  and  also  to  adapt  varie- 
ties to  varying  soils,  is  performing  quite  as  important  a  task  as  that  of  hybridizing 
and  introducing  new  sorts.  The  man  who,  out  of  a  thousand  seedlings,  shall 
bring  forth  one  which  may  be  marked  "superior,"  is  entitled  to  everlasting  grati- 
tude, only  on  condition  that  he  commit  to  the  flames  the  worthless  nine  hundred 
and  ninety-nine. 


N.  S  :  YoL.  YIII.— February,  1858. 


THE  ESPERIONE  GRAPE. — NEW  PEARS 


THE    ESPERIONE    GRAPE. 

Mr.  Aiton,  writing  in  the  Horticultural  Society's  Transactions,  iii.  93,  where 
a  colored  drawing  is  given  of  this  grape,  says:  "I  first  noticed  the  Esperione 
Grape  about  the  year  1804,  in  the  catalogue  of  Mr.  R.  Williams,  the  respected 
nurseryman  at  Turnham  Green.  Struck  with  the  novelty  of  the  name,  I  procured 
from  him  three  healthy  vines,  which  were  planted  the  same  year  in  His  Majesty's 
gardens  at  Windsor  in  a  south  aspect,  and  800  square  feet  of  wall  were  allowed 
for  their  culture.  This  space  was  completely  covered  in  the  fourth  year,  and 
since  that  time  the  plants  have  always  produced  and  matured  large  crops  of  fruit. 
Unfavorable  as  was  the  last  season,  they  ripened  about  1200  bunches  of  well- 
colored  grapes.  The  Esperione  is  prolific  to  an  extraordinary  degree,  very  hardy, 
and  of  most  luxuriant  growth,  perfecting  its  fruit  equally  well  and  early  with  the 
Sweetwater  and  Muscadine,  and  in  unfavorable  seasons  has  a  decided  advantage 
over  these  varieties,  and,  indeed,  over  any  other  hardy  grape  that  I  am  acquainted 
with.  The  wood  of  this  vine  is  strong  and  high-colored  ;  the  buds  are  large, 
round,  and  woolly.  The  fruit  is  produced  on  large  bunches,  handsomely  shoul- 
dered, differing  little  in  size  from  the  Hamburgh.  The  berries  vary  much  in  size, 
being  sometimes  round,  fi'equently  flat-rotund,  and  indented  on  the  head  with  the 
remains  of  the  style.  A  groove  or  channel  is  often  observed  on  one  or  both  sides, 
decreasing  from  the  head  downwards.  The  skin,  which  is  covered  with  a  thick 
blue  farina,  is  of  a  deep  purple  color,  inclining  to  black.  The  flesh  adheres  to 
the  skin,  and  though  neither  high-flavored  nor  melting,  is  pleasant.  The  leaves 
are  variously  cut,  and  die  upon  the  tree  of  an  orange  hue." 

Lindley,  in  his  Guide  to  the  Orchard,  copies  the  above,  but  gives  no  additional 
information.  In  the  Catalogue  of  the  Horticultural  Society  it  has  the  synonymes 
"  Hardy  Blue  Windsor,  Turner's  Black,  Cumberland  Lodge,  and  Red  Port  (of 
some)."  With  regard  to  the  name,  we  believe  it  to  have  reference  to  its  being 
raised  from  seed  in  the  west,  esperios,  in  Greek,  being  westerly. 


NEW   PEARS. 

BY   L,    B..    NEW   JERSEY, 


I  SEND  you  the  outlines  of  some  fine  fruit  forwarded  to  me  by  Hon.  J.  S.  Cabot, 
of  Salem,  Mass.  Owing  to  European  uncertain  seasons,  a  great  many  fine  varieties, 
once  or  twice  tested  (years  ago),  have  since  failed  to  produce  fruit.  In  this  cli- 
mate, however,  we  are  more  fortunate,  and  as  soon  as  the  tree  is  disposed  to  bear, 
we  may  expect  some  fine  fruit,  if  that  fruit  be  suited  to  this  climate. 

Mr.  Cabot  fruited  not  only  some  very  little  known  European  pears,  but,  also, 
he  was  fortunate  enough  to  get  from  his  numerous  and  fine  seedlings  four  different 
pears,  all  of  the  best  quality.  These  are  not  very  large,  two  being  of  middle  size, 
the  other  two  below  medium,  and  that  is  the  only  objection,  in  my  opinion,  to  the 
admission  of  such  fine  fruit  in  our  catalogues.  Apropos  of  that,  permit  me  to 
remark,  Mr.  Editor,  that  it  is  more  than  time  that  something  be  done  towards  the 
sifting  of  all  these  names  and  synonymes.  It  is  nearly  impossible  for  the  most 
extensive  nursery  to  cultivate  even  a  small  proportion  of  all  the  varieties  contained 
in  the  catalogues,  and  they  are  only  one-half  of  all  the  known  varieties.  Still, 
amateurs  will  stick  to  some  fruits  with  peculiar  flavors,  or  for  some  other  reasons 
%*    and  nurserymen  must  cultivate  them  often  without  any  possible  profit.     Every- 


body,  of  course,  is  at  liberty  to  show  bis  preferences  in  the  choice  of  fruit-trees ; 
but  I  believe,  after  a  few  years  more  of  experience,  amateurs  will  have  to  be  satis- 
fied by  purchasing  stick  varieties  from  the  nurseries  specimen-trees — that  is,  pur- 
chasing the  scions  for  grafting,  no  trees  of  the  sort  being  cultivated  for  sale.  We 
have  over  a  score  of  the  finest  and  largest  pears,  extending  almost  over  all  seasons. 
Those  should  be  selected  for  general  cultivation,  and  the  smaller  or  less  productive 
varieties  left  for  the  amateurs  and  such  as  have  room  and  time  to  spare. 

To  return  to  Mr.  Cabot's  pears,  I  will  only  state  that  his  seedlings  proved  un- 
commonly fine,  some  possessing  a  peculiar  spicy  taste,  with  abundance  of  juice  and 
sugar.  As  many  of  them 
are  not  named,  and  per- 
haps will  never  be,  I  will 
only  mention  the  two 
large  pears  which  were 
sent  to  me. 

The  one  is  Augiiste  cle 
Marcnse — a  large,  fine, 
pyriform  fruit,  with  a 
rather  rough-looking 
skin,  dotted  and  patched 
with  deep  brown.  Stem, 
rather  short,  or  medium. 
Calyx,  close,  sunk  in  a 
shallow  basin.  Flesh, 
buttery,  flavored,  juicy, 
sweet,  delicious,  partak- 
ing a  little  of  the  Duch- 
esse,  but  more  delicate, 
and  of  a  different  flavor. 
Ripened  October  20. 

The  other  is  the  Beurr6 
de  Konink.  Both  are 
seedlings  of  Yan  Mons, 
but  little  known  in  Bel- 
gium. This  fruit  is  rather 
larger  or  more  full  than 
the  preceding  one.  It 
has  the  same  appearance, 
as  far  as  the  color  and 
the  patches  of  the  skin 
are  concerned,  as  the 
Auguste  de  Maraise,  but 
its  stem  is  rather  longer, 
more  slender,  and  sur- 
rounded at  the  cavity 
with  fleshy  protuber- 
ances. Flesh,  rather 
coarse,  but  juicy,  highly 
flavored,  and  truly  de- 
licious. Both  these  va- 
rieties are  among  the 
best  I  have  tasted  this     Fig.  1.  Auguste  de  Maraise. 


season,  and  they  seem  to  be  of  such  a  texture  as  not  to  be  subject  to  sporting  or 
changing  their  quality  in  ordinary  seasons. 

I  believe  these  sorts  so  long  overlooked  in  their  native  country,  where  perhaps 
few  specimens  ripened  in  proper  condition  for  a  number  of  years,  are  well  worth 
a  trial.  If  their  bearing  qualities  come  up  to  those  of  the  Duchess  and  the  Louise 
Bonne,  they  may  certainly  be  considered  as  acquisitions,  being  at  least  equal,  if 
not  superior,  to  some  of  our  large  standard  varieties. 


ON   THE   NORTHERN   LIMITS   OE  YINE   CULTIYATION. 

(translated  from  a.  de  candolle's  geographie  botanique.) 
With  Remarks  hy  R.  Buchanan,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

In  Europe  the  limits  of  vine  cultivation  on  an  extensive  scale,  and  for  the  pur- 
pose of  wine-making,  have  retrograded  from  the  northwest  towards  the  southeast 
dui'ing  the  last  few  centuries ;  but  before  dwelling  upon  the  abandoned  limits,  we 
shall  trace  the  existing  ones. 

Portugal  is  famous  for  its  vines  ;  but  in  Spain  their  cultivation  is  not  universal, 
being  wanting,  wholly  or  in  part,  in  the  moist  northwestern  provinces  of  Galicia 
and  the  Asturias ;  they  are  not  even  habitually  cultivated  in  the  comparatively 
drier  mountains  of  the  Asturias,  though  some  intelligent  agriculturists  have  a  few 
acres  of  vineyards.     In  the  southwest  of  France,  the  vineyards  are  beautiful. 

According  to  the  government  statistical  tables  of  France,  published  in  1837, 
the  extent  of  the  vineyards,  in  1834,  was  in  the  departments — 

Acres. 
Loire  Inferieure     .  .  .  .  .  .8120 

Morbihan   .  .  .'  .  .  .  .         217 

Ille-et-Vilaine        ......  56 

The  more  exact  limits  are — Southern  Brittany,  lat.  47°  30',  from  whence  the 
line  is  directed  eastward  to  the  department  of  Mayenne,  where  in  1834  only  304 
acres  were  under  vineyards ;  to  the  department  of  L'Eure,  412  acres;  of  Oise,  834 
acres;  and  of  La  Somme,  bl  acres.  A  little  wine  has  been  made  to  the  west  of 
this  line,  as  at  Caen,  Calvados,  and  even  in  Jersey,  but  these  are  exceptional 
cases,  which  do  not  affect  the  general  accuracy  of  the  result  above  given.  Those 
departments  of  France  which  did  not  return  above  2|-  acres  of  vineyards  in  1834 
are,  in  the  west,  Finisterre,  Cotes  du  Nord,  Manche,  Orne,  Calvados,  Seine  In- 
ferieure, Pas  de  Calais  et  Nord;  in  the  centre,  those  of  La  Creuse  and  of  Cantal, 
where  the  elevation  of  the  land  makes  the  climate  too  rigorous. 

In  Belgium,  the  cultivation  of  the  vine  on  a  grand  scale  ceases  at  Argenteau  on 
the  Meuse  (lat.  50°  45').  Descending  the  Rhine,  beautiful  vineyards  advance  as 
far  down  as  the  hills  extend,  and  below  Bonn,  as  these  conditions  disappear,  the 
vine  becomes  rare,  stopping  altogether  at  Dusseldorf.  In  Northwestern  Germany, 
Potsdam  and  Berlin  are  the  extreme  limits.  In  Saxony,  vineyards  are  more  fre- 
quent up  to  lat.  51:^° — as  at  Weissenfeld,  in  Prussian  Saxony,  and  at  Meissen, 
north  of  Dresden. 

This  line,  extending  from  the  mouths  of  the  Loire  to  Potsdam  (lat.  49|°  to  52  J°), 
is  throughout  its  whole  extent  to  the  south  of  that  to  which  the  vineyards  once 
attained.  Not  only  are  vines  now  grown  here  and  there  to  the  northward  of  it, 
but  there  are  proofs  that  formerly,  towards  the  close  of  the  middle  ages,  and  for 
or  three  previous  centuries,  vineyards  were  numerous  to  the  northwest  of 
limits. 


In  Normandy,  it  is  matter  of  tradition  that  numerous  vines  were  destroyed  in 
the  14th  century  by  the  English,  who,  from  holding  Guienne,  were  anxious  to 
favor  the  vine  growth  of  that  country.  From  the  i2th  to  the  13th  centuries,  a 
number  of  maps  allude  to  the  vines  of  Normandy,  Brittany,  and  Picardy. 

Tacitus  {Agricola,  xii.),  speaking  of  England,  says  that  the  soil  is  fruitful  in 
corn,  but  not  in  the  olive,  vine,  and  other  plants  of  warm  climates;  these  ripen 
slowly  and  quickly  sprout,  and  for  the  same  reason,  namely,  the  humidity  of  the 
earth  and  sky.  It  is  mentioned  in  many  works  that  the  Emperor  Probus  granted 
permission  to  the  Britons,  as  well  as  to  the  Gauls,  to  cultivate  the  vine;  but 
this  proves  nothing,  for  we  do  not  know  whether  they  availed  themselves  of  the 
permission,  and,  if  so,  whether  they  profited  by  it.  In  more  recent  times,  it  is 
known  that  the  vine  was  cultivated  in  England.  In  Strutt's  Ancient  England, 
chronicles  and  facts  are  quoted  in  proof  of  this.  The  county  of  Gloucester  was 
famous  for  its  vineyards ;  according  to  Bede,  Guillaume  de  Malmesbury,  the  grapes 
there  were  sweeter  than  any  others  in  England.  According  to  Stow's  Chronicle, 
wine  was  made  in  Windsor  Park  as  well  as  in  all  other  parts  of  England.  In  an 
ancient  manuscript  of  that  date,  kept  at  the  castle,  may  be  seen  the  annual  cost 
of  the  vine  plantation,  the  account  (in  the  time  of  Richard  the  Second)  of  the  vines 
which  were  grown  in  great  quantities  in  the  Little  Park,  as  well  as  of  the  wine 
made.  A  portion  of  this  wine  was  consumed  in  the  palace,  and  the  rest  sold  for 
the  king's  profit,  whilst  the  duties  were  paid  to  the  Abbot  of  Waltham,  the  in- 
cumbent of  Old  and  New  Windsor.  Strutt  gives  a  figure  of  an  ancient  Saxon 
wine-press.  Miller,  in' the  Gardeners^  Dictionary,  says,  in  1768,  that  though  few 
vines  are  now  grown  in  England,  they  were  in  former  times  very  common.  This 
is  proved  by  the  fact  that  numerous  places,  in  many  parts  of  England,  derive 
their  names  from  this  circumstance,  and  that  there  are  acts  to  certify  the  extent 
of  ground  allotted  for  vines  to  abbeys  and  monasteries.  Miller  fui'ther  mentions 
the  attempts  made  in  the  neighborhood  of  London,  and  it  is  well  known  that  even 
now  grapes  are  grown  for  curiosity  or  for  pleasure  in  the  South  of  England.  These 
grapes  are  not  always  bad,  the  wine  that  has  been  made  is  not  always  detestable ; 
though  the  Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer  has  no  fear  for  the  result  affecting  the 
duty  on  foreign  wines  entering  England,  which  yields  an  enormous  revenue. 

Analogous  facts  regarding  the  retrogression  of  limits  of  vine  cultivation  are 
presented  in  the  northwest  of  Germany.  Meyen  states  that  in  the  fourteenth  cen- 
tury the  vine  was  introduced  into  Prussia,  and  that  it  was  cultivated  there  long 
since  that  epoch.  M.  J.  G.  Bujach  has  published  in  a  Koenigsberg  journal  an 
article  on  the  ancient  vine  culture  in  Prussia,  when  that  country  was  under  the 
Teutons.  The  wine  made  was  acid,  and  now-a-days  would  be  undrinkable,  com- 
pared with  more  southern  wines.  The  climate  of  the  shores  of  the  Baltic,  between 
Dantzig  and  Koenigsberg,  is  not  very  unfavorable  to  the  vine,  and  we  find  that 
even  now  it  is  sometimes  cultivated  there.  Lastly  M.  Streicher  assures  me  that 
grapes  are  not  grown  now  near  Cracow,  though  there  are  localities  named  after 
the  vineyards  which  once  grew  there. 

To  return  to  the  present  limits  of  the  vine,  there  are  extensive  vineyards  in 
Bohemia  (notwithstanding  the  elevation  of  that  country);  in  Moravia,  and  more 
still  in  Hungary.  The  chain  of  mountains  called  successively  Riesengebirge  and 
Carpathians  define  its  limits  in  that  part  of  Europe,  and  it  does  not  extend  beyond 
them,  except  eastwards  under  the  48th  degree.  Thence  it  passes  to  the  province 
of  Bukovina,  where  there  are  vineyards  in  favorable  localities,  but  there  are  none 
in  Galicia.  At  Kiew  grapes  ripen  badly  and  in  gardens  only,  no  wine  being 
made.  Descending  the  Dniester,  the  first  vines  are  met  with  at  Mohilow  under 
48th  degree,  on  the  Dneiper  under  the  49th  degree,  on  the  Bug  under 


ON  THE  NORTHERN  LIMITS  OF  VINE  CULTIVATION. 


47th  degree.  On  the  banks  of  the  Don  the  culture  of  the  vine  is  extensive  from 
Axais  to  Tcherkask.  On  the  Volga  it  is  cultivated  at  Sarepta,  lat.  48^°,  and 
probably  as  far  north  as  50J°. 

In  Southern  Russia  it  is  customary  to  bury  the  vines  during  winter  to  protect 
them  against  the  great  cold,  and  the  frosts  of  September  sometimes  destroy  the 
crop. 

In  Central  Asia  vines  are  grown  here  and  there  in  low  populous  valleys.  Hum- 
boldt mentions  their  being  found  in  Hamil  (lat.  43°),  and  at  Lhassa  in  29°  41'. 
The  height  and  extent  of  the  mountain  chains  in  the  centre  of  that  continent  are 
an  evident  obstacle  to  this  culture.  Bunge  informs  me  that  vines  are  grown  in 
Is^orth  China,  in  the  environs  of  Pekin,  and  in  great  abundance,  even  as  far  north 
as  Gouan-gou,  beyond  which  he  saw  no  vineyards;  but  the  plants  were  every- 
where covered  with  manure  during  the  winter,  the  cold  often  descending  to  5°  Fahr. 

In  North  America,  at  least  in  the  United  States,  the  Yitis  vinifera  has  wholly 
failed.  It  was  first  attempted  by  Swiss  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio,  lat.  39°,  but 
the  wine  was  sour,  did  not  keep,  and  did  not  pay  its  expenses,  and  the  vineyards 
have  since  given  place  to  corn-fields.  Fine  but  limited  crops  of  grapes  are  said 
to  have  been  obtained  near  Cincinnati,  but  other  attempts  have  failed;  of  these 
the  most  remarkable  is  that  of  Lakanal,  who  resorted  to  various  expedients  in 
several  of  the  States,  changing  the  localities,  plants,  &c.  Again,  Mr.  Longworth, 
of  Ohio,  pursued  his  attempts  for  thirty  years  with  remarkable  zeal  but  no  success, 
and  it  has  been  found  necessary  to  use  the  Catawba  Grape,  an  original  wild  grape 
of  America,  of  which  1500  acres  are  cultivated  in  Ohio,  300  to  400  in  Cincinnati, 
and  about  1000  in  Missouri,  Indiana,  and  Ohio.  These  vineyards  are  increasing 
and  profitable. 

In  New  Mexico  and  California  the  climate  is  more  favorable,  and  the  European 
vine  is  cultivated,  but  it  has  not  been  introduced  into  the  more  recent  settlements, 
and  it  is  impossible  to  say  what  its  future  limits  may  be  in  Oregon. 

In  the  southern  hemisphere  the  vine  thrives  in  Chili,  and  excellent  wine  is  made 
to  the  east  of  the  chain  of  the  Andes  at  Mendoza,  Saint  Juan,  and  La  Rioja,  but 
its  southern  limit  is  not  known.  Schouw  mentions  the  vine  at  Conception  under 
the  3Uh  degree. 

Wine  of  the  best  quality  is  sometimes  produced  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope ; 
that  of  New  South  Wales  resembles  the  wines  of  the  banks  of  the  Loire;  and  in 
general  the  dry  climates  and  light  soils  of  Australia  are  well  adapted  to  vine 
cultivation.     That  of  Tasmania  is  too  humid. 

[In  the  above  resume  the  extensive  vine  cultivation  of  the  Northwestern' Hima- 
layas, Affghanistan,  and  Persia  is  not  mentioned.  The  reported  cultivation  at 
Lhassa  is  open  to  doubt;  Hue  and  Gabet,  the  only  Europeans  who  have  visited 
Lhassa,  make  no  allusion  to  it ;  and  the  testimony  of  recent  Himalayan  ti'avellers 
who  have  questioned  the  Thibetans  upon  the  subject  seems  to  prove  that  the  climate 
is  much  too  rigorous  and  arid.] 

\_Note. — The  foregoing  excellent  article,  from  the  pen  of  one  of  the  best  botan- 
ists in  Europe,  contains  much  to  interest  us  here  in  America.  That  the  geo- 
graphical limits  for  the  cultivation  of  the  "Vitis  vinifera"  in  Europe  liave  been 
gradually  receding  from  the  northwest  to  the  southeast  appears  to  be  clearly 
proven  ;  and  that  the  attempts  with  the  same  vine,  in  all  its  varieties,  in  the  United 
States,  have  thus  far  been  a  failure,  cannot  be  denied.  With  the  exception  of 
some  parts  of  California,  where  it  is  said  to  succeed,  the  Yitis  vinifera  is  abandoned 
for  vineyard  culture  in  the  United  States.  About  sixty  years  ago  experiments 
in  vineyard  culture,  with  foreign  vines,  were  made  in  the  vicinity  of  New 


Philadelphia,  Lexington,  Ky.,  and  some  parts  of  Virginia;  with  some  promise 
of  success  at  first ;  they  all  eventually  failed.  Some  years  later,  the  good  sense  of 
a  few  persevering  cultivators  induced  them  to  try  our  native  vines,  with  a  better 
reward  for  their  efforts.  Wine  was  made,  but  not  of  a  quality  to  please  the 
American  palate,  and  it  was  for  a  time  abandoned.  This  may  be  said  especially 
of  the  Swiss  settlement  at  Yevay,  Ind.,  established  in  1805,  where  the  Schuylkill 
Grape  was  principally  cultivated,  under  the  name  of  "Cape"  (a  misnomer).  The 
vineyards  planted  on  rich  bottom  lands,  instead  of  the  hilltops  and  sides,  did  not 
succeed,  and  were  given  up  for  corn-fields.  At  length  a  native  grape  was  found, 
of  great  promise — the  Catawha,  from  North  Carolina.  It  was  first  introduced 
into  notice  by  Major  Adlum,  of  Georgetown,  D.  C,  in  1820,  and  by  N.  Long- 
worth,  of  Cincinnati,  in  1823.  The  latter  gentleman,  by  his  untiring  efforts  in 
the  cause,  is  justly  entitled  to  be  called  the  "father  of  successful  vine  culture  in 
the  West."  This  noble  grape  is  now  our  principal  reliance  for  wine  in  the  West 
and  Southwest,  and  is  rapidly  spreading  over  the  Southern  States  also.  The 
quality  of  the  wine  made  from  it  is  too  well  known  to  require  further  remarks, 
except  to  say  that  it  is  very  popular,  and  readily  commands  a  remunerative  price 
to  the  producer.  That  wine-growing  in  the  United  States  will  eventually  succeed, 
as  a  permanent  and  paying  crop,  no  one  familiar  with  its  present  progress  can 
doubt.  What  are  the  geographical  limits,  and  where  the  most  favored  region 
within  our  vast  territories,  has  yet  to  be  tested  by  experience.  We  are  compara- 
tively but  new  beginners  in  this  enterprise,  and  mere  learners;  but  if  we  do  not 
improve  as  we  progress,  it  will  not  be  in  accordance  with  the  usual  sagacity  and 
energy  of  the  American  character. 

In  the  varied  climate  of  our  widely  extended  country,  some  native  grapes  will 
be  found  suited  for  wine  in  almost  every  latitude  south  of  43°.  Thus  far,  the 
Isabella  for  the  North,  the  Catawba  for  the  West,  and  the  Scuppernong  for  the 
South,  appear  to  be  the  favorites.  Many  other  native  and  hybrid  varieties  are 
now  being  tested,  and  amongst  them  superior  wine  grapes  to  those  now  cultivated 
will  doubtless  be  discovered.  We  live  in  an  age  of  progress,  and  why  should 
wine-growing  form  an  exception  ? 

The  grape  is  now  cultivated  for  wine-making  in  20  of  the  31  States  of  the 
Union,  and  the  following  estimate  is  probably  a  fair  approximation  to  the  number 
of  acres  in  vineyards  in  some  of  the  States.  Ohio,  3000,  about  2000  of  which  is 
around  Cincinnati;  Indiana,  1000;  Kentucky,  500;  Illinois,  600;  Missouri,  700; 
Tennessee,  200;  Georgia,  100;   South  Carolina,  200;  North  Carolina,  200. 

The  mountainous  regions  of  Tennessee,  North  Carolina  and  Georgia  are  thought 
to  be  the  best  parts  of  the  United  States  for  grape  culture.  Thus  far,  the  vine- 
yards have  produced  better  average  crops  in  Ohio  than  Missouri.  The  past  year, 
however,  is  an  exception;  in  Ohio  we  shall  scarcely  average  over  100  gallons  to 
the  acre,  whilst  in  Missouri  some  of  the  vineyards  have  yielded  1000.  One  hundred 
gallons  per  acre  will  more  than  pay  the  expenses  of  cultivation.  With  all  the 
casualties  to  which  the  crop  is  subject,  it  is  found  to  be  as  reliable  as  the  apple, 
our  hardiest  fruit;  and,  were  it  not  remunerative,  it  would  long  since  have  been 
abandoned.  R.  Buchanan.] 

Cincinnati,  1857. 


THE  SEED,  THE  STOCK,  AND  THE  GRAFT. 


THE   SEED,  THE   STOCK,  AND  THE   GRAFT. 

BY  WILLIAM  MUNDIE,  LANDSCAPE  GARDENER,  HAMILTON,  CANADA  WEST. 

There  are  very  few  people  to  whom  a  portion  of  good  fruit  is  not  both  grate- 
ful and  beautiful,  if  partaken  of  with  propriety ;  and  there  can  be  but  very  few, 
who  are  in  any  way  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  but  will  have  an  inte- 
rested as  well  as  a  pleasurable  desire  to  grow  some  one  or  more  of  the  fruits  which 
thrive  in  our  climate. 

Fruit  also  forms  (or  should  form)  a  very  considerable  staple  in  every  market; 
and  while  its  cultivation  gives  remunerative  employment  to  the  growers,  it  also 
forms  one  of  the  best  and  healthful  of  exercises  for  the  amateur.  From  thus 
viewing  the  importance  of  good  and  productive  fruit-trees  to  the  country  gene- 
rally, I  have  been  led  to  write  the  few  following  remarks,  which,  if  but  pointing 
in  the  right  direction,  may  be  beneficial  in  drawing  attention  to  the  subject. 

The  propagation  and  raising  of  the  various  sorts  of  fruit-trees  for  the  stocking 
of  orchards  and  fruit  gardens,  is  a  business  of  considerable  magnitude,  and  there 
are  few  businesses  regarding  which  so  much  trust  has  to  be  exercised  by  the  cus- 
tomer as  with  the  tree  grower  or  nurseryman.  A  considerable  time  is  required  to 
prove  what  he  has  got,  and  seeing  that  the  price  of  the  trees  is  not  the  one-hun- 
dredth part  of  the  loss  should  disappointment  ensue. 

In  the  earlier  settlement  of  this  country,  orchards  (as  many  evidences  yet  ex- 
isting testify)  had  been  mostly  raised  from  seeds  of  the  various  fruits  intended  to 
be  grown  ;  many  varieties  of  fruit  were  thus  raised.  Indeed,  scarcely  are  there 
to  be  found  two  trees  with  fruit  alike  in  the  older  orchards  which  had  been  thus 
raised  ;  yet  mostly  all  were  of  an  inferior  quality.  Now  and  then,  a  tolerably 
good  fruit  would  be  got,  arising,  probably,  from  having  been  cross  or  hybrid  bred 
between  two  pure,  or  nearly  pure,  original  (but  different)  sorts,  the  combination 
of  the  properties  of  which  were  fitted  to  form  a  right  consistency  for  a  good  fruit ; 
but  this  was  chance. 

A  little  later,  grafted  and  budded  trees  had  been  introduced — that  is,  trees 
grafted  or  budded  with  scions  or  buds  (from  any  good  sort  that  it  might  be  wished 
to  increase)  upon  a  young  seedling  tree  or  stock.  This  process,  which  is  now 
well  understood,  most  admirably  answers  the  purpose  of  propagating  and  multi- 
plying good  varieties,  with  the  certainty  that  they  will  be  identically  the  same  sorts 
as  the  parent  trees  from  which  the  scions  or  shoots  were  taken.  In  respect  to 
general  principles  of  working,  this  process  is  complete ;  but  I  consider  that  much 
has  to  be  learned  and  observed  before  we  have  the  full  benefit  of  its  very  adaptable 
qualities  for  increasing  and  preserving  our  fruits  pure  and  productive. 

In  all  well  regulated  nurseries,  the  different  sorts  of  trees  are  marked  with  either 
names  or  numbers  on  the  ground  where  they  stand,  and,  generally  speaking,  very 
great  care  is  taken  to  have  the  kinds  ti*ue  to  the  names  given  with  them  ;  and, 
except  from  any  accidental  mistake  (which,  under  the  best  regulations,  will  some- 
times occur),  many,  I  believe,  are  worthy  of  every  confidence.  But  then,  these 
names  and  numbers  only  speak  truth  as  to  the  sorts  from  which  the  grafts  were 
taken. 

Now,  without  attributing  other  defects  than  those  of  the  present  routine  of 
practice,  and,  of  course,  a  desire  on  the  part  of  nurserymen  and  tree  growers  to 
raise  as  large  a  quantity  at  as  cheap  a  rate,  and  in  as  short  a  time  as  possible,  I 
der  that  there  is  a  very  great  oversight  in  the  present  mode  of  propag 
raising  fruit-trees,  and  which,  in  my  opinion,  lies  in  the  indiscriminate 


in  which  the  stocks  (or  seedling  trees  to  graft  upon)  are  raised  and  used.  For 
instance,  in  the  case  of  apples,  if  a  cider-mill  is  near,  a  quantity  of  seeds  are  very 
readily  obtained  ;  but  such  seeds  are  probably  from  fifty  or  one  hundred  varieties, 
most  of  them  having  pedigrees,  connections,  relations,  differences,  and  affinities 
to  others,  and  to  and  from  each  other,  inextricable  beyond  all  calculation.  They 
are  sown  and  grown,  of  course,  indiscriminately,  and  the  further  probability  is, 
that  many  of  them  may  be  already  hybridized  with,  and  allied  to,  the  sorts  which 
will  be  grafted  or  budded  on  them,  and  presuming  that  the  stock  exercises  a  most 
decided  influence  on  the  graft,  and  also  on  the  quality  of  the  fruit,  but,  more  espe- 
cially, on  the  health  and  productiveness  or  unproductiveness  of  the  trees,  and  that, 
notwithstanding  the  goodness  or  productive  quality  of  the  sort  which  may  have 
been  grafted  from,  such  indiscriminate  amalgamation  as  this  must  be  detrimental 
and  deteriorating. 

Some  practical  nurserymen  say,  that  by  the  root-grafting  system,  the  unsuitable- 
ness  of  stocks  to  grafts  is  done  away  with,  from  the  graft  itself  rooting  into  the 
soil.  I  am  of  a  different  opinion,  because  I  think  that  the  rooting  of  the  graft 
rather  aggravates  the  difficulty  than  otherwise,  as,  then,  there  will  be  two  distinct 
sources  through  which  the  tree  will  be  supplied  with  sap,  the  amalgamation  of 
which  may  be  very  injurious  to  either  health,  growth,  productiveness,  or  quality. 
With  other  fruits  which  come  under  the  process  of  budding  or  grafting  (as  with 
the  apple),  the  procedure  has  been  pretty  much  the  same,  and  need  not  be  en- 
larged on. 

The  pear,  tvhen  budded  on  the  quince  stock,  has  shown  us  some  lessons  in  the 
direction  aimed  at  in  the  foregoing,  as  many  sorts  of  the  pear  do  not  succeed  on 
quince  stocks,  which,  on  pear  stocks,  are  thrifty,  and  good  bearers.  This  can 
only  be  attributed  to  the  influence  of  a  stock  which  is  not  fitted  for  them.  In 
other  sorts,  failures  occur  on  pear  roots,  but,  no  doubt,  from  a  similar  cause. 

By  great  attention  and  care  in  the  proper  hybridizing  and  crossing  of  the  dif- 
ferent sorts,  the  French  and  German  growers  have  succeeded  in  raising  many  new 
seedling  varieties,  possessing  first-rate  qualities  while  on  their  own  roots  pure,  or 
when  grafted  upon  suitable  stocks,  but  which  also  get  much  deteriorated  by  being 
grafted  on  unsuitable  stocks.  Many  good  American  seedlings  have  lately  appeared, 
which,  if  thus  indiscriminately  matched  in  grafting,  must  share  the  same  fate. 

By  gathering  seeds  which  may  have  been  hybridized  by  insects,  or  in  any  other 
promiscuous  manner,  some  good  pears  maybe  raised,  but  only  by  the  merest  chance ; 
and  the  chances  against  it  are  manifold. 

By  a  like  hypothesis,  I  have  been  led  to  believe  that  the  indiscriminate  manner 
in  which  seedling  stocks  are  raised,  reduces  the  productiveness,  the  size,  the  flavor, 
and  also,  in  a  very  great  degree,  the  constitutional  health  and  vigor  (or  hardiness) 
of  many  of  our  fruit-trees,  to  be,  in  a  great  measure,  a  matter  of  chance,  dependent 
as  to  whether  any  particular  sorts  of  grafts  may  happen  to  have  been  put  upon 
stocks  suited  to  them  ;  and  I  suppose  there  will  be  but  very  few  who  will  think 
otherwise  than  that  their  chance  of  being  so  placed  would  be  but  very  slender 
indeed. 

Nurserymen  and  fruit  growers  certainly  deserve  well  for  having  introduced  many 
fine  sorts  of  fruit  into  the  country ;  whether  for  self-interest  or  philanthropy,  mat- 
ters not,  as,  in  either  case,  the  country  is  benefited.  The  progress  made  in  propa- 
gating has  also  been  great,  but,  by  reason  of  those  oversights  which  I  have  been 
endeavoring  to  point  out,  I  think  we  have  been  (and  are  yet)  working  greatly  in 
the  dark,  and  making  success  more  a  matter  of  chance  than  it  otherwise  might  be. 

As  a  commencement  to  improvement,  the  adaptation  of  properly  bred  stock 
the  various  sorts  which  it  may  be  wished  to  grow,  might  be  the  first  aim ;  an 


my  opinion,  the  nearer  thorough  bred  (borrowing  a  term),  or  bred  as  nearly  as 
possible  in  a  direct  and  pure  line  from  the  crab-apple,  pear,  or  plum,  &c.,  so  much 
the  more  likely  are  we  to  have  success  in  producing  healthy,  hardy  trees,  and  clean, 
handsome,  and  high  flavored  fruit.  This  one  branch  of  the  improvement  is  of 
itself  a  great  work,  and  must  also  be  a  work  of  time  and  experience  ;  but  the 
importance  of  such  a  work  ought  to  be  sufficient  to  enlist  the  united  efforts  and 
energies  of  all  who  are  interested  in  fruit  growing,  and  who  is  not  ? 

I  have  not  written  the  foregoing  remarks  as  pretending  to  impart  any  definite 
information  on  the  subject  (in  detail),  as  neither  time  nor  opportunity  has  been 
had  in  order  to  experiment  for  that  purpose,  and  the  subject  is  of  too  much  im- 
portance for  random  conclusions.  I  have  only  endeavored  to  point  out  a  problem, 
the  working  out  of  which  is  of  great  interest,  but  which,  if  properly  taken  up  by 
nurserymen  and  horticulturists,  may  be  solved  to  much  advantage,  and  which,  I 
have  every  reason  to  believe,  will  account  for  many  of  the  discrepancies  and  dif- 
ficulties hitherto  experienced  with  fruit  and  in  fruit  growing. 


THE    CHARDON   POTATO. 

BY  GUSTAVE  HENZE. 

For  some  years  past  a  new  variety  of  the  potato,  extraordinarily  productive,  has 
been  cultivated  on  many  farms  in  the  environs  of  Mans.  It  is  known  under  the 
name  of  "the  Chardon  Potato,"  because  it  was  obtained  byM.  Cha*rdon,  a  farmer 
at  Griez  (Sarthe)  in  1846,  from  a  sowing  made  with  seeds  purchased  at  Mans,  which 
had  been  ripened  in  Saxony. 

The  Chardon  potato  is  distinguished  from  the  varieties  cultivated  either  iu  fields 
or  gardens  by  the  following  characteristics : — 

1st.  Its  tubers  are  long,  and  rather  flat;  its  skin  is  glossy  and  yellow  when  cul- 
tivated in  light  and  sandy  soils,  and  rough  and  yellowish  brown  tinged  with  red, 
when  grown  in  argillaceous  earth.  Its  eyes  are  numerous  and  deeply  sunk  in  cavi- 
ties; its  flesh  is  of  a  clear  yellow. 

2d.  Its  stems  are  numerous,  strong,  and  furnished  with  deep  green  leaves;  its 
flowers  are  white,  washed  with  rose,  and  succeed  each  other  without  interruption, 
from  the  15th  August  to  the  end  of  September. 

This  variety  is  late,  and  ripens  its  tubers  towards  the  end  of  October.  Up  to 
this  time  (1856)  the  disease  which  has  appeared  every  year  since  1845,  and  com- 
mitted such  gi'eat  ravages  upon  the  late  potatoes,  has  not  touched  it. 

Bat  the  Chardon  potato  is  not  only  an  interesting  variety  on  account  of  its  having 
up  to  this  time  resisted  the  attacks  of  the  disease  :  it  deserves  to  be  propagated  be- 
cause it  is  without  contradiction  the  most  productive  potato  of  all  those  cultivated 
upon  a  large  scale. 

M.  Dugrip,  to  whom  attaches  the  merit  of  having  been  the  first  to  direct  the  at- 
tention of  agriculturists,  committees,  and  societies,  to  this  fine  variety,  has  produced, 
on  an  average  per  hectare,  twenty  times  the  quantity  of  tubers  planted  upon  the 
same  superficies;  this  result  is  so  much  the  more  remarkable  that  it  constitutes  the 
mean  return  of  the  culture  of  7  hectares  40  ares  (about  IT  acres  1  rood  9  perches). 

In  cultures  conducted  on  a  smaller  scale  the  returns  obtained  have  frequently 
been  extraordinary.  Thus  M.  Coudray,  a  farmer  in  Saint  Maixant  (Sarthe),  has 
produced  from  eight  hectolitres  220  hectolitres  or  more  than  27  to  1 ;  M.  Epinette, 
a  proprietor  at  Ferte,  Bernard,  gathered  33  hectolitres,  for  one ;  and  M.  Velraorin  has 
18  hectolitres  for  20  litres,  whi'ch  is  more  than  90  times  the  quantity  planted.  I 
general  the  weight  of  the  tubers  averages  between  150  and  225  grammes  (from  4 


to  '1.2  oz.).  This  potato  will  propagate  itself  very  rapidly  in  France,  if  it  continues  to 
be  so  productive  and  remains  perfectly  healthy;  for  a  great  number  of  agricultural 
committees  and  societies  have  experimented  upon  it  this  year  (1856),  and  we  strongly 
recommend  the  readers  of  the  Journal  d^ Agriculhire  Pratique  to  follow  this  year 
its  divers  phases  of  existence  in  these  attempts,  and  to  take  an  account  of  the  pro- 
ducts they  render  in  the  autumn.  We  wish  to  believe  that  it  will  still  furnish  an 
abundant,  if  not  an  extraordinary  produce,  and  that  we  shall  be  able  anew  to  re- 
gard it  as  a  true  conquest,  a  unique  variety,  as  well  on  account  of  the  beauty  of  its 
tubers  as  of  the  large  proportion  of  starch  they  contain. — Translated  from  the 
French  of  the  "  Joi(r?ial  d'Agrzcidture  Pratique,'" 


VISITS    TO    COTJNTIIY    PLACES,  NO. 
NEW    JERSEY. 


13. 


Woodlaton,  the  residence  of  Richard  Stockton  Field,  Esq.,  near  Princeton, 
N.  J.,  presents  many  attractions,  and  in  none  more  than  in  the  character  of  its 
planting.  Mr.  Field  is  an  enthusiastic  lover  of  trees  and  a  garden,  and,  we  must 
say,  has  succeeded.  His  evergreens  will  compare  favorably  with  any  of  the  same 
age  in  America,  both  for  rapidity  of  growth  and  beauty  of  form.  This  is  mainly 
owing  to  a  knowledge  of  how  trees  should  be  planted,  to  preparation  of  the  soil, 
and  to  his  allowing  each  specimen  ample  room.  We  find  cedars  of  Lebanon, 
hollies,  magnolias,  and  rare  trees,  in  great  variety,  grateful  for  kindness,  and 
rewarding  their  owner  in  a  manner  highly  encouraging  to  the  amateur. 

Mr.  Field  has  been  the  proprietor  of  Woodlawn  only  about  thirteen  years. 
Before  the  elegant  and  tasteful  mansion  was  even  planned,  he  began  to  plant. 
The  house  was  commenced  in  the  fall  of  1854,  and  completed  in  the  fall  of  1856, 
by  Mr.  John  Notman  (Architect),  of  Philadelphia,  and  much  esteemed  as  the 
renovator  of  Princeton  College,  to  whose  judgment  in  planning,  and  exquisite 
taste  in  finish,  it  is  a  noble  monument. 

Thirty  acres  are  devoted  to  ornamental  purposes,  including  the  gardens  and 
forcing  houses,  and  grounds  ;  the  remaining  ninety,  separated  by  a  road,  are  em- 
ployed for  farming  purposes.  In  the  tree  department,  Mr.  Field  pays  especial 
attention  to  evergreens.  The  front,  on  the  main  road,  is  planted  with  white  pines  ; 
many  of  these  are  forty  feet  in  height.  He  justly  thinks  this  species  should  never 
be  planted  nearer  to  each  other  than  forty  feet,  at  which  distance  their  branches 
soon  meet.  His  largest  Cedar  of  Lebanon  is  now  more  than  thirty  feet  in  height, 
and  though  slightly  suffering  in  its  leaves  from  the  two  late  extremely  cold  win- 
ters, is  now  established,  and  will  make  Mr.  Field's  name  remembered  for  a  century 
or  two.  There  are  the  following  noticeable  specimens  of  which  we  took  memo- 
randa : — 

Fine  Balsam  Firs,  Larches,  and  Hemlocks. 

Norway  Spruces,  thirty-five  to  forty  feet. 

Cedar  of  Lebanon,  thirty  feet ;  slightly  in- 
jured the  two  last  winters,  but  recovering, 
and  assuming  its  true  character. 


European  Silver  Fir,  twenty  feet. 
Finns  Austrica,  twenty  feet. 
Finns  Excelsa,  eight  feet. 
Deodar  Cedar,  ten  feet. 
Abies  Smithiana,  six  feet. 

Douglasii. 

Washinstonii. 


Abies  Frazerii. 

"      Menziesii. 
Pinus  Fichta. 

"      Finaster. 

"      Fumila. 

"      Monticola. 

"      Cephalonica. 
Weeping  Thuja  ;  fine  specimens. 
Thuja  Chinensis. 

"       Stricta. 

"       Plicata. 


NEW  PLANTS. 


Very  fine  specimens  of  American  Arbor-Vitses,  from  twenty  to  twenty-five  feet  liigb  (stand- 
ards), and  showing  not  the  slightest  disposition  to  lose  their  lower  branches.     Beautiful, 

Extensive  and  very  fine  hedges  of  American  and  Chinese  Arbor-Vitses,  kept  well  trimmed. 

A  large  number  of  remarkably  beautiful  specimens  of  Siberian  Arbor-Vitses,  from  six  to 
eight  feet — a  plant  that  cannot  be  too  warmly  recommended  ;  it  grows  wide  at  the  bottom, 
and  should  be  used  for  hedges. 

Two  Prostrate  Junipers,  on  the  back  lawn,  some  fifteen  feet  in  diameter,  and  most  remarJc- 
ahly  beautiful ;  this  plant  is  too  much  neglected.  These  two  specimens  form  groups  of  them- 
selves, and  are  among  the  greatest  ornaments  of  Woodlawn. 

Juniperus  Chinensis. 
"  Phoenicia. 


"  Ericoides. 

"         Excelsa. 
"  Oblonga  pendula. 

"  Sabina. 

Taxus  Variegata. 
"      Adpressa. 
"      Devastonii. 
Picea  Nobilis. 
English  Black  Spruce. 


American  Black  Spruce. 

Double  White  Spruce. 

Magnolia  Acuminata,  thirty  feet ;  a  very  re- 
markably fine  specimen,  and  very  beautiful. 

Tripetela  (many  specimens),  twenty  to 

twenty-five  feet. 

Macrophylla,  fifteen  feet. 

Cordata,  twenty  feet. 

Glauca,   twenty  feet ;   near  the   house, 

and  highly  ornamental. 

Auriculata  and  Conspicua. 


Among  weeping  trees  are  the  following  : — 


Weeping  Ash. 

"         Sophora. 

"         Birch. 

"         Elm. 

"         Poplar. 

"         Larch ;    a  picturesque  and  uncom- 
monly fine  specimen  of  a  rare  tree. 

"         Willow  ;  new,  and  dwarfs. 
Purple  Elm. 
"       Filbert. 


Purple  Sycamore. 

"       Beech. 
Large-leaved  Lime. 
Fern-leaved  Beech. 
Crested  " 

Cut-leaved  Alder.  i 

Buddlea  Lindleyana. 
Chinese  Jingko  Tree. 
Some  very  fine  Willow-leaved  Oaks. 
Juniperus  Squamata,  a  remarkable  specimen. 

Many  of  Mr.  Field's  fruit-trees  have  been  moved  half  a  dozen  times,  but  they 
always  seem  to  have  thrived  under  the  operation. 

Mr.  F.  is  thorough  in  whatever  he  undertakes.  The  grapery  is  in  the  finest 
condition.  The  chicken-house  produces  one  hundred  pair  of  the  finest  breed  each 
year.  We  cannot  mention  a  single  place  in  the  Union  with  more  commendation 
than  Woodlawn,  where  hospitality  reigns  supreme,  and  the  character  of  a  good 
planter  is  most  amiably  combined  with  that  of  a  celebrated  lawyer.  President  of  a 
good  Bank,  an  active  member  of  the  New  Jersey  Historical  Society,  and  a  most 
genial  host ;  need  we  add  that  here  is  found  a  good  library,  and  that,  in  his  open- 
hearted  manner,  he  admits  himself  a  pupil  of  Downing  and  the  Horticulturist  ? 
Mr.  F.  is  a  grandson  of  Richard  Stockton,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration 
of  Independence. 

Our  "  Yisit"  has  extended  itself  over  so  large  a  space,  that  we  shall  be  com- 
pelled to  give  another  page  or  two  to  Morven,  the  family  residence  of  the  Stock- 
tons, and  others  in  the  vicinity  of  classical  Princeton. 


NEW   PLANTS. 

AcHiMENES  GHiESBREGHTii. — Presented  to  the  Horticultural  Society  by  Mr. 
Andrew  Henderson,  of  the  Wellington  Nursery,  St.  John's  Wood  Road,  in  1849. 

Stems  erect,  deep  purple  brown,  with  a  few  scattered  hairs.  Leaves  opposite, 
stalked,  obleng-lanceolate,  rugose,  convex,  coarsely  serrated,  not  unlike  those  of 
the  larger  stinging-nettle.  Flowers  solitary,  axillary,  with  a  slender  hairy  pedun- 
cle, twice  as  long  as  the  leafstalks.     Calyx  smooth,  equally  five-parted.     Corolla 

»^ 


deflexed,  nearly  cylindrical,  gibbous  at  the  base  on  the  upper  side,  one  inch  and  a 
half  long,  bright  scarlet,  with  an  oblique  regular  limb,  and  a  circular  throat.  Disk 
a  lobed  fleshy  ring.     Stigma  large,  two-lobed,  very  hairy. 

This  is  a  neat,  distinct,  and  rather  slender  kind,  requiring  the  same  treatment 
as  the  old  A.  coccinea,  and  easily  increased  by  the  small  scaly  rhizomes.  It  grows 
about  eight  or  ten  inches  in  height,  and  flowers  from  June  to  August.  It  is  very 
handsome. — Horticultural  Society^s  Journal. 

Galphimia  glauca. — Sent  first  from  Mexico  by  Mr.  Hartweg  in  183t. 

A  beautiful  shrub,  easily  kept  in  the  form  of  a  bush.  The  leaves  are  a  deep 
bluish-green,  ovate,  obtuse,  glaucous  on  the  under  side,  and  furnished  with  a  pair 
of  glands  on  the  edge  near  the  base.  The  flowers,  which  are  golden  yellow,  appear 
in  close  terminal  racemes,  between  three  and  four  inches  long  in  strong  plants. 
Each  has  five  distinct  petals,  with  almost  exactly  the  form  of  a  trowel. 

It  is  a  very  desirable  species,  as  it  flowers  during  the  latter  part  of  the  autumn. — 
Horticultural  Society''s  Journal. 

Leptodactylon  Californicum.  Nat.  Ord.  Polemoniacece. — Native,  as  its  name 
implies,  of  California.  Mr.  Douglas  was  the  first  to  introduce  it  to  notice.  Stem 
dwarf,  and  numerously  branched.  Branches  covered  densely  with  small,  beautiful 
foliage.  Leaves  cut  nearly  to  the  base  into  seven  awl-shaped,  hairy  segments, 
mucronate.  Calyx  hairy,  tubular,  cylindrical,  divided  rather  deeply  into  five  subu- 
late teeth.  Corolla  hypocrateriform ;  tube  very  slender  ;  limb  large  and  spreading, 
divided  into  five  wedge-shaped,  sometimes  irregularly  toothed  lobes. 

This  is  quite  a  gem  of  its  kind,  producing  a  rich  profusion  of  brightly-tinted 
flowers  in  spring  and  early  summer.  Indeed,  the  number  of  blooms  is  so  great  as 
to  quite  eclipse  the  diminutive  foliage,  and  hide  it  from  view.  Its  habit  is  dwarf 
and  very  handsome  if  well  grown,  and  its  culture  is  moderately  simple. 

Sabbatia  campestris.  Nat.  Ord.  Gentianece. — An  annual  very  little  known 
as  yet,  from  the  Arkansas  Territory,  where  it  was  discovered  by  Mr.  James  Drum- 
mond,  inhabiting  the  prairies.  It  has  also  been  detected  in  Texas  and  New 
Orleans.  It  grows  from  four  to  six  inches  and  upwards  in  height ;  the  corolla 
large  and  handsome,  of  five  segments,  of  a  deep  rose  color,  with  a  pale  yellow 
centre,  measuring  about  two  inches  across  ;  the  leaves  are  opposite,  obcordate,  and 
sessile,  about  three-quarters  of  an  inch  long,  of  a  light  green  color.  Seeds  require 
the  temperature  of  a  hot-bed. — Bot.  Mag.,  5015. 

Salvia  candelabrum.  Nat.  Ord.  Labiatce. — A  hardy  suffruticose  Salvia  from 
Spaiu,  where  it  grows  at  an  elevation  of  2500  to  3000  feet  above  the  sea  level. 
The  flowers  are  of  medium  size,  white,  or  pale  sulphur,  with  the  lower  lip  of  deep 
rich  violet,  variegated  and  streaked  with  white  in  the  throat,  borne  in  a  cyme 
somewhat  regularly  disposed,  which  has  given  rise  to  the  specific  name.  The 
whole  plant  is  rather  hoary,  very  leafy,  and  exhales  a  strong  aromatic  scent. — 
Bot.  Mag.,  5017. 

AN    AMATEUR'S    WANTS. 

An  amateur  who  has  an  abundance  of  Fuchsias,  Balsams,  Geraniums,  Cinerarias, 
Petunias,  &c.,  and  wants  something  better  for  his  greenhouse,  may  indulge  his 
fancy  with  Camellia  Japonica,  Azalea  Indica,  Epacrises,  Acacias,  Cestrum  auran- 
tiacum,  Boronias,  Ereostemons,  Yeronicas,  Andersouii,  and  others,  Abutillons, 
Platycodons  (double  white,  double  blue,  and  the  single  varieties),  Chorozemas, 
Ericas,  all  showy  in  bloom  and  pretty  out  of  bloom  (except  the  Platycodon,  which 
dies  down  to  the  root  and  comes  up  again  like  Asparagus),  and  the  foliage  of 
which  is  varied  and  handsome. 


HYBRIDIZING  THE  GRAPE. 


HYBRIDIZING    THE    GRAPE, 


BY  AUGUSTUS  D.  ROGERS,  SALEM,  MASS. 


BSERYING,  in  some  of  the  late  numbers  of  your  invalu- 
able Horticulturist,  that  an  interest  is  awakening  in  the  im- 
portant results  from  hybridizing  grapes,  and  also,  in  an 
article  on  the  "Delaware,"  that  "  the  efforts  of  the  hybridizer 
are  yet  to  be  heard  from,"  allow  me  to  send  an  account  of 
the  result  of  an  experiment  undertaken  six  and  a  half  years 
ago  by  my  brother,  Mr.  Edward  S.  Rogers,  in  our  gar- 
den of  about  half  an  acre  or  more.  He  had  before  ex- 
perimented on  pears,  in  a  small  way,  according  to  the 
directions  given  for  the  cross-breeding  of  plants  in  Down- 
ing's  "Fruit-Trees  of  America,"  but  was  stimulated  to 
try  this  experiment  from  perusing  two  articles  in  the  September 
and  October  numbers  of  the  Boiiiculturist  hr  184*7  and  1848  (by 
the  celebrated  Dr.  Lindley),  taken  from  the  London  Horticulturist. 
The  Isabella  (seldom  ripening  in  this  northern  latitude  unless  in 
very  favorable  situations)  and  the  Diana  being  only  a  little  earlier, 
it  was  desired  to  obtain  grapes  combining  the  hardy  and  early  fruiting 
qualities  of  the  native  with  the  rich  and  delicate  flavor  of  the  foreign 
species,  which  could  be  grown  here  in  the  open  air,  needing  neither  aid 
of  glass,  sulphuring  for  mildew,  or  winter  protection,  and  unlikely  to  be  cut  off 
by  the  early  frosts  of  autumn.  For  this  purpose,  a  four  or  five-years'  old  seedling, 
growing  in  the  garden,  from  the  New  England  wild  species,  Yitis  labrusca,  was 
selected  as  the  female  parent  of  the  intended  hybrids.  It  is  known  here  as  the 
"Carter,"  or  "  Mammoth  Globe."  Bunches,  small,  containing  from  four  to  eight 
or  nine  berries,  some  of  them  very  large,  an  inch  or  more  in  diameter;  in  shape, 
much  flattened.  Skin,  rather  thick.  Color,  brownish- red.  Ripe  about  the  1st 
of  Sei)teraber,  of  agreeable  flavor,  and  superior  to  most  of  this  species.  The 
Black  Hamburgh  and  White  Chasselas,  or  Sweetwater  (Yitis  vinifera),  had  been 
arranged  as  the  other  parent,  in  a  cold  grapery  near  by,  to  be  simultaneously  in 
bloom  with  the  native.  When  the  blossoms  on  the  native  vine  had  begun  to  open, 
a  few  clusters  were  selected,  on  which  to  operate,  from  among  those  most  forward 
and  nearly  ready  to  open.  All  but  five  or  six  flowers  were  then  cut  away,  and 
with  a  pair  of  scissors,  the  cap  (corolla)  of  each  carefully  removed,  and  stamens 
all  cut  off,  thus  (before  their  surrounding  anthers  were  quite  ready  to  scatter  their 
own  pollen)  preparing  the  pistil  for  artificial  fertilization  with  the  foreign  Tarieties. 
This  was  performed  by  touching  the  stigma  of  each  pistil  thus  exposed,  at  the 
moment  of  taking  off  the  cap  or  petals,  with  fresh  pollen  from  the  anthers  on  a 
bunch  of  the  foreign  kind,  already  at  hand.  Each  bunch  thus  operated  on,  was 
immediately  covered  by  a  small,  fine,  cotton  bag,  to  prevent  access  of  the  pollen 
of  the  vine  itself,  or  any  floating  in  the  air,  or  liable  to  be  carried  about  by  bees, 
or  otherwise.  In  order  to  be  more  sure  of  the  fertilizing  action,  a  foreign  bunch, 
in  full  bloom,  well  covered  with  pollen,  was  additionally  placed  therein,  and  the 
bag  tied  up.  A  day  or  two  afterwards,  each  bag  being  taken  off,  and  every 
stigma  again  carefully  retouched,  and  a  fresh  foreign  bunch  again  inclosed  with 
every  cluster,  all  the  bags  were  again  tied  up,  to  remain  for  two  or  three  weeks. 
When  again  reopened,  grapes  about  the  size  of  peas,  generally,  were  found 
every  cluster,  to  have  set  finely,  in  growing  order,  and  were  left  to  take 


HYBRIDIZING  THE  GRAPE 

natural  course  upon  the  vine,  each  bunch  having  been  previously  marked  for 
identity.  The  bunches,  when  ripe,  were  carefully  preserved  till  late  in  the  fall, 
the  seeds  of  every  grape  then  taken  out,  and  planted  in  the  garden,  within  a  frame- 
work under  cover  of  leaves  and  boards.  They  came  up  regularly,  as  planted,  the 
next  spring,  nearly  every  seed  vegetating;  but  only  about  one-third  (forty-five)  of 
the  infant  plants  could  be  saved,  by  daily  care,  from  the  ravages  of  the  cut-worm. 
They  were  then  left  to  grow,  uprightly  trained  on  poles  for  three  or  four  years  ; 
then  half  the  number  or  more  thinned  out,  and  transplanted,  being  consequently 
retarded  somewhat  in  their  growth  and  vigor. 

In  order  to  ascertain  as  soon  as  possible  the  result  upon  the  fruit,  the  vines  (not 
knowing  whether  they  would  be  hardy)  were  laid  down,  and  covered  every  winter 
after  bearing.  To  test  their  hardihood,  precaution  being  taken  to  save  cuttings, 
the  whole  forty-five  were  then  left  as  growing  upon  bean  poles,  totally  exposed 
and  unprotected,  thi'oughout  the  winter  of  1856-7 — the  coldest  ever  known  here, 
the  thermometer,  for  several  successive  mornings,  ranging  from  20°  to  25°  below 
zero.  The  whole  untransplanted  row  (twenty  in  number)  stood  untouched  and 
perfectly  hardy ;  about  one-half  of  the  twenty-five  in  the  other  row  stood  the  same, 
and  the  other  half  lost  most  of  their  bearing  wood,  the  surrounding  Isabellas  and 
Dianas,  of  older  and  stronger  growth,  suffering  likewise  ;  but  none  two  or  three 
feet  above  the  sui'face  of  the  ground,  were  at  all  affected. 

As  evidence  of  the  hybridization  of  these  vines  among  them,  more  or  less,  is 
discernible  the  intermixture  or  blending  of  the  pecidiarity  of  the  foliage  and  wood 
of  the  different  species  of  their  parents,  some,  showing  that  of  the  native  leaf, 
round,  and  slightly  serrated,  and  the  woolly  under-surface,  and  bristly,  wiry  wood  ; 
while  others,  the  greater  number,  inherit  more  that  of  the  foreign  leaf,  with  its 
deep  lobes  and  serratures,  and  green,  smooth  under-surface,  and  large,  smooth, 
short-jointed  wood,  with  prominent,  full  buds. 

In  the /««'<,  also,  traces  of  the  intermixture  of  the  two  species  are  obvious  in 
shape,  color,  size,  and  flavor,  some  partaking  more  of  the  one,  and  some  the  other 
— those  of  the  Sweetwater  variety,  however,  seeming  more  uniform  than  the  Black 
Hamburgh. 

The  blossoms,  too,  of  these  hybrids  indicate  the  different  peculiarities  of  their 
respective  parents,  some  having  the  long,  perfect  filaments  belonging  to  the  foreign 
as,  also,  to  the  Isabella,  Diana,  and  Concord  varieties  (setting  their  fruit  better, 
and  in  more  abundance  from  this  cause,  as  far  as  noticed),  and  others,  the  very 
short  filament  of  this  native,  which,  though  blossoming  in  profusion,  with  large 
flower  clusters,  bears  fruit  comparatively  small  in  quantity  and  size  of  bunches. 

The  mildew,  making  its  appearance  on  some  of  these  hybrids  (in  a  mitigated 
form,  however),  also  significantly  points  to  their  foreign  intermixture.  Its  effect, 
last  season  (an  unfavorable  one),  was  immaterial  upon  the  foliage  only;  the  past 
season  (the  most  unfavorable  one  ever  known  here),  the  foliage  of  a  few  suffered 
considerably,  in  common  with  the  Isabella  and  Diana,  and,  in  a  few  instances,  the 
fruit  of  some  was  attacked  slightly.  It  may  be  observed  that,  from  want  of  using 
any  of  the  precautions  mentioned  in  this  process  of  hybridizing,  "people  may 
fancy  they  have  obtained  hybrids  when  they  have  gained  only  natural  seedlings." 

The  result  of  the  foregoing  experiment — the  only  one,  it  is  believed,  on  the 
native  species  of  New  England — would  not  seem  fully  to  confirm  Dr.  Lindley's 
inferences  from  the  experience,  on  other  plants,  of  the  best  English  authority,  the 
Dean  of  Manchester,  "  that,  as  a  general  rule,  the  properties  of  the  male  parent 
will  be  most  conspicuous  in  the  hybrid,"  but  leave  an  inference  that  the  properties 
of  one  parent  may  be  as  conspicuous  as  those  of  the  other,  the  evidence,  however 
erhaps  slightly  preponderating  in  favor  of  the  rule 


HYBKIDIZING  THE  GRAPE. 


Tn  the  October  number  of  the  Horticulturist,  the  Georgia  Committee,  in  their 
report  on  grapes,  say:  "As  Le  Conte  observes,  'although,  among  some  families 
of  plants,  hybrids  occur  naturally,  or  may  be  formed  artiBcially,  yet  it  is  difficult 
to  understand  how  this  can  be  the  case  in  the  genus  Vitis,'  &c.,  and  that  this  pro- 
cess of  hybridizing  the  grape  is  impossible,  '  on  account  of  the  minuteness  of  the 
flower  and  the  parts  of  fructification,'  he  might  have  added  another  difficulty :  the 
petals  are  caducous,  and  cohere  at  the  tips,  forming  a  little  cap,  which,  in  the  act 
of  falling  off  whole,  draws  over,  from  one  side  or  the  other,  almost  invariably,  the 
pollen  from  its  own  stamens  upon  the  pistil.  The  chances  then  are  that  the  ope- 
ration on  so  minute  a  flower,  in  the  act  of  removing  this  cap  and  the  stamens, 
would  have  already  fertilized  the  pistil  before  applying  the  pollen  of  the  species 
or  variety  selected.  We  would  not,  however,  assert  that  hybridization,  naturally 
or  artificially,  is  absolutely  impossible,  but  nearly  so." 

From  the  result  of  this  experiment,  the  opinions  of  Le  Conte  and  the  Georgia 
Committee,  it  would  seem,  must  be  conceded  untenable,  and  the  "  other  difficulty" 
obviated,  if  it  is  considered  the  cap  and  stamens  should  be  artificially  removed 
before  the  anthers  are  ready  to  hurst,  dispersing  their  pollen.  Even,  as  we  have 
usually  noticed  in  many  operations,  when  the  cap  naturally  falls  off,  the  anthers 
do  not  burst  immediately. 

It  was  the  opinion  of  some  very  noted  grape  growers,  although  they  and  some 
learned  botanists  at  once,  from  examination,  pronounced  these  vines  hybrids,  that 
many  would  turn  out  staminate  and  totally  unproductive  plants,  and  the  opinions 
of  others,  as,  also,  a  writer  in  the  December  number  of  the  Horticidturist  remarks, 
the  experiment  would  not  succeed,  for  the  reason  that  "  there  may  be  physiological 
peculiarities  which  often  forbid  the  intermixture  of  as  closely  allied  plants  as  the 
different  species  of  grapes."*  All  these  objections  seem  put  to  rest  by  this  ex- 
periment, the  whole  number  of  vines  (about  twenty-five)  which  have  shown  blos- 
soms having  generally  set  their  fruit  well,  and  many  in  the  highest  degree  of  per- 
fection. {To  he  continued.) 

\_Remarhs. — When  we  wrote  that  "the  efforts  of  the  hybridizer  were  yet  to  be 
heard  from,"  we  meant  that  a  grape  adapted  to  general  cultivation,  raised  in  that 
way,  had  yet  to  be  introduced.  We  are  glad  that  our  friend  misunderstood  us, 
as  it  has  brought  forth  the  above  statement  of  valuable  experiments,  which  will 
be  read  with  interest  by  many.     The  conclusion  shall  be  given  next  month. 

The  great  barrier  to  the  successful  cultivation  of  the  foreign  grape  in  the  open  air, 
is  not  so  much  a  want  of  hardiness  as  its  liability  to  mildew.  When  planted  on  a 
dry  soil,  as  all  grapes  ought  in  any  case  to  be,  the  foreign  grape  will  stand  very 
nearly  as  much  frost  as  the  native  kinds.  In  cases  where  it  is  killed,  the  Isabella 
and  other  native  grapes  generally  die  also.  In  those  parts  of  the  States  where  the 
temperature  is  more  regular,  or  where  the  changes  from  a  very  dry  to  a  moist 
atmosphere  are  not  sudden  or  extreme,  and,  consequently,  the  causes  which  are 
known  to  favor  mildew  do  not  exist,  the  foreign  grape  can  be  ripened  with  fair 
success.  In  the  region  of  Seneca  Lake,  and  in  many  parts  of  Canada,  there  is 
little  difficulty  found  in  ripening  it,  notwithstanding  the  severity  of  the  Canadian 
winters. 

Of  all  the  foreign  grapes,  the  Golden  Chasselas  seems  less  liable  to  mildew 
when  grown  in  the  open  air  than  any  other  we  have  seen  tried,  and  we  would 
recommend  it  as  one  of  the  best  to  experiment  with  in  hybridizing. — Ed.  H.] 

*  That  this  opinion  is  incorrect,  see,  also,  the  results  of  an  experiment  on  the  Isabella,  a 
native  of  a  Southern  species,  by  I.  F.  Allen,  Esq.,  Salem,  Mass.,  in  an  article  by  Rev    ^   ^ 
Russell,  in  Proceedings  of  the  Essex  Institute,  vol.  i.  p.  195,  1854. 


Reports  of  the  Massachusetts  HoRTicuLTtrKAL  Society  fok  1857. — It  is  really  refreshing 
to  peruse  the  reports  of  the  Committees  of  this  Society  ;  one  values  the  information  of  men 
who  have  a  single  eye  to  the  dissemination  of  truthful  facts.  In  these  reports,  we  find  the 
opinions  advanced  in  the  Horticulturist  ably  sustained,  and,  with  one  exception,  we  agree 
in  the  estimates  of  the  new  fruits.  We  shall  briefly  recapitulate,  the  sheets  of  the  report 
having  been  kindly  sent  by  Mr.  Eben  Wight,  in  advance  of  their  publication. 

The  Committee  on  Gardens  have  visited  extensively,  and  their  report  is  lucid  and  full  ; 
that  on  flowers  is  also  able.  They  enter  their  decided  protest  against  the  use  of  flowers  as 
glutinized  ornaments  of  wooden  boxes,  moss-covered  crosses,  anchors,  eagles,  and  all  that 
so-called  floral  designs.  "  Name  the  abortion  what  you  will,"  they  say — "  design,  if  you 
please — but  do  not  associate  flowers  in  such  a  connection  by  calling  it  floral."     Good  advice. 

The  plants  commended  are  Styphelia  tubiflora,  Phaiis  grandiflora  and  maculata,  Erioste- 
mon  cuspidatum  and  verifolium,  Kennedia  monophylla  variegata,  Cytisus  monospernia, 
Orange  Rhododendron  Javanicum  (^said  to  be  hardy),  and  a  fine  new  Correa,  Ne  plus  ultra  ; 
a  new  white  verbena,  Annie  alba,  took  the  prize  for  the  best  new  seedling ;  second,  a  new 
blue,  raised  by  Thomas  C.  Whytal,  and  a  curiously  marked  variety  raised  by  W.  C.  Strong. 
The  Yenadesse  is  a  decided  novelty.  Mr.  Joseph  Breck  has  done  himself  great  credit  by 
this  report,  as  well  as  by  his  general  enthusiasm  and  excellent  garden.  He  exhibited  two 
seedling  Tropseolums,  named  Breckii  and  Randii.  Various  other  novelties  are  commemo- 
rated, for  which  we  must  refer  to  the  Report. 

Fruits. — Analyzing  the  reports  on  fruits,  we  find  the  season  had  been  unpropitious  for 
apples,  cherries,  and  pears,  many  trees  of  the  latter  (such  as  the  Bartlett,  Louise  Bonne  de 
Jersey,  Beurre  Bosc,  and  Marie  Louise)  being  killed  to  the  ground,  other  varieties  being 
uninjured.  The  Committee  truly  say  :  "  Probably  no  city  in  the  Union  is  so  highly  favored 
as  is  our  own  in  the  number  of  enthusiastic  horticultural  amateurs,  who  make  the  subject 
a  pleasure,  looking  after,  closely  watching,  and  encouraging  the  growth  of  fruit-trees  planted 
by  their  own  hands  during  leisure  from  business."  We  wish  their  good  example  might 
greatly  extend. 

Mr.  John  Gordon,  of  Brighton,  has  four  acres  deeply  trenched  and  under-drained,  en- 
tirely covered  with  pear-trees  grown  for  market ;  about  two  thirds  are  on  quince.  He  finds 
a  ready  sale  for  those  having  a  reddish  or  russety  skin,  while  those  of  a  green  skin  could 
not  be  disposed  of.  All  his  fruit  is  carefully  gathered  by  hand,  and  some  four  days  before 
designing  to  market  it,  he  takes  his  fruit  boxes  (about  twenty  inches  square,  and  six  or 
eight  deep),  and  places  some  woollen  substance  over  the  inside  bottom  ;  he  then  places  a* 
layer  of  pears,  and  then  another  of  woollen,  and  another  layer  of  pears,  covering  the  whole 
with  woollen.  In  no  case  does  he  pack  more  than  two  layers  of  fruit,  which  is  then  allowed 
to  go  through  a  sweating  process ;  this  gives  it  a  rich  coloring,  suited  to  market.  Cotton 
would  not  ripen  them  so  fast,  and  woollen  leaves  a  finer  blush  on  the  skin.  Worth  remem- 
,  truly ;  for  while  Mr.  Gordon's  Bartletts  were  yielding  him  ten  dollars  a  bushel,  other 
ons  by  the  side  of  his,  had  pears  of  the  same  variety,  equally  as  large,  but,  in  conse- 


N.  S  :  YoL.  YIII.— February,  1858. 


:55r^ 


-m 


editor's  table. 

quence  of  retaining  a  green  skin,  were  offered  at  three  dollars  per  bushel.  Thorough  under- 
draining  is  essential  for  a  fruit  garden.  Again  :  Red  apples,  on  a  yellow  or  russety  ground, 
command  a  good  price  for  the  table,  when  it  would  be  difficult  to  dispose  of  those  having  a 
green  skin.     Sweet  apples  also  command  a  good  price  during  winter. 

Apricots  and  plums  have  proved  an  entire  failure,  and  will  have  to  be  abandoned  on 
account  of  the  injury  from  the  curculio. 

The  Dorchester  Blackberry  is  pronounced  superior  to  the  Lawton,  except  for  small  gar- 
dens, where  they  can  be  readily  picked,  and  such  as  are  ripe  selected.  The  Dorchester  is 
larger,  and  bears  carriage  better,  say  the  Committee. 

To  get  a  good  crop  of  blackberries,  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  train  the  stalks  horizon- 
tally, in  order  that  the  shoots  may  break  at  every  eye,  while,  if  allowed  to  grow  upright, 
they  only  break  at  the  top.     The  third  year  after  planting  gives  a  full  crop. 

Cherries. — Awards  were  given  for  the  old  varieties.  Black  Eagle,  Black  Tartarian,  and 
Napoleon  Bigarreau.     Dr.  Kirtland's  cherries  are  commended,  and  are  being  introduced. 

Currants  and  Figs. — The  White  and  Red  Dutch  were  the  best  grown,  and  the  Victoria  was 
nearly  equal.     W.  C.  Strong  made  a  liberal  display  of  new  varieties  ;  the  best  are  Circas- 
sian, Red  Grape,  Versailles,  and  Macrocarpa.     Some  figs  ripened  in  the  open  air,  are  noted. 
Gooseberries. — C.  Downing's  seedling,  and  another  by  the  Shakers  of  Lebanon,  and  one 
from  Mr.  Smith,  of  Vermont,  all  give  good  promise. 

Grapes  under  glass,  in  great  abundance,  have  been  exhibited  during  the  year.  Mr.  J.  F. 
Allen's  report  on  his  hybridized  seedlings,  is  not  very  encouraging.  The  question  of  the 
identity  of  the  Prince  Albert  and  Barbarossa,  Mr.  A.  thinks  settled. 

Grapes — Open  Culture. — The  prospect  for  field  or  vineyard  culture  of  grapes  in  Massa- 
chusetts, is  not  flattering.  Catawba  and  Isabella,  except  in  the  most  favorable  locations, 
do  not  hold  out  much  hope  of  success  ;  and  hence  we  may  account  for  the  Committee's 
differing  with  us  regarding  the  Concord,  which  they  recommend  somewhat.  The  Rebecca 
succeeds,  and  is  popular,  being  considered  "  one  of  the  most  valuable  grapes  for  out-door 
culture  ever  introduced  among  us  ;  so  easy  of  i^ropagation,  that  from  one  dozen  vines,  in 
the  fall  of  1856,  a  person  assures  the  Committee  he  should  have  ready  potted  for  sale,  3,000 
vines  for  the  spring  of  1858."  Not  so  the  Delaware,  which  proves  most  difficult  of  propa- 
gation, either  from  eyes,  cuttings,  or  layers  ;  but  it  is  "  one  of  the  most  valuable  not  only 
for  its  earliness  of  ripening,  but  for  its  hardiness  in  withstanding  almost  any  degree  of 
cold,  while  the  Diana  was  killed  to  the  ground,  and  the  Isabella  destroyed  root  and  branch. 
Compared  with  others,  the  Delaware  was  less  subject  to  mildew. 

The  Committee  next  startles  ^^3  with  an  account  of  the  Union  Village  Grape,  which  is 
compared  to  the  Black  Hamburger  in  value.  "  It  has  not  the  consistency  of  the  latter,  while 
it  possesses  a  sweetness  at  once  distinguishable  by  the  most  common  observer.  It  is  one  of 
the  most  rampant  growers,  and  Mr.  Bracket  claims  that  it  will  ripen  as  early  as  the  Isabella." 
Berries,  this  year,  larger  than  the  average  of  B.  H.,  for  which  fruit  it  was  mistaken  ;  more 
time  and  experience  are  required  before  an  authoritative  ojnnion  can  be  given.  The  Logan 
Grape  we  have  spoken  of  elsewhere.  Mr.  Bracket  thinks  the  Concord  will  make  a  fine 
brown  sherry  wine,  and  assume  great  importance  ;  and,  he  adds,  that  Union  Village  should 
have  a  light,  sandy,  or  gravelly  soil. 

Pears. — The  Beurre  Superfin,  figured  some  time  since  in  the  Horticulturist,  promises  to 
become  a  valuable  variety ;  Beurre  Sterekman,  very  handsome  ;  Abbott,  another  very  ex- 
cellent native  pear  ;  Henkel,  of  great  merit ;  St.  Michael  Archange,  large  and  fine  ;  Merriam, 
of  remarkable  excellence  ;  Supreme  de  Quemper,  from  Messrs.  Hovey,  proved  one  of  the  best 
early  pears — quite  equal  to  the  Doyenne  d'Ete,  and  much  larger  ;  Beurre  Clairgeau  is  likely 
to  prove  equal  to  its  reputation  when  the  trees  are  more  advanced.  Age  is  undoubtedly 
required  with  this  as  well  as  many  other  pear-trees,  to  establish  the  trub  qualities. 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 

Raspberries. — Dr.  Brinckle's  Orange  is  tlie  favorite.  The  Catawissa  has  been  grown  by 
Mr.  Breck,  who  has  a  highly  favorable  oi^inion  of  it ;  but  there  has  been  no  exhibition  of 
the  fruit  in  Boston. 

Straivberries. — The  Lyman  plate  (value,  fifty  dollars),  the  previous  year  was  awarded 
to  Isaac  Fay,  for  the  Jenny  Lind  ;  but  no  distribution  is  made  this  year.  The  best  shown, 
this  season,  has  been  Sir  Charles  Napier,  by  Messrs.  Hovey. 

The  entire  report  is  of  interest,  and  we  cannot  close  our  condensed  account  of  it  (which 
embraces  the  leading  facts)  without  again  expressing  our  wish  that  the  knowledge  and 
enthusiasm  of  the  Bostouians  may  rapidly  spread. 

Mr.  Cabot,  on  retiring  as  President,  received  a  present  of  plate  of  the  value  of  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  dollars  ;  and  Eben  Wight,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Fruits,  plate  to  the 
value  of  one  hundred  dollars.     Josiah  Stickney  was  elected  President. 

Fruit  Growers  of  Wester7i  New  York. — No  official  report  of  this  meeting  had  reached  us 
in  time  for  this  number. 

Ohio  Pomological  Society. — The  same  maybe  said  of  the  Transactions  of  the  Ohio  Society  ; 
of  both  we  shall  give  the  substance  soon. 

The  Patent  Office  Report  on  Agriculture  contains  some  matters  of  interest  to  our  readers, 
and  to  agriculturists,  and  cotton  planters,  especially — is  valuable.  As  usual,  it  is  carelessly 
printed,  and  on  very  poor  paper. 

Dexter  Stone's  Verbenas,  with  new  and  valuable  additions  to  his  stock,  are  advertised 
this  month.     We  indorse  all  he  says. 


ExPEKiMEXTAL  GARDENS. — A  Correspondent,  whose  suggestions  we  always  value,  asks 
us  if  the  idea  of  an  experimental  garden  is  given  up,  and  why.  To  this  the  answer  is  easy. 
In  an  early  number  of  our  labors,  the  topic  was  discussed,  and  made  its  impression,  but,  so 
far,  it  has  resulted  only  in  the  conviction  of  the  propriety  of  such  an  effort,  which,  we  are 
happy  to  know,  is  gaining  ground.  The  triumph  which  such  a  plan,  properly  carried  out, 
would  give  to  any  one  of  our  great  cities,  can  scarcely  be  appreciated,  any  more  than  the 
benefits  to  the  public.  It  would  afford  an  example  which  thousands — aye,  hundreds  of 
thousands — would  annually  visit  and  profit  by.  It  is  not  to  be  put  down  by  a  cynical 
frown.  Things  barely  of  use  are  subjects  for  professional  skill  and  scientific  inquiry  ;  they 
must  also  be  beautiful  and  pleasing,  to  attract  common  attention,  and  to  be  naturally  and 
universally  interesting.  The  progress  of  civilization  and  refinement  is  from  instrumental 
to  final  causes  ;  from  supplying  the  wants  of  the  body  to  providing  luxuries  for  the  mind. 
To  stop  at  the  mechanical,  and  refuse  to  proceed  to  the  Jine  arts,  or  churlishly  to  reject  all 
ornamental  studies  and  elegant  accomplishments  as  mean  and  trivial,  because  they  only 
afford  employment  to  the  imagination,  create  food  for  thought,  furnish  the  mind,  sustain 
the  soul  in  health  and  enjoyment,  is  a  rude  and  barbarous  theory. 

It  has  been  said  that  an  experimental  garden  would  injure  the  business  of  the  nursery- 
man. This  is  on  a  par  with  the  old  axiom,  now  utterly  exploded,  that  machinery  injures 
labor.  It  would  be  exactly  the  reverse.  The  education  which  its  visitors  would  receive 
at  every  visit,  would  create  an  immense  demand  for  what  is  now  only  sold  occasionally. 

We  are  sure  that  the  intelligent  portion  of  the  trade  would  not  only  feel  an  interest  in 
such  a  project  as  we  are  advocating,  but  we  know  naany  that  would  take  an  interest  and 
shares,  and  by  every  means  in  their  power  assist  it.  It  is  just  such  means  combined  as 
they  possess  that  we  want,  to  make  a  perfect  thing. 

We  have  heard  a  poor  painter  decry  the  introduction  into  America  of  the  finest  works  of 
art.  "  Let  us,"  he  said,  "  encourage  our  own  painters  first !"  But  this  cannot  be  until  a 
taste  for  good  pictures  is  taught  by  excellent  examples  ;  there  will  be  no  taste,  and  painting 
will  forever  be  in  inferior  hands,  because  (there  being  no  educated  taste)  there  can 


demand  for  excellence.  A  man  wlio  has  frequented  the  Dresden  Gallery,  -will  detect  at  a 
glance  a  miserable  daub,  whether  he  see  it  in  Italy  or  his  own  parlor.  It  is  so  in  gardening. 
Those  who  have  never  seen  a  fine  garden,  or  acquired  a  love  for  fine  and  various  trees, 
are  content  all  their  lives  with  inferiority,  because  their  taste  has  never  been  stimulated  or 
educated. 

Nature  is  not  limited,  nor  does  it  become  effete,  like  our  conceit  and  vanity.  The  closer 
we  examine  it,  the  more  it  refines  upon  us.  It  expands  as  we  enlarge  and  shift  our  view  ; 
it  "  grows  with  our  growth,  and  strengthens  with  our  strength,"  and  our  capacity  is  invigo- 
rated as  it  is  called  out  by  occasion  and  necessity.  He  who  does  nothing,  renders  himself 
incapable  of  doing  anything  ;  but  while  we  are  executing  any  work,  we  are  preparing  and 
qualifying  ourselves  to  undertake  another.  The  principles  are  the  same  in  all  nature,  and 
we  understand  them  better  as  we  verify  them  by  experience  and  practice.  Expenditure  of 
intellectual  wealth  makes  us  rich  ;  by  lying  idle  as  by  standing  still,  we  are  confined  to  the 
same  trite,  narrow  round  of  topics.  By  continuing  our  efibrts,  as  by  moving  forwards  in  a 
road,  we  extend  our  views,  and  discover,  continually,  new  tracts  of  country.  Humanity 
rusts  for  want  of  use. 

The  application  is  this  :  We  can  name  more  than  one  horticultural  society  whose  exhi- 
bitions no  longer  pay  expenses  ;  the  public  have  become  satiated  with  the  repetition  of  the 
same  repasts  ;  they  want  something  new,  and  something  new  they  will  have.  The  exhi- 
bitions have  educated  the  public  up  to  a  certain  point ;  we  now  want  progress.  We  should 
show  them  what  can  be  done  ;  what  beauties  can  be  developed  in  a  garden ;  out  of  doors 
exhibitions,  and  a  band  of  music,  amid  the  best  productions  of  trees,  flowers,  and  lawns. 
With  these,  horticulture,  arboriculture,  floriculture,  would  make  new  strides  in  our  country, 
learn  to  run,  and  not  walk  lazily  along  as  is  now  fearfully  the  case.  As  soon  as  one  of  our 
cities  shows  an  experimental  garden  properly  founded,  it  will  be  the  fashion  everywhere, 
just  as  it  was  only  necessary  to  show  one  example  of  a  good  rural  cemetery,  to  introduce 
them  all  over  our  land.  The  city  that  first  takes  the  lead,  will  be  the  most  benefited  ;  the 
stockholders  will  reap  a  rich  reward  in  the  rise  of  their  land,  and  so  forth,  and  all  will  ulti- 
mately acknowledge  it  a  better,  more  useful,  and  more  profitable  scheme — more  educating  than 
a  dozen  Academies  of  Music,  however  valuable  they  may  be  in  their  place.  If  it  should  even 
prove  partially  unprofitable,  in  a  pecuniary  view  (which,  with  judicious  management,  it 
would  not),  that  man  or  that  city  which  founds  it,  will  be  a  public  benefactor. 

Josiah  Stickney,  the  new  President  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society,  said  in 
his  speech  on  his  election : — "  I  look  also  to  the  establishment  of  an  experimental  garden, 
whenever  our  means  may  permit,  and  circumstances  favor  it,  as  one  of  the  best  and  most 
efi"ective  means  of  promoting  the  objects  of  the  society,  and  one  that  should  never  be  lost 
sight  of." 

Feeding  Bees. — Bees  should  always  be  considered  as  natives  of  a  warm  climate,  by  which 
means  we  can  account  for  their  ways  being  opposed  to  their  own  security.  Instead  of  their 
keeping  together  in  a  strong  colony,  they  break  ofi'  into  small  ones,  and  are  thus  weakened 
and  rendered  unfit  to  collect  suflicient  store  for  winter.  The  exact  quantity  of  food  requisite 
to  keep  a  colony  in  good  condition  during  the  winter,  is  not  easily  fixed  :  10  lbs.  and  15  lbs. 
have  been  named,  but  we  think  that  the  latter  quantity  is  the  safest ;  and  if  it  reach  20 
lbs.,  so  much  the  better  ;  still,  colonies  short  of  the  first  quantity  named  should  be  fed, 
and  the  hives  made  snug  for  winter.  The  less  room  bees  have  during  that  time,  the  better 
for  their  health ;  for  all  the  combs  that  they  do  not  cover  take  more  or  less  harm,  and  the 
pollen  is  rendered  unfit  for  use  in  the  spring  ;  consequently,  all  communication  should  be 
closed  from  any  extra  room  given  to  the  hives  in  summer,  and  their  doorways  lessened  or 
closed,  except  a  few  small  holes  for  air.     In  general,  we  prefer  the  latter,  for  the  instinct  in 


bees  is  still  obedient  to  the  laws  which  govern  the  climate  whence  they  originated,  and, 
consequently,  many  of  them  are  deceived  by  the  warmth  of  a  winter's  sun,  sally  out,  and 
are  either  picked  up  by  birds,  or  perish  in  the  snow. 


Weeping  Roses  (which  are  vigorous  growing  varieties,  worked  five  to  seven  feet  high) 
merely  require  the  gross  unrii^e  shoots,  and  those  which  are  overcrowded  to  be  taken  out, 
and  the  others  left  unpruned.  These,  for  the  first  year  or  two,  should  be  trained  round  a 
small  iron  hoop,  placed  imderneath  the  head  of  the  plant ;  in  a  short  time,  they  will  form 
most  beautiful  pendulous  trees,  requiring  little  or  no  pruning. 


Gardening. — There  is  a  pleasure  in  a  garden  which  none  but  gardeners  know.  From  the 
moment  you  love  the  art,  and  look  nature  in  the  face,  you  are  at  peace  with  your  own  heart ; 
you  have  no  absurd  opinions  to  combat,  no  point  to  strain,  no  adversary  to  crush,  no  fool 
to  annoy.  You  are  actuated  by  fear  or  favor  to  no  man.  Patience  grows  out  of  the  endless 
pursuit,  and  turns  into  a  luxury.  A  streak  in  a  flower,  a  wrinkle  in  a  leaf,  a  plant  in  per- 
fect health,  gives  us  enjoyment  for  another  half  day.  The  hours  pass  on  untold,  without 
chagrin,  and  without  weariness  ;  nor  would  you  ever  wish  to  pass  them  otherwise.  Inno- 
cence is  joined  with  industry,  pleasure  with  business,  and  the  mind  is  satisfied. 

Experimental  gardening  is,  undoubtedly,  the  backbone  and  marrow  of  the  craft.  The 
gardener  who  makes  no  experiments,  says  a  late  writer,  is  not  worth  salt  to  his  porridge. 


Those  American  Fruits. — The  reports  from  the  American  fruits  at  the  London  Horticul- 
tural Exhibition,  are  not  all  couleur  de  rose.  The  Cottage  Gardener  is  particularly  offensive 
in  saying :  "  The  American  pears  looked  as  if  they  were  from  the  sea-shore  to  the  west  of 
Liverpool,  where  they  were  starved  in  sand,  roasted  by  a  burning  sun,  and  salted  by  the 
sea-spray.  The  pears  from  Nantes  were  much  better,  but  not  nearly  so  good  as  our  English 
pears."  This  is  bad  enough,  to  be  sure,  but  we  must  put  a  little  of  it  down  to  prejudice,  and 
a  great  deal  to  the  voyage. 

Notwithstanding  the  above,  the  best  70  or  80  of  these  pears  were  sent  to  Windsor  to  the 
Q,ueen,  and  Messrs.  Hovey  have  received  the  large  silver  medal,  through  the  United  States 
minister,  for  the  collection. 

Other  Fruits. — The  same  journal  says  :  "  The  finest  Medlars  in  the  country  were  there, 
and,  also,  the  '  Prickly  Pear'  of  the  South  of  Europe — a  very  wholesome  fruit,  which  makes 
a  beautiful  dish  in  the  dessert.  This  is  the  fruit  of  the  common  Opuntia  vulgaris,  and  the 
'  Indian  Fig'  of  ordinary  travellers.  There  were  also  purple  Guavas  and  Shaddocks  from  Sion 
House,  together  with  the  rarest  fruit  in  England,  the  Chocolate  fruit,  which  is  the  chief  in- 
gredient in  'that  excellent  cup  of  chocolate.'  The  Chocolate-tree  {Tfteobroma  cacao)  is  a 
most  beautiful-leaved  tree,  with  flowers  as  insignificant  as  those  of  the  Black  Currant, 
and  not  unlike  it.  The  flowers  come  in  short,  dense  clusters  from  the  old  wood,  and  the 
fruit  is  about  six  inches  long,  pointed  at  both  ends,  otherwise  egg-shaped,  and  slightly 
ribbed.  The  shell  is  of  a  light  color  when  ripe,  and  splits  open  at  the  end  furthest  from 
the  stalk.  The  seed  or  fruit  is  inclosed  in  a  white  pulp,  from  which  strong  whiskey  is 
distilled  in  South  America." 

There  was  a  fine  dish  of  the  ripe  fruit  of  the  Benthamia  fragifera  (huge  strawberry-look- 
ing fruit),  from  Mr.  Cox,  gardener  to  W.  Wells,  Esq.,  Redleaf,  Kent,  which  was  gathered 
from  a  standard  in  the  open  air — another  proof  of  the  extraordinarily  fine  season  we  have 
just  gone  through.  Also,  from  the  same,  a  beautiful  dish  of  the  Cape  Gooseberry,  in  their 
finely-bleached  envelops.  This  is  Plujsalis  edulis  of  botany.  The  seeds  are  sown  ea 
the  spring,  and  the  plants  are  fruited  in  the  greenhouse. 


editor's  table. 


South  Carolina  Productions. — "We  are  indebted  to  the  Hon.  William  Elliott,  of  Colleton 
District,  S.  C,  for  fine  examples  of  some  Carolina  productions.  The  sweet  potato  is  very 
superior  to  that  of  the  North — sugary,  and  of  a  better  taste.  It  should  constitute  an  article 
of  large  export.  The  Palmetto  cabbages  were  extremely  good,  differing  slightly  from  the 
cabbage  of  the  Royal  Palm,  in  Cuba,  and  with  what  Mr.  Elliott  calls  a  "  wholesome  bitter, 
like  that  of  matrimony !"  The  pomegranates  were  large,  and  remarkably  fine.  Considering 
in  what  perfect  order  all  these  tilings  reached  us,  the  wonder  is  that  our  cities  connected  by 
steam  receive  so  few  of  them.     We  suppose  cotton  is  more  profitable. 


DioscoEEA  BATATAS. — In  reply  to  Mr.  Fall's  invitation  to  others  to  communicate  their  ex- 
perience of  this  vegetable,  we  have  several  communications,  favorable  and  unfavorable, 
and  shall  endeavor  to  give  a  summary  next  month. 


Boston,  January  11,  1858. 
Me.  J.  Jay  Smith:  I  feel  moved  to  express  to  you  my  pleasure  not  only  in  the  opinion 
you  gave,  in  the  December  Horticulturist,  of  the  Concord  Grape  as  compared  with  the  Isa- 
bella, but  in  the  two  remarks  you  so  nicely  tucked  in  (and  so  decidedly,  too)  in  the  clause 
on  the  Concord  Grape,  in  the  article  on  "  Grapes"  in  the  January  number  of  the  Horticulturist . 
I  will  say  no  more,  at  the  present  time,  than  to  express  my  regret  that  new  plants  should 
be  sent  out,  from  time  to  time,  so  misrepresented  as  they  are,  and  two  of  the  most  notable 
instances  recently  occurring  not  abroad,  but  at  home.  Respectfully,  Solon. 


The  traveller  among  the  Alps  is  annoyed  at  every  celebrated  scene  with  applications 
and  solicitations  to  pay  for  some  appliance  he  has  never  anticipated.     On  the  Wengern 
Mountain,  you  are  desired  to  pay  five  francs,/br  an  avalanche!  and  soon  discover  that  a 
gun  is  loaded,  to  bring  down  the  snow  by  its  reverberating  influence,  and  that  on  no  other 
terms  can  you  enjoy  the  spectacle.     De  Quincy  relates  a  similar  charge  made  during  a  tour 
in  the  lake  region.     The  bill  contained  this  uncommon  item  : — 

"  To  an  echo,  first  quality  .........     £0  10s.  0 

"To      "  second  quality    .         ..         .         .         .         .         .050 

It  seems  the  price  of  echoes  varied,  reasonably  enough,  with  the  amount  of  gunpowder 
consumed.  Half-crown  echoes  might  be  had  by  those  base  snobs  who  would  put  up  with  a 
vile  substitute  for  the  genuine  article. 

It  is  computed  there  has  been  37,000  Americans  in  Europe  the  past  season! 


Michigan  Transactions. — The  indefatigable  and  useful  Secretary  of  the  Michigan  Agricul- 
tural Society,  Mr.  J.  C.  Holmes,  has  forwarded  us  the  Transactions  of  the  Society  for  1856, 
making  a  portly  octavo  of  nearly  eight  hundred  pages.  It  is  full  of  interesting  matter,  of 
a  practical  kind,  some  of  which  we  shall  copy  when  we  are  less  crowded  than  at  the  present 
time. 


Mr.  Simpson's  Grape  Method.— The  report  of  the  Committee  of  the  Massachusetts  Horti- 
cultural Society  assures  the  world  that  Mr.  Simpson's  two-crop  system  of  cultivating  grapes 
under  glass,  has  proved  successful.  "  The  time  to  ripen  grapes  averages  from  four  and  a 
half  to  five  months  ;  and  thus  leaving  a  month  for  the  ripening  of  the  wood,  a  crop  might 
be  matured  every  six  months.  Mr.  S.'s  practice,  however,  is  to  allow  the  vine  to  grow 
naturally,  without  forcing,  every  other  year,  thus  preventing  any  exhaustion  which  might 
ensue  from  continued  forcing.  The  vines  grown  are  Syrian,  Hamburghs,  Muscats,  Black 
Prince,  Zinfindal,  Frontignans,  and  Macready's  Early."  The  Committee  on  Gardens  give 
liigh  praise  to  Mr.  H.  H.  Hunnewell's,  as  well  as  to  his  gardener,  Mr.  Harris. 


Notes  for  the  Month. — We  trust  that  practical  persons  interested  in  gardening,  peruse 
regularly  the  "  Calendars  of  Operations"  (now  called  "  Notes  for  the  Month")  which  close 
each  number  of  our  monthly  records.  They  are  original  essays,  by  able  penmen  who  have 
a  love  for  the  subject,  and  are  not  repetitions  month  for  month.  Mr.  Buchanan,  as  a  writer 
on  grape  culture,  has  no  compeer ;  and  we  have  yet  to  meet  with  the  man  who  has  more 
useful  and  practical  knowledge  for  the  purposes  of  an  adviser  in  the  garden  and  greenhouse 
than  Mr.  Saunders. 


The  Logan  Grape. — Mr.  A.  Thompson,  of  Delaware,  Ohio,  writes  a  highly  favorable 
account  of  a  new  native  grape  called  the  Logan.  It  is  a  black  grape,  ripening  before  the 
Catawba,  and  preferred  to  the  Isabella,  and  is  believed  to  be  a  wilding  of  Ohio  ;  hardy, 
vigorous  ;  wood,  short-jointed  and  compact ;  distinct  in  wood  and  foliage,  productive,  and 
probably  the  earliest  hardy  grape  of  fair  quality  in  cultivation,  and  will  ripen  its  fruit 
several  degrees  further  north  than  the  Isabella  and  Catawba. 


Heat,  Ventilation,  Rain. — In  the  best  plant  houses,  the  pipes  for  heating  the  ,biTilding 
are  placed  immediately  fronting  the  ventilators,  in  the  basement  wall,  so  that  all  the  air 
admitted  into  the  house  from  below,  must  necessarily  pass  through,  or  come  in  contact  with, 
these  heated  pipes,  and,  therefore,  that  great  desideratum  in  ventilation,  a  circulation  of 
warm  air,  is  easily  eifected.  This  very  important  and  highly  necessary  precaution  should 
never  be  lost  sight  of  by  the  architect  in  constructing  horticultural  buildings,  too  many  of 
which,  and  even  very  modern  ones,  are  built  and  ventilated  without  the  least  provision 
being  made  for  warming  the  air  admitted  into  them  by  the  ventilators,  and  without  a  proper 
circulation  of  this  in  some  way  or  other,  no  plants  will  flourish.  Live  they  may ;  but 
when  partially  deprived  of  pure  air,  they  only  linger  out  their  lives  in  a  pallid,  enervated, 
and  undeveloped  state,  more  of  a  disgrace  to  an  establishment  than  a  decoration.  And  let 
the  opponents  of  a  more  free  circulation  to  tropical  structures  bear  in  mind  that  even  the 
most  sultry  forests,  swamps,  and  savannas  of  the  tropics  abundantly  afford  to  plant  and 
animal  life  that  which  many  a  modern  cultivator  of  exotics  almost  denies  ;  for  instance, 
nearly  all  our  richest  and  most  delicate  Orchids  inhabit  regions  in  which,  for  nine  months 
in  the  year,  Aquarius  is  in  the  ascendant,  and  almost  unremitting  rains  prevail. 

Everything  depends  on  beginning  right.  In  some  plant  and  foi'cing-houses  which  we 
inspected  lately  in  Philadelphia,  the  whole  cost — and  most  extravagant  was  the  outlay — 
has  been  thrown  away  by  the  absurd  manner  in  which  the  work  was  executed.  The  costly 
hot  water  pipes  in  the  grapery  are  useless  for  forcing,  because  of  the  openness  of  the  glaz- 
ing ;  the  glass  in  extensive  forcing-pits  is  so  awkwardly  glazed  in  wooden  rebates,  that 
when  a  pane  is  broken  in  the  top  or  middle,  all  below  it  have  to  be  forced  out  to  replace  the 
damage,  and  much  time  is  lost,  as  well  as  glass  broken,  in  the  operation.  It  is  no  doubt 
the  fact  that  the  charge  made  by  experienced  superintendents  of  glass  structures  is  as 
important  a  saving,  as  the  percentage  of  an  architect  in  the  building  of  a  house  mostly 
jDroves  an  economy.     Let  no  one  attempt  a  glass  structure  without  good  advice. 


Mr.  G.  C.  Thorburn,  Newark,  N.  J.,  has  just  received  an  extraordinary  lot  of  the  newest 
and  best  Dahlia  roots,  new  Verbenas,  new  Phloxes,  &c.  The  Geant  de  Batailles  is  a  mar- 
vellous Scarlet  Verbena. 


David  J.  Griscom's  nursery  of  evergreens,  shade  trees,  fruits,  vines,  roots,  &c.,  at  Wood- 
bury, N.  J.,  is  within  an  easy  ride  of  Philadelphia,  and  offers,  at  this  time,  great  attractions 
to  purchasers.  We  recommend  the  worthy  proprietor  for  his  enterprise,  and  know  him  to 
be  every  way  reliable. 


editor's  table. 


Vases  fob  Gardens  are  beautiful  when  furnished  with  fine  plants,  and  when  so  furnished, 
there  are  few  objects  more  chaste  or  suitable  as  ornaments  to  those  portions  of  a  garden 
which  are  near  the  hoi;se.  If  filled  with  plants,  they  should  all  be  growing,  and  in  high 
condition,  the  blooms  mingling  and  clustering  thickly  in  well  contrasted  colors.     The  ver- 


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THE  WARWICK  VASE. 


vase  and  hanging  plant. 


benas  mixed  in  this  way,  trail  over,  and  produce  a  charming  effect.  Petunias,  heliotropes, 
and  other  low-growing,  half-creeping  exotics,  are  excellent.  The  dark  nasturtium  also  looks 
well  when  partially  covering  the  base  with  pendent  stems  and  rich  blossoms.  Geranium, 
cineraria,  calceolaria,  noisette  roses,  orange  and  lemon-trees,  Collinsia,  nemophilla,  schizan- 
thus,  balsam,  cockscomb,  anemone,  and  all  kinds  of  bulbs,  especially  hyacinths,  are  suitable, 
though  not  so  desirable  as  the  perpetually  blooming  plants.  The  plants  should  all  be  grown 
in  pots,  and  these  set  in  the  vases  whenever  it  is  desired  to  change  them,  which  would  be 
the  case  with  hyacinths.  The  beautiful  native,  Mitchella  repens  of  the  woods,  makes  a  good 
The  blue  Lobelia  is  unrivalled. 

Very  pretty  wire  baskets  and  vases  are  now  made  to  set  flower 
pots  in,  or  for  glasses  to  hold  bouquets,  of  which  the  accompany- 
ing design  is  a  specimen. 

"  Better  hang  a  wild  rose  over  the  toilette,"  says  Leigh  Hunt, 
"  than  nothing.  The  eye  that  looks  in  the  glass  will  see  there 
something  of  a  right  to  respect  itself,  in  thinking  by  how  many 
objects  in  the  creation  the  bloom  of  beauty  is  shared  !" 

Speaking  of  breakfast,  in  summer,  the  same  prince  of  essay- 
ists says  :  "  Set  flowers  on  your  table — a  whole  nosegay,  if  yon 
can  get  it,  or  but  two  or  three,  or  a  single  flower — a  rose,  a  pink 
— nay,  a  daisy.  Bring  a  few  daisies  or  buttercups  from  your 
last  field  walk,  and  keep  them  alive  in  water,  and  preserve  but 
a  bunch  of  clover,  or  a  handful  of  flowering  grass  (one  of  the 
most  elegant  as  well  as  cheapest  of  nature's  productions),  and 
have  something  on  your  table  that  reminds  you  of  the  beauty  of  God's  creation 
you  a  link  with  the  poets  and  sages  that  have  done  it  most  honor.     Put  but 


or  a  lily,  or  a  violet,  on  your  table,  and  you  and  Lord  Bacon  have  a  custom  in  common  ; 
for  that  great  and  wise  man  was  in  the  habit  of  having  the  flowers  in  season  set  upon  his 
table  morning,  noon,  and  night — that  is  to  say,  at  all  his  meals  ;  for  dinner,  in  his  time, 
was  taken  at  noon.  And  why  should  he  not  have  flowers  at  all  his  meals,  seeing  that  they 
were  growing  all  day  ?  Now,  here's  a  fashion  that  shall  last  you  forever,  if  you  please — 
never  changing  witlx  silks  and  velvets,  nor  dependent  upon  the  caprice  of  some  fine  gentle- 
man or  lady.  The  fashion  of  the  garments  of  heaven  and  earth  endures  forever,  and  you 
may  adorn  your  table  with  specimens  of  their  drapery,  with  flowers  out  of  the  fields,  and 
golden  beams  out  of  the  blue  ether." 


The  Weathek. — A  mild  winter,  thus  far  (contrasting  most  remarkably  with  the  last  two), 
has  given  oj^portunity  for  out-door  employments  that  will  greatly  facilitate  operations  in 
the  spring.  December  was  almost  unprecedentedly  free  from  hard  frost,  and  January  here 
has  been  more  like  a  spring  month  than  is  remembered  for  a  very  long  time.  On  the  11th, 
we  had  lightning,  and  a  heavy,  warm  rain,  with  the  thermometer  at  61°,  and  up  to  the 
period  when  we  write  (the  21st  of  January),  it  has  been  almost^ike  May. 

The  following,  compiled  from  the  daily  papers,  will  be  curious  to  refer  to  hereafter: — 

Jan.  1 

Chicago.  Clear  and  mild    . 

Janesville,Wis.  Clear  and  mild  . 

Fulton,  III.  Pleasant . 

Prairie  duChien.  Pleasant 

Milwaukie.  Pleasant . 

Cairo,  III.  Cloudy  and  cool 

Springfield,  111.  Cool 

Fond  du  Lac,  Wis.  Pleasant  and  clear 

St,  Louis.  Mild  and  clear  . 

Peoria,  III.  Clear 

Burlington,  III.  Mild  and  clear  . 

Rock  Island,  III.  Clear  and  pleasant 

Dubuque,  Iowa   .... 

Pittsburg.  Pleasant  and  clear     . 

Cincinnati, Ohio.  Clear  and  jileasant 

Buffalo.  Clear  and  mild    . 

Louisville,  Ky.  Clear  and  cool    . 

Toledo, Ohio.  Cloudy — wind,  west 

Columbus, Ohio.  Clear 

Cleveland.  Cloudy — wind,  west 

Toronto.  Mild  and  clear     . 

Detroit.  Cloudy  and  windy 

Montreal,  C.  W.  Cold  and  clear 

The  foregoing  is  suflicient  to  record  the  extraordinary  state  of  things  in  the  middle  of 
January,  1858.  Vegetation,  in  some  instances,  has  made  progress,  and,  in  New  York  city, 
we  hear  great  complaints  from  travellers  that  mosquitos  were  very  numerous  in  the  well 
warmed  hotels. 

The  Jasminum  nudiflora  never  had,  in  our  latitude,  so  fine  an  opportunity  to  display  its 
winter  beauty ;  the  Chimonanthus  (winter  flower)  fragrans  rejoiced  in  the  mild  season  ; 
the  Red-bud  Maple  did  its  best  to  show  out  its  blossoms,  and,  on  the  whole,  we  have  had 
an  experience  which  rendered  Cuba  no  longer  a  necessity. 


9  o'clock  A.  M. 

nth 

15th. 

I6th. 

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degs. 

35  degs. 

31 

degs. 

36  degs 

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(river  closed) 

The  last  Flore  des  Serres  contains,  among  other  things,  a  well  executed  view  of  the  opened 
fruit  of  Heliconia  bipar,  looking  like  a  great  Iris,  and  one  of  Eucharis  Amazonica,  a  very 
fine  variety  of  E.  grandiflora,  and  a  new  white  flowered  Amaryllid. 


editor's  table. 

The  Potato  Disease  lias  made  great  progress  in  England  and  Ireland,  the  past  season. 
So  convinced  of  the  injurious  effects  of  the  potato  are  some  of  our  physicians,  that  they 
have  denied  their  use  to  children,  as  liable  to  create  eruptions,  and  to  injure  the  stomach. 
It  is  becoming  a  serious  thing,  indeed.  We  refer  the  reader  to  an  article  on  the  Chardon 
potato  in  the  present  number. 

The  Great  Pear. — A  pear  was  exhibited  at  the  stall  of  II.  Gushee,  Washington  Market, 
which  was  raised  on  the  farm  of  George  Walling,  on  the  Willamette  River,  a  few  miles  above 
Portland,  Oregon  ;  it  weighed  four  pounds,  was  eighteen  inches  round,  twenty-one  inches 
in  long  circumference,  and  surpassed  the  great  "Beard  Pear"  by  a  quarter  pound.  The 
account  of  this  pear  represents  it  as  having  grown  upon  a  graft  of  the  Pound  Pear,  or,  cor- 
rectly named,  the  Black  Pear  of  Worcester.  The  graft  was  inserted  into  the  White  Haw- 
thorn some  three  years  since,  and  the  tree  plentifully  watered. —  California  Fanner. 


Bangor,  Me. 
J.  Jay  Smith,  Esq. — Dear  Sir  :  I  am  pleased  you  are  giving  attention  to  the  open-air  culture 
of  grapes.  The  January  number  is  valuable  on  that  account.  Samuel  Miller's  communica- 
tion is  highly  interesting,  and  likewise  Daniel  S.  Dewey's.  We  here  think  very  highly  of 
the  Delaware  and  Rebecca  Grapes.  I  have  a  lot  (fifty  vines  of  each)  which  I  ordered  from 
G.  W.  Campbell,  Delaware,  Ohio,  and  from  Dr.  C.  W.  Grant,  of  lona,  N.  Y.  For  a  common, 
good,  early  grape,  the  Hartford  Prolific  is  a  highly  valuable  variety  for  Maine.  It  is  sure  to 
ripen.  We  are  planting  also  the  Diana,  which  is  much  esteemed  everywhere.  Probably, 
the  Delaware  and  Rebecca  will  outstrip  any  other  two  varieties  in  these  parts,  at  present. 

Most  sincerely,  Henry  Little. 


Seeds  by  Mail. — Mr.  Henry  A.  Dreer,  No.  327  Chestnut  St.,  continues  to  oblige  a  large 
circle  of  customers  by  sending  choice  flower  seeds  by  mail.  His  catalogue — a  very  good 
one — may  be  had  by  inclosing  a  penny  stamp,  and  the  selection  you  make  cojnes  up  directly 
after  he  has  planted  the  seeds  in  an  envelop,  and  placed  them  in  that  accommodating  ground, 
the  post-ofiice  window. 


Errata. — On  page  34,  the  Alexander  Pear,  M.  Calvin,  Esq.,  should  read  Mr.  Calvin  Ely; 
and  two  years  ago  should  read  twenty. 

Answers  to  Correspondents. — (John  Watson,  West  Farms,  New  York.)  1.  The  horse 
droppings  that  are  iised  for  growing  mushrooms  ought  to  be  collected  from  animals  that  are 
fed  on  dry  herbage,  and  they  should  be  kept  entirely  free  from  rain  or  water  while  in  prepa- 
ration for  receiving  the  spawn.  2.  Succession  beds  may  be  spawned  from  the  "  beds  in  crop," 
by  taking  a  portion  of  the  upper  bulk  (containing  the  spawn),  and  spreading  a  thin  layer 
over  the  new  bed  previous  to  soiling.  The  same  may  be  done  from  a  worn-out  bed  that 
has  been  kej^t  dry. 

Under  the  stage  of  a  plant-house  is  too  damp  for  a  mushroom  bed,  unless  extreme  caution 
is  used  against  drip.  Im^wrted  spawn  is  most  commonly  worthless,  the  rhizoma  being  often 
killed  by  the  penetration  of  the  smell  of  bilge  water  and  damp  combined. 

(T.  T.)  The  Kentucky  Coffee-tree,  Gymnocladus  Canadensis,  is  usually  propagated  from 
seeds,  but  there  is  no  difficulty  in  raising  it  from  cuttings  of  the  roots,  care  being  taken,  in 
planting,  to  keep  that  end  upwards  which  is  naturally  so.  It  is  indispensable  to  every  col- 
lection— beautiful  at  all  seasons.  The  flowers  of  the  Judas-tree,  Cercis  siliqicastrum,  are 
sometimes  fried  in  batter  as  fritters,  and  the  flower  buds  are  pickled  in  vinegar.  The  same 
be  said  of  the  Canada  Judas-tree,  C.  Canadensis,  the  young  branches  of  which  will  dy 
of  a  nankin  color. 


(G.  S.  W.)  For  early  potatoes,  we  can  recommend  the  walnut-leaved,  Tliey  are  very 
superior. 

J.  Jay  Smith,  Esq. — Dear  Sir  :  Herewith  I  send  you  a  specimen  of  Citphea  eminens,  from 
a  plant  that  has  been  in  bloom  since  the  end  of  September.  It  is  one  of  the  new  plants  of 
1857,  and  pre-eminently  an  acquisition  for  winter  blooming  in  either  the  greenhouse  or 
parlor,  and  will  be  a  perfectly  hardy  plant  for  the  Southern  States.  You  will  observe  that 
the  flowers  are  in  profusion,  each  one  and  one-half  inch  long,  and  all  shades  of  color  from 
yellow  to  bright  red ;  the  plant  is  full  of  foliage,  and  of  easy  culture  in  any  rich,  sandy 
loam.  R.  BuisT. 

[This  is  certainly  a  valuable  i^lant.  We  received  it  in  1857,  from  Mr.  Thorburu,  of  New- 
ark, and  noticed  at  the  time  its  beautiful  flowers  and  foliage. — Ed.] 

(Hexrt  C.  Blight,  Illinois).  We  have  no  personal  knowledge  regarding  the  "  Massachu- 
setts White  Grape."  The  propxietors  who  advertise  it  would  do  well,  if  it  is  valuable,  to 
send  specimens  further  south. 

Po^Jcepsie  must  write  better  verses  than  he  has  sent  us  on  the  "  Hemlock,"  if  he  expects 
to  become  a  poet. 

W.  H.  Reed  (Canada  West).  Your  interesting  communication  on  Grape  Mildew  will 
be  given  in  our  next. 

W.  C.  Strong's  article  on  Wiegelia  Middendorfiana,  next  month. 

J.  B.  Wateetown  (Mass.).  Loudon's  Encyclopedias  of  Gardening  and  of  Plants,  are  two 
separate  works.  The  price  of  McMahon's  Gardening  is  one  dollar  and  a  half.  Philadel- 
phia :  Lippincott  and  Co. 

(J.  S.  S.)  Steam  ploughing  has  not  yet  been  perfected  in  England.  Our  people  are 
waiting  till  it  promises  greater  usefulness  and  economy,  than  has  yet  been  attained.  There 
are  four  patents,  and  if  they  could  be  combined,  it  is  believed  something  might  be  effect- 
ively done.     Wait-a-bit,  is  the  plan  here.     It  is  coming. 

(M.  H.  H.)  The  scarlet  Flag  is  the  Gladiolus  Cardinalis,  and  we  happen  to  know  may 
be  procured  of  Mr.  Buist,  Philadelphia,  and  no  doubt  of  others. 

The  New  Hop  Tree  is  simjjly  the  old  one,  Ptelia  trifoliata. 

(S.)     Your  plants  are,  1,  Aphelandra  Griesbrechii,  and  2,  Ipomsea  bona  nox. 

(W.)  The  Australian  Ivy,  French  Ivy,  &c.  &c.,  which  has  been  without  a  name  so  long, 
has  flowered  lately  in  this  vicinity,  belongs  to  the  natural  order,  Compositse,  and  is  a  Senecio, 
but  exactly  what  the  books  have  not  told  us.  It  is  a  rapid  grower,  bears  parlor  heat  or  a 
little  fi-ost,  and,  with  its  beautiful  ivy  leaf,  is  a  very  desirable  plant. 

(College  Hill  Subsckibek.)     We  shall  endeavor  to  comply  with  your  request. 


Catalogues,  etc.,  received. — Catalogue  of  Fruits  and  Oi-namental  Trees,  Evergreens,  &c. 
&c.,  cultivated  and  for  sale  at  the  Hopewell  Nurseries,  near  Fredericksburg,  Va.  Henry  R. 
Robey,  proprietor.  This  catalogue  contains  a  most  valuable  list  of  apples  of  Southern  ori- 
gin, and  will,  we  trust,  receive  attention  from  our  numerous  Southern  readers. 

Catalogue  of  the  Gilead  Nursery,  near  Cardington,  Monroe  County,  Ohio.  W.  B.  Lipsey, 
proprietor.     An  excellent  list. 

Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  Shrubs,  and  Plants,  «S:c.  By  F.  Trowbridge, 
New  Haven,  Conn.  Fourth  edition,  1857-8.  This  contains  an  essay  of  value  on  cranberry 
culture,  and  another  on  the  blackberry,  from  which  wine  is  now  made. 

Mr.  J.  C.  Thompson,  of  Tompkins ville,  Staten  Island,  N.  Y.,  sends  us  a  long  list  of  cer- 
tificates in  favor  of  the  Wyandot  Prolific  Corn,  which  seems  to  be  worthy  of  attention. 

Catalogue  of  the  Corporation,  Oflicers,  and  Students,  of  Hamilton  College  (New  York) 
There  are  some  good  people  there. 


S.  Miller's  Calmclale  Nursery  Catalogue,  near  Lebanon,  Lebanon  County,  Pa.  Mr.  Miller 
has  a  great  variety  of  fruit-trees,  and  grape-vines,  &c. 

Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  Shrubbery,  Vines,  Roses,  and  Greenhouse 
Plants,  cultivated  and  for  sale  at  the  Cherry  Hill  Nursery,  West  Chester,  Pa.  Josiali 
Hoopes,  Proprietor.     A  very  interesting,  large,  and  creditable  collection. 

Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  other  Trees,  Grape  Vines,  &c.  &c.  Cultivated  and  for  sale  at  the 
Fruitland  Nurseries,  by  Redmond  and  Berckmans,  Augusta,  Georgia.  This  is  the  first  issue 
of  a  catalogue  by  a  firm  commencing  under  uncommonly  favorable  auspices.  Mr.  B.  is  the 
son  of  our  friend,  the  well-known  pomologist  of  New  Jersey,  "  L.  B.,"  who  transfers  to  the 
genial  climate  of  Augusta,  those  fruits  best  adapted  to  the  South,  and  who  being  devoted 
to  the  topic,  and  filled  with  information,  will  give  advice  to  the  firm,  whose  intention  it  is 
to  build  up  a  first  class  Southern  Nursery  ;  with  that  view  they  have  mainly  propagated 
the  finest  varieties  of  Southern  Fruit.     Pomology  is  advancing  rapidly  in  that  region. 


Ireland  is  taking  a  lead  in  a  movement  for  the  scientific  training  of  agriculturists. 

A  great  farm  school  has  been  established  at  Glasnevin,  near  Dublin. 

The  cook  of  Louis  XVI.  was  known  all  over  Europe  for  his  mode  of  serving  iip  eels. 

His  receipt  was  this  :  "Take  one  or  two  live  eels  ;  throw  them  into  the  fire.  As  they  are 
twisting  about  on  all  sides,  lay  hold  of  them  with  a  towel  in  your  hand,  and  skin  them 
from  head  to  tail.  This  method  is  decidedly  the  best,  as  it  is  the  means  of  drawing  out 
all  the  oil,  which  is  unpalatable."  The  consumption  of  eels  as  articles  of  food,  through- 
out Europe,  is  enormous.  In  London,  the  number  imported  amounts  to  about  ten  millions 
annually ;  it  is  food  alike  for  the  alderman  and  the  gamin  in  the  streets. 

In  the  earliest  period  of  Roman  history,  every  family  had  its  garden,  and  as  little 

animal  food  was  consumed,  it  was  from  this  soui'ce  that  the  population  principally  drew  its 
subsistence.  Hence,  in  the  laws  of  the  Twelve  Tables,  the  term  liortus  is  synonymous  to 
heredium,  or  inheritance  ;  and  the  word  villa  is  nowhere  made  use  of.  As  a  proof,  indeed, 
of  the  honor  paid  to  gardens  by  the  old  Romans,  Pliny  remarks  that  men  of  the  highest 
rank  were  willing  to  borrow  their  names  from  its  contents,  as  in  the  Valerian  family,  and 
the  Lactucarii  did  not  think  themselves  disgraced  by  takirfg  their  names  from  the  Lettuce. 
These,  however,  were  mere  kitchen  gardens,  containing  such  plants  and  trees  alone  as  were 
subservient  to  the  daily  uses  of  life  ;  and  in  Cato's  work,  the  only  notice  we  have  of  a  gar- 
den is  of  this  description,  although  it  be  true  that,  according  to  Pliny,  he  recommended 
that  plants  which  could  be  used  for  chaplets,  should  be  likewise  cultivated  in  it.  In  pro- 
portion, however,  as  civilization  and  wealth  increased,  a  taste  for  ornamental  plants  became 
prevalent ;  and  even  in  Rome  itself,  as  we  are  informed  by  Pliny,  it  was  the  fashion  of  the 
day,  among  the  lower  classes,  to  have  little  gardens  in  the  front  of  their  houses,  until  de- 
barred from  that  indulgence  by  the  necessity  of  shutting  out  the  robbers  which  so  abounded 
in  the  city. 

The  melancholy  scratch  of  the  "  Death  Watch"  (Anohium)  loses  all  its  terrors  when 

it  is  known  that  this  ominous  sound  is  not  a  voice,  but  the  mere  result  of  mechanical  fric- 
tion. You  have  only  to  send  him  a  counter-scratch  from  your  side  of  the  wainscot,  when, 
mistaking  you  for  a  brother  Anobium,  he  returns  the  signal.  Entomologists  declare  that 
they  have  been  able  to  train  Anobia  to  do  this  trick  at  pleasure,  by  first  accomplishing 
themselves  in  the  accurate  mimicry  of  the  sound. 

Wasps  and  flies  may  be  caught  in  graperies  by  placing  several  small  bottles,  contain- 
mixture  of  beer  and  sugar,  or  molasses,  in  different  parts  of  the  house.     The  bottles 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 

should  be  emptied  as  often  as  filled  with  the  pests.  Fine  netting,  so  fixed  that  the  lights 
will  slide  up  and  down  without  interruption,  will  also  be  a  good  remedy.  Improper  ven- 
tilation, and  a  damp  atmosphere,  are,  however,  greater  evils. 

Professor  Kirtland  declares  himself,  in  a  letter  to  the  Ohio  Farmer,  an  entire  con- 
vert to  the  discoveries  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Langstroth,  in  regard  to  the  improvements  in  hives 
for  bees,  and  the  management  of  the  honey-bee,  considering  it,  beyond  question,  the  true 
mode.     The  book  of  Mr.  L.  is  published  by  Saxton,  New  York. 

The  Big  Tree  Grove,  which  we  formerly  announced  (says  the  California  Farmer), 

has  added  to  its  celebrity  another  group,  discovered  by  Mr.  Galen  Clark,  who  was  with  us 
when  we  measured  the  first  group.  The  Mariposa  Gazette  tells  us  that  Mr.  Clark,  who  re- 
sides at  the  South  Fork,  recently,  while  on  a  hunting  expedition,  discovered  another  group 
of  these  trees  (eighty-six  in  number),  situated  about  one  mile  south  of  these  latter.  He 
had  no  means  of  measuring  them  accurately,  but  estimates  that  there  is  one  among  the 
number  which  will  exceed  in  size  any  of  those  previously  discovered.  According  to  his 
enumeration,  there  are  now  five  hundred  and  sixty-three  comprised  in  the  three  groves. 

The  same  paper  says  :  "Having  written  considerable,  the  present  week,  upon  the 

value  of  our  fisheries,  it  would  be  an  omission,  on  our  part,  if  we  did  not  notice  the  great 
fish — a  species  of  bass — which  was  caught  in  a  seine,  at  Saucelito,  last  week.  With  one 
exception,  it  is  the  largest  ever  caught  on  this  coast.  Its  dimensions  are  as  follows  :  Weight, 
187  pounds  ;  length,  6  feet  2  inches  ;  girth  of  the  body,  4  feet  2  inches  ;  girth  of  the  head, 
3  feet  4  inches  ;  width  of  the  tail,  2  feet ;  color  of  the  flesh,  reddish-white.  The  fish  was 
of  fine  form,  and  the  scales  were  nearly  the  size  of  a  quarter  of  a  dollar.  It  was  exhibited 
and  sold  at  the  Washington  market." 

Every  parent  must  have  remarked  the  pleasure  which  children  take  in  the  acquisition 

of  a  new  brood  of  chickens.  The  keeping  of  these  domestic  birds  calls  forth  one  of  the 
faculties  of  the  young  which  demands  cultivation  ;  but  most  fathers  and  mothers  are  con- 
tented when  they  have  provided  a  pair  or  two  for  the  instruction  of  their  ofi'spring.  This 
is  not  enough.  The  same  desire  which  prompts  to  observing  the  new  brood,  if  carried  on- 
wards, would  make  naturalists  and  accurate  observers  of  insects  and  birds.  One  of  the 
most  valuable  mental  acquirements  is  the  power  of  discriminating  among  things  which 
differ  in  many  minute  points,  but  whose  general  similarity  of  appearance  usually  deceives 
the  common  mind  into  a  belief  of  their  identity.  The  study  of  insects,  in  this  point  of 
view,  is  most  peculiarly  adapted  to  youth.  In  this  study,  the  knowledge  of  things  should 
go  along  with  that  of  words.  "If  names  perish,"  says  Linnaeus,  "the  knowledge  of  things 
perishes  also.  To  name  a  plant,  or  an  insect,  or  a  bird,  or  a  quadruped,  rightly,  is  one  step 
towards  an  accurate  knowledge  of  it,  though  it  is  not  the  knowledge  itself.  It  is  the  means, 
and  not  the  end,  in  natural  history  as  in  every  other  science." 

Adversity  is  like  the  cold  March  wind  which  shakes  the  trees,  bending  them  to  the 

dust,  breaking,  ofttimes,  their  groaning  boughs,  but  which  loosens  the  earth  at  their  roots, 
so  that  the  sap  ascends,  and  the  green  buds  blossom  forth. 

A  central  spot  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  (2^o  of  latitude  by  as  many  of  longitude  in 

extent)  has  the  verdure  and  freshness  of  high  mountains  in  Europe  in  summer,  the  snow  and 
ice  remaining  late  ;  but  very  much  of  this  district  is  one  of  plateaus  in  its  surface  character, 
and,  in  its  consequences,  in  every  respect  sandy,  arid,  treeless,  and  saline,  in  alternating 
tracts,  interspersed,  of  course,  with  rich  valleys.  Ail  the  mountains  near  the  Pacific  coast 
are  of  great  altitude,  and  affect  the  climate.  Between  the  coast  and  the  first  range,  the 
humid  atmosphere  and  warm  winter  of  Western  Europe  prevail,  while,  east  of  that,  the 
change  is  such  as  to  render  it  nearly  a  continental  climate,  with  an  atmosphere  generally 
and  with  variations  of  temperature  similar  to  those  of  the  Eastern  United  States. 
Passing  the  second  range,  the  change  becomes  quite  extreme  from  the  climate  of  the  coast, 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 


and  tlie  country  has  very  few  cultivable  districts.  The  northern  areas  beyond  the  United 
States,  are  very  low,  on  the  whole,  and  the  great  interior  of  British  America  is  scarcely 
above  the  average  altitude  of  the  Mississippi  Valley.  Thus  the  great  portion  of  the  con- 
tinent north  of  us  is  a  low  plain,  so  little  elevated  as  to  soften  the  climate  rather  than  other- 
wise— a  fact  of  the  greatest  interest  for  unborn  millions  of  men. 

Animals  exposed  to  cold — breathing  a  colder,  and  therefore  a  denser  air,  containing 

more  oxygen  or  fuel-burner  per  cubic  foot — animals  exposed  to  cold,  requiring,  therefore, 
greater  expenditure  of  fuel  to  maintain  the  animal  heat — do  not,  in  practice,  prosper  as  if 
kept  in  warmth  and  dryness.  Most  of  their  food  goes  as  fuel ;  a  great  deal  of  their  food 
is  wasted  and  burned  up  within  them.  Again  :  Animals  allowed  to  run  about  and  take 
muscular  exercise  (thereby  increasing  the  raj^idity  of  respiration,  keeping  the  bellows  blow- 
ing at  the  fire  within  the  lungs),  do,  in  effect,  not  increase  in  fat  or  flesh  so  fast  as  when 
kept  within  bounds,  and  hindered  from  running  to  and  fro.  In  all  these  particulars,  then, 
the  experience  of  the  farmer  tallies  with  the  theory  of  growth  as  laid  down  by  the  chemist 
and  animal  physiologist. 

Hydrangeas  of  a  beautiful  blue  may  be  produced,  it  is  asserted,  by  giving  the  plants 

plenty  of  mould  from  fir  leaves. 


A  Mammotu  Squash. — We  look  to  California  now,  for  our  big  articles,  and  record  to-day, 
from  a  late  California  Farmer,  a  squash  at  the  Exhibition,  "  by  D.  S.  Campbell.  Weight, 
2G4  pounds.  Circumference  (long  way),  eight  feet.  Circumference  (short  way),  seven 
feet.  Was  raised  by  Mr.  Asa  Vestal,  on  his  farm,  one  mile  from  San  Jose.  The  Committee 
of  the  Santa  Clara  Fair,  held  at  San  Jose,  List  week,  decided  that  there  were  sixteen  hun- 
dred pounds  of  squash  growing  upon  the  same  vine  that  bore  this.  The  seed  is  known  as 
the  Camanche  variety,  native  of  Northern  Mexico  ;  was  planted  in  April,  and  pulled  17th 
September.     Soil,  sandy  loam,  fourteen  feet  deep  to  subsoil,  and  watered  by  irrigation." 

List  of  Twenty-Nine  Plants  to  Bloom  during  Winter  in  a  cool  Conservatory. — The  bloom- 
in"-  will  last  from  November  to  March  : — 


Chrysanthemums  of  sorts. 

Scarlet  Geraniums. 

Flower  of  the  Day,  ditto. 

Camellias. 

Fuchsia  Dominiana,  serratifolia,  &c. 

Mignonette,  French. 

Poinsettia  pulcherrima. 

Orange-trees. 

Salvia  splendens  and  Gesnerreflora. 

Balsamina  (Impatiens)  Jerdoniae. 

Daphne  Indica. 

Ageratums. 

Heliotropes. 

Linum  tigrinum. 


Tropseolum  Canariense. 

Roses  of  sorts. 

Gesnera  zebrina. 

Primulas. 

Pinks. 

Epacrises. 

Heaths. 

Epijshyllums  of  the  Cacti  tribe. 

Cyclamens. 

Wallflowers. 

Stocks. 

Cytisus. 

Calceolarias. 

Ardisia  carnata  ;  red  berries. 


Extraordinary  Produce  of  an  xYpricot-Tree  in  Guernsey. — An  apricot-tree,  belonging  to 
Mrs.  AUez,  of  Hauteville,  has  for  many  years  past  given  a  produce  which  would  be  in- 
credible if  the  fact  were  noVnotorious.  In  the  year  1855,  this  tree  yielded  no  less  than 
16,000  apricots,  and,  this  year,  the  produce  has  been  at  least  10,000  full-sized  and  perfectly 
ripened  apricots.  The  tree  (which  is,  we  believe,  upwards  of  forty  years  old)  measures 
twenty  feet  in  height,  and  has  a  span  of  sixty  feet,  thus  covering  a  surface  of  1,200 
on  Cottage  Gardener, 


Baskets  for  Forwarding  Conifers,  etc. — The  growing  of  such  plants  in  baskets  instead  of 
pots  is  not  a  new  idea,  hut  it  is  a  good  one,  as  (provided  the  basket  is  of  some  size)  the  plants 
can  have  all  the  advantage  of  house  room  in  their  young  state,  and,  when  desired,  can  be 
planted  out,  basket  and  all,  without  the  roots  being  matted  into  a  ball,  or  somewhat  injured 
by  disentangling  them,  so  likely  to  be  the  result  when  plants  are  continued  any  time  in  jjots. 


Feathers. — The  poultry  fanciers  are  endeavoring  to  classify  feathers,  and  give  the  fol- 
lowing descriptions,  among  a  host  of  others  :  "  A  laced  feather  has  a  narrow  border  all  round 
its  edge,  differing  in  color  from  the  ground  color  of  the  feather,  but  no  moon  on  the  tip.  A 
spangled  feather  has  a  moon  on  the  tip,  differing  from  the  ground  color  of  the  feather,  but 
no  border  round  this.  A  pencilled  feather  has  dark  bars  in  parallel  lines  across  the  lighter 
ground  color  of  the  feather.  There  is  neither  a  spangle  at  its  tip,  nor  a  border  round  its 
edge." 


IJfltcs  f0r  tire  Slontlr. 

FEBRUARY. 
YIXEYARD  CALENDAR. 

BY  R.  BUCHANAN,  CINCINNATI,  OHIO. 

Ix  moderate  and  dry  weather,  pruning  the  vines  may  be  continued  throughout  this  month. 
In  the  South,  it  should  be  finished.  Here,  we  have  nearly  a  mouth  longer  to  prune,  for  the 
sap  in  the  vine  seldom  rises  before  the  latter  end  of  March.  If  it  does,  we  are  in  danger 
of  frosts  nipping  the  young  shoots  late  in  April,  or  earl}'-  in  May.  The  method  of  pruning 
was  stated  in  the  "  Calendar"  for  March  last,  and  also  for  December,  and  it  is  therefore  unne- 
cessary to  repeat  it  now.  The  treatment  of  the  wine  after  it  is  racked  off,  will  be  the  same 
as  recommended  last  month :  "  Keej>  the  casks  full,  and  the  bungs  tight." 

Should  new  plantings  be  required,  this  will  be  a  good  mouth  to  prepare  the  ground,  either 
by  trenching  with  the  spade,  or  subsoil  ploughing.  The  latter,  if  done  thoroughly,  by  deep 
furrows,  and  then  cross-ploughing,  is  much  the  cheapest,  and,  in  moderately  light  soils, 
will  answer  nearly  as  well  as  trenching. 

Cuttings  intended  for  planting  in  the  new  vineyard,  should  be  buried  in  the  earth  until 
wanted  to  set  out.  New  stakes  should  be  charred  at  the  lower  end,  or  coated  with  coal-tar, 
to  make  them  last  longer  in  the  ground.  The  careful  vine-dresser  may  also  find  other  jobs 
to  do  now  that  will  relieve  the  pressure  of  work  thrown  upon  him  by  the  opening  of  spring. 

N.  B. — In  the  "Calendar"  for  March  last,  "buds"  was  printed  for  hutts,  in  cuttings,  and 
"  roots"  {or  frost,  in  treating  of  layers. 

BY  WILLIAM  SAUNDERS. 
Manuring  {Gurneyism'). — This  term  (occasionally  met  with  in  agricultural  writings)  has 
beeu  applied  to  a  kind  of  manuring  adopted  by  a  Mr.  Gurney,  in  England.  The  operation 
consists  in  covering  grass  land  with  straw,  coarse  hay,  or  other  fibrous  matter,  under  which 
the  grass  springs  up  with  astonishing  rapidity.  A  similar  practice  has  for  some  time  been 
commented  upon  here  as  "  fall  manuring."  It  has  been  long  observed,  that  where  soil  has 
been  covered  for  a  time,  it  has  enriched  itself.  This  has  been  explained  on  the  supposition 
that  the  water  of  the  subsoil,  in  its  upward  passage,  by  capillary  attraction,  to  supply 
surface  evaporation,  having  in  sokition  various  mineral  salts,  is  arrested  in  its  upward  pro- 
gress by  a  colder  substance,  where  it  is  condensed,  and  the  mineral  ingredients  are  retained 
in  the  surface  soil,  in  a  condition  immediately  available  for  future  vegetation.  It  would 
seem,  therefore,  that  the  beneficial  effects  of  spreading  manure  on  the  surface,  and  leaving 
it  uncovered,  do  not  proceed  so  much  from  the  enriching  qualities  of  the  manure  as  from 
its  effects  as  a  simple  covering.  This  is,  no  doubt,  the  true  solution  of  the  question,  for  it 
cannot  be  doubted  that  much  of  the  essential  properties  of  manure  must  be  lost  by  expo- 
sure and  evaporation.  While,  therefore,  it  does  not  by  any  means  prove  that  the  best  method 
of  applying  manure  is  to  spread  it  on  the  surface,  and  leave  it  exposed  for  months,  it 
additional  proof  of  the  great  utility  of  mulching  ;  and  the  principle  is  a  valuable 


editor's  table. 


gardeners  and  fruit  cultivators,  since  it  is  inexpedient  to  disturb  the  soil,  and  incorporate 
manure  with  many  of  their  crops.  We  learn,  further,  that  when  we  cover  strawberry  plants 
over,  the  roots  of  raspberries,  fruit-trees,  &c.,  we  not  only  protect  from  cold,  but  enhance 
the  productive  capacity  of  the  soil,  whether  the  covering  be  shavings,  saw-dust,  tan  bark, 
charcoal  dust,  straw,  or  farm-yard  manure. 

Forcing  Fruits. — The  system  of  growing  grape-vines,  and  other  fruits,  in  pots  and  tubs, 
for  earlv  forced  crops,  presents  many  advantages  over  the  old  method  of  fruiting  plants 
permanently  set  out  in  the  soil.  The  roots  are  thus  equally  under  the  control  of  the  ope- 
rator, and  a  uniform  and  successful  crop  can  with  more  certainty  be  insured. 

The  "  Golden  Rule"  in  forcing  is  never  to  he  in  a  hurry,  and  to  endeavor  to  imitate  some- 
what the  lluctuations  of  the  external  atmosphere ;  especially  allow  a  reasonable  fall  of  the 
temperature  in  the  absence  of  light ;  the  night  temperature  should  fall  from  15'^  to  20© 
below  that  of  the  day  in  clear,  sunny  weather.  Many  failures  in  forcing  are  caused  by 
high  night  temperature,  and  a  mistaken  eagerness  to  keep  plants  in  an  artificial  instead  of 
a  natural  condition. 

Strawberry  plants  potted  in  the  fall,  will  fruit  well  in  a  greenhouse,  if  placed  on  a  shelf 
near  the  glass.  The  hermaphrodite  varieties  succeed  best,  as  the  pistillate  do  not  set  freely 
unless  artificially  impregnated.  Much  has  of  late  been  written  on  the  subject  of  sexes  in 
strawberries,  but  very  little  of  any  practical  value.  It  is  perfectly  in  accordance  with  the 
teachings  of  vegetable  physiology  that  single  and  double,  or  perfect  and  imperfect,  flowers 
may  be  produced  on  the  same  plant.  The  j^roductioir  of  wood  buds  or  flower  buds  is  also 
within  the  power  of  the  skilled  cultivator.  Under  shelter  of  these  well  known  botanical 
laws,  assertions  have  been  made  that  the  inconstancy  of  the  strawberry  is  so  great  as  to 
render  all  distinction  of  sexes  worthless.  This  assertion  is  simply  absurd,  as  all  practical 
cultivators  well  know  ;  and  it  is  equally  absurd  to  maintain  that  changes  are  impossible. 

Grafting  Grapes. — The  introduction  of  new  and  improved  varieties  of  fruits  has  of  late 
been  so  great  that  there  are  few  persons  so  well  supplied  with  really  excellent  kinds,  that 
it  will  not  be  to  their  interest  to  add  to  their  stock.  Those  who  have  a  superabundance  of 
Catawba  or  Isabella  Grape-vines,  will  not  regret  cutting  them  down  and  grafting  Diana, 
Delaware,  or  the  Rebecca,  on  the  stock.  By  doing  so,  they  will  obtain  strong  fruiting  plants 
after  one  year's  growth.  The  scions  should  be  secured  at  once,  and  preserved  in  a  cool, 
damp  cellar ;  if  a  dry  cellar,  they  can  be  kept  in  a  damp  mat,  or  moistened  straw.  The 
object  is  to  keep  them  from  growing  until  the  stock  puts  forth  leaves,  when  it  is  cut  down, 
and  the  scions  inserted  at  once.  Cleft  grafting  is  the  most  simple  for  grapes,  and  if  the 
stock  is  cut  low  enough  to  cover  the  graft  with  soil,  failures  will  rarely  occur. 

Greenhouse  plants  should  always  be  watered  in  the  early  portion  of  the  day.  In  cold 
weather,  early  watering  allows  excess  of  moisture  to  evaporate  before  evening,  and  the 
house  will  better  resist  cold.  Again :  In  summer,  early  watering  charges  the  atmosphere 
with  moisture,  and  the  temperature  is  kept  cool  and  healthful  during  the  day.  A  more 
Important  reason  for  the  practice  arises  from  the  fact  that  the  water,  and  substances  it  holds 
in  solution,  absorbed  by  plants  during  the  night,  is  given  off  again  by  their  leaves,  without 
benefiting  the  plant.  The  leaves  must  be  exposed  to  the  action  of  light,  before  the  car- 
bonic acid  and  other  matters  are  decomposed.  Light  is  necessary  to  the  performance  of 
those  chemical  actions  which  digest  and  retain  the  substances  required  to  develop  and  ex- 
tend the  plant  structure.  The  amount  of  water  given  ofl'  by  the  leaves  at  night,  will  of 
course  be  altogether  dependent  upon  the  hygrometric  state  of  the  atmosphere. 

Shrubberies. — In  arranging  pleasure  grounds  and  shrubbery  plantations,  more  especially 
when  the  space  is  of  small  extent,  errors  are  frequently  committed  in  planting  too  thickly 
of  the  largest  growing  trees,  and  however  pleasing  and  efi'ective  these  may  appear  while 
they  are  young,  as  they  grow  up  the  lower  limbs  decay,  and  the  plantations  present  a  very 
artificial  appearance.  A  portion  of  medium-sized  growing  trees,  judiciously  distributed 
along  the  margin,  and  here  and  there  in  groups,  will  eventually  give  a  pleasing  and  natural 
looking  outline.  The  following  list  contains  a  few  of  the  more  available  trees  of  this  cha- 
racter: Halesia  tetraptera  and  H.  diptera,  Anona  triloba,  Cornus  florida  and  sanguinea, 
Euonymus  latifolia,  Amelanchier  botriapium,  Gordonia  pubescens,  Ptelea  trifoliata,  Rhus 
cotinus,  Chionanthus  Virginica,  Rhamnus  catharticus.  Viburnum  prunifolia,  Kolreuteria 
paniculata,  Shepherdia  argentea,.  Eleagnus  angustifolia,  Cercis  canadensis,  Cytisus  labur- 
num, Tamarisk  Gallica,  Syringa  vulgaris.  Magnolia  glauca,  M.  conspicua.  Viburnum  opulus, 
Acer  Pennsylvanica,  Carpinus  Americana,  Celtis  occidentalis.  Mimosa  Julibrissin,  Laurus 
sassafras,  and  Madura  aurantiacum.  If  you  wish  to  trim  or  torture  a  plant  into  shapes, 
the  latter  is  so  rapid  a  grower  that  you  may  have  large  columns,  pyramids,  &c.  &c, 
very  short  time. 


^» 


> 


V 


-r**"*"- 


A.  GROUP    OF    SUMMEB    FKTJIT 
iHosliezer  2.Hadelame  S.Beiixre  G-iffarcL   4,MaTmiiLjs  ElisaTo^  .:,  Blcod^ood. 
6  .  DeaxboTU  I.B'^  HaggerstoD    '  or  Lmon,^ 


frl!nr.     'Jl  .  ,  ,,„        

nV  'mrjT:.7.  '■er'?  or. 


iV      '•TintiV'ilo!: 


Wiiut 


if 


;•  i;i  h  •li-- .l-i'>!  .-Anvc  'ences 
jm- 


eacli  > 

is  lic,i.> ;, .  ,. 
only  the  quan' 
ing  of  fuel,  ami  i  - 

There  can  be  litt 
eta.     Very  coramoriij,  ni 
which  it  13  coDvejed  by 

'■'■■■■■  furnace  built,  cnr- 
T<->  this  end,  the 


h..    • 

and  ten  to,  one     . 
'e  thls'rreat  objection  :, 

^  and  alongside  of  ffich  other,     lu  moderate  weather  one 
r<  Id  requires,  both  are  put  into  blast,  the  '  •••      ■   --'ujing 
lired  for  one,  on  the  old  plan.     Thi>  sav- 

...     r,.,,^  obvious.*  ' 

aruaces  make  terrible  inroads  on  our  pock- 

jiir  r,iuT  of  the  beat  cf*"    '  ''     '^'     ley  to- 

]>ipe  that  carries  off  'la 

■  f  taken  to  save  as  luucu  ■.] 
•  honld  be  carried  up  thro  - 
IS  the  Fveijch  chcase  their  stoves,  or  in  some  • 
•"d  v.all,  v'iOi  openings  and  a  draft  thronof!'  i' 
: .  or  chamber,  while  in  *■ 
'■r-Tc-  fit  f})~-  e-it,  th-ro 


Go 
is  sure  ; o 
G.^he  cook 


)f  pfood 


•  Thia  reminds  u^ 


'•0  a  very  extonsiv*  r&Dgo  of 


N.  S. :  Vol.  Vlkl.— V 


ECONOMICS, 


the  cooking  quite  as  well,  if  not  better,  than  the  modem  expensive  range.  Why 
not  unite  them  ?  The  smell  of  the  dinner  will  be  urged  as  an  objection  on  first 
impression,  but  it  is  utterlj'  futile,  for  the  odor  of  the  cellar  itself  is  not  allowed 
to  ascend,  the  air-chamber  being  connected  with  the  open  air,  or  should  be  en- 
tirely so.  A  contrivance,  simple  and  yet  effective  for  this  purpose,  is  yet  a  desi- 
deratum in  most  neighborhoods,  and  would  largely  reward  an  ingenious  man. 

As  regards  the  little  cooking  required  in  summer  for  tea  and  breakfast,  econo- 
mical people  who  can  obtain  it,  now  employ  gas,  which  boils  the  tea-kettle,  toasts 
or  cooks  a  steak  as  well,  if  not  better,  than  a  huge  coal  fire ;  yet  how  very  few 
have  yet  adopted  this  obvious  improvement  and  economy.  The  same  jet  should 
heat  the  sad-irons,  and  perhaps  the  water  for  washing. 

Bells  mid  Whistles. — Convenience  should  be  studied  in  every  department, 
though  we  would  deprecate  the  fussy  interference  which  makes  a  toil  of  comfort. 
We  have  seen  in  many  mansions  a  bell  for  the  dining-room,  that  it  may  be  as  well 
to  mention,  as  suited  to  every  family.  A  piston  of  simple  construction  is  placed 
in  the  floor  where  the  master  or  mistress  sits  at  meals ;  touching  this  by  the  foot, 
rings  a  bell  in  the  kitchen,  to  hasten  or  call  attendance.  The  only  drawback  is 
that  the  table  must  always  be  in  nearly  the  same  situation,  but  this  is  not  a  serious 
objection,  as  there  it  usually  is. 

Numerous  bells  in  the  kitchen  confuse  new-comers,  and  that  is  a  numerous 
class,  we  regret  to  say,  in  this  country.  To  insure  attention  to  the  up-stairs  apart- 
ment, a  bell  is  usually  rung,  before  speaking  your  wants  through  a  tube  leading  to 
the  servants'  apartment  below.  This  confusion  is  now  abated  by  blowing  through 
a  small  tube,  and  a  whistle  in  the  kitchen  cannot  be  mistaken  in  its  object. 

A  Wine  Cellar. — Some  cleverly  particular  people  may  be  glad  to  learn  the  best 
way  of  having  their  wine  cellar,  so  that,  while  it  is  convenient,  and  at  hand,  it  is 
always  under  the  eye  of  the  owner,  when  opened.  To  this  end,  a  door  is  con- 
cealed in  the  floor  of  the  dining-room,  and  is  quite  invisible  when  not  in  use. 
The  lock  has  a  well  fitted  brass  cover,  on  a  level  with,  or  rather,  sunk  in  the  floor. 
The  door  should  rise  and  be  so  hung  by  weights,  as  to  remain  in  any  position  it 
is  placed.  Stairs  lead  to  a  wine  cellar  or  closet  beneath,  to  which  this  is  the  only 
access.  The  wine  is  brought  up  under  your  own  direction  and  inspection,  and 
the  key  returned  to  the  person  that  expended  the  money  for  the  purchase  of  the 
beverage.  This  is  an  obvious  improvement,  and  may  be  adopted  in  dwellings 
already  built,  as  well  as  in  those  in  course  of  erection. 

Ice-houses  should  be  in  communication  with  the  kitchen,  divided  from  it  by 
double  doors,  or  a  passage.  The  food,  milk,  &c.,  should  be  beneath  the  ice,  or 
in  a  chamber  surrounded  by  it.  In  such  a  receptacle,  perishable  fruit  may  be  kept 
a  long  time  without  injury,  and  meat  will  be  perfectly  good  after  many  days.  The 
water  from  the  melting  ice  should  be  conducted  to  a  drain  near  by. 

Water  Rams. — The  extra  water  thrown  up  by  rams  is  generally  wasted,  but  a 
good  contriver  will  make  it  useful  for  irrigating  bis  garden,  through  which  it  may 
be  conducted  with  scarcely  any  cost,  by  having  a  narrow  board  with  low  sides — 
as  already  described — that  will  move  here  and  there,  and  while  they  stop  the 
water,  open  at  the  same  time  an  egress  for  it  where  it  is  wanted,  say  on  a  straw- 
berry bed ;  complete  irrigation  may  be  practised,  without  any  perceptible  loss  of 
time. 

These  hints  should  not  be  thrown  away,  and  though  they  may  seem  little  to 
great  minds,  life  is  short  enough  to  make  it  an  object  to  economize  time  and 
labor.  In  neighborhoods  where  much  building  is  going  on,  such  improvements 
may  be  well  known,  but  there  must  be  places  where  one  or  more  of  them  has  not 
penetrated. 


ON  THE  CULTIVATION  OP  MOUTANS. 


ON  THE  CULTIYATION  OF  MOUTANS. 

Few  flowers  have  been  the  victims  of  more  extraordinary  caprice  than  these 
most  splendid  ornaments  of  our  gardens.  Long  known  by  report  and  Chinese 
drawings,  their  beauty  was  disbelieved,  till  at  length,  some  seventy  years  ago,  the 
first  individual  of  the  genus  made  its  appearance  in  Europe.  Its  hardihood  once 
established,  it  bore  a  high  price,  and  was  the  pride  of  the  most  notable  horticul- 
turists. Some  twenty  years  later  arrived  another  variety,  P.  Moutan  papaveracea, 
which  was  equally  and  justly  cherished. 

Still  the  Chinese  reports  of  Moutans  of  various  colors  were  treated  with  in- 
credulity, those  already  received  being  obviously  very  similar  in  color,  differing,  in 
fact,  little  more  than  double  and  single  varieties  of  the  same  plant  might  be  ex- 
pected to  do.  When  China  was  opened  to  our  researches,  no  plants  were  looked 
for  with  greater  curiosity  than  the  almost  fabulous  Moutans.  At  last,  but  not 
till  even  his  patience  had  experienced  some  trial  and  disappointment,  Kobert 
Fortune  saw,  verified,  and  secured  the  many  colored  Moutans  which  Chinese 
papers,  seventy  or  eighty  years  before,  had  faithfully  depicted  to  our  incredulous 
eyes.  The  lilacs,  the  salmon-colored,  the  sulphur-colored,  the  whites,  the  rich 
reds,  were  secured,  transmitted  to  England,  and  in  due  time  met  our  astonished 
eyes.  But  where  are  they  now?  and  in  how  many  gardens  are  they  to  be  seen? 
To  watchful  eyes  they  displayed  their  beauties  imperfectly  at  Chiswick ;  still  more 
imperfectly,  I  suspect,  at  Standish  &  Noble's,  at  Bagshot,  for  on  visiting  them 
(a  little  too  late  in  the  season,  I  must  allow)  they  showed  sorry  remnants  of  in- 
difi'erent  flowers. 

Nevertheless  there  exist  few  flowers  which  can  at  all  compete  with  them  in 
beauty.  They  may  occasionally  be  seen  in  favorable  situations  with  from  one 
hundred  to  three  hundred  flowers  upon  them  open  at  once,  each  seven  to  nine 
inches  in  diameter.  I  speak,  of  course,  of  the  old  varieties,  as  no  large  plants  of 
the  new  ones  yet  exist,  though  there  is  not  the  slightest  I'eason  why  they  should 
not,  except  ignorance  and  carelessness. 

A  great  admirer  myself  of  Moutans,  I  wish  to  incite  others  to  cultivate  them, 
and  therefore  gladly  detail  my  experience  of  their  growth. 

The  first  and  great  mistake  is  to  imagine  they  like  a  light  soil.  No  soil  is  too 
strong  for  them,  provided  it  is  well  drained  and  well  manured.  The  soil  which 
will  grow  hops,  wheat,  beans,  or  melons  is  the  only  soil  in  which  they  attain  per- 
fection. Of  manure  they  are  perfect  gluttons.  I  give  moderate-sized  plants  a 
bushel  of  sheep  dung  per  annum  as  a  top-dressing,  when  I  wish  to  have  them  in 
perfection.  They  moreover  require  a  good  deal  of  judicious  pruning.  If  the 
branches  are  allowed  to  get  too  thick,  small  flowers  are  the  consequence,  and  they 
will  dwindle  at  last  on  old  plants  till  they  are  little  bigger  than  Gum-Cistus  flowers. 
I  have  seen  some  of  the  earliest  propagated  plants  of  P.  papaveracea,  now  upwards 
of  forty  years  old,  which,  although  large  plants,  present  but  a  shabby  appearance, 
and  produce  miserably  small  flowers. 

Plants  from  four  to  five  feet  in  diameter,  when  out  of  leaf,  are  large  enough  for 
all  ordinary  purposes;  these  will  be  between  seven  and  eight  feet  in  diameter  when 
in  flower,  and  produce  from  one  hundred  to  one  hundred  and  twenty  flowers,  and 
they  may  be  grown  to  this  size  and  well  furnished  in  about  six  or  seven  years.  I 
find  that  the  ripened  shoots  with  me  vary  from  six  to  ten  inches  in  length,  eight 
being  the  ordinary  growth. 

I  have  never  known  the  shoots  injured  by  spring  frosts  but  once  in  the  last 
twelve  years.     Whenever  that  is  the  case,  they  should  be  immediately  cut 


RIVERS'S  ROSE  AMATEUR'S  GUIDE, 


to  the  first  unopened  bud,  which  will  grow  and  flower,  though  the  flowers  thus 
produced  are  rather  smaller  than  those  produced  by  the  first  growth.  However, 
as  a  preventive  against  this  accident,  I  watch  the  Moutans  in  the  early  spring, 
and  if  I  find  the  fruit  buds  getting  so  forward  as  to  run  risk  of  injury,  I  prune 
them  all  off,  cutting  the  plant  back  to  the  second  or  even  the  third  bud.  This 
insures  a  safe  bloom  a  little  later  than  the  natural  season. 

Apart  from  this  pruning,  I  generally  cut  the  plants  back  very  much,  as  Black 
Currants  are  pruned,  immediately  upon  the  fall  of  the  leaf,  leaving  from  four  to 
six  inches  of  wood,  according  to  the  desired  size  of  the  plant;  but  in  this  pruning 
regard  must  be  had  in  unfavorable  situations  to  the  possible  necessity  of  a  second 
pruning. 

With  respect  to  situation,  it  must  be  confessed  that  all  the  low  grounds  of  the 
valley  of  London  are  unfavorable  to  this  plant.  At  Hampstead  or  Norwood,  or, 
in  fact,  on  any  rising  ground  where  vegetation  is  somewhat  retarded,  it  will  be 
found  in  greatest  beauty.  Light  soils  are  unfavorable  to  it,  especially  sandy  peat. 
It  appears  to  do  best  in  an  open  airy  situation,  sheltered  from  violent  wind,  and 
not  exposed  to  extreme  sun ;  the  north  side  of  a  dwarf  wall  suits  it  perfectly.  It 
should  never  receive  any  protection,  except  an  awning  when  in  flower,  which  will 
tend  to  prolong  its  beauty ;  but  I  must  confess  I  prefer  it  perfectly  exposed. 

Many  of  the  new  varieties  have  flowered  with  me ;  all  appear  quite  as  hardy  as 
the  old  ones,  but  there  is  some  difi"erence  in  their  earliness,  and,  as  far  as  I  can  at 
present  judge,  great  difference  in  their  habits  of  growth.  Some  appear  much 
more  compact  and  dwarf  than  the  old  varieties,  whilst  some,  on  the  contrary, 
appear  to  be  much  more  erect,  and  probably  of  larger  growth. 

Nothing  would  be  more  gorgeous  than  a  Moutan  garden,  in  which  beds  of 
about  four  feet  square  were  devoted  to  each  single  plant.  Even  when  out  of 
flower,  few  plants  surpass  them  in  beauty  and  foliage. — J.  R.,  in  Gardener^s 
Chronicle. 


RIYERS'S    ROSE    AMATEUR'S    GUIDE. 

We  gladly  welcome  the  new  issue  of  this  very  useful  and  now  famous  guide.  The 
continual  changes  that  take  place  in  public  taste,  the  ever  altering  claims  of 
varieties  to  general  favor,  the  capital,  the  worthless,  the  useless  new  sorts,  the 
results  of  experience  in  cultivation  itself  and  many  other  matters  most  interest- 
ing to  the  grower,  require  as  much  vigilant  attention  and  careful  pruning  as  a 
first  class  rose-bush  itself.  We  are  glad  to  see  that  Mr.  Rivers  has  used  his 
editorial  hoe  to  some  purpose  by  weeding  out  weeds,  and  well  stirring  the  ground 
about  the  sterling  varieties ;  nor  has  he  been  less  attentive  to  rendering  his  in- 
structions so  clear  and  precise,  that  even  those  who  run  may  read.  There  is  a 
good  deal  of  novelty  about  roses  in  pots,  and  much  useful  information  concerning 
stocks,  the  most  debatable  and  perhaps  least  satisfactory  question  that  the  rose 
grower  has  to  consider.  That  the  eternal  Dog  Rose  is  a  very  bad  stock  for  some 
kinds  is  undeniable,  as  rose  buyers  know  to  their  cost.  But  what  is  there  better? 
Upon  this  point  Mr.  Rivers  writes  as  follows  : — 

"  The  Celine  stock,  a  very  old  hybrid  Bourbon  rose,  is  a  most  excellent  stock 
for  Bourbon,  Noisette  (particularly  the  Cloth  of  Gold),  and  many  other  roses  ;  if 
planted  in  a  rich,  moist  soil,  it  will  make  shoots  from  four  to  five  feet  in  height, 
fit  for  low  standards. 

"The  Rosa  Manetti  is  a  rose  I  received  some  twenty  years  since  from  Como, 
from  Signor  Crivelli,  who  recommended  it  as  the  very  best  of  all  roses  for  a  stock 
It  was  raised  from  seed  by  Signor  Manetti,  of  the  Botanic  Garden  at  Mo 


All  the  roses  I  have  budded  on  this  stock  have  succeeded  admirably;  above  all 
the  Hybrid  Perpetuals,  which  scarcely  seem  to  know  when  to  leave  off  growing 
and  blooming  in  the  autumn ;  indeed  it  is  remarkable  for  its  late  growth,  for  it 
may  be  budded  during  the  whole  of  September.  Another  excellent  quality  is, 
that  it  never  gives  any  suckers  from  its  roots  at  long  distances  from  the  plant, 
like  the  Dog  Rose.  It  seems  to  flourish  equally  in  light  and  dry  as  well  as  in 
stiff  soils ;  and  it  will,  I  trust,  be  of  much  value  to  the  rose  amateur,  who,  if  the 
soil  of  his  rose  garden  be  light  and  dry,  is  so  often  troubled  with  the  numerous 
suckers  thrown  up  by  the  Dog  Rose.  I  am,  indeed,  now  fully  convinced  that  the 
only  method  of  cultivating  dwarf  hybrid  perpetual  roses  in  soils  that  are  gravelly, 
sandy,  or  resting  on  chalk,  is  to  employ  the  Manetti  Rose  as  a  stock. 

"Since  the  above  paragraphs  were  written,  more  experience  with  this  has  been 
gained.  Although  so  vigorous  in  growth,  it  does  not  form  good  standards ;  the 
stems  with  their  side  branches  left  on  increase  rapidly  in  bulk,  but  when  they  are 
budded  at  the  height  proper  for  standards,  and  the  side  branches  cut  off,  the  bark 
becomes  indurated,  the  sap  apparently  ceases  to  circulate  freely,  and  the  stems  in 
a  year  or  two  shrink,  and  the  head  becomes  stunted  in  its  growth  and  unhealthy. 

"  Some  of  the  vigorous  growing  hybrid  China  roses  make  good  half-standards 
on  this  stock,  but  its  great  eligibility  is  for  dwarfs ;  these  should  be  budded  close 
to  the  ground,  and,  when  transplanted  from  the  nursery,  should  be  planted  so  as 
to  cover  the  junction  of  the  bud  with  the  stock,  placing  that  part  about  one  inch 
and  a  half  or  two  inches  below  the  surface  of  the  border. 

"  The  annexed  figure  will  illustrate  my  meaning  better  than  a  host  of  words  : 
a,  junction  of  the  bud  with  the  stock  ;  b,  the  height  to 
which  the  stem  should  be  covered  with  earth.     Treated  j^ 

in  this  way  the  covered  part  of  the  stock  increases  ra-  || 

pidly  in  bulk,  the  sap  flows  freely  through  it,  and  most  ^|# 

vigorous  and  healthy  growth  is  the  result.     I  have  ob-  k^- - ^ 

served  a  peculiarity  in  this  stock  worthy  of  notice ;  |C 

under  certain  circumstances  the  sort  budded  on  it  will  \'M  " 

entirely  overpower  its  suckers,  so  that  in  a  year  or  two  IlL-^ 

the  plant  from  the  bud  will  gain  the  ascendency,  and  the  ^^b=^^^^^^ 
suckers,  without  being  removed,  will  languish  and  die.  V^^^/^^^^ 
This  has  occurred  here  in  several  instances  with  stocks  f     ( }    V 

planted  out,  for  stocks  for  propagation,  in  a  stiff  clayey  '   ' 

soil ;  some  of  these  had  dormant  buds  in  them,  which 

had  not  put  forth  their  shoots  with  the  usual  crop  of  plants,  and  were  thrown  on 
one  side  as  stocks.  Now  the  curious  part  of  the  matter  was,  that  immediately 
these  stocks  were  planted  out  for  stocks  in  a  stiff  soil,  and  so  deeply  that  the 
dormant  buds  became  slightly  colored  with  earth,  they  pushed  forth  most  vigor- 
ously ;  and,  although  the  stocks  at  the  same  time  put  forth  suckers  which  were 
suffered  to  grow,  they  have,  as  may  be  seen  now  in  most  instances,  overpowered 
them,  and  now  form  vigorous  bushes  of  hybrid  perpetual  roses,  from  three  to  six 
years  old. 

"To  what  a  great  extent  in  this  respect  it  differs  from  the  Dog  Rose  stock 
will  be  at  once  apparent  to  rose-loving  readers  ;  for  we  all  know  that  the  Dog 
Rose  carries  on  a  fierce  war  with  its  bud  in  graft,  and,  unless  most  carefully 
attended  to,  destroys  it  by  its  suckers  in  one  season.  A  method  of  growing 
standard  roses  in  dry,  unfavorable  soils,  with  the  aid  of  the  Manetti  stock,  may 
be  practised  by  those  who  really  love  rose  culture ;  some  robust-growing,  hybrid 
China  roses — Madame  Pisaroni  and  Due  Decazes  are  two  vigorous  gro 
varieties — should  be  budded  on  strong  Manetti  stocks  below  the  surface  of 


A  PLANT  CABINET. 


soil,  which  should  be  removed  for  the  purpose  ;  from  each  bud  one  shoot  should 
be  encouraged  and  supported  with  a  stake,  and  all  others  carefully  removed. 
The  second  season  of  growth  the  stems  thus  formed  may  be  budded  with  hybrid 
perpetual  roses  and  others  ;  they  soon  form  nice  healthy  stems." 


A    PLANT    CABINET. 

A  "plant  cabinet,"  while  it  scarcely  aspires  to  the  dignity  of  a  conservatory, 
possesses  the  attractions  of  one,  and  gives  the  family  of  the  possessor  as  much 
pleasure  as  a  more  expensive  arrangement. 

A  bay-window,  in  one  of  the  most  frequented  rooms,  suggested  itself  as  a  suita- 
ble place  for  bringing  the  plants  as  they  bloomed,  from  a  small  green-house  too 
distant  from  the  dwelling  to  be  visited  in  bad  weather. 

Simple  glass  sashes  to  fit  the  opening  were  procured ;  they  open  like  a  double 
door;  shelves  on  one  side  support  the  plants,  and  small  wooden  brackets  screwed 
on  to  the  walls  here  and  there,  assist  to  furnish  this  little  jewel  of  beauty.  In  the 
centre  is  an  ornamental  post,  of  red  cedar  varnished,  up  which  climbs  two  dif- 
ferent colored  Maurandia  Barclayanas,  and  the  top  is  ornamented  with  a  golden 
fern.  In  front  are  seen  two  China  seats;  on  these  are  placed  ornamental  long- 
stemmed  climbing  plants,  and  hanging  vases  assist  materially  in  the  effect.  Dur- 
ing winter  the  cabinet  is  gay  with  the  finest  camellias  and  other  flowers.  Chry- 
santhemums, at  the  proper  season,  give  it  their  peculiar  attractions.  In  short, 
there  are  few  plants  that  are  not  exhibited  in  succession;  even  orchideous,  and 
other  tender  varieties,  are  introduced  with  success.  In  extremely  cold  weather 
the  door  is  left  a  little  ajar  to  admit  the  warmth  of  the  room,  especially  at  night, 
and  the  thermometer  has  not  yet  fallen  below  45°. 

The  whole  cost  of  fitting  up  this  beautiful  case,  exclusive  of  the  flowering  plants, 
did  not  exceed  twenty-five  dollars.  It  gives  completeness  and  beauty,  and  an  ex- 
pression to  the  house  that  could  be  produced  in  no  other  mode  so  cheaply.  But 
it  has  a  higher  object ;  it  embues  all  connected  with  the  mansion  with  a  love  of 
flowers,  and  gratifies  many  senses.  A  pair  of  Canary  birds  are  sometimes  let  out 
of  their  cages  to  enjoy  the  liberty  of  the  cabinet. 

Cowper,  in  his  happiest  manner,  has  alluded  thus  to  the  love  of  Nature's 
works : — 

"  The  love  of  Nature's  works 
Is  an  iBgredient  in  tlie  compoiind,  man, 
Infused  at  the  creation  of  the  kind. 
And,  though  th'  Almighty  Maker  has  throughout 
Discriminated  each  from  each,  by  strokes 
And  touches  of  his  hand,  with  so  much  art 
Diversified,  that  two  were  never  found 
Twins  at  all  points — yet  this  obtains  in  all, 
Tliat  all  discern  a  beauty  in  his  works, 
And  all  can  taste  them." 

By  introducing  such  a  cabinet  into  a  sitting-room,  the  beauties  of  nature  are 
made  accessible  in  the  severest  season.  There  would  be  no  necessity  of  having  a 
green-house  to  resort  to,  to  fill  such  a  case ;  without  leaving  their  comfortably 
warmed  rooms,  ladies  can  attend  to  their  pets,  which  by  employing  water  in  dishes 
for  the  sake  of  the  evaporation,  will  possess  as  healthy  an  atmosphere  as  the  gar- 
dener's case.  As  much  light  as  possible  should  be  given.  The  cactus  tribe 
would  thrive  here  remarkably  well. 


REMOVING  PEAR-TREES  TO  PROMOTE  PRUITFUL- 
NESS  — MR.  RIVERS  AND  THE  BELGIAN  PEAR 
SCHOOL,    &c.    &c. 

BY  L.  B.,  NEW  JERSEY. 

Mr.  Editor  :  You  called  my  attention  to  the  notice  of  Rivers'  catalogue  con- 
tained in  the  Gardener^s  Chronicle.  Mr.  Rivers  is  a  very  experienced  pomolo- 
gist,  and  his  information  is  indeed  useful,  the  more  so,  because  also  practical.  The 
method  of  transplanting  trees,  to  bring  them  into  bearing,  where  recommended 
by  me  to  my  friends,  never  met  with  their  approval ;  therefore,  I  never  mentioned 
it  in  print ;  but  I  beg  to  avail  myself  of  the  remark  of  Mr.  Rivers,  to  say  a  few 
words  about  it. 

In  England  and  Belgium,  where  the  climate  is  usually  damp,  and  the  soil  nearly 
always  wet  throughout  the  entire  spring,  there  is  no  danger  in  transplanting  a 
thrifty  young  tree,  if  the  process  be  done  with  care  ;  as,  for  instance,  the  new  hole 
ready  made,  and  the  tree  transferred  to  it  with  a  clump  of  earth,  having  most  of 
its  roots  safe,  and  then  planted  with  the  usual  care  we  bestow  upon  that  delicate 
process.  In  this  dry  and  absorbing  atmosphere,  still  more  caution  is  needed, 
and  success  is  not  so  certain.  But  I  can  show  by  experience  that  a  tree,  chiefly 
on  the  quince  root,  taken  up  in  some  part  of  your  grounds,  and  carefully  trans- 
ferred by  wheelbarrow,  or  handbarrow,  to  its  new  place,  when  the  operation  is 
performed  on  a  mild  spring  day,  and  the  soil  being  in  good  order,  is  in  no  danger 
whatever,  and  that  this  is,  indeed,  the  hest  of  all  methods  to  throw  a  very  thrifty 
variety  into  bearing.  With  pears  upon  quince  root,  one  transplanting  in  two 
years  will  have  the  desired  effect,  almost  always  the  first,  and  certainly  after  the 
second  removal.  But  in  no  cases  should  the  tree  be  transferred  to  a  great  dis- 
tance, and  the  dirt  all  shaken  out.  It  requires  patience  to  take  up  the  tree,  so 
as  to  leave  part  of  the  earth,  at  least  in  the  centre  of  the  root's  cluster,  and  the 
roots  uninjured,  excepting  at  their  extremities,  where  the  knife  must  clean  the  broken 
or  smashed  parts  by  a  neat  diagonal  cut.  If  the  tree  was,  previously  to  the  ope- 
ration, at  a  proper  depth,  it  should  not  be  planted  any  deeper ;  and  the  filling 
earth  should  be  mellow  and  clean,  so  as  to  fill  easily  all  interstices.  By  means  of 
such  precautions,  I  never  lost  a  tree,  and  have  brought  many  too  luxuriant  grow- 
ing varieties,  into  bearing.  It  is  safer  than  pinching,  as  it  keeps  the  tree  in  bet- 
ter shape,  and  at  once  disposes  the  slow  fruit  branches  to  mature  their  incipient 
buds,  which,  in  some  varieties,  require  three  years  to  become  actual  blossoms. 

To  the  removal  "at  the  end  of  October,"  I  should  have  no  objection,  if  the 
holes  have  been  prepared  beforehand,  and  a  mould  of  mellow  earth  kept  ready  on 
the  side  of  the  hole.  But,  with  our  severe  winters  (which  is  not  the  case  in  Great 
Britain),  I  always  prefer  the  spring.  The  operation  succeeds  as  well,  and  there 
is  no  danger  from  deep  freezing,  too  much  moisture,  or  other  drawbacks  of  no 
consequence  to  established  trees,  but  sometimes  very  injurious  to  removed  trees. 

A  word  about  his  description  of  pears.  He  is  right  in  presuming  that  Due 
d'' Orleans  is  the  same  as  Gonseille  de  la  cour  ;  which  is  the  same  as  Marechal  de  la 
cour!  how  all  these  mistakes  occurred,  it  would  be  hard  to  explain;  most  of  them 
are  the  result  of  the  slovenliness  and  neglect  of  Ferdinand  de  Meester,  an  old 
invalid,  and  by  no  means  a  temperance  man.  By  his  carelessness  and  inattention, 
labels  have  been  lost,  changed,  and  transferred  to  other  trees ;  after  Van  Mons' 
death,  desirous  to  please  his  heirs,  he  presented  them  with  many  new  varieties, 


teases 

WEIGELIA  MIDDENDORFIANA.  113 


which  he  knew  to  be  already  named.  When  Mr.  A.  Bivort  came  in  possession 
of  Yan  Mons'  seedlings,  many  trees,  among  the  thousands,  had  no  label  nor 
designation  whatever ;  and  being  naturally  induced  to  think  that  these  unlabelled 
trees  were  inedited,  he  gave  names  of  his  own  to  them,  as  he  had  a  perfect  right 
to  do,  not  knowing  that  such  trees  had  already  been  named  once,  and,  as  in  the 
case  with  the  Due  d'Orleans,  twice  by  others.  However,  under  his  careful  and 
skilful  management,  such  mistakes  will  occur  no  more.  We  should  undoubtedly 
have  been  made  acquainted  with  some  new  valuable  and  inedited  fruits  had  its 
model  pear-school  not  been  twice  visited  by  terrible  hail-storms  in  the  course  of 
the  last  two  years,  which  cut  down  almost  every  fruit  from  the  promising  seedlings. 

Prince  Albert  is  evidently  of  the  Passe  Colmar  group,  or  family,  and  will,  per- 
haps, not  suit  our  climate,  as  the  offsprings  of  that  group  are  nearly  all  inferior 
to  the  European  standard;  so  are  Alexandre  Lambre,  Fondante  de  Noel,  &c., 
at  least  as  far  as  tested  here.  The  Colmar  and  the  Passe  Colmar  themselves,  the 
heads  of  the  family,  never  do  come  up  to  their  European  value.  But  Prince 
Albert  is  indeed  such  a  fine  pyramidal  grower,  as  to  be  entitled  to  a  fair  trial  be- 
fore being  discarded. 

Let  our  trees  grow  older,  more  mature,  and  we  shall  undoubtedly  obtain  better 
and  more  steady  fruit. 


WEIGELIA    MIDDENDORFIANA. 

BY  W.  C.  STRONG,  BRIGHTON,  MASS. 

I  HOLD  the  Weigelias  in  great  regard,  and  while  I  have  readily  admitted  that 
the  Roseas  and  Corseensis,  or  Amabalis  are  perfect,  in  their  way,  I  have  still  longed 
for  the  Middendorf,  or  Yellow.  During  the  last  two  or  three  years  I  have  received 
plants  under  this  name,  from  different  sources  in  England  and  France.  They  have 
proved  in  all  cases  to  belong  to  the  family  of  Bush  Honeysuckle,  producing  small 
and  very  insignificant  yellow  flowers.  This  variety  was  discovered  in  Japan  some 
years  ago,  and  from  thence  sent  to  France,  and  disseminated  throughout  England. 
It  seems  to  be  very  similar,  if  not  identical,  with  the  Diervilla  trifida  of  our  woods. 
As  I  have  seen  no  description  of  the  true  Yellow  Weigelia,  I  have  thought  it 
probable  that  this  Diervilla  has  usurped  its  place,  in  this  country;  and  as  I  now 
consider  myself  fortunate  in  possessing  the  genuine,  I  send  you  a  description,  which 
may  serve  to  correct  erroneous  impressions. 

The  general  habit  of  the  plant  and  appearance  of  the  foliage  is  much  like  W. 
Rosea,  the  latter  being  of  a  lighter  green,  and  less  wrinkled  than  W.  Corasensis. 
But  the  flowers  are  very  distinct  and  dissimilar.  These  are  produced  in  clusters 
of  five,  upon  long  stems,  thrown  well  up  above  the  foliage,  so  as  to  be  very  con- 
spicuous. Flowers  monopetalous,  five-lobed,  lobes  extending  one  third  down  the 
corolla.  In  shape,  it  somewhat  resembles  the  Mimulus,  being  in  size  about  one 
and  a  half  inch  long  from  the  calyx  to  the  tip  of  the  lobes,  and  fi'om  one  to  one 
and  a  half  inch  in  width  across  the  lobes.  Color,  a  clear  pale  yellow,  the  centre 
lobe  being  mottled  and  dotted  with  bright  orange.  Stamens  reaching  to  the  mouth 
of  the  bell,  and  united  by  their  anthers.  Pistil  still  longer,  and  crowned  by  a  large 
cap-shaped  stigma,  five-lobed,  answering  to  each  stamen.  It  appears  to  be  very 
free  flowering,  and  vigorous  in  habit. 

And  now,  having  this  new  color,  it  seems  a  very  easy  matter,  and  almost  certain 
that  by  hybridizing  with  the  other  kinds,  a  great  variety  and  combination  of  colors 
be  obtained.     Who  will  get  the  first  ? 


CRANBERRY   CULTURE 


The  kind  most  known  and  best  adapted 
to  all  kinds  of  soil,  is  the  Bell  variety  or 
Egg  shaped,  and  most  cultivated  in  New 
England.  A  round  variety  raised  about 
Cape  Cod  is  a  larger  fruit,  handsome,  and 
only  grows  on  very  wet,  marshy  land,  and 
not  as  well  adapted  to  general  culture ;  there 
are  also  several  other  varieties  which  mature 
late,  larger  fruit  than  the  Bell  variety,  but 
not  as  productive.  They  can  be  propagated 
from  the  seed,  or  from  cuttings  or  by  trans- 
planting. The  last  method  is  most  fre- 
quently adopted.  The  first  crop  obtained 
by  planting  the  seed  will  be  one  or  two 
years  later  than  that  produced  by  trans- 
planting. When  cultivated,  the  berries  are 
large  and  abundant;  after  being  gathered,  they  turn  from  light  scarlet  to  deep 
red,  and  sometimes  almost  black.  They  will  keep  a  very  long  time  if  not  gathered 
too  early — they  should  remain  on  the  vines  until  it  is  necessary  to  gather  them 
from  the  frost — they  should  be  properly  dried  by  spreading  them  thin  for  three 
or  four  weeks ;  they  can  then  be  packed  and  sent  to  any  part  of  the  world.  If 
gathered  too  early,  while  some  of  the  berries  are  green,  they  will  not  keep. 

The  soil  most  suitable  for  their  growth  is  low,  moist  meadow  land  that  is  not 
too  cold  and  spongy.  In  that  case,  a  drain  should  be  cut  to  let  off  surplus  water, 
which  should  always  be  within  twelve  inches  of  the  surface,  and  sand  covered 
over  the  top  three  or  four  inches  will  be  of  service,  although  not  indispensable 
where  it  is  not  easily  procured.  When  the  ground  is  uneven,  sand  can  be  carted 
on  to  level  it.  They  also  do  well  on  muck  or  any  poor  swampy  land,  where 
nothing  else  will  grow  ;  they  grow  naturally  on  watery  bogs  and  marshes — on  the 
border  of  streams  and  ditches,  and  by  draining  wet  land  and  then  taking  off  the 
top  of  the  ground  to  remove  the  wild  grass  or  vegetable  matter  and  carry  to  the 
manure  heap;  then  cart  on  beach  or  other  sand  to  the  depth  of  two  or  three 
inches  to  level  the  ground  and  to  prevent  grass  and  weeds  from  choking  the 
vines,  and  to  keep  the  ground  loose  around  the  plant.  They  bear  abundantly  on 
marshes  covered  with  coarse  sand,  entirely  destitute  of  organic  matter  of  any  kind, 
but  accessible  to  moisture — on  pure  peat  covered  with  sand,  and  on  every  variety 
of  soil,  except  clay  liable  to  bake  or  become  hard  in  dry  weather,  on  soil  that  can 
be  worked  with  a  plough  and  harrow ;  it  can  be  prepared  as  you  would  do  it  for 
planting  out  garden  and  other  plants;  sometimes  it  can  be  burnt  over,  so  as  to 
get  it  in  a  condition  to  set  out  the  plants.  They  can  also  be  raised  on  moist  loam 
where  corn  and  potatoes  will  grow,  but  not  so  abundantly  on  dry  or  sandy  soil 
unless  covered  two  or  three  inches  with  muck  or  spent  tan.  No  animal  or  vege- 
table manure  should  be  used,  as  the  fruit  draws  most  of  its  moisture  from  the 
atmosphere.     The  poorer  the  soil,  the  less  cultivation  is  needed. 

If  you  have  a  peat  swamp  and  design  converting  it  into  a  cranberry  yard,  your 
first  step  to  be  taken  is  to  find  a  level  that  is  not  too  wet,  and  then  clear  ofi"  the 
f  or  grass  sods,  and  bring  the  rest  of  the  swamp  to  the  same  height.     When 
thus  cleared  and  levelled  ofi",  it  is  not  then  ready  for  the  reception  of  the  vine. 


CRANBERRY  CULTURE. 


Should  the  vine  be  planted,  it  will  do  well  through  the  winter  and  spring,  but  in 
the  hottest  weather  the  peat  will  bake  and  become  hard ;  it  will  therefore  be  im- 
possible to  take  in  the  moisture  of  the  atmosphere,  which  is  absolutely  required  by 
the  vine.  The  absence  of  this  moisture  will  cause  the  plant  to  die,  and  thus  both 
labor  and  money  are  lost.  This  will  be  prevented  by  leaving  the  prepared  swamp 
exposed  to  the  action  of  the  frost  for  one  winter,  when  it  will,  after  it  is  thawed, 
crumble  and  present  a  light  gravelly  appearance,  the  largest  lump  of  which  will 
not  exceed  an  ordinary  pebble.  When  the  swamp  has  thus  been  treated,  it  will 
not  afterwards  bake  and  become  hard ;  its  surface  will  be  light  and  porous. 

When  vines  are  planted,  it  is  often  the  case  that  in  the  summer  following  they 
will  appear  as  though  they  were  dead ;  and  the  cultivator,  having  this  impression 
on  his  mind,  will  take  them  up,  believing  that  it  is  impracticable  on  his  soil  to 
raise  any  fruit. 

The  plant  is  very  tenacious  of  life,  and  if  there  is  but  half  a  chance  it  will  take 
hold  and  live,  though  it  may  not  yield  much  fruit.  These  vines  should  not  have 
been  taken  up,  for  it  is  evident  that  their  natural  stunted  appearance  was  mistaken 
for  death.  They  ought  to  have  remained  in  the  soil  at  least  another  year,  when 
it  could  have  been  fully  determined  whether  they  were  living  or  dead. 

The  Bell  Cranberry  is  that  which  is  mostly  desired  by  cultivators,  but  even 
experienced  men  are  often  at  a  loss  to  distinguish  the  vine  on  which  it  grows  from 
the  Bugle  or  the  Cherry.  If  found  in  the  middle  of  a  swamp  in  its  wild  state  it 
will  invariably  throw  off  the  runner  toward  the  driest  part  of  the  bog.  Hence  it 
is  found  on  the  edges  most  frequently.  When  it  is  transplanted  and  brought 
under  cultivation,  it  is  true  to  the  same  law,  and  will  send  its  suckers  up  the 
banks  of  the  yard,  and  these  will  yield  well.  The  inference  drawn  from  this 
is,  that  it  can  be  cultivated  on  upland  soils  adapted  to  its  wants,  even  should 
it  not  be  overflowed,  and  is  therefore  best  adapted  for  general  cultivation.  Lay 
out  the  grounds  as  you  would  for  setting  out  cabbage,  strawberry  or  other 
plants — have  a  pointed  stick  or  dibble,  and  make  a  hole  for  the  plant — have  the 
roots  immersed  in  muddy  water  so  thick  as  to  adhere  to  the  root — place  it  in  the 
hole  from  three  to  four  inches  under  ground,  and  press  the  dirt  very  closely  around 
it.  To  have  the  rows  uniform,  draw  a  line  and  put  the  plants,  18  by  20  inches, 
in  rows — where  small  patches  are  desired  which  can  be  kept  clean  with  a  hoe  ; 
the  nearer  they  are  together,  the  quicker  they  cover  the  ground — but  where  acres 
are  planted  it  will  save  much  labor  by  putting  them  2  to  2^  feet  apart,  then  a 
plough  or  harrow  can  be  used  to  keep  out  the  grass  and  weeds.  After  one  or  two 
years'  cultivation  to  keep  out  the  grass,  they  will  take  care  of  themselves.  At  18 
inches  apart,  it  will  take  19,000  plants;  2  feet  10,000;  2 J  feet,  7,000  plants  to 
the  acre.  They  can  be  planted  out  in  the  fall  at  the  North  from  September  until 
the  ground  freezes,  or  in  the  spring  until  the  middle  or  last  of  May.  At  the 
South  and  West,  if  possible,  they  should  be  planted  out  in  autumn  and  Decem- 
ber; if  received  too  late  for  planting  out,  the  roots  can  be  covered  with  dirt  in  a 
box  or  in  a  cellar  (but  not  in  the  ground  out  of  door)  until  early  in  spring.  As 
it  is  often  late  before  we  can  start  the  plants,  and  the  great  press  of  freight  often 
delays  them  beyond  a  desirable  time,  if  not  ordered  in  the  fall,  they  will  always 
be  forwarded  as  early  as  possible  in  the  spring.  The  transportation  of  10,000 
plants  to  Chicago,  Cincinnati  or  Harrisburg  will  be  about  $2 — 1,000  to  5,000 
plants,  from  $1  to  $1.50.  Where  land  for  Cranberry  culture  can  be  overflowed 
(which  is  by  no  means  necessary),  fall  is  the  best  time  to  plant  them  out,  but 
where  there  is  no  overflow,  I  am  satisfied  that  they  can  be  planted  out  in  early 
g  as  well  as  fall.  Every  family  can  have  their  garden  patch  in  that  case, 
in  dryish  soil  grass,  meadow  muck  or  tan  around  the  plant  will  be  beneficial 


PREPARING  SOIL  FOR  PLANTING. 

to  retain  the  moisture.  They  are  highly  ornamental  in  pots — the  fruit  hanging 
on  the  plants  until  the  blossom  appears  for  the  next  crop.  The  first  year  they 
often  bear  50  bushels  to  the  acre,  and  increase  every  year,  until  sometimes  they 
bear  from  200  to  300  bushels  per  acre,  perhaps  the  net  average  is  from  100  to 
150  bushels  per  acre.  They  usually  bring  from  $2  to  $4  per  bushel — never  less 
than  $2 — this  year  they  are  worth  from  $4  to  $6  per  bushel.  Cultivated  fruit  is 
less  likely  to  be  affected  with  drought  than  wild  fruit.  One  man  with  a  rake  made 
for  the  purpose  will  gather  from  thirty  to  forty  bushels  a  day,  with  a  boy  to  pick 
up  the  scattering  ones. 

Any  information  wanted  further  than  is  given  above,  will  be  furnished  on  ap- 
plication by  letter — and  orders  for  plants  will  be  promptly  attended  to,  and  packed 
in  moss  so  as  to  forward  them  safely  to  any  part  of  the  Union. 

Prices. — Under  500  plants,  50  cents  per  hundred ;  under  5,000  40  cents  per 
hundred;  over  5,000,  30  cents  per  hundred;  over  10,000,  $25  per  thousand. 
Dealers  supplied  at  a  discount.  F.  Trowbridge,  New  Haven,  Conn. 

[The  cultivation  of  the  Cranberry  is  so  important  an  item  in  the  history  of 
horticulture  that  we  have  requested  liberty  from  Mr.  Trowbridge  to  publish  his 
lucid  account.  We  recommend  this  fruit  to  the  attention  of  our  readers,  as  one 
of  the  most  profitable  articles  that  can  be  planted,  and  the  cultivation  of  which 
promises,  from  the  regular  demand  and  high  prices,  to  be  permanent.  We  answer 
in  this  way  several  queries  that  have  been  put;  as  a  parlor  or  green-house  plant, 
the  Cranberry  is  highly  ornamental. — Ed.] 


PREPARING    SOIL    FOR    PLANTING. 

BY  CINCINNATUS. 

Dear  Sir  :  I  am  quite  an  admirer  of  your  monthly  calendar  of  operations,  and 
hope  you  will  not  quarrel  with  me  for  saying  that  I  consider  it  the  very  best  part 
of  your  work.  I  think,  however,  that  a  little  more  care  exercised  in  its  compila- 
tion or  composition  would  aid  the  credit  of  its  author,  and  increase  its  already 
extensive  usefulness.  I  would  not  have  it  supposed  that  I  make  these  remarks  in 
any  carping  spirit ;  the  errors  that  we  occasionally  see  committed,  are  evidently 
the  result  of  haste,  which  the  writer  himself  would  I  am  sure  observe  if  a  little 
more  care  were  bestowed  on  his  efforts.  It  struck  me  that  as  a  new  year  was 
about  to  commence,  it  would  be  a  good  time  to  make  the  suggestion,  which  I  am 
sure  will  be  received  in  the  spirit  in  which  it  is  offered. 

As  an  instance  of  what  I  refer  to,  a  recent  calendar  taught  that  fall  planting 
was  much  to  be  preferred  ;  but  that  unless  it  was  performed  early  it  was  objec- 
tionable— all  of  which  I  consider  very  orthodox.  In  the  November  No.  we  have 
the  idea  continued  :  "  Trees  may  yet  be  planted  in  sheltered  situations,"  but  "  the 
ground  must  be  thoroughly  prepared."  "To  prepare  the  ground  the  practice  is 
much  commended  to  prepare  the  holes  now,  throwing  out  the  soil  and  leaving  it 
exposed  to  be  acted  on  by  frosts  ;  by  that  means  it  will  obtain  a  friability  not 
otherwise  easily  obtained."  The  writer  must  admit  that  waiting  for  the  frost  to 
mellow  the  soil,  is  an  ill  method  of  effecting  early  fall  planting.  Even  as  a  pre- 
paration for  spring  planting  I  should  be  disposed  to  join  issue,  and  take  my  posi- 
tion on  the  ground  of  its  being  all  moonshine  ;  it  has  the  shadow  of  rationality  in 
its  favor,  but  little  if  anything  more.  Formerly,  great  stress  was  placed  on  the 
necessity  of  summer  fallowing  and  winter  freezing  in  preparing  the  soil  for  the 
service  of  the  husbandman  ;  but  these  ideas  are  now  pretty  generally  laid  asi 


SOME  THOUGHTS  ON  PEAR  CULTURE. 

relics  of  the  barbaric  age  of  agriculture.  In  the  case  of  light  soils  fall  ploughing 
is  universally  considered  by  our  most  scientifically  practical  agriculturists,  as  posi- 
tively injurious.  In  very  stiff  or  wet  soils  the  practice  of  fall  ploughing  continued 
longer  in  favor,  until  it  was  found  that  such  soil  so  treated,  was  heavier  in  summer, 
when  lightness  and  friability  were  much  needed,  than  the  same  soil  ploughed  in 
spring.  This  led  to  investigation  of  the  causes,  and  it  was  discovered  that  the 
frost — the  power  that  disintegrated  the  soil,  and,  for  the  time  being,  rendered  it 
friable — also  decomposed  the  numerous  vegetable  fibres,  roots  of  weeds,  and  past 
crops  ;  and  thus  had  an  injurious  influence  on  that  summer  friability  of  much 
greater  importance.  But  the  more  modern,  and  as  I  think  more  accurate  con- 
clusion is,  that  all  such  treatment  of  soils  is  mere  cobbling,  and  unworthy  of  our 
age.  If  gentlemen  wish  to  render  soils  friable,  they  now  do  it  firstly  by  draining, 
then  by  adding  silicious  and  vegetable  substances.  Depend  upon  it,  if  you  are 
about  to  plant  a  tree  in  a  soil,  which  frost  will  have  a  beneficial  effect  on  in  the 
w^ay  of  rendering  it  friable,  you  had  better  not  plant  it.  In  such  a  soil,  first  get 
it  drained,  then  go  to  the  nearest  woods  and  get  a  wheelbarrowful  of  decayed 
leaves,  and  to  the  public  road  for  a  barrow  of  well  washed  sand  to  mix  with  your 
stiff  soil,  then  you  may  go  ahead  without  hesitation.  The  mechanical  constitution 
of  the  soil  is  a  matter  of  first  importance,  and  in  such  an  affair  as  tree  planting 
should  be  performed  in  a  thorough  and  lasting  manner.  Turning  it  up  to  freeze 
is  but  a  very  temporary  affair  at  the  best,  and  unworthy  of  being  considered  a 
commendable  practice. 

I  have  chosen  this  subject  to  remark  on,  because  I  think  the  recommendation 
of  your  correspondent  in  this  case,  shows  less  of  that  haste  to  which  I  frequently 
refer  what  I  deem  errors  in  his  advice.  I  remember  with  what  hesitation  our 
hard-fisted  gardeners  received  his  recommendation  to  banish  the  rake  from  their 
collection  of  tools,  because  raking  soils  fine  made  it  bake  in  dry  weather.  They 
very  justly  thought  that  soils  that  were  of  a  nature  to  bake  when  finely  raked, 
would  bake  nevertheless,  no  matter  in  how  rough  a  state  the  soil  might  be  left 
after  cropping ;  and  that  the  proper  mode  of  procedure  would  be  rather  to 
ameliorate  the  soil,  than  to  take  revenge  on  the  harmless  implement. 


SOME   THOUGHTS    ON    PEAR    CULTURE. 

BY  WILLIAM  BACON,  RICHMOND,  MASS. 

Although  the  culture  of  the  pear  on  the  quince  is  gradually  extending,  and 
though,  under  favorable  circumstances,  each  year  brings  new  evidence  of  its  prac- 
ticability, the  cry  with  many  still  is,  "  it  never  will  succeed."  If  the  trees  do  well 
for  a  few  years,  they  will  be  so  small  they  never  can  produce  much,  and  in  a  few 
years  will  soon  die  off. 

In  my  early  days,  tree  planting  was  a  hobby  with  me,  and  I  rode  it  until  the 
highway  through  the  ancestral  premises  was  well  lined  by  trees  of  different 
species  ;  and  when  the  work  was  done,  I  regretted  that  there  was  no  more  terri- 
tory to  occupy,  because  the  trees  of  the  wood  were  not  all  represented  in  our 
home-made  avenue.  How  often  was  I  told  then  that  our  labor  was  vanity ;  that 
ray  trees  would  not  live,  or,  if  they  did,  they  would  never  come  to  any  size  in  my 
day.  In  part,  the  prediction  was  verified.  Through  my  boyish  inexperience  (no 
other  cause  whatever),  a  few  of  them  died  ;  with  the  fall  of  the  leaf,  however, 
places  were  supplied,  so  that  soon  every  niche  was  fully  and  beautifully  occu- 
Now  these  trees  are  tall  and  stately.     Youth  would  call  them  old  trees ; 


SOME  THOUGHTS  ON  PEAR  CULTURE. 


they  are  admired  by  all.  Many  a  traveller,  on  a  sultry  day,  lias  found  them  a 
blessing.  When  the  tempest  roars,  and  the  storm  beats  down,  they  are  a  protec- 
tion to  the  adjoining  lands  ;  but  those  far-seeing  economists  that  folded  their 
hands,  and  pitied  my  folly,  and  warned  me  by  their  kind  counsels,  when,  with  toil 
and  sweat,  I  planted  out  these  trees,  have  no  such  beautiful  creations  of  their 
own  to  look  upon.  No  ;  "  I  wish  I  had  such  rows  of  trees,  and  if  I  had  known 
I  would  have  planted."  Now,  is  it  altogether  improbable  that  similar  results  will 
yet  show  themselves  in  the  matter  of  dwarf  pear  culture  ? 

The  winter  of  1856-7,  taken  in  its  length  and  breadth,  was  the  most  trying 
one  for  fruit-trees  we  have  ever  known.  Apple,  cherry,  and  plum-trees,  suffered 
from  its  rigors,  and  were  seen  in  unusual  numbers,  standing  naked  through  the 
shooting  forth  of  spring  and  verdure  of  summer ;  yet,  in  a  plantation  of  sixty 
dwarf  pears,  I  lost  but  a  single  tree,  and  this  not  from  the  fact  of  its  being  a 
pear  on  the  quince,  nor  from  the  undue  severity  of  the  season,  by  any  means.  On 
the  contrary,  our  dwarfs  came  out  as  uninjured,  so  far  as  I  can  judge,  as  so  many 
young  mountain  oaks  ;  all  of  the  iifty-nine  remaining  trees  have  made  all  desirable 
growth.  On  several,  I  have  measured  well-matured  shoots  of  the  last  year's  growth 
more  than  four  feet  long,  which  is  all  a  reasonable  cultivator  can  ask.  Some  have 
borne  fruit  enough  to  pay  their  first  cost,  if  it  had  been  marketed,  but  it  was  too 
good  to  sell,  and  quite  good  enough  to  eat. 

Thus  much  I  have  spoken  from  the  experience  of  the  past.  1  take  courage 
from  it,  and  anticipate  a  triumphant  future.  But  in  speaking  of  my  success,  I 
have  said  nothing  of  the  soil  and  management — two  items  in  fruit  growing  of 
special  importance,  but  which  are  quite  too  much  passed  over  in  talking  about 
trees. 

First,  then,  the  soil.  This  rests  on  a  bed  of  limestone  (so  far  as  we  know)  of 
impenetrable  depth.  Over  this  is  a  firm,  hard  pan  or  clay  subsoil,  and,  upper- 
most, a  clayey  loam. 

Before  planting  the  trees,  and  as  a  preparatory  work,  I  spaded  the  ground  full 
ten  inches  deep,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  inverted  it — ^.  e.,  put  the  top  soil  at  the 
bottom,  and  brought  up  a  new  soil,  never  before  disturbed  by  plough  or  spade. 
The  land  was  in  good  cultivation,  but  no  manure  was  applied  the  year  the  trees 
were  planted  out.  The  trees  were  obtained  mainly  from  the  reliable  nursery  of 
Messrs.  Ellwanger  &  Barry,  of  Rochester,  N.  Y.  In  making  the  order,  I  was 
not  particular  to  call  for  large  trees ;  only  good  roots,  with  reliable  tops.  The 
trees  were  received  in  April,  and  planted  out,  so  that  the  junction  of  the  stock 
and  scion  should  be  as  low  as  the  surfece.  I  kept  the  soil  clean,  with  the  hoe, 
around  the  trees  (other  crops  being  on  the  land,  but  not  near  enough  to  interfere 
with  the  trees),  and  this  was  all  the  attention  I  gave  them  until  autumn.  Of 
course,  no  watering  was  given  when  they  were  planted,  or  at  any  time  during  the 
summer,  some  part  of  which  was  dry.  In  autumn,  I  put  probably  a  bushel  of 
well  rotted  manure  around  each  tree.  This  served  to  protect  the  most  tender 
part  (the  point  where  budded)  from  extreme  cold,  and  turned  off  surplus  water 
from  heavy  rains  and  melting  snows.  In  the  spring,  this  manure  is  taken  away 
from  the  body  of  the  tree,  and  spread  so  that  the  extending  roots  will  have  the 
benefit  of  it.  I  spade  our  ground,  yearly,  as  near  to  the  tree  as  we  can  without 
interfering  with  the  roots,  and  subject  the  surface  to  frequent  stirring  through  the 
summer. 

I  have  been  thus  particular,  that  none  may  be  led  astray  in  this  matter  of  dwarf 
culture — a  system  in  which,  on  proper  soils,  and  with  proper  varieties,  I  have 

uch  confidence  ;  yet  I  doubt  much  if  it  will  succeed  on  all  soils  to  the  satisfac- 
or  profits  of  the  cultivator.     Nor  do  I  think  it  adapted  to  all  varieties. 


HYBRIDIZING  THE  GRAPE. 

With  US,  some  kinds  do  much  better  than  others,  though  we  have  no  particular 
reason  to  complain  of  any  kind  we  have  tried.  Nor  will  it  answer  for  all  culti- 
vators. There  certainl}'-  are  those  who  think,  judging  from  their  actions,  that 
when  a  tree  is  set,  their  whole  duty  is  done.  No  wonder  that,  with  them,  putting 
out  trees  don't  pay.  They  may  surely  expect  that  their  trees  will  die  in  self- 
defence.  All  fruit-trees  require  watching  and  care,  and  especially  so  the  dwarf; 
but  it  is  a  pleasant  care,  and  a  watching  that  does  not  fatigue.  The  full  reward 
follows  the  labor. 


HYBRIDIZING   THE    GRAPE.  — CONCLUDING   ARTICLE. 

BY  AUGUSTUS  D.  ROGERS,  SALEM,  MASS. 

Much  encouraged  by  the  present  trial,  with  a  view  of  obtaining  a  still  greater 
variety  of  choice  grapes,  adapted  to  open-air  culhire  here,  and  for  wine  making, 
we  have  again,  the  last  spring,  hybridized  a  few  of  the  best  of  these  hybrids  with 
some  of  the  best  foreign  sorts,  as  the  Muscats,  Queen  of  Nice,  Rose  Chasselas, 
Hamburgh,  Syrian,  Gross  Malaga,  &c.,  and  await  with  much  interest  the  result. 
The  conclusion  is,  that  it  will  be  many  years  before  any  large  amount  of  superior 
varieties  can  be  obtained  fit  for  open-air  culture,  in  this  N.  E.  climate, /ree/rom 
all  the  imperfections  of  the  native,  and  combining  all  their  good  qualities. 

A  description  of  some  few  of  the  best  fruits  of  these  hybrids  may  not  be  un- 
interesting. 

1.  The  best  grape  of  them  all  has  a  bunch,  medium  size.  Berries,  oval,  like 
Black  Hamburgh.  Size,  about  the  same.  Skin,  tender,  and  somewhat  spotted 
or  marbled.  Color,  reddish  brown.  FlcvSh,  soft  and  juicy,  with  scarcely  any 
pulp,  with  a  sweet,  rich,  peculiar,  aromatic  flavor,  of  extra  quality.  (This  grape 
is  sweet  some  time  before  ripening.)  Ripened,  first  season  of  bearing,  only  two 
bunches,  about  20th  September,  ten  days  or  more  before  the  Diana ;  second 
season  (much  improved,  with  two  or  three  dozen  bunches),  about  10th  October, 
about  the  same  time,  or  earlier  than  the  Diana.  Isabellas  here  all  cut  off  by 
frost,  &c. 

The  vine  is  among  the  four  most  vigorous  of  the  whole  lot.  Blossom,  perfect ; 
sets  every  berry.  Long  filament.  Wood,  short-jointed,  and  perfectly  hardy. 
Foliage,  resembling  native. 

2.  Another  grape  is  of  medium  size  bunch.  Berries,  nearly  round,  or  less  oval 
than  B.  Hamburgh — more  resembling  native;  larger  than  Diana.  Skin,  soft 
and  tender.  Color,  brownish-red.  Flesh,  soft,  and  very  sweet,  retaining  a  very 
slight  trace  of  the  native.  Ripened  both  seasons,  as  early,  if  not  the  earliest  of 
any.  First  season,  about  10th  September ;  second  season,  latter  part  of  Septem- 
ber ;  much  improved,  second  season,  in  size,  and  otherwise.  The  earliest  in  the 
garden  in  1857,  two  or  three  weeks  before  the  Diana  or  Concord  growing  near. 
Yine,  a  great  bearer,  both  seasons,  and  perfectly  hardy, 

3.  Another  grape  is  of  medium  size  bunch.  Berries,  in  shape  and  bunch, 
resembling  more  the  native.  Color,  like  the  Isabella.  Size,  large  as  B.  Ham- 
burgh. Flesh,  when  ripe,  soft.  Flavor,  sweet  and  rich.  Ripened,  first  season, 
the  earliest,  about  first  week  in  September;  second  season,  about  10th  October, 
much  improved  in  size  and  quality.  Yine,  a  great  bearer,  and  one  of  the  two 
most  vigorous  of  the  lot. 

4.  A  grape  very  similar  to  the  foregoing  one,  excepting  in  shape  of  the  bunch 
berry,  both  like  that  of  B.  Hamburgh.     Ripened,  first  season,  10th  Sept 


ber ;  second  season,  20th  October,  greatly  improved  in  size  of  berry.     Second 
season,  vine  perfectly  hardy. 

5.  A  grape  with  bunch  large,  and  somewhat  shouldered.  Berries,  long,  oval, 
larger  than  B.  Hamburgh.  Skin,  thin.  Color,  yellowish-white,  with  reddish  flush 
on  one  side.  Flesh,  with  little  or  no  pulp,  juicy,  of  an  aromatic  flavor.  Ripened 
about  same  time  as  Isabella,  first  season  ;  this  (second  one),  before  it.  Wood  of 
vine,  quite  short-jointed,  perfectly  hardy. 

The  above  five  grapes  were  all  of  the  B.  Hamburgh  hybrids. 

6.  A  grape  of  the  Sweetwater  hybrids.  Bunch,  good  size.  Berries,  larger 
than  Diana.  Shape,  like  Sweetwater.  Skin,  thin.  Color,  just  before  ripening, 
resembling  Sweetwater ;  when  fully  ripe,  flushed  with  red.  Flesh,  juicy,  and 
delicate.  Flavor,  very  sweet  and  aromatic.  Ripened  about  20th  September, 
first  season  ;  second  season,  about  10th  October — improved  since  last  year.  Tine, 
a  good  bearer. 

Two  or  three  vines  of  this  Sweetwater  variety  came  into  bearing  last  season, 
for  the  first  time,  showing  but  a  few  bunches,  nearly  equal  to  in  quality,  and  a 
little  earlier  than  the  best  grape  (No.  1)  before  described,  but  of  a  smaller  bunch, 
mostly  flushed  with  red. 

Among  the  B.  Hamburgh  hybrids  are  some  kinds  promising  to  be  fine  wine  or 
table  grapes. 

One  with  bunch  large,  and  shouldered.  Berries,  quite  large.  Skin,  moderately 
thin.  Color  of  the  B.  Hamburgh.  Flesh,  when  ripe,  with  little  pulp,  juicy,  with 
high  vinous  flavor.  Quality,  extra.  Ripened,  first  season,  with  the  Isabella ; 
last  season,  did  not  quite  ripen — same  as  Isabella.  Vine,  perfectly  hardy,  and 
vigorous,  with  short-jointed  wood,  and  a  great  bearer,  both  seasons. 

Another  grape,  bunch  compact,  large,  and  shouldered.  Berries,  close-set,  quite 
large,  of  size  and  appearance  of  B.  Hamburgh.  Skin,  rather  thick,  like  native. 
Flesh,  tender,  of  a  red  color,  and  juicy,  of  a  strong,  vinous  flavor.  Ripened  both 
previous  and  last  season.  Yine  perhaps  the  most  vigorous  of  the  lot,  perfectly 
hardy,  and  a  great  bearer. 

Several  others  came  into  bearing  the  past  season,  promising  to  be  very  fine. 
One,  with  the  largest  berry  of  any  of  them,  but  did  not  quite  ripen.  Another, 
with  the  handsomest  bunch  (only  one)  and  berry  of  any  of  them,  shrivelled  just 
as  ripening,  but  bids  fair  to  be  one  of  the  very  best. 

Among  the  remaining  ones,  not  particularized,  are  many  nearly  equal  to  some 
of  the  best  described,  and  others  of  comparatively  middling,  and  a  few  of  inferior 
quality.  Comparing  them  with  the  Concord  Grape  growing  near,  under  high 
cultivation,  most  of  the  inferior  class  are  decidedly  its  superior  in  flavor  and  size 
of  the  berry,  the  only  good  qualities  of  the  Concord  here,  in  a  favorable  situation, 
being  its  fine,  well-set  bunch,  and  hardy  habit.  Its  flavor  is  rather  harsh,  and 
quite  foxy,  ripening  a  little  earlier  than  the  Isabella,  about  same  time  with  the 
Diana. 

A  good  quality,  noticeable  among  most  of  these  hybrids  is,  they  never  drop 
their  fruit,  like  the  native  species,  including  the  Isabella  and  Diana,  about  the 
time  of  ripening.  Undoubtedly,  they  will  all  improve  under  better  cultivation 
and  more  room,  growing  in  common  soil,  and  within  six  to  twelve  inches  apart. 

Having  thus  endeavored  to  give  a  fair  statement  of  this  experiment,  and  some 
account  of  its  fruit  in  an  early  stage,  we  should  bear  in  mind  "  that  in  raising  and 
blooming  seedling  plants  in  this  way,  there  is  one  point  which  it  appears  to  be  of 
importance  to  keep  in  view,  and  that  is,  whether  it  be  fruit  or  flowers,  the  real 
properties  and  qualities  of  the  seedling  are  not  at  first  to  be  detected,  and,  ther 
fore,  no  hasty  conclusion  should  be  arrived  at  as  to  its  merits." 


A  GROUP  OF  SUMMER  GRAPES. 


A    GROUP    OF    SUMMER    PEARS.* 

BY  L.  B.,  NEW  JERSEY. 

Yery  few  of  our  summer  fruits  are  hardy,  well-shaped  trees,  though  nearly  all 
are  good  bearers.  Madeleine  comes  first  in  eating.  In  Europe,  as  far  north  as 
the  55th  degree  of  lat.,  it  ripens  always  at  the  end  of  June  or  beginning  of  July; 
here  it  does  not  ripen  before  the  15th  or  20th  of  July  under  the  most  favorable 
conditions.  It  is  nearly  always  a  juicy,  sweet  fruit,  lacking  spice  and  aroma,  but 
uniform  in  quality ;  like  all  old  varieties,  it  is  disposed  to  crack,  and  must  be 
picked  six  or  eight  days  before  it  shows  any  signs  of  ripening.  The  tree  is  a 
good  bearer  but  of  drooping  habit,  and  hardy  enough  in  some  localities. 

Next  in  season,  but  first  in  quality,  comes  the  Beurre  GifTard,  in  our  opinion 
the  best  of  our  summer  varieties.  The  tree  is  almost  unmanageable.  Its  strag- 
gling habits  do  not  admit  of  a  pyramidal  shape,  unless  by  close  and  constant 
watching  and  pruning.  Once  in  a  tolerably  erect  shape  it  is  easy  enough  to  keep 
it  under  control.  It  is  a  good  and  constant  bearer.  Its  fruit  is  undoubtedly  the 
most  valuable  if  not  the  very  best  among  the  early  varieties.  Although  it  is 
advisable  to  pick  early,  five  or  eight  days  before  maturity,  it  ripens  well  on  the  tree; 
but  at  the  least  change  of  color  it  ought  to  be  picked  immediately. 

About  two  weeks  Mev  the  Hostiezer  comes  to  maturity;  another  straggling, 
unsightly  tree,  unless  well  pruned  when  young.  It  is  a  good  bearer  and  one  of 
the  best  fruits  of  the  catalogue.  Its  only  objection  is  its  small  size.  Our  en- 
graving represents  a  middle  sized  fruit ;  under  good  cultivation,  with  a  moderate 
crop,  it  is  often  larger. 

Manning^s  Elizabeth  is  a  most  delicious,  juicy,  small  fruit;  it  is  constantly  good; 
rather  best ;  we  never  found  an  inferior  fruit  among  a  large  crop.  'I'he  tree  is 
more  steady  in  its  habits  and  grows  handsomely.  It  was  originated  by  Mr. 
Robert  Manning,  the  old  correspondent  of  Yan  Mons,  and  I  believe  came  from 
one  of  the  inedited  numbers  sent  to  Messrs.  Dearborn  and  Manning  in  the  early 
part  of  this  century. 

Bloodgood  and  Dearborn's  seedling  are  too  well  known  to  require  a  description  ; 
they  are  general  favorites  in  our  markets.  The  Dearborn  was  named  Dones  by 
Yan  Mons,  at  least  we  must  presume  it,  as  the  grafts  were  sent  to  him,  and  as  the 
Dones  proves  to  be  identical  with  the  Dearborn  in  all  its  characters.  Perhaps 
the  name  was  lost  when  Yan  Mons  received  the  grafts,  or  else  we  could  not  well 
account  for  such  liberties  taken  by  a  man  who,  at  that  time,  was  in  possession  of 
the  richest  collection  of  seedlings  in  Europe. 

Beurre  Haggerston  ripens  at  the  same  time  ;  it  is  a  brisk,  vinous,  juicy  pear,  a 
favorite  with  many  who  like  subacid  better  than  sweetness  and  high  flavor.  It  is 
also  called  Limon,  and  came  from  grafts  sent  by  Yan  Mons  to  Messrs.  Dearborn 
and  Robert  Manning.  The  name  was  lost,  as  was  often  the  case  in  those  days  of 
slow  navigation.     The  original  (found  out  afterwards)  was  Yan  Mons. 

No.  8,  or  Bergamotte  Louis.  It  is  a  good  bearer,  but  succeeds  better  on  the 
pear  stock  than  on  the  quince. 

Nearly  all  the  summer  varieties  are  early  productive  on  the  pear  stock,  and  can 
be  brought  into  fruiting  much  easier  than  our  later  varieties. 

Next  to  those  we  shall  point  out  the  Tyson,  the  Ott's  seedling,  the  Doyenne  de 
Juillet  or  Doyenne  d'Ete,  the  Beurre  Goubault,  and  the  Kirtland's  Beurre,  as 
among  the  very  best  of  our  summer  varieties. 

*  See  Frontispiece. 


YoL.  YIII.— March,  1858. 


•^2^^ 


THE  GRAPE. — DIOSCOREA  BATATAS. 


THE    GRAPE. 

BY  HENRY  LITTLE,  BANGOR,  MAINE. 

T  is  fortunate  that  people  are  turning  their  attention  to  the 
cultivation  of  this  most  desirable  fruit.     A  lively  interest  is 
beginning  to  be  awakened  even  in  this  northern  border.     We 
have  greatly  needed  very  early  ripening  varieties.     For  many 
years  past,  we  have  been  searching  for  hardy  and  high-fla- 
vored grapes  which  are  so  early  as  to  be  sure  to  ripen  in  any 
of  those  Northern  States.   I  trust  these  efforts  have  at  length 
been  crowned  with  success.     Early  varieties  have  been  found 
suited  to  our  wants  in  open  culture,  of  the  highest  flavor, 
and  even  rivalling  some  of  the  choice  foreign  varieties  which 
require  to  be  grown  under  glass,  and  some  of  them  the  aid 
of  fire  heat,  also,  to  bring  them  to  perfection.     This  requires 
an  expenditure  of  time  and  money,  which  it  is  an  object  to 
save,  if  grapes  of  as  high  flavor,  early  ripening,  and  having 
all  other  desirable  qualities  equal  to  the  foreign,  and  culti- 
vated only  in  open  culture,  can  be  had.     The  introduction 
of  the  Delaware  and  the  Rebecca  Grapes  will  probably  form  a  new  era  in  grape 
culture — at  least,  in  this  State,  and  probably  in  the  United  States.     Most  of  the 
old  varieties  have  proved  so  late  as  to  be  nearly  worthless  here. 

The  White  Sweetwater,  in  favorable  locations,  will  so  far  ripen  its  fruit  as  to 
become  tolerable.  The  Isabella  will  not  ripen  unless  in  favorable  years,  and  never 
so  as  to  equal  its  flavor  when  grown  further  south. 

Of  the  newer  varieties,  we  are  planting  the  Diana,  which  is  a  fine  flavored  fruit, 
and  is  about  ten  days  earlier  than  the  Isabella.  The  Concord,  which  has  been  so 
highly  recommended,  ripens  about  the  same  time.  The  Hartford  Prolific  is  about 
a  week  earlier  than  either,  and  for  that  reason  is  valuable  for  northern  localities. 
It  will  not  rank  as  "  best"  in  flavor,  but  it  has  other  good  qualities.  It  is  exceed- 
ingly productive,  hardy,  and  is  a  very  rapid  grower.  It  will  thrive  under  ordinary 
treatment  in  less  favorable  locations,  and  requires  less  attention  than  most  other 
varieties.  For  these  reasons  it  will  be  popular  ;  but  probably  the  Delatoare  and 
Rebecca  will  be  the  favorites  of  the  million,  and  the  palm  will  readily  be  yielded 
to  them. 


DIOSCOREA   BATATAS. 

A  CALL  made  by  Mr.  W.  F.  Fall  in  this  journal,  1857,  p.  564,  has  produced  seve- 
ral replies  of  interest  to  the  public  ;  the  whole  would  embrace  a  larger  space  than 
we  have  at  command,  and  we  propose,  therefore,  to  abridge  them,  giving  the 
substance  of  each. 

This  new  esculent  has  scarcely  had  a  fair  chance.  It  was  taken  by  the  hand 
in  a  manner  which  could  not  fail  to  make  us  fear  that  it  was  about  to  be  quacked 
into  notoriety.  The  mode  in  which  it  was  advertised  was  sufficiently  indiscreet, 
to  use  a  mild  phrase,  and  many  who  paid  for  the  small  tubers  thought  themselves 
badly  used.  A  cry  was  raised  against  it  which  we  are  not  yet  prepared  to  sanc- 
tion. The  potato  is  giving  out ;  with  the  same  reason  might  the  declaimer 
against  this  old  standard  vegetable  now  attempt  to  cry  it  down.  It  is  decidedly 
unwholesome,  say  some  of  our  physicians ;  it  is  decidedly  unprofitable,  assert  a 


DIOSCOREA  BATATAS. 


larger  number  of  agriculturists.  If  new  life  cannot  be  infused  into  it,  what  are 
we  to  do?  If,  therefore,  a  substitute  can  be  found  it  will  be  a  boon  of  the 
highest  value  ;  that  it  is  a  duty  of  the  journalist  not  to  unjustly  disparage  what 
may  be  proved  of  infinite  value  to  millions,  is  self-evident.  With  a  feeling  of  the 
necessity  of  care  in  this  respect,  we  novv  take  up  the  mass  of  manuscripts  which 
have  been  accumulating  for  the  past  two  months,  and  we  yield  the  pas  to  W.  B. 
Prince,  whose  grandiloquent  advertisements  did  not  win  confidence ;  he  claims 
the  right  to  be  heard,  and  says: — 

Flushing,  January  20,  1858. 
To  Editor  Horticulturist  :  It  is  to  me  quite  amusing  to  find  some  one  still  ushering  fortli 
his  doubts.  I  refer  to  the  attack  on  the  Dioscorea  batatas  by  Wm.  F.  Fall,  who  I  will  show 
has  had  tw  experience  whatever  in  regard  thereto.  On  April  24th  last,  we  forwarded  twenty 
tubers,  value  $5,  to  Mr.  Fall-  per  his  order.  Tliese  he  received,  and  planted  some  time  in 
May,  six  weeks  after  the  proper  period  for  planting  them.  Notwithstanding  this  late 
planting,  however,  long  before  the  period  for  digging  the  roots,  Mr.  Fall  denounces  the  plant 
as  a  failure.  Whilst  others,  who  have  cultivated  this  root  for  four  years,  have  confirmed 
every  encomium  that  has  been  bestowed  upon  it,  he,  with  only  a  few  tubers,  and  without 
possessing  one  single  root,  has  annihilated  all  its  claim  and  demonstrated  its  utter  worth- 
lessness  in  a  less  number  of  months.  Having  witnessed  the  exhibition  of  splendid  roots 
weighing  one  and  a  half  to  five  and  a  half  pounds,  at  the  numerous  autumnal  fairs,  and 
Mr.  J.  G.  Sickles  having  exhibited  eight  roots  weighing  thirty-three  pounds,  and  Dr.  Dar- 
nall  having  stated  that  he  has  grown  forty-five  thousand  tubers  and  twelve  hundred  large 
roots,  the  produce  of  two  years,  from  six  tubers  he  obtained  from  me,  and  having  received 
from  the  American  Institute  their  silver  medal  for  the  roots  I  exhibited  at  the  Crystal 
Palace,  I  feel  now  well  satisfied  with  the  rapid  progress  of  this  esculent,  so  pre-eminent  for 
its  azote  and  albumen  over  every  other  grown  upon  our  globe.  Wm.  R.  Prince. 

Three  witnesses  now  make  their  appearance  who  have  had  poor  success  with 

their  tubers.     Gr ,  Westchester,  Pa.,  imported  from  France  a  small  lot  of 

Dioscorea,  which  arrived  about  the  middle  of  March,  1855,  in  fine  condition. 
Twenty  five  were  at  once  placed  in  pots,  to  be  put  out  as  soon  as  the  weather  would 
permit,  and  the  balance  sold.  Ground  was  thoroughly  trenched  and  manured, 
the  tubers  were  planted  in  April  and  received  every  attention,  but  on  taking 
them  up  in  November,  digging  down  five  feet  perpendicularly  by  following  a  rope- 
like tuber  half  an  inch  in  thickness,  the  ends  of  only  two  were  reached.  These 
as  well  as  the  others  increased  in  thickness  towards  the  lower  ends,  which  were 
flattened  and  pointed  at  the  ends  so  as  readily  to  penetrate  the  hard  sub-soil. 
A  few  were  left  in  the  ground  to  test  their  hardiness,  and  were  slightly  protected, 
"but  they  never  made  their  appearance  on  this  side  the  globe  again." 

A  "Pennsylvania  subscriber"  found  the  tubers  had  increased  to  three  inches  in 
circumference  at  the  thickest  end — a  large  increase.  He  had  one  cooked,  and 
thought  it  equal  to  the  best  potato.  The  remainder  were  hung  in  a  paper  bag 
in  the  cellar  and  forgotten.  In  the  spring  they  were  sprouted,  but  shrivelled. 
They  nevertheless  grew  and  twined  their  stems  around  the  poles  to  a  height  of 
three  or  four  feet.  The  roots,  in  the  fall,  were  quite  as  fine  as  those  of  the  previous 
year,  but  the  old  shrivelled  roots  had  decayed  ;  he  thinks  tolerably  well  of  the 
article  as  "  agreeable  and  nutritious,"  but  he  enters,  very  properly,  a  protest 
against  the  mode  in  which  they  were  advertised. 

Mr.  John  G.  Bubach,  who  dates  from  Princeton,  but  mentions  no  State,  pro- 
cured tubers  of  the  size  of  peas,  planted  in  pots  and  thence  in  prairie  soil,  well 
pulverized.  They  received  the  best  cultivation,  but  when  he  dug  them  the  largest 
was  not  more  than  three-fourths  of  an  inch  in  diameter  at  the  largest  point ;  four- 
fifths  of  the  whole  length  was  a  mere  string.  These  were  planted  the  following 
spring,  divided  into  pieces  several  inches  in  length,  but  the  same  result  followed 
if  indeed  the  roots  were  not  rather  smaller  than  before. 


DIOSCOREA  BATATAS. 

Such  has  been  the  experience  of  others,  but  many  have  been  more  successful. 
The  next  witness  whom  we  deem  it  proper  to  introduce  is  one  for  the  defence, 
and  he  makes  out  an  excellent  case,  such  as  should  "  give  pause"  for  time  to 
develop  more  fully  the  value  of  this  root.  We  give  our  space  to  the  telling  of 
the  story,  only  abridging  it  of  particulars  that  are  unnecessary  to  recapitulate. 

Dr.  F.  Hollick,  of  Staten  Island,  who  appears  to  have  had  a  single  eye  to  the 
truth,  relates  his  experiments  and  their  results,  as  follows  : — 

"  In  the  spring  of  1856,  I  made  an  investment  of  three  dollars  in  the  new  root, 
for  which  I  obtained  a  small  tin  box,  about  three  inches  by  two  inches,  half-filled 
with  mould,  in  which,  after  close  inspection,  T  discovered  twelve  small  tubers  and 
bits  of  root,  each  about  as  large  as  a  pea.  To  tell  the  truth,  I  considered  them 
very  small  potatoes  indeed,  and  planted  them  with  no  great  expectation  as  to  the 
result.  The  ground  they  were  put  in  was  a  poor,  clayey,  soapstone  soil,  with  a 
small  quantity  of  stable  manure  dug  in  ;  it  was,  however,  well  trenched.  Each 
set  was  put  in  a  small  hill  of  wood  mould,  and  the  hills  were  three  feet  apart,  as 
I  wished  to  give  them  a  chance  to  run.  Well  !  I  watched  these  hills  very  care- 
fully, but  saw  nothing  till  the  4th  of  June.  Then,  two  leaves  appeared  in  one 
hill,  and,  three  days  after,  two  similar  ones  on  another.  None  others  put  forth 
till  past  the  middle  of  June,  when  they  came  up  in  all  the  hills  but  three,  thus 
leaving  me  but  nine  plants.  Of  these  nine  plants,  I  lost  three  more  by  an  old 
hen,  who  scratched  them  up.  The  six  grew  above  ground  very  slowly  and  weakly, 
except  the  two  first,  and  these  were  three  feet  long  by  the  end  of  June.  They 
all  continued  to  grow  till  frost,  when  the  average  length  of  the  four  weakly  ones 
was  about  three  feet,  and,  of  the  other  two,  probably  ten  feet.  During  the  sum- 
mer, the  ground  was  kept  free  from  weeds,  and  occasionally  hoed ;  only  to  the 
two  strong  ones  I  gave  two  or  three  good  soakings  of  liquid  manure,  in  July  and 
August. 

"When  the  vines  were  killed  by  the  frost,  I  proceeded  very  anxiously  to  dig 
them  up,  to  see  what  was  under  !  Having  heard  that  they  went  down  deep,  the 
spade  was  sent  the  whole  length  of  the  iron,  and  the  Mil  thrown  up.  The  crop 
was  something  astonisJiing  !  In  the  two  best  hills  there  were  nine  roots,  averag- 
ing about  four  inches  long,  and  as  thick  as  a  man's  finger.  In  the  other  four 
hills  were  eight  more  roots,  each  rather  less  than  those  from  the  two  first  hills  1 
And  this  was  all,  except  seven  small  tubers  (like  peas)  which  had  formed  in  the 
axils  of  the  leaves  on  the  vine  that  came  up  first,  where  it  got  covered  with  earth. 
I  was  quite  sure  there  was  nothing  else,  for  I  dug  all  over  carefully,  as  deeply  as 
the  spade  would  go,  and  examined  closely.  A  humbug  I  now  thought  it,  of 
course.  A  friend  suggested  that  perhaps  I  had  not  found  all;  so  I  began  at  one 
of  the  hills  again,  and  after  getting  down  about  eighteen  inches,  I  discovered  the 
top  of  a  piece  of  root,  which  exactly  fitted  the  bottom  of  the  centre  one  I  had  first 
removed,  and  which  I  then  remembered  looked  ratv,  as  if  broken  off.  I  traced 
this  root  down  !  down  !  till  I  thought  the  end  never  would  come.  At  thirty 
inches  from  the  surface,  I  at  last  touched  bottom,  and  turned  out  the  remainder  of 
the  root — a  piece  about  twenty  inches  long,  an  inch  in  diameter  at  the  top,  and 
three  inches  in  diameter  at  the  bottom.  Adding  to  this  the  piece  first  obtained 
(about  six  inches),  I  had  a  root  twenty-six  inches  long!  gradually  enlarging  from 
less  than  a  quarter  of  an  inch  at  the  top  to  three  inches  at  the  bottom.  There 
was  still  some  inches  long  of  thin  root  by  which  it  reached  the  surface,  which  I 
did  not  reckon.  It  resembled  a  large  parsnip  growing  wrong  end  up,  only  the 
surface  was  fine,  and  covered  with  minute  rootlets.  All  the  others  were  now 
ilarly  examined,  except  the  meanest  of  all  in  upper  growth  ;  and  as  the  ground 
then  freezing  hard,  that  was  left  unexplored. 


"  In  the  next  best  hill,  I  obtained  a  similar  bottom  piece,  about  fourteen  inches 
long,  raakinjQ^  a  whole  root  of  eighteen  inches  in  length,  but  rather  thicker  than 
the  first.  One  of  the  other  three  hills  gave  up  a  root  ten  inches  long,  and  the 
other  two  averaged  eight  inches,  all  thinner  than  the  two  first.  I  thus  made  a 
discovery  in  every  hill,  and  one  that  surprised  and  pleased  me. 

"  The  largest  root  was  boiled  ten  minutes.  The  skin  peeled  readily  off,  like 
thin  tissue-])aper,  and  revealed  a  mass  of  snow-white  farina,  perfectly  light  and 
dry,  which  all  pronounced  excellent  in  quality — in  fact,  delicious.  It  was  so  much 
relished,  I  had  to  secrete  the  stock  to  preserve  it.  To  my  taste,  it  was  like  a 
mixture  of  first-rate  mealy  potato  with  ground  almonds.  My  family  all  decided 
they  would  give  up  potatoes  at  once,  if  enough  of  this  new  substitute  could  be 
obtained. 

"The  following  spring  (1857),  my  man  began  to  dig  the  ground  over  where 
they  had  grown  the  year  before,  and,  to  our  great  surprise,  turned  up  another 
root,  in  the  unexplored  hill.  This  was,  altogether,  about  twenty-one  inches  long, 
and  had  remained  in  the  ground  all  that  severe  winter  entirely  unhurt. 

"  I  now  divided  my  stock  into  one  hundred  and  twelve  small  sets,  but  lost 
about  thirty  from  the  following  cause  :  When  cut,  the  fresh  surface  is  covered  with 
thick,  white,  gummy  milk,  which  hardens  if  left  in  a  dry  place  ;  but  not  knowing 
this,  and  being  then  unprepared  to  plant  them,  they  were  put  in  a  damp  cellar, 
and  thirty  of  them  rotted.  They  should  have  been  well  dried,  and  kept  dry  till 
planted. 

"  In  the  last  week  in  March  (1857),  my  whole  stock  was  committed  to  the  earth. 
They  were  now  plar^ted  in  a  still  poorer,  cold,  and  wet  place.  They  vegetated  in 
May,  but  seemed  not  to  make  much  growth  till  July,  when  the  majority  were 
about  equal  to  my  two  best  hills  of  last  year.  The  ground  had  been  manured 
vi\i\\  fresh  stable  dung,  and  some  guano,  both  of  which  are  hurtful,  at  least  when 
used  at  the  time  of  planting,  and  near  the  surface. 

"  In  the  early  part  of  May,  while  hoeing  on  the  ground  occupied  by  the  Dios- 
coreas  the  year  before,  I  was  surprised  to  see  a  fine,  vigorous  vine,  from  a  chip 
broken  off  in  the  digging  up,  and  left  in  the  ground  all  winter  ;  or,  it  might  have 
been  one  of  the  axillary  tubers.  At  all  events,  it  made  the  earliest  and  most 
vigorous  growth  during  the  summer,  and,  in  the  fall,  produced  one  of  my  best 
roots.  My  main  bed  was  planted  one  foot  apart  each  w-ay,  and  during  the  whole 
of  the  summer,  the  top  growth  was  quite  meagre,  on  the  whole.  The  first  week 
in  November  I  dug  up  again,  and  the  average  yield  was  about  the  same  (one  hill 
with  another)  as  the  average  of  my  first  six  hills ;  but,  by  layering  many  of  the 
vines  during  the  summer,  I  obtained  a  good  number  of  axillary  tubers.  I  have 
thus  got  from  my  original  three  dollars'  worth  quite  a  stock — enough  to  plant 
probably  a  quarter  of  an  acre  of  ground,  with  a  few  for  tasting.  The  result,  on 
the  whole,  has  given  me  a  good  opinion  of  the  Dioscorea,  and  I  think  that,  when 
the  cultivation  of  it  is  better  understood,  we  shall  succeed  well  with  it.  My  own 
experience  tends  to  show  that  it  should  be  planted  in  the  fall  or  early  in  spring, 
and  that.  If  any  manure  is  used,  it  must  be  well  decomposed,  and  must  not  be 
in  contact  with  the  root  in  the  early  stages  of  its  growth.  It  should,  in  fact,  be 
put  at  the  bottom  of  the  digging,  and  that  should  be  at  least  thirty  inches  deep. 
Above  all,  the  ground  should  be  light  and  deep.  Any  hardness  in  the  soil,  or 
any  obstruction  whatever,  seems  to  hinder  its  growth  both  by  preventing  the  vine 
from  shooting  up.  and,  also,  by  twisting  and  dwarfing  the  root. 

"  Now,  Mr.  Editor,  here  is  the  result  of  one  small  experiment.     Let  us  have 
all  the  light  we  can,  for  I  cannot  but  think  the  subject  is  worthy  of  thorough  i 
vestigation.     I  should  particularly  like  to  know  if  any  of  your  readers  have  tried 

==  |g^ 


the  Dioscorea  with  other  manures,  and  if  so,  what  were  they,  and  how  used  ?  also, 
the  kind  of  soil  they  were  planted  in,  and  the  season  when  planted  ? 

"  One  of  ray  best  roots  grew  with  nothing  but  good,  light,  wood  soil,  and  no 
manure.  Now,  gentlemen,  you  who  have  experimented,  tell  us  all  about  your 
Dioscoreas  [and  be  as  brief  as  possible — Ed.]  Medicus." 

The  last  testimony  we  deem  it  important  to  produce,  is  that  of  Andrew  S. 
Fuller,  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  who  states  that  his  own  experiments  have  been  quite 
satisfactory  ivherever  he  planted  pieces  of  roots  ;  that  they  must  be  left  two  seasons 
in  the  ground  ;  that  the  same  root  does  not  continue  to  enlarge  the  second  year, 
but  that,  after  throwing  out  its  new  roots,  it  decays.  If  thus  treated,  on  the  two 
seasons'  plan,  it  will  yield  as  much  per  acre  as  has  been  claimed  for  it,  or  more 
than  double  the  common  potato.  He  plants  in  rows  two  feet  apart,  and  six  inches 
apart  in  the  rows,  which  gives  43,560  tubers  per  acre,  allowing  only  one  pound 
each,  "  which  is  far  below  the  average,"  and  has  43,560  pounds  per  acre,  or  more 
than  five  times  the  average  of  the  potato.  He  thinks  the  depth  it  attains  is  advan- 
tageous, inasmuch  as  it  is  by  that  occupancy  of  otherwise  waste  ground  we  get  so 
heavy  a  yield. 

The  testimony,  on  the  whole,  is  sufficiently  favorable  to  induce  a  continuance 
of  the  experiments.  It  is  still  a  question  whether  those  who  took  much  pains 
to  ridicule  this  edible  root  and  made  their  fortunes  by  the  Sorghum  and  Imphee 
seed,  will  not  have  to  change  their  tactics.  The  Dioscorea  is  still  in  repute  both 
in  France  and  England,  where  they  talk  of  eight  and  eleven  tons  to  the  acre. 
This  journal  has  waited  for  facts:  in  the  case  of  neither  plant  has  a  proper  or 
permanent  solution  yet  been  arrived  at  among  us.  Meantime  we  must  be  patient 
and  hear  again  from  such  careful  observers  as  Ur.  Hollick,  and  especially  let  us 
learn  what  have  been  the  results  of  experiments  at  the  South  with  Dioscorea. 


A    TRIP    TO    CUBA    AND    THE    SOUTHERN    STATES. 

No.    10. 
NATCHEZ,  MISSISSIPPI. 

Natchez  is  pre-eminently  the  "  Persia  of  roses."  In  no  part  of  the  Union 
have  we  ever  seen  them  attain  such  perfection  and  beauty.  It  so  happened  that 
we  were  in  this  Paradise  at  exactly  the  "happy  moment,"  the  4th  of  April,  when 
there  was  a  gush,  of  bloom  that  was  as  delightful  as  surprising. 

The  best  exhibition  was  at  the  garden  of  Mr.  Andrew  Brown,  on  the  river,  a 
short  distance  above  the  town,  sheltered  by  a  high  bank.  Here  reside  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Brown,  in  the  handsomest  garden,  without  exception,  we  have  seen  for  many 
years.  Both  are  enthusiasts,  directing  and  enjoying  to  the  fullest  extent  their 
beautiful  domain,  and  by  their  liberality  and  goodness  in  dispensing  novelties 
brought  at  great  expense  from  long  distances,  have  created  a  gardening  spirit  in 
this  region.  The  entrance  view  of  their  long  garden  vista  tells  the  story  at  once; 
an  eye  accustomed  to  looking  after  effects  is  delighted,  and  knows  what  to  expect. 

After  this  cojtp,  the  details  are  highly  satisfactory  ;  the  borders  of  each  bed, 
where  we  should  depend  upon  box  edgings,  are  formed  of  dwarf  pompone  roses, 
little  miniatures  of  a  few  inches  in  height,  and  all  of  them  in  the  fullest  bloom. 
Nothing  of  the  kind  can  be  more  beautiful;  it  blooms  all  winter  except  January, 
and  is  an  evergreen.  Mr.  Brown's  Chroraatella,  Luxemburg,  La  Reine,  Belle 
Isidore,  Solfaterre,  Cloth  of  Gold  of  a  really  gold  color,  it  was  difficult  to  desi 
and  we  had  to  ask  their  names,  so  very  superior  in  size  and  color  are 


A  TRIP  TO  CUBA  AND  THE  SOUTHERN  STATES. 

to  the  same  kinds  at  home.  The  Sanguinea  climbs  to  the  height  of  eighteen  feet 
over  evergreens  that  add  to  its  beauty.  Moss  roses  are  quite  superior  to  those  of 
Paris.  The  Gloire  de  France  was  never  exceeded  anywhere.  Reine  de  la  Gul- 
tare  measured  thirteen  inches  in  circumference.  Myrtle  is  used  for  borders  and 
hedges,  and  over  these  clamber  in  wild  luxuriance  the  Red  Hermosa  and  the  La- 
marck.    Ivy  seems  as  if  it  would  encircle  every  mound  and  tree,  knowing  no  limits. 

Then  the  fruits ;  peaches,  pears,  plums,  fig-trees  as  large  as  our  apple-trees, 
all  conspire  to  carry  the  garden  lover  out  of  his  former  experiences.  Grapes 
damp  off,  and  though  Mr.  Brown  has  planted  long  acres  of  them,  he  has  not  a 
satisfactory  return.  The  Pittisporum  is  cut  like  box  bushes,  and  was  full  of  bees 
and  bloom.  The  evergreen  magnolia  has  been  made  much  of  in  this  garden,  and 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brown  deserve  great  praise  for  showing  what  a  garden  may  become 
with  intelligence  and  love  of  the  subject.  Mr.  B.  is  a  correspondent  of  several 
learned  societies,  and  has  done  good  service  to  science  by  exploring  the  geology 
of  the  Mississippi  Valley, 

Coniferous  trees  have  not  been  much  introduced  here,  but  they  have  an  ever- 
green substitute  of  extreme  beauty  and  value.  The  Gloria  Mundi,  as  it  is  here 
usually  called,  is  a  feature  that  with  care  in  other  matters  makes  the  gardens  of 
Natchez  rival  the  finest  in  England.  It  is  the  Primus  Lauro-cerasus,  growing 
as  rampantly  as  the  Osage  Orange,  and  may  be  trimmed  into  every  shape.  The 
finest  effects  are  produced  with  it  as  single  plants,  avenues,  and  hedges. 

Though  Camellias,  &c.,  will  live  in  the  open  air,  at  most  of  the  first  class  places 
conservatories  in  fine  order  will  be  found. 

After  visiting  many  beautiful,  nay,  superb  residences,  we  passed  a  day  at  the 
beautiful  seat  of  General  Quitman,  where  hospitality  and  refinement  rule  supreme. 
An  elegant  mansion,  fine  garden,  and  park-like  grounds  commanding  fine  views, 
first  impress  the  stranger,  but  an  introduction  to  the  owner  is  an  event  to  remem- 
ber. General  Quitman  posseses  more  mementos  of  the  high  estimation  of  his 
countrymen  than  any  man  we  know,  and  he  has  filled  more  honorable  offices 
than  we  can  enumerate ;  so  that  it  is  somewhat  difficult  to  address  a  gentleman 
so  full  of  titles.  You  may  say  Governor,  General,  Congressman,  and  a  long  list 
of  epithets  without  going  wrong.  We  were  shown  the  numerous  swords  pre- 
sented to  him,  and  were  astounded  at  the  display.  Commander  of  the  City  of 
Mexico,  General  Quitman  has  a  set  of  superb  pictures  of  the  place,  and  others  of 
the  successful  battles  in  which  he  fought.  A  fine  and  productive  garden  is  found 
here,  the  General  understanding  all  its  details.  A  very  valuable  library  leaves 
nothing  to  desire. 

We  must  only  enumerate  the  beautiful  residences  of  the  millionaires  of  Natchez, 
or  we  shall  run  such  riot  as  will  leave  no  space  for  our  valued  correspondents. 

Natchez  being  on  a  high  bluff,  enjoys  the  reputation  of  a  healthy  situation,  and 
here  resort  the  wealthy  cotton  planters  of  this  region,  uniting  to  form  a  society 
that  has  few  if  any  superiors  in  the  world  for  intellectual  cultivation,  elegance, 
and  refinement.     The  following  are  the  country-seats  we  saw  : — 

Dr.  Mercer's,  Laurel  Hill ;  Gen.  Quitman's,  Monmouth  ;  Mrs.  Williams', 
Ashland;  Mrs.  Ogden,  Kenilworth;  Mrs.  Dunbar,  Hawthorn;  Judge  Boyd's, 
Arlington  ;  Major  Chotard's,  Somerset ;  Mr.  McMurran's,  Montrose  ;  Mr.  Mar- 
shall's, Richmond;  Dr.  Duncan's,  Auburn;  Mr.  Shields',  Montebello ;  Mrs. 
Elliot's,  Devereux ;  Mr.  J.  P.  Walworth's,  The  Burn  ;  Mr.  Surget's,  Clifton. 

We  are  afraid  to  trust  ourselves  with  any  further  description  of  Natchez,  and 
leave  its  hospitalities  with  regret,  only  adding  the  single  remark,  to  avoid  its  hotels. 

Our  next  number  must  conclude  the  reminiscences  of  this  highly  interesting 
"trip." 


CONSTRUCTION  OF  GLASS  HOUSES. 


BY  WILLIAM  SAUNDERS,  GERMANTOWN,  PA. 

The  construction  of  glass  houses  has  undergone  much  improvement  during  the 
last  twenty  years.  The  change  from  the  angular  to  the  curvilinear  shape,  intro- 
duced a  simple  and  superior  method  of  forming  glazed  roofs.  Not  that  the  curved 
outline  does,  in  itself,  possess  any  important  advantages;  but  the  system  of  glaz- 
ing with  large  glass  in  slight  fixed  rafters,  not  only  admitted  more  light,  but  was 
cheaper  than  the  older  method  of  heavy  rafters  and  sliding  sashes.  The  expense 
consequent  upon  the  formation  of  curved  rafters,  did  not,  in  effect,  render  these 
houses  less  expensive  than  the  old  method,  but  there  was  the  gain  of  more  light 
and  less  opacity,  and  this,  I  am  rather  inclined  to  believe,  is  the  only  superiority 
such  houses  possess;  and,  that  angular  houses  constructed  on  the  same  principle 
are  much  cheaper  and  equally  efficient. 

I  have  for  several  years  adopted  this  system  of  glazing  roofs,  and  as  it  is  the 
cheapest  and  best  mode  of  erection  that  I  know  of,  1  annex  a  description  of 
the  manner  I  usually  have  them  put  up;  so  that  those  who  have  been  deterred 
from  erecting  graperies  and  green-houses  at  eight  and  twelve  dollars  per  foot  in 
length,  may  be  enabled  to  do  so  at  one-half  of  these  rates. 

Single  roofed  cold  graperies  may  be  put  up  in  a  rough  but  substantial  manner 
at  even  lower  rates  than  these,  but  if  the  best  American  glass  is  used 
(as  it  ought  always  to  be)  and  the  wood  work  planed  and  painted  out- 
side, they  will  cost  from  four  to  six  dollars  a  foot  in  length,  varying 
in  price  according  to  the  height  and  width  of  the  building,  and  the 
material  used  for  foundation. 

Fig.  1,  is  a  section  of  rafter  one-half  of  full  size.  These  are  made 
out  of  sound,  clean,  inch  thick  best  white  pine  boards,  sawn  out  in 
strips  three  inches  wide,  and  prepared  for  glazing.  They  are  then 
fitted  on  the  bottom  and  top  wall  plates,  and  permanently  fixed. 
Their  distance  apart  will  depend  upon  the  size  of  glass;  I  find  10  x 
14  a  convenient  sized  pane;  to  suit  this  the  rafters  will  require  to  be 
14^  inches  apart  from  centre  to  centre.  In  glazing,  the  concave  sur- 
face of  the  glass  should  be  turned  outwards,  to  throw  the  water  into 
the  centre  of  the  pane.  There  will  be  little  or  no  leakage  or  drip  in 
a  house  glazed  in  this  way. 

Fig.  2,  represents  part  of  a  roof  fixed  for  glazing.     About  the  middle  of  the 

Fig.  2. 


Fig.  1. 


I 


roof  a  purlin  is  run  across  and  supported  by  uprights  and  posts;  any 
strength  can  thus  be  given.  Ventilation  is  secured  by  hinged  shutters 
sashes  near  the  top  of  the  roof,  and  by  open- 
ings in  the  front  wall  below  the  glazed 
portion.  Ample  space  for  airing  ought  in  all 
cases  to  be  provided.  A  span  roofed  house 
should  have  means  of  ventilating  to  the  extent 
of  a  three  feet  opening  the  whole  length  of  the 
house.  The  top  ventilators  shut  down  on  the 
rafters,  they  are  hinged  to  the  ridge,  and  to 
prevent  leakage,  they  shut  into  a  slight  groove, 
as  shown  in  Fig.  3.  Houses  constructed  in 
this  manner  are  not  only  neater  in  appearance, 
but  arc  better  adapted  as  plant  habitations,  than 
those  built  with  heavy  rafters  and  sliding  sashes. 


degree  of 
or  glazed 


AN    AMATEUR'S    VIEWS    ON    THE 
OF    NEW    YARIETIES    OF 


PROPAGATION 
FRUIT. 


BY  W.  CREED,  ROCHESTER,  NEW  YORK. 

Within  the  past  few  years  much  has  been  said  and  written,  and  numberless 
queries  propounded  in  respect  to  the  adaptability  of  certain  varieties  of  fruit  in 
particular  localities  or  soils,  or  for  the  purpose  of  gratifying  those  who  may  desire 
to  enter  upon  any  enterprise  in  this  direction  ;  and  while  discussions  upon  these 
points  have  been  continued  without  intermission,  the  idea  of  propagating  new 
varieties  from  seeds  has  not  received  that  share  of  intelligent  support  which  the 
subject  deserves,  to  make  it  popular  with  the  public  mind. 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  theory  or  success  of  various  distinguished  pomo- 
logists,  either  of  ancient  or  modern  times,  in  respect  to  this  very  interesting 
branch  of  culture,  we  will  not  weary  the  reader  by  speculating  upon  it,  but  merely 
give  our  views,  in  the  hope  of  attracting  more  attention  to  its  importance,  as  well 
as  hold  out  a  prospect  of  success  to  those  who  may  experiment  in  a  right  direction. 

Our  first  impression,  then,  upon  the  amateur's  mind  as  an  index  to  the  propa- 
gation of  new  varieties,  is  the  great  contrast  observable  in  habit,  wood,  foliage, 
fruit  and  seeds  of  each  distinct  class  of  fruit ;  this  will  lead  us  to  other  thoughts. 
Now,  if  we  take  the  pear  for  illustration,  and  select  a  few  varieties  at  random, 
such  as  the  White  Doyenne,  Yau  Mons  Leon  le  Clerc,  Louise  Bonne  de  Jersey, 
Bartlett,  Stevens's  Genesee,  and  Duchesse  d'Angouleme,  those  who  are  familiar 
with  them  will  be  instantly  reminded  of  the  contrast  spoken  of;  but  the  most 
important  contrast  in  these  distinguishing  points,  so  far  as  the  propagation  of 
new  varieties  is  concerned,  is  in  the  seeds  themselves ;  take  up  your  knife  and  help 
quarter  a  pear  from  each  of  the  above  varieties,  compare  the  seeds,  and  the  contrast 
will  be  equally  as  convincing  as  in  the  fruit,  foliage,  &c.  In  reference  to  the 
seeds,  however,  we  may  expect  that  ninety-nine  in  a  hundred  in  any  particular 
variety  closely  resemble  each  other  in  shape,  form,  &lc  ,  peculiar  to  that  variety, 
and  producing  seedlings  exhibiting  a  close  affinity  to  each  other,  and,  therefore, 
not  likely  to  result  satisfactorily  to  the  experimenter;  but  as  soon  as  we  find  a 
marked  difference  in  the  formation  of  a  single  seed  in  any  selected  variety,  that 

d  should  be  chosen  by  the  amateur,  for  in  that  seed  (which  apparently  is 
ure's  freaks)  is  the  symbol  (in  embryo)  of  a  new  variety,  whether 


very  good,  or  best,"  will  be  left  for  Providence  to  work  out ;  man  also  doing  his 
share  in  the  matter.  Another  part  of  the  success,  it  is  evident,  will  depend  upon 
the  choice  of  the  best  varieties,  from  which  to  select  one  of  these  "  freaks,"  or 
"sports,"  which  are  more  or  less  traceable  throughout  the  whole  classification  of 
vegetable  physiology,  and  intended  by  an  all-wise  Being  to  excite  the  wonder 
and  admiration  of  man,  prompt  him  to  energetic  action,  and  to  study  out  the 
workings  of  Nature  in  all  its  beauty  and  complicity. 

Experimenters  should  also  be  again  reminded  of  the  possibility  of  having  to  cut 
up  quite  a  quantity  of  Bartletts,  &c.  &c.,  before  meeting  with  a  seed  so  distinct 
in  formation  or  appearance  from  the  generality  of  seeds,  to  warrant  its  choice  to 
propagate  from.  Those,  therefore,  who  may  be  liable  to  mourn  over  this  destruc- 
tion of  pears,  should  find  a  substitute  in  the  apple,  and  as  this  fruit  is  quite  liable 
to  these  "  sports,"  and  in  frequent  use  for  culinary  purposes,  it  offers  a  good 
opportunity  to  closely  inspect  the  seeds. 

To  test  seedling  pears  at  an  early  date,  graft  scions  upon  the  Angers  quince 
stock,  and  the  probability  is  a  new  variety  may  be  known  at  two,  three,  or  four 
years  from  grafting.  Apples  may  be  forwarded  in  the  same  manner  by  grafting 
upon  the  Paradise  stock. 


SELECT  LIST  OF   SUMMER,  AUTUMN,  AND  WINTER 

PEARS. 

We  are  frequently  asked,  about  this  time  of  year,  when  so  many  amateurs  are 
thinking  of  their  plantations,  to  furnish  a  select  list  of  pear-trees.  The  following 
will  be  a  safe  guide  : — 

P,  indicates  the  sorts  that  do  best  on  pear  stocks,  and  Q,  those  that  experience 
has  taugld  are  most  suited  to  the  quince  or  dwarfs. 


Madeleine. 
Beurre  GiflFard. 
p.  Dearborn's  Seedling. 
Manning's  Elizabeth. 
Doyenne  d'Ete. 
Osband's  Summer. 
Haggerston. 
p.  Julienne. 
Tyson. 


Duchesse  d'Angouleme. 

Beurre  d'Anjou. 

Flemish  Beauty. 

Urbaniste. 

Kirtland's  Seckle. 

Seckle. 

Andrew's. 

B.  Superfin. 

B.  Diel. 

Howell. 


Summer. 

P 
?■ 
P 
P 


Rostiezer. 

Ananas  d'Ete. 

Bartlett. 
p.  Belle  Lucrative. 

Brandy  wine. 

Bloodgood  is  too  poor  a  grower  to  be 
much  recommended.  We  should  pre- 
fer the  Cabot,  the  Henkel,  the  Baronne 
de  Mello,  instead. 


Fall — Early  and  Late. 

q.  Louise  Bonne. 


p.  B.  Clairgeau. 
Buffum. 
B.  Hardy. 
Church. 
Huntington. 
B.  Langelier. 
B.  Bosc. 
Sheldon. 


To  which  can  be  added  : — 

p.  Kingsessing. 
p.  Doyenne  Boursoc. 
p.  Onondaga. 
p.  Chancellor. 


5^- 


p.  Heathcott. 
p.  Washington. 
p.  Abbott. 
p.  Ontario. 


Doyenne  d'Alen9on. 
p.  Niles. 
Lawrence. 
Glont  morceau. 
Beurre  d'Aremberg. 
Vicar  of  Winkfield. 
Dix. 


]r*w/er,  or  Late  Full. 

p.  Colmar  Nelis,  or  Winter  Nelis. 


Bergamotte  Esperen. 

B.  Bachelier  ;  rather  a,  fall  pear. 

Columbia. 

Jaminette. 

Easter  Beurre. 

Leon  Leclerc  Laval. 


We  fear  that  Church  and  Huntinf]jton,  and  some  others,  cannot  be  found  yet 
in  the  nurseries.  If  the  grafts  of  some  of  the  new  pears  can  be  got,  it  would  do 
well  to  cultivate,  or,  at  least,  to  test  them.  An  attentive  reader  of  these  pages 
will  remember  others  of  great  promise,  such  as  the  Alexander,  &c.  &c.,  which 
well  deserve  consideration ;  but  a  greater  variety  than  the  above  will  not  be  neces- 
sary, and  they  are  such  as  have  been  well  tried  and  approved. 

An  amateur  will  endeavor  to  make  a  selection  which  will  embrace  as  many 
seasons  of  maturity  as  possible.  A  few  who  desire  only  such  as  will  ripen  while 
they  are  at  their  country  residences,  and  do  not  desire  to  be  hampered  with  the 
care  of  the  winter  varieties,  will  adopt  the  two  first  lists.  See  the  mode  of  ripen- 
ing adopted  by  a  Boston  vender,  in  the  notice  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural 
Society  in  the  last  number,  page  89. 


A  PREVENTIVE  FOR  WOOLLY  APHIS. 

Aphis  lanigera. 
BY  WM.  P.  HARDEN,  DOWNING  HILL  NURSERY,  ATLANTA,  GEORGIA. 

This  is,  undoubtedly,  the  greatest  enemy  known  to  the  apple-tree.  They  seem 
to  destroy  the  tree  by  attacking  the  roots  under  ground,  and  not  the  tree  above 
ground,  as  is  supposed  by  many.  As  far  as  my  observation  goes,  they  are  per- 
fectly harmless  as  long  as  they  confine  themselves  above  ground  to  the  body  and 
branches  of  the  tree  ;  or,  at  least,  out  of  hundreds  of  trees  that  I  have  examined 
that  showed  signs  of  injury  from  these  insects,  not  a  single  one  but  had  the  aphis 
in  abundance  among  the  roots. 

After  experimenting  with  various  substances,  in  search  of  a  remedy,  without  suc- 
cess, I  tried  pulverized  charcoal  (the  kind  used  was  the  cinders  from  the  pipes  of 
the  common  locomotive),  with  complete  success.  This  remedy,  though  slow  in  its 
action,  is  certain.  It  was  applied  by  removing  the  earth  from  the  roots  around 
the  body  of  the  tree,  then  freely  applying  the  charcoal.  No  danger  need  be  appre- 
hended of  applying  too  much,  as  it  is  entirely  harmless  to  the  tree,  yet  so  offensive 
to  all  kinds  of  insects,  or  even  animalculie,  that  they  cannot  live  long  in,  or  even 
very  near  it.  Charcoal,  being  an  indestructible  material,  continues  to  act  for  an 
indefinite  time,  thereby  becoming  a  preventive  as  well  as  a  remedy. 

Again  :  It  not  only  acts  as  an  absorbent,  retaining  the  volatile  gases  (valuable 
food  for  plants  that  would  otherwise  be  lost),  but  makes  one  of  the  very  best 
substances  ever  used  for  mulching,  as  it  is,  for  reasons  given  above,  entirely  free 
from  the  objections  that  obtain  to  ordinary  substances  used  for  that  purpose,  which 
afford  a  kind  of  harbor  or  protection  for  different  kinds  of  insects  that  finally  attack 
the  tree.  This  remedy  has  been  only  tried  on  the  apple-tree.  It  is  very  probable 
that  it  would  protect  the  roots  of  this  kind  of  fruit  from  the  various  insects  with 
which  they  are  infested. 


INSECTS — APHIS,  OR  PLANT  LICE. 


INSECTS,    NO.    4.— APHIS,    OR    PLANT    LICE. 

BY  J.  STAUFFER,  MOUNT  JOY,  PA. 

This  prolific  and  obnoxious  family  of  vegetable  parasites  is  interesting,  on 
account  of  its  anomalous  character,  being  considered  viviparous  during  the  sum- 
mer, and  oviparous  in  the  autumn,  by  that  distinguished  entomologist,  T.  W. 
Harris,  M.  D.  Vincent  Koller  also  informs  us  that  Schmidberger  collected  eggs 
of  the  Apple  Chermes  (C.  mali)  which  hatched  in  March,  on  plants  in  his  room. 
This  may  be  true  of  some  species,  but  will  not  apply  to  others,  which,  if  not 
always  viviparous,  are  rather  pupiparous,  and  not  oviparous,  as  stated. 

Stephens,  in  his  Systematic  Catalogue  of  British  Insects,  has  recorded  forty-nine 
species  of  the  genus  Aphis  alone,  and  others  belonging  to  several  cognate  genera. 
Six  genera  are  given,  by  Westwood,  of  the  family  Aphidte,  viz  :  Aphis,  Lachnus, 
Atiieroides,  Erisoma,  Adelges,  Thelaxes,  and  perhaps  Brysocrypta.  It  has  been 
proved,  by  Reaumer,  that  in  five  generations  (and  it  is  supposed  there  are  twenty 
in  a  single  season),  one  Aphis  may  be  the  progenitor  of  5,904,900,000  descend- 
ants. Maunder  says  ten  thousand  million  millions  are  thus  generated  in  one 
season. 

The  species  reside  in  great  societies,  upon  almost  every  species  of  plants,  sap- 
ping the  vital  currents  of  their  juices,  inducing  sickness,  gangrene  (or  the  growth 
of  fungi),  and  death  of  the  plants  so  infested,  in  numerous  instances;  and  when 
not  killed,  they  are  greatly  impeded  in  their  growth  from  the  exhaustion  sustained 
by  these  parasites. 

The  following  cut  illustrates  our  common  species,  found  infesting  our  gardens 
and  orchards.  A  brief  notice  of  each  figure,  in  the  numerical  order  engraved, 
shall  be  eriven.  and  such  remnrks  made  as  the  facts  in  the  case  seem  to  call  for  : — 


Pig.  1  represoiii^o  a.  ..wwj.v  opc^^ico  niLiivut  uuncj  uubes,  no  doubt  belonging  to 
the  genus  Erisoma,  and  perhaps  identical  with  the  Aphis  lanigera  of  Hausmann, 
and  quoted  by  Mr.  Harris.  Those  are  in  small  colonies,  webbed  in,  or  covered 
with  fine,  cottony  threads,  in  the  chinks  of  young  suckers  around  the  apple-trees, 
in  knot-holes  on  the  trunk,  or  axils  of  the  leaves  or  young  shoots  from  the  main  trunk 
of  the  tree.  Pig.  2  represents  the  single  insect;  2,  the  same,  more  highly  magnified, 
showing  the  manner  in  which  the  white  threads  are  expelled  as  excrement ;  other 
finer  threads  may  issue  from  the  spiracles  or  pores  of  the  body,  as  stated  by 
authors.     Fig.  3  represents  one  pressed  between  two  pieces  of  glass,  exhi'  '' 


INSECTS — APHIS,  OR  PLANT  LICE. 

the  young  (fully  formed)  floating  in  the  liquids  of  the  parent.  Fig.  4  is  one  of 
them  separated,  showing  the  full  formation  of  the  young  insect.  Fig.  5  is  a  string 
of  ovaria  of  increased  size  to  the  fully-formed  creature.  Fig.  6,  a  jelly-like  glo- 
bule, surrounded  with  fine,  flocculent  threads,  found  among  the  Aphids.  Is  it 
an  egg  ?  Ou  the  23d  day  of  November,  1857,  in  the  presence  of  Mr.  McFadden, 
I  opened  one,  and  discovered  it  filled  with  young,  the  eyes  of  which,  and  the  con- 
tour of  the  body,  plainly  visible  in  each,  all  in  a  kind  of  sac  or  matrix  of  the 
parent.  Why  lay  eggs  at  all,  since  our  severe  cold  nights  of  November  19  and 
20,  when  the  thermometer  was  6°  below  freezing,  has  failed  to  destroy  the  vitality 
of  the  parent  ?  This  species  do  not  appear  to  have  any  winged  ones  among  them. 
Alfred  Smee,  F.  R.  S.,  gives  a  figui-e  similar  to  Fig.  4,  and  says :  "  This  therefore 
shows  me  what  sort  of  an  egg  we  may  expect  to  find,  if  the  creature  ever  lays 
one." 

Fig.  T  is  a  species  noticed  August  22,  185t,  enveloping  the  lower  branches 
of  a  noble  specimen  of  the  American  Beech  (Fagus  ferruginea),  like  minute 
white-headed  fungi,  at  first  sight.  The  oscillating  motion  among  the  little,  cot- 
tony tufts  arrests  the  attention.  On  closer  inspection,  we  find  they  are  little  crea- 
tures with  their  bodies  erect,  terminated  by  a  plume  of  fine,  white,  tangled  thread, 
with  a  few  thicker  and  longer  ones  interspersed,  busily  engaged  at  pumping  up 
the  sac,  by  means  of  their  suctorial  apparatus.  They  have  six-jointed  antenna3, 
a  short  collar,  ample  thorax,  body  carried  at  a  right-angle  thereto,  of  an  ochrace- 
ous  color,  and  two  greenish  lines  from  the  collar  to  the  extremity  of  the  body. 
On  careful  inspection,  I  cannot  reconcile  it  with  any  of  Westwood's  genera.  I 
consider  it  an  undescribed  species,  at  least.  Those,  no  doubt,  have  winged  indi- 
viduals, having  noticed  rudimental  wings  on  some  specimens.  Fig.  8,  a  globule 
of  fluid  of  one,  and  a  living  aphid  expelled  from  the  other,  of  two  individuals 
among  a  number  on  a  cabbage  leaf;  same  as  Fig.  9,  the  Aphis  brassica^.  Body, 
greenish,  covered  with  a  whitish,  mealy  substance,  in  dense  patches,  on  the  cab- 
bage, called  mildeio.  These  were  also  active  on  this  23d  day  of  November,  on  the 
heads  of  cabbage  left  standing  in  my  garden,  of  all  ages.  I  have  failed  to  detect 
eggs  among  them,  but  have  seen  living  aphids,  and  the  pupa,  also  of  ichneumon- 
flies,  contained  in  them.  Fig.  10  shows  the  under  side  of  one,  having  a  flat,  fringed 
disk,  by  which  it  was  firmly  attached  to  the  epidermis  of  the  leaf,  apparently  dead, 
though  containing  the  pupae  of  its  brood  alive  (similar  to  the  scale  insect)  within 
the  globular,  inflated  carcass  ;  in  others,  the  pupee  of  ichneumons,  of  which  latter 
I  also  captured  specimens  while  engaged  at  ovipositing.  The  winged  aphid  is 
similar  (Fig.  11)  to  those  of  the  A.  vastator  of  Smee  (A.  rap®  of  Curtis),  Fig. 
12  and  13,  at  rest  and  on  the  wing.  On  the  warm  afternoon  of  November  16,  I 
observed  them  flying  in  clouds.  The  collar  is  of  a  dirty  yellow  (as  also  the  abdo- 
men), or  brownish.  The  thorax  high,  of  a  shining  black;  antenna  with  a  termi- 
nal, long,  hair-like  joint,  variable  {see  Fig.  13).     Fig.  14,  shows  the  fore  wing. 

Fig.  15,  a  peculiarly  square-shaped  specimen,  on  the  snowball.  Fig.  16,  a  small, 
black  fellow,  found  in  great  numbers  on  various  plants — perhaps  Smee's  "  little 
black  rascal" — on  the  wing,  called  "smother  flies."  Fig.  IT,  from  the  Phlox 
divaricata.  Fig.  18,  also  on  the  snowball,  with  short,  honey  tubes,  of  lead  colored 
pubescency  ;  proboscis  short.  Fig.  19,  the  promucis,  or  snout,  with  a  long  tongue, 
or  setae,  as  usually  seen.  (Fig.  20,  Smee's  figure,  with  a  setae  and  two  sheaths, 
which  I  could  not  see.)  Fig.  21,  the  same,  with  the  setae  inclosed.  Fig.  22,  a 
leg  ;  shin,  hairy,  bristled  ;  tarsi,  apparently  only  one-jointed ;  if  there  are  two 
joints,  as  stated,  the  upper  must  be  very  minute.  Fig.  23,  the  anal  prolongation 
of  some,  and  the  honey  tubes.  Fig.  A,  a  rear  view  of  a  winged  specimen 
the  deflexed  wings,  like  a  roof;  i  i,  the  honey  tubes.     E  shows  a  peculiar  proj 


tion  on  the  sides  of  each  eye,  noticed  in  winged  aphids.  I  have  seen  the  male 
vastator,  in  his  winged  state,  in  connection  with  a  wingless  female,  November  18. 

I  have  seen  both  winged  and  wingless  females  produce  their  young  alive,  up 
to  November  20.  They  were,  on  the  23d  of  November,  congregated  in  dense 
groups  on  the  under  side  of  the  few  remaining  leaves  on  ray  dwarf  apple-trees,  on 
the  Kerria  japonica,  and  other  rosaceous  plants,  in  their  winged  state,  and  all 
grades  of  wingless  ones,  with  their  snouts  inserted  into  the  leaves,  unharmed  by 
the  cold,  rain,  and  frost,  and  likely  to  withstand  the  severity  of  the  winter,  as 
shall  be  seen.  But  eggs  I  cannot  find.  Though  Mr.  Harris  says  "the  winged 
plant-lice  provide  for  a  succession  of  their  race  by  stocking  the  plants  with  eggs 
in  autumn,"  and,  after  stating  that  those  hatched  in  spring  are  all  females,  pro- 
ducing brood  after  brood  to  seven  or  more  generations,  without  the  intervention 
of  a  male,  continues :  "  This  extraordinary  kind  of  propagation  ends  in  the  autumn 
with  the  birth  of  a  brood  of  males  and  females,  which  in  due  time  acquire  wings, 
and  pair  ;  eggs  are  then  laid  by  these  females,  and,  with  the  death  of  these  winged 
individuals,  wJiich  soon  follows,  the  race  becomes  extinct  for  the  season." 

Mr.  Smee,  after  close  scrutiny  and  patient  investigation,  asks  the  following 
questions:  "  Does  the  vastator  lay  eggs  which  hatch  in  spring  ?  Does  it  hyber- 
nate  and  come  out  again  in  spring  ?  Does  it  continue  to  propagate,  notwith- 
standing cold,  frost,  and  rain  ?"  And  adds  :  "  Up  to  November  4,  I  have  found 
the  creature  bringing  forth  its  young  alive." 

This  sustains  my  observations,  and  I  will  hazard  the  assertion  that  they  do  not 
lay  eggs,  that  they  do  hybernate,  and  come  out  again  in  spring — at  least,  those 
species  I  have  illustrated  and  examined. 

The  means  nature  has  provided  to  check  these  creatures,  and  the  remedies  to 
destroy  them,  I  shall  defer  for  another  article,  this  having  become  too  lengthy, 
and  much  of  interest  connected  therewith  not  said.  Though  so  small  in  size,  at 
most  only  one-tenth  of  an  inch,  their  immense  numbers  make  them  formidable  to 
the  horticulturist,  and  therefore  a  thorough  knowledge  of  them  is  desirable.  By 
way  of  a  moral,  I'll  conclude  with  the  following  couplet,  by  F.  H,  S.  : — 

"  Daily  vices,  thougli  small  they  be, 

May  make  our  souls  with  sorrow  rife  ; 
Like  aphids  on  some  plant  or  tree, 
They  sap  the  very  springs  of  life." 


GRAPES   AND    MILDEW. 

BY  WM.  H.  READ,  CANADA  WEST. 

Mr.  Editor:  As  your  correspondent  in  the  January  No.  of  the  Horticidturist 
has  solicited  my  mode  of  preventing  and  destroying  mildew,  the  great  bar  to 
successful  growing  and  ripening  of  foreign  grapes  in  the  open  air  in  this  country, 
and  as  I  have  succeeded  in  producing  them  of  very  great  excellence,  even  surpassing 
in  grand  appearance,  large  berries,  and  magnificent  clusters,  those  grown  under 
glass  in  my  own  neighborhood,  and  as  your  Rhode  Island  Horticultural  Society 
and  committee  (who  had  some  of  my  clusters  on  exhibition  the  past  season)  looked 
upon  them  "almost  as  a  miracle,"  "and  doubted  of  their  having  been  grown  in 
open  air;"  and  again,  from  the  fact  that  my  grapes,  both  foreign  and  native, 
carried  off  the  first  and  second  prizes  wherever  they  were  shown — all  this  induces 
me  to  imagine  there  may  be  some  virtue  in  my  mode  of  treatment,  and  is  the  excuse  I 
offer  for  the  occupation  of  space  in  your  highly  esteemed  and  increasingly  valuabl 
journal. 


GRAPES  AND  MILDEW. 


First,  a  good  rich  border  is  indispensable.  As  soon  as  the  frost  has  destroyed 
the  foliage,  cut  all  the  present  year's  wood  back  to  the  third  and  fourth  eye ;  lay 
the  cuttings  or  some  other  brush  directly  under  the  pruned  vine,  and  over  this  lay 
straw;  bend  down  the  foreign  vine  on  this,  and  cover  with  straw  again,  holding 
all  down  till  an  assistant  lays  on  an  inverted  sod ;  then  cut  more  sods,  and  lay 
thera  like  shingles  on  a  roof,  and  the  work  is  done,  and  your  vines  will  not  suffer 
from  the  heavy  rains  of  autumn  and  spring,  and  their  eyes  will  not  be  put  out 
by  hard  substances,  and  the  result  will  be,  every  eye  will  reward  you  with  rich 
clusters. 

Then  the  next  enemy  to  be  looked  after  is  mildew;  and  for  this  monster  I  have 
constructed  a  formidable  weapon  after  this  fashion : 


jrt^.2. 


Apparatus  Fig.  1  is  a  tin  pipe,  twelve  inches  long,  three  inches  in  diameter, 
with  a  button  in  one  end,  and  a  lid  C,  with  a  wide  band,  shutting  well  on  the 
other,  where  the  sulphur  and  ball  are  put  in.  The  ball  B  is  made  of  twine,  and 
should  be  a  little  smaller  than  the  pipe,  and  well  stitched,  to  prevent  its  becoming- 
loose.  D  D  D  are  three  thimbles,  well  soldered  on,  to  receive  the  bamboo  handle 
E,  which  can  be  from  two  to  twelve  feet,  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  proprietor,  but 
should  not  be  less  than  two  feet,  in  order  to  keep  the  sulphur  from  the  operator's 
clothes.  The  holes  for  the  escape  of  the  sulphur,  must  be  small ;  a  common 
darning-needle  will  pierce  them  quite  large  enough,  and  they  should  be  about  half 
an  inch  apart,  all  over  the  apparatus.  The  ball  in  the  apparatus  acts  as  pulverizer 
of  sulphur,  accumulator  of  wind,  and  expeller  of  both. 

Fig.  2,  Hand  Belloios. — F,  pipes  or  joints  made  of  tin,  to  fit  nicely  on  the  nose 
of  the  bellows,  and  by  adding  joints,  any  length  desirable  may  be  obtained.  G,  a 
tin  globe,  with  a  short  socket  to  fit  nicely  on  a  joint,  and  through  which  the  globe 
receives  the  sulphur  for  operation.  The  holes  here  must  be  very  small,  and  half 
an  inch  apart  all  over  the  globe.  For  the  grape-house,  where  the  vines  are  trained 
singly  up  the  rafters,  a  rose  similar  to  that  of  a  common  watering-pot  will  be 
preferable,  with  small  holes  in  the  end,  H.  This  will  enable  the  operator  to  shoot 
close,  and  hit  his  mark  without  difficulty.  If  the  sulphur  adheres  to  the  tin,  and 
clogs  the  holes,  slip  in  a  marble,  and  shake  occasionally. 

Note. — When  much  work  is  to  be  done  with  dispatch.  No.  1  is  preferable,  as  it 
is  simple  and  not  liable  to  get  out  of  order;  and  when  the  bamboo-handle  is  play- 
ing briskly  through  the  left  hand,  and  the  ball  going  on  to  the  tune  of  Fisher's 
hornpipe,  the  sulphur  will  be  doing  its  duty,  depend  on  it,  flying  like  drifting  snow 
before  a  hurricane. 

[These  are  ingenious  contrivances,  respecting  which  all  who  have  seen  th 
use  speak  with  applause.     We  thank  Mr.  Read  for  his  lucid  description. — E 


FRUIT    GROWERS'    SOCIETY    OF    WESTERN    NEW    YORK. 

The  winter  meeting  of  this  Society  was  held  at  Rochester.  As  usual  there  was  a  full 
attendance  from  a  large  portion  of  the  counties  emhraced  by  the  Society,  from  Syracuse  to 
Buffalo. 

There  were  several  fine  and  select  collections  of  fruit,  among  them  40  varieties  of  pear 
from  Ellwanger  &  Barry,  of  Rochester,  and  there  were  other  collections  of  apples  and  pears 
from  R.  B.  Warren,  of  Genesee  Co.,  John  B.  Eaton,  of  BuffiAlo,  H.  E.  Hooker  &  Co.,  of  Roches- 
ter, and  W.  P.  Townsend,  of  Lockport.  S.  G.  Crane  presented  a  dish  of  Josephine  de  Malines 
pear,  in  perfect  condition  and  of  exquisite  flavor.  H.  Spencer,  of  Yates  County,  exhibited 
fine  specimens  of  the  Tompkins  County  King  apple ;  and  J.  M.  Whitney,  of  Rochester,  a 
basket  of  very  large  and  splendid  .Jonathan  apples. 

The  following  is  a  condensed  account  of  the  discussions  : — 

CuLTDKE  OF  THE  AppLE. — L.  F.  Allen,  of  Buffalo,  regarded  Western  New  York  as  the  finest 
apple-growing  region  in  the  United  States — extending  from  Syracuse  to  Niagara  River — and 
excepting  the  region  about  the  eastern  end  of  Lake  Erie.  This  fruit,  it  was  true,  grew  finely 
in  various  parts  of  the  West,  but  the  specimens  lacked  the  high,  fine,  piquant  flavor  of  the 
fruit  here.     As  they  grew  larger,  their  flavor  was  diluted. 

H.  E.  Hooker  cited  the  character  of  the  soil  in  Monroe  County  (about  Rochester),  as  showing 
the  influence  of  different  soils — light  at  the  north,  heavier  at  the  south — but  he  regarded 
the  nature  of  the  subsoil  as  much  more  important  than  that  of  the  soil  itself ;  if  there  was 
a  good  natural  drainage,  so  that  the  water  could  descend  freely,  and  not  remain  stagnant, 
trees  would  grow  much  better  than  on  the  finest  and  most  favorable  soil  without  such  drain- 
age— and  that  he  could  not  therefore  recommend  a  sandy  or  a  heavy  soil,  as  being  best, 
until  he  knew  the  subsoil ;  and  he  cited  several  cases  to  prove  the  truth  of  this  position, 
and  where  excellent  management  without  this  requisite  had  resulted  in  partial  failure.  P. 
Barry  corroborated  these  remarks,  so  far  as  the  importance  of  a  dry  subsoil  is  concerned, 
but  he  decidedly  preferred  a  good  strong  loam  to  a  lighter  soil.  He  did  not  think  apples  so 
local  in  their  character  and  adaptation  as  some  regarded  them.  He  had  seen  the  Newtown 
Pippin  and  Esopus  Spitzenburgh  in  Illinois,  in  great  perfection,  and  a  large  cultivator  there 
had  assured  him  that  if  he  were  to  plant  a  market  orchard  there  he  would  select  two-thirds 
Newtown  Pippin.  L.  F.  Allen  agreed  with  others  on  the  importance  of  drainage,  but  he 
would  greatly  prefer  natural  drainage  as  immeasurably  superior  to  any  artificial  tile  or  other 
drainage  ;  he  would  never  in  any  case  plant  an  orchard  on  soils  naturally  wet,  with  any 
amount  of  artificial  drainage  that  could  be  given  it.  [A  member  present  asked  him,  "  What 
shall  I  do  with  my  own  heavy  wet  soil  ;  I  have  come  here  on  purpose  to  learn  what  I  can 
do  with  it  ?"     He  replied,  "  Swop  it  away,  and  get  better."] 

H.  E.  Hooker  had  planted  an  orchard  on  a  well-drained  piece  of  land  by  ditching,  but 
had  never  had  good  fruit  from  it ;  on  land  with  natural  drainage  he  had  grown  specimens 
of  the  finest  quality.  He  did  not  think  that  the  heavy,  wet  soils  of  the  southern  part  of 
Monroe  County,  could  be  properly  prepared  for  a  successful  orchard  at  a  cost  of  a  thousand 
dollars  per  acre.  He  alluded  to  successful  marketing ;  small  orchards  for  home  use  might 
do  for  a  while  on  artificially  drained  lands,  but  never  reliably  on  a  large  scale.  T.  C.  Max- 
well, of  Geneva,  entertained  an  entirely  different  view ;  he  knew  tile-drains  at  Geneva  that  had 
been  in  successful  operation  nineteen  years  without  any  defect  or  derangement ;  he  had  dug 
up  old  trees  and  found  almost  the  whole  of  the  roots  above  eighteen  inches,  and  this  whole 
amount  might  be  easily  rendered  dry  by  tile-draining.  P.  Barry,  in  allusion  to  the  side- 
hill  drained  by  H.  E.  Hooker,  and  where  his  orchard  liad  failed,  alluded  to  the  fact  that 
springy  side-hills  are  the  most  difficult  of  all  kinds  of  land  to  render  dry  by  drainage,  and 
he  feared  this,  after  all,  had  not  been  drained  at  all  effectually.  This  remark  was  again 
objected  to  by  T.  C.  Maxwell,  who  had  been  entirely  successful  in  draining  a  springy  side- 
hill  by  the  regular  system  of  tile-ditches,  placed  at  regular  intervals,  which  conducted  the 
water  down  liill  by  its  shortest  and  most  direct  way,  thus  carrying  off  all  the  water  of  the 
springs.  H.  E.  Hooker  stated,  in  answer  to  a  question,  that  on  account  of  the  irregular 
nature  of  his  side-hill  land,  he  was  not  able  to  give  it  a  regular  system  of  drainage  ;  and, 
on  those  parts  which  did  not  seem  to  require  it,  the  subsoil  was  so  hard  that  the  roots  could 
not  penetrate.  He  thought  a  deep  soil  important.  C.  S.  Cole,  of  Spencerport,  said  that  all 
artificial  under-drainage  was  very  valuable,  and  he  would  have  an  orchard  on  his  land  even 
if  it  was  wet  by  the  best  drainage  he  could  give  it ;  yet,  nevertheless,  with  tile-trains  on  an 
unfavorable  land,  only  eighteen  feet  apart,  his  fruit  was  much  inferior  to  that  from  trees 
grown  on  a  good  pervious  soil  with  natural  drainage.  Dr.  Bristol,  of  Dansville,  mentioned 
the  case  of  an  orchard  of  his  on  land  on  Cayuga  Lake,  where  the  soil  was  favorable,  and 


where  they  had  always  flourished  till  two  years  since  he  bought  them,  and  then  they  im 
mediately  died,  not  because  he  had  become  their  owner,  but  because  from  the  extreme  wet- 
ness of  the  past  two  years  the  roots  had  been  flooded,  the  water  rising  much  nearer  to  them 
than  ever  before.  If,  therefore,  a  naturally  good  soil,  but  too  wet,  could  be  sufficiently  arti- 
ficially drained,  it  would  be  all  that  is  necessary ;  the  only  question  was  that  of  cost,  in 
placing  the  drains  near  enough  together.  L.  F.  Allen  admitted  the  practicability,  or  rather 
possibility,  of  draining  wet  lands  for  orchards,  but  that  the  expense  for  commercial  orchard- 
ing would  render  it  very  unprofitable.  He  thought  there  was  not  one-tenth  of  the  land  of 
Western  New  York  that  was  just  right — some  of  this,  however,  extended  over  large  tracts  ; 
and  he  would  recommend  orchardists  to  select  such  tracts.  Other  regions  would,  however, 
answer  a  good  purpose.  L.  B.  Langworthy  thought  that  one  soil  was  about  as  good  as 
another,  but  drainage  of  great  importance. 

Cherries. — P.  Barry  being  called  upon  said  he  would  recommend,  as  a  select  list  for 
family  supply,  the  Early  Purple  Guigne,  Belle  d'Orleans,  Governor  Wood,  Mayduke,  Black 
Tartarian,  Black  Eagle  ;  and,  for  good  late  sorts.  Belle  Magnifique  and  Large  English  Mo- 
rello.  L.  F.  Allen  inquired  of  him  why,  if  this  list  were  enough,  he  cultivated  and  offered 
so  many  sorts  for  sale  ?  He  replied  that,  if  twelve  different  men  were  to  select  for  them- 
selves, they  would  each  choose  different  lists,  and  probably  consume  all  the  different  kinds 
they  had  ;  and,  in  fact,  they  had  constant  inquiries  for  sorts  they  did  not  propagate.  L.  F. 
Allen  stated,  as  a  proof  of  the  difference  in  taste,  as  controlled  by  habit,  that  he  had  offered 
a  man  from  the  West,  who  had  never  seen  fine  fruit,  some  of  his  most  delicious  plums, 
when  he  replied,  "  I  would  rather  have  one  wild  prairie  plum  than  a  bushel  of  your  sorts," 
and  he  positively  refused  to  take  them  as  a  gift. 

Varieties  and  Management  op  the  Grape. — P.  Barry  regarded  the  Isabella  as  the  only 
one  of  established  reputation  that  he  would  be  willing  to  plant  extensively  in  Western  New 
York.  L.  F.  Allen  thought  the  Isabella  would  not  ripen  well  in  most  localities,  and  he 
looked  to  earlier  and  newer  sorts  as  likely  to  prove  better.  H.  E.  Hooker  had  seen  other 
varieties  he  would  prefer  to  the  Isabella,  but  his  experience  had  not  yet  been  sufiicient  with 
them,  and  among  these  he  named  Diana.     W.  B.  Smith,  of  Syracuse,  and  T.  C.  Maxwell,  of 

Geneva,  decidedly  recommended  the  Isabella,  if  favorable  localities  could  be  selected.    

Peck,  of  Bloomfield,  had  a  vineyard  of  Isabella  that  ripened  the  present  very  unfavorable 
year.  As  commonly  grown  through  the  country,  with  neglect  in  culture  and  pruning,  the 
Isabella  does  not  ripen.  He  keeps  his  grapes  for  winter  in  as  cool  a  place  as  possible,  in 
open  barrels  ;  he  finds  it  better  to  have  them  open  to  the  air  than  if  covered.  He  uses 
tubs  made  of  barrels  sawed  in  two,  as  being  preferable  to  baskets,  which,  yielding,  are  apt 
to  bruise  the  fruit ;  he  cuts  the  stems  in  picking,  and  is  especially  careful  to  remove  every 
imperfect  or  decayed  specimen,  which  will  taint  all  the  rest.  To  send  off,  he  packs  them 
closely  in  pasteboard  boxes,  packed  tightly,  so  as  not  to  shake  or  rattle  ;  he  sent  them  in 
perfect  condition  in  this  way  to  Iowa  by  express. 

W.  B.  Smith,  of  Syracuse,  had  packed  them  in  alternate  layers  of  cotton  batting  in  paste- 
board boxes,  in  a  cold  cellar,  and  had  preserved  them  till  the  10th  of  June  in  good  condi- 
tion, except  a  slight  taste  of  cotton.  C.  P.  Bissell  had  packed  them  without  cotton,  and 
kept  them  in  fine  condition  till  March.  C.  Parsons,  of  Geneseo,  had  kept  Isabella  grapes 
till  April ;  had  put  down  generally  about  eight  bushels  (only  for  family  use),  and  he  had 
plenty  all  through  winter.  He  had  found  them  to  keep  best  in  a  cold  place,  packed  tight 
in  boxes  in  alternate  layers.  The  cotton  and  close  covers  kept  them  from  being  frozen, 
although  in  one  instance  the  thermometer  in  the  garret  where  they  were  placed  had  sunk 
to  five  degrees  below  zero.  Several  members  spoke  of  the  importance  of  handling  them  as 
little  as  possible,  and  of  avoiding  the  use  of  baskets  on  this  account ;  and  also  the  neces- 
sity of  full  maturity  to  facilitate  long  keeping — that  a  slight  frost  does  not  injure  a  fully  ripe 
grape,  while  it  would  injure  or  destroy  an  immature  one.  Bunches  with  green  stems  were 
not  ripe.  There  is  no  doubt  that  different  degrees  of  moisture  in  the  different  apartments 
used  for  packing  them  away  may  greatly  affect  the  success  of  different  modes,  and  the  wet- 
ness of  the  season  may  exert  a  like  influence.  Several  members  mentioned  instances  where 
girdling,  or  tying  cords  around  the  bearing  vines,  had  greatly  increased  the  size  of  the 
grapes,  and  much  hastened  their  maturity,  but  this  portion  of  the  vine  was  of  course  of  no 
use  afterwards ;  but  the  mode  might  be  adopted  where  the  renewal  system  is  employed. 
This  practice,  however,  as  P.  Barry  stated,  injured  the  part  below  the  ligature,  by  withhold- 
ing the  nourishment  which  would  otherwise  descend  to  that  part  and  to  the  root.  As  a 
proof  of  the  importance  of  leaves  to  the  plant  and  root,  he  stated  that  he  had  known  of 
some  cases  where  the  mistaken  notion  of  picking  them  off  to  let  in  the  sun  on  the  fruit  had 
been  extensively  adopted,  and  it  had  destroyed  the  vines.  Country  Gentleman 


N.  S  :  YoL.  YIIL— March,  1858.  10 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 


The  Weathek. — Up  to  the  lOtli  of  February,  we  had,  in  this  region,  weather  which 
allowed  out-door  operations,  but,  on  the  11th,  the  thermometer  marked  140  above  zero — a 
difference  of  34°  in  twenty-four  hours.  Ice  dealers  began  to  rejoice,  and  commenced  their 
operations  on  the  13th.  The  14th  opened  with  a  snow-storm,  and  the  cold  continues  as 
we  write,  on  the  21st. 


United  States  Agricultural  Society. — When  our  last  number  went  to  press,  this  Society 
was  in  session  at  Washington.  Its  sayings  and  doings  have  been  chronicled  sufficiently, 
but  we  must  record  the  resignation  of  its  late  President,  and  the  present  of  plate  given  to 
him.  His  speech  was  characteristic  and  forcible.  In  parting  with  Mr.  Wilder,  the  Society 
has  met  with  a  loss.  He  understood  how  to  keep  attention  alive,  and  employed  means 
which  his  successor  may  not  deem  necessary  to  the  end  ;  but  great  publicity  and  a  little 
telegraphing  are  often  successful.  Mr.  Wilder  understood  the  press  thoroughly,  and  without 
that,  such  associations  dwindle. 


Hybridizing  the  Vine. — A  communication  from  William  N.  White,  Athens,  Georgia,  on 
this  subject,  came  too  late  for  examination  this  month. 


Victoria  Regia. — Gold  and  silver  fish,  it  has  been  proved,  are  of  great  importance  to  the 
perfect  development  of  the  leaves,  by  devouring  the  numerous  aphides  and  insects  that 
often  infest  their  under  surfaces.  Hundreds  of  these  fishes,  therefore,  may  be  annually  placed 
in  a  tank  soon  after  planting.  The  introduction  of  the  Limncea  stagnalis,  or  water  snail, 
has  also  been  recommended,  as  it  devours  the  slimy  and  mucous  matter  that  always  accu- 
mulates more  or  less  in  the  tanks  of  tropical  aquariums,  and  from  experience  of  their  use- 
fulness in  a  large  reservoir  which  contains  some  thousands,  their  introduction,  in  a  sani- 
tary point  of  view,  would  be  extremely  beneficial. 

A  novelty  respecting  the  Victoria  in  England,  is  interesting.  It  is  the  cultivation  of 
the  plant  in  the  open  air  at  the  exotic  nursery  of  the  Messrs.  Weeks,  at  Chelsea,  where  it 
was  grown,  and  flowered  to  considerable  perfection  during  the  summer  of  1857,  in  an  open 
tank,  protected  by  an  awning ;  not,  however,  in  such  a  strictly  natural  state  as  the  words 
"  open  air"  may  imply,  for  the  water  of  the  tank,  it  appears,  was  maintained  at  a  tempera- 
txire  of  84^  or  850  by  a  circulation  of  hot  water  below  it.  Still,  we  are  far  from  being 
convinced  that  the  plant  is  capable  of  being  grown  in  the  "open  air"  in  England  ;  and  the 
complete  failure,  too,  this  year,  of  the  plants  in  the  marble  basins  of  the  greenhouse  division 
of  the  Crystal  Palace,  tends  even  more  strongly  to  confirm  the  opinion  of  the  utter  im- 
possibility of  attempting  to  acclimatize  a  tropical  plant  of  this  description. 

Sir  William  Hooker  admits  that  this  plant  does  better  in  our  tanks  in  the  United  States, 
than  at  Kew.  In  Philadelphia,  we  are  much  gratified  to  report  the  entire  success  of  the 
new  Victoria  Regia  house,  lately  erected  by  James  Dundas,  Esq.,  at  an  expense  of  some 
four  thousand  dollars  ;   such  liberality  deserves  more  than  a  passing  notice.     Mr.  John 


editor's  table. 


Pollock,  his  intelligent  gardener,  informs  us  that  flowers  bloomed  exactly  six  weeks  after 
planting,  from  a  root  in  the  new  tank,  which  is  24  by  30  feet ;  the  house  is  extremely  well 
lighted,  and  the  tank  is  set  out  with  a  variety  of  healthy  plants  siiitable  to  the  scene  ;  the 
whole  presents  one  of  the  most  beautiful  sights  that  can  be  created  by  the  art  of  man. 
The  great  Palm-house,  too,  has  a  tropical  air  nowhere  else  to  be  seen  here.  We  feel  quite 
proud  of  having  such  costly  and  well-cared  for  establishments  in  our  midst,  and  of  such 
gardeners  as  Mr.  Pollock. 


Novelty  is  the  order  of  the  day.  We  are  to  have  a  ship  that  will  not  create  nausea,  and 
perhaps  a  telegraphic  cable  to  America.  The  horticulturists  must  not  lag  behind,  and  are 
not  disposed  to  do  so.     We  cut  the  following  from  the  London  Chronicle : — 

"A  Feat  in  Cultivation. — Mr.  Richard  Corke,  of  Maidstone,  recently  laid  four  wagers  that 
by  his  system  of  cultivation  he  would  produce  more  grapes,  melons,  cucumbers,  straw- 
berries, and  vegetable  marrows,  or  in  fact  any  vegetable  whatever,  than  could  be  done  by 
another  in  the  ordinary  way,  and  won  them  all  easily.  These  wagers  originated  in  a  con- 
versation taking  place  in  the  company  of  several  gentlemen,  one  of  whom  had  presented 
Mr.  Corke  with  some  eyes  of  grapes  and  some  vegetable  marrow  seed  of  fine  quality.  On 
making  inquiry  how  they  answered,  Mr.  Corke  asserted  that  the  canes  of  the  vines  would 
average  more  than  twenty  feet  before  the  year  came  round,  having  been  potted  October  25, 
1856,  and  planted  out  in  a  new  hothouse  just  finished  building  on  March  7,  1857.  At  first 
Mr.  Corke  wished  to  decline  the  wager,  as  he  told  the  gentleman  he  must  win  to  a  certainty. 
Being,  however,  pressed,  he  accepted  a  bet  for  two  rods  to  average  twenty  feet.  This  they 
considerably  exceeded,  and  at  the  same  time  three  other  bets  were  made  respecting  the 
vegetable  marrow,  Mr.  Epps  and  Mr.  Bunyard,  the  well-known  horticulturists,  being 
appointed  to  survey  and  watch  progress.  The  stem  of  the  vegetable  marrow  was  eight 
inches  round  ;  its  vine,  together  with  leaves  and  stems,  measured  upwards  of  eight  thousand 
feet,  the  wager  being  that  Mr.  Corke  would  not  produce  more  than  sixteen  hundred  feet. 
Upwards  of  four  hundred  fruit  were  cut  from  this  Leviathan  marrow  plant.  This  discovery 
will  be  made  public  in  a  treatise  nearly  completed.  Mr.  Corke's  plan  is  so  simple  that  a 
mere  child,  after  some  slight  instruction,  could  produce  the  same  effect." — J.  G.  Lomax. 


PiAPiDiTT  IN  Striking. — The  London  Florist  says  :  "The  rapidity  with  which  new  plants 
(even  those  which,  a  few  years  since,  were  considered  difficult)  are  now  struck  and  got 
ready  for  sale,  is  a  strong  evidence  of  improvement  in  this  department.  The  seed  trade  has 
kept  pace  with  that  of  the  nursery,  and  affords  proof  that  the  better  classes  of  vegetables 
are  becoming  more  extensively  known," 


Pruning. — The  skilful  pruner  will  always  have  an  object  in  view,  and  will  see  at  a  glance 
the  results  of  each  cut  he  is  about  to  make.  Practice  alone  can  give  him  this  foresight  as 
well  as  dexterity  in  the  art.  It  is  requisite,  also,  that  he  should  know  how  to  regulate  the 
energies  of  his  trees,  and  the  means  at  command  to  induce  fruitfulness,  to  have  the  trees 
in  a  condition  that,  while  one  crop  of  fruit  is  coming  to  maturity,  the  organization  of  fmit- 
buds  for  the  following  season  is  going  on  ;  in  short,  to  have  the  trees  in  a  fit  condition  from 
year  to  year,  to  produce  a  crop  of  fruit.  This  may  be  accomplished  by  timely  stopping  and 
thinning  the  luxuriant  shoots  during  the  summer  growth,  by  regulating  the  crop  of  fruit, 
and  by  root  pruning,  which  is,  in  some  soils,  a  very  important  operation  ;  and  every  fruit 
grower  ought  to  know  quite  as  much  of  the  root  as  he  does  of  the  branches  of  his  trees. 
The  above  applies  to  trees  growing  too  strong  to  be  fruitful ;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  when 
the  trees  are  feeble  from  over-cropping,  or  other  causes,  close  pruning  is  requisite,  together 
with  light  crops,  and  assisting  the  trees  by  top  dressing,  which  will  have  the  desired  efi"ect. 


Training. — The  training  of  trees  is  in  close  connection  with  pruning ;  the  one  regulates 
the  forna  of  the  tree — the  other,  the  fruiting  shoots  and  spurs.  However  plain  the  rules  and 
directions  for  pruning  may  be  stated,  much  must  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  operator, 
and  which  practice  alone  can  teach.  Preserve  an  equilibrium  in  the  growth  of  every  part 
of  the  tree.  Be  prudent  in  the  use  of  the  knife,  and  never  amputate  large  branches  if  it 
can  be  avoided  ;  to  aim  at  a  medium  between  excessive  growth  and  feebleness  ;  to  remem- 
ber that  to  organize  fruit  buds,  every  leaf,  young  shoot,  and  bud,  requires  exposure  to  solar 
light.  Allow  nothing  to  grow  except  what  is  required  to  carry  on  the  proper  functions  of 
the  tree,  furnish  bearing  shoots,  or  to  extend  its  branches. 


DioscoREA  Batatas. — In  previous  pages  will  be  found  a  summary  of  the  experiments 
reported  respecting  the  Dioscorea,  which  will  be  read  with  interest.  The  time  is  near  when 
the  cuttings  of  the  roots  should  be  again  planted.  We  are  glad  to  know  that  there  are 
some  persons  who  are  not  discouraged  by  the  trials  already  made,  and  we  must  wait 
another  year  before  a  decided  judgment  can  be  entered  in  the  court  of  public  opinion. 
From  England  we  hear  favorable  reports.  One  cultivator  has  produced  specimens  weighing 
ten  pounds,  grown  from  strong  roots.  The  French  appear  to  consider  the  Dioscorea  very 
valuable,  and  it  is  surely  of  too  much  importance  to  this  country  to  be  allowed  to  fail 
because  interested  parties  have  chosen  to  make  an  unnatural  noise  about  it. 


The  English  have  been  much  pleased  the  past  season  to  find  the  Catalpa,  and  the  Gle- 
ditchia  have  ripened  their  seeds,  a  rare  event  in  that  climate.  The  Catalpa  pods  were 
attempted  to  be  passed  off  at  Willis's  room  for  a  new  kind  of  kidney  bean ! 


The  Vine  in  Connecticut. — A  meeting  of  persons  interested  in  the  culture  of  the  grape, 
and  the  manufacture  of  wine,  was  lately  held  at  Hartford.  It  was  determined  to  form  a 
vintner's  association.  Officers  were  elected,  and  it  was  resolved  that  "there  maybe  as 
excellent,  healthful,  high-toned  wines  produced  on  our  sunny  hill-sides  as  upon  those  of  any 
other  country  or  State."     A  convention  is  to  be  called. 


Mouldy  Roots. — Attention  is  now  being  directed  to  the  condition  of  the  roots  of  sickly- 
looking  trees,  and  it  is  found  that  much  disease  exists  there  which  is  unsuspected  ;  hence 
the  just  remark  that  you  should  know  as  much  about  the  condition  of  the  roots  as  that  of 
the  limbs.  A  white  mycelium  often  displaces  the  bark  of  many  of  the  fibres  ;  the  micro- 
scope shows  that  the  roots  are  entirely  overrun  with  delicate,  transparent  threads  which 
invade  the  young  parts,  sometimes  forming  a  white  felt,  quite  concealing  the  surface.  This 
apparently  unintelligible  disease  is  a  most  dangerous  enemy  in  old  cropped  grounds,  and 
should  be  carefully  looked  after.  Probably  there  will  be  found  a  remedy  either  in  sulphur 
or  charcoal. 


Wheat  Mildew  was  formerly  believed  to  proceed  from  the  common  Berberry,  but  Dr. 
Lindley  proves  this  to  be  an  error. 


"  Subsoil  Irrigation  is  a  tried,  lasting,  and  substantial  application  of  art,"  says  the 
Cottage  Gardener,  "  in  perfect  unison  with  nature,  in  the  shape  of  a  system  of  cultivation 
which,  in  connection  with  agriculture,  by  means  of  which  the  great  labor  attached  to 
watering  gardens  may  be  almost  entirely  dispensed  with."  If  not  too  expensive,  we  agree 
with  the  writer,  and  give  his  modus  operandi  as  follows  : — 

«'  In  the  formation  of  beds  on  this  system,  it  will  be  necessary  in  the  first  place  to  'dig 

gg 


out  the  earth  from  one  to  two  feet  deep,  so  as  to  be  able  to  form  a  bottom  nearly  water- 
tight, with  sides  about  four  feet  six  inches  high,  to  prevent  the  liquid  from  running  over 
until  the  earth  has  been  moistened  by  it.  The  bottom  may  be  of  clay  and  chalk,  or  gravel, 
or  lime,  or  any  hard  substance  rammed  ;  and  upon  the  bottom  put  one  row  of  half-drain 
tiles  in  the  centre  (that  is  to  say,  in  the  centre  of  beds  three  feet  in  width  ;  or,  if  six  feet, 
two  rows),  and  loose,  not  jointed.  There  is  an  admission  pipe  sloping  at  one  end  to  each 
rank  of  drain  tiles,  and  a  pipe  at  the  other  end  of  the  bed  to  see  when  the  liquid  stands  at 
four  inches,  and  then  to  stop.  The  earth  is  then  filled  in  as  before,  and  proceeded  with  as 
in  ordinary  gardening.  Water,  or  liquid  manure,  on  being'  poured  into  the  pipes,  will  pass 
along  the  whole  length  of  the  beds  ;  and  rising  through  the  small  spaces  between  the 
drain-pipes,  partly  by  the  capillary  attraction  of  the  mould,  and  partly  by  the  attractive 
power  of  the  roots  themselves,  will  feed  and  nourish  the  plants.'  So  writes  Mr.  Wilkinson, 
the  able  promulgator  of  this  new  system  of  cultivation,  in  his  pamphlet  on  subsoil  irriga- 
tion ;  and  that  it  does  nourish  and  greatly  increase  the  size  and  produce  of  roots,  vegetables, 
&c.,  is  an  undeniable  fact ;  and  that  it  may  be  applied  with  equal  advantage  to  the  flower 
garden  is  sufficiently  obvious." 

The  system  is  patented  in  England. 


House  Conservatokies  and  Heating. — The  reader  will  be  attracted  in  the  present  number 
with  the  portrait  of  a  small  conservatory  made  in  a  bay  window  of  our  own  dining-room 
at  a  small  cost.  With  regard  to  a  system  of  warming  a  greenhouse  or  conservatory 
attached  to  a  house,  there  ought  to  be  no  difficulty  in  employing  a  house  fire  for  the  purpose. 
In  the  case  introduced,  the  heat  from  the  dining-room  fire  has  answered  perfectly.  Many 
modes  may  be  adopted  according  to  circumstances.  One  has  just  struck  us  in  a  foreign 
journal : — 

"  A  neat  little  lean-to  house  was  placed  against  the  garden  side  of  a  mansion.  The  floor 
was  some  five  feet  above  the  furnace  that  heated  the  scullery  copper ;  a  small  flue  was 
made  underneath  that  floor,  from  the  same  furnace,  and  the  draught  let  on  or  ofl",  by  means 
of  dampers,  without  any  bother  with  additional  fireplaces  or  chimneys." 

In  another  case,  "  A  merchant  built  a  nice  residence  for  himself  a  few  years  ago.  A  neat 
flower  garden  was  on  the  east  side  of  the  house,  communicating  by  folding  doors  with  the 
living-room,  the  floor  being  about  two  feet  above  the  level  of  the  garden.  He  wanted  a 
greenhouse  to  be  easily  accessible,  and  easily  managed.  It  was  recommended  to  have  it 
communicating  with  the  above  room,  and  between  it  and  the  flower  garden  ;  and  to  be 
heated  from  the  kitchen  boiler  immediately  beneath  that  room.  After  mature  consideration, 
he  placed  his  greenhouse  on  the  west  side  of  his  house,  that  he  might  have  something 
attractive  on  every  side  ;  and  his  plan  would  have  been  successful  but  for  the  fact  that  he 
had  an  unsuccessful  smoke-consuming  furnace,  instead  of  passing  his  smoke  out  of  the 
lofty  chimneys.  We  have  yet  much  to  learn  on  this  subject  of  warming,  and  on  saving  the 
heat  now  disseminated  to  the  winds." 


Dr.  Gray's  New  Book. — Dr.  Asa  Gray  has  issued  through  his  publishers  an  "Introduction 
to  Structural  and  Systematic  Botany  and  Vegetable  Physiology,"  being  a  fifth  and  revised 
edition  of  the  Botanical  Text-Book,  illustrated  with  over  1300  woodcuts.  New  York, 
Ivison  &  Phinney,  1858. 

It  is  designed  to  furnish  classes  in  the  higher  seminaries  of  learning,  colleges,  and  medical 
schools,  as  well  as  private  students  generally,  with  a  suitable  text-book  of  structural  and 
physiological  botany,  and  is  greatly  improved  both  in  matter  and  illustrations ;  in  the 
chapters  much  has  been  entirely  rewritten,  and  such  changes  made  as  the  advanced  state 
of  knowledge  required.    It  has  a  full  glossary,  and  altogether  is  an  improved  and  important 


editor's  table. 


addition  to  the  student's  library.    The  teaching  of  botany  is  now  made  so  simple  and  easy, 
that  it  is  a  reproach  to  persons  pretending  to  education  to  be  ignorant  of  its  features. 


Trellises,  and  Wire-Work  Designs,  of  light  character,  suit  well  for  such  climbers  as 
Maurandia  Barclayana,  Cobea  scandens,  Tropseolums,  and  Fuchsias  of  pendent  habit. 

Trellises  fitted  to  pots,  and  covered  with  climbers,  make  noble  window  and  terrace  orna- 
ments. The  choice  kind  of  Tropseolums  are  among  the  best  plants  for  the  purpose.  To 
carry  .them  over  the  entire  surface,  it  is  necessary  to  watch  the  young  shoots  as  they  make 
progress,  and  assist  them  on  regularly.     Fine  lead  wire  will  be  found  useful  in  all  cases 


where  creepers  have  to  be  led  over  trellises.  The  thread-like  fingers  produce  the  best  effect 
when  trained  over  the  interior  of  a  sphere  ;  but  for  plants  of  stouter  growth,  a  flat  and 
somewhat  fan-shaped  design  will  be  most  suitable. 


Chinese  Azaleas. — All  the  Chinese  Azaleas  strike  freely  by  cuttings  of  the  young  wood, 
taken  off  close  to  the  ripened  shoots,  planted  in  silver  sand,  and  placed  under  bell-glasses, 
in  mild  bottom  heat.  As  soon  as  well  rooted  the  young  plants  may  be  potted  off  in  good 
peat  soil,  mixed  with  a  rather  large  proportion  of  silver  sand.  When  in  a  growing  state  a 
little  liquid  manure  is  a  great  assistance  to  them.  They  require  a  light  situation  in  the 
greenhouse  or  pit  during  winter,  near  the  glass.  They  may  be  kept  in  the  house  until  they 
have  bloomed,  but  must  be  allowed  a  partial  shade  ;  many  will  do  almost  as  well  out  of 
doors  at  the  south,  and  all  may  be  brought  out  as  soon  as  the  flower  is  past,  but  placed  in  a 
sheltered  place.  If  kept  in  a  cold  pit  through  the  winter,  they  should  be  brought  into  the 
house  in  February  or  March  to  flower. 


Transactions  of  the  Ohio  Pomological  Society. — The  eighth  session  of  this  society  in- 
cludes two  meetings,  one  at  Cincinnati  in  September  last,  and  one  at  Columbus  in  Decem- 
ber. The  official  report  makes  a  pamphlet  of  sixty-four  pages,  filled  with  matter  of  a  sug- 
gestive character,  and  embracing  reports  from  various  counties  possessing  various  climates 
and  soils  ;  the  inhabitants  of  each,  interested  in  the  topics,  will  of  course  possess  themselves 
of  the  transactions  ;  some  recommendations  of  fruits  to  be  cultivated,  &c.,  we  take  pleasure 
in  disseminating. 

The  address  of  President  Ernst  is  a  lucid  one,  and  deserves  attention.  Alluding  to  the 
mildew  and  rot  of  the  grape,  he  says  the  fact  that  varieties  which  were  healthy  and  per- 


editor's  table. 

fected  their  fruit  uniformly,  do  not  do  so  now  is  suggestive  of  something  wrong  in  their 
treatment,  and  he  asks,  "  Is  not  tlie  plant  enfeebled  in  its  power  to  produce  fruit  by  the 
severe  pruning  to  which  it  is  subjected  in  our  climate  ?"  The  valley  of  the  Ohio  he  con- 
siders well  adapted  to  the  general  culture  of  fruit,  both  for  soil  and  climate,  shelter,  hill 
and  dale,  springs  and  streams,  and  that  there  they  have,  as  yet,  but  few  of  the  insects  of 
the  older  sections  of  the  Union  to  contend  with,  though  some  of  the  most  mischievous  have 
been  imported  in  the  egg,  or  chrysalis  form,  with  trees,  especially  the  peach  worm,  bark 
louse,  and  others. 

Though  immense  numbers  of  trees  are  annually  planted,  the  demand  for  fruit  much  more 
than  keeps  up  with  the  supply,  and  prices  are  on  the  advance.  Nurseries  of  hundreds  of 
acres  each,  both  here  and  in  Europe,  find  a  ready  market  for  their  trees  in  the  great  West. 
One  gentleman  said  that  every  tree  in  his  nursery  fit  to  go  out  last  fall,  was  sold  in  advance, 
and  he  was  obliged  to  turn  many  customers  away.  There  has  been  a  growing  feeling  in 
Ohio  that  the  trees  brought  into  the  State  on  the  recommendations  of  their  value  in  other 
sections,  were  not  adapted  as  a  general  thing,  to  Ohio,  and  the  eastern  nurserymen  are  now 
turning  their  attention  to  the  cultivation  of  varieties  known  to  be  valuable  in  the  West. 

Peaches. — Cook's  Seedling  Peach,  a  very  large  and  beautiful  freestone,  resembling  Craw- 
ford's late,  ripens  a  few  days  earlier,  a  fine  bearer,  admirably  suited  for  marketing.  The 
Griffith,  a  large,  yellow  flushed  kind,  and  a  new  seedling  promising  well,  were  commended. 
Carter's  Large  is  a  good  market  variety,  a  hardy  and  sure  bearer.  Other  varieties  are  com- 
mented on,  but  we  must  refer  to  the  pamphlet. 

Grapes. — The  Rebecca  was  received  from  Dr.  Grant,  and  "  although  not  ripe,  the  fruit  is 
handsome  and  good."  The  Hall  Grape,  larger  and  better  than  Clinton.  Berries  of  medium 
size,  dark  color  ;  not  equal  to  Isabella.  A  supposed  seedling  grape  presented  by  W.  D. 
Kelly,  of  fronton,  Ohio,  is  spoken  of  without  decision.  Mr.  Negley  reported  that  a  German 
had  planted  a  vineyard  near  Pittsburg  of  foreign  kinds  ;  the  first  crop  was  free  from  mildew, 
and  Mr.  Bateham,  the  excellent  secretary,  said  it  was  not  uncommon  for  European  grape 
vines  to  bear  one  or  two  crops  of  fair  fruit,  but  after  the  second  or  third  crop  the  fruit  al- 
most invariably  mildews. 

Pears. — Walker,  Jalousie  de  Fontenay,  Andrews,  Belle  Lucrative,  Jackson's  Seedling, 
Kirtland,  Summer  Bon  Chretien,  Urbaniste,  Flemish  Beauty,  and  a  pear  from  Pittsburg, 
named  by  the  convention  Fort  Duquesne,  are  commended. 

Apples. — Maiden's  Blush,  Carolina  Red  June,  and  Hagloe  underwent  favorable  examina- 
tion ;  and  the  opinions  advanced  in  a  discussion  which  took  place  on  the  deterioration  of 
the  apple  fruit,  by  which  many  fruit-growers  were  becoming  discouraged,  is  valuable.  Mr. 
Bateham  believes  in  the  necessity  of  employing  fruits  of  Western  or  Southern  origin,  espe- 
cially of  winter  varieties.  The  discussion  was  closed  by  a  remark  from  the  President, 
which,  while  it  marks  the  modesty  of  the  speaker,  should  serve  to  stimulate  all  to  continued 
investigations.  He  said  :  "  For  his  own  part  he  could  only  say  that  every  year's  experi- 
ence only  serves  to  exhibit  the  more  clearly  to  his  own  mind  how  little  he  already  knows 
in  comparison  with  what  remains  to  be  known." 

At  the  Columbus  meeting  the  discussions  assumed  a  very  interesting  character,  and  were 
devoted,  in  part,  to  the  opinions  respectiug  the  value  of  kinds  of  fruit  in  different  localities, 
where  our  space  does  not  allow  us  to  follow,  but  are  of  sufficient  importance  to  receive 
attention  from  every  newspaper  in  that  fine  State. 

The  Delaware  Grape  is  thus  noticed :  "  Specimens  exhibited  by  Mr.  Campbell,  of  Dela- 
ware ;  kept  two  months  past  their  season,  in  very  fine  condition  ;  the  berries  a  little  shrunk 
and  their  sweetness  increased  by  evaporation  of  some  of  the  juice.  The  bunches  had  been 
simply  kept  in  a  garret,  thinly  spread  to  prevent  moulding.     Dec.  lOtli. 

In  a  communication  from  R.  Buchanan,  Esq.,  of  Cincinnati,  he  gives  his  experience  re 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 

garding  the  keeping  of  apples.  He  found  a  covering  of  six  or  eight  inches  of  hay  an  excel- 
lent protection  against  severe  weather  when  the  thermometer  was  down  to  6°  above  zero  ; 
others  covered  with  a  thick  quilt  were  frozen  hard,  but,  by  leaving  the  cover  on  and  keeping 
the  room  dark,  the  apples  thawed  without  apparent  injury.  Above  zero  with  this  treat- 
ment he  thinks  they  would  be  safe  covered  with  eight  or  ten  inches  of  hay. 

The  quantity  of  dried  apples  exported  from  Ohio  is  remarkable.  One  merchant  in  Portage 
County  had  already  purchased  ticenty-Jive  tons  at  an  average  price  of  six  and  a  half  cents  a 
pound ;  and  it  was  estimated  that  in  the  valley  of  Ravenna,  with  about  six  stores,  there  would 
be  purchased  last  season  one  hundred  and  twenty-Jive  tons  of  dried  apples  at  the  same  average 
price.  Beat  this  who  can  ;  it  is  equal  to  the  income  from  a  good  wine  district.  From  Lake 
County  there  was  exported  the  past  season  $25,000  worth  of  green  and  dried  apples ;  and 
from  Kelly's  Island,  Erie  County,  7,000  pounds  of  grapes  and  3,600  gallons  of  wine  are 
exported  annually ! 

The  report  closes  with  a  summary  headed 

"What  has  been  Learned. — From  an  attentive  perusal  of  the  foregoing  communications 
(and  many  more  in  the  ofSce  of  the  State  Board  of  Agriculture),  we  draw  the  following 
inferences  : — 

"  1.  That  very  great  loss  of  fruit  trees  resulted  from  the  extraordinary  winter  of  1855-6  ; 
nearly  all  the  peach  and  heart-cherry  being  destroyed ;  and  in  some  parts  of  the  State  very 
many  apple-trees,  but  not  so  general  a  loss  of  these  as  many  persons  had  supposed. 

"  2.  As  a  general  rule,  there  is  not  much  difference  in  the  hardiness  of  the  different  varie- 
ties of  fruits,  especially  of  peaches  and  sweet  cherries  ;  and  in  regard  to  apples,  the  differ- 
ence is  much  less  than  was  generally  supposed  ;  as  many  of  those  reported  as  tender  in  one 
locality,  or  by  one  writer,  are  classed  as  hardy  by  others.  The  principal  exceptions  seem 
to  be  in  reference  to  the  Belmont,  Rhode  Island  Greening,  E.  Spitzenberg,  and  Roxbury 
Russet,  which  are  reported  as  most  generally  injured  by  the  winter. 

>'  3.  The  effect  of  the  previous  crop  had  no  perceptible  influence  in  rendering  the  tree 
liable  to  injury  by  the  winter ;  but  more  was  dependent  on  the  condition  of  the  wood  as  to 
ripeness  ;  those  treus  which,  from  richness  and  moisture  of  soil,  made  a  late  and  luxuriant 
growth  the  season  previous,  were  most  injured  by  the  winter.  For  this  and  other  reasons, 
elevated  or  hilly  lands  are  found  most  favorable  for  apples,  as  well  as  peaches  and  cherries. 

"4.  The  damage  to  the  apple  crop  by  rotting,  scab,  rust,  &c.,  is  not  by  any  means  gene- 
ral, but  confined  mostly  to  the  southwestern  quarter  of  the  State,  the  limestone,  clayey 
soils,  and  is  worst  in  the  rich  valleys  or  plains  ;  but  can  generally  be  guarded  against  by  a 
judicous  choice  of  varieties,  and  proper  pruning  and  culture. 

"  5.  The  varieties  of  winter  apples  best  adapted  for  the  districts  just  named  are  not  those 
generally  known  and  approved  in  Northern  Ohio  and  in  New  York,  but  varieties  of  Western 
or  Southern  origin  ;  as,  Rome,  Beauty,  Rawles'  Janette,  Smith  Apple,  Milam,  Limber  Twig, 
Wine  Sap,  White  Pippin,  White  Pearmain,  Broadwell,  &c.  At  the  same  time  it  is  found 
that  the  popular  Eastern  and  Northern  fruits  continue  to  succeed  well  in  most  parts  of 
Northern  Ohio,  and  on  the  more  hilly  and  sandy  lands  in  the  eastern  parts  of  the  State. 

"  From  the  reports  of  twenty-five  northern  counties  to  the  State  Board  of  Agriculture, 
giving  answers  to  the  question,  '  Which  are  considered  the  best  six  winter  apples  in  your 
county  ?'  the  votes  stand  as  follows  : — 


Roxbury  Russet         .         .         •         •         16 
Baldwin     ......         13 

Y.  Bellflower 11 


R.  I.  Greening 20 

Rambo 18 

E.  Spitzenberg    .....         18 

"  The  next  in  order  were  Belmont,  G.  Russet,  Canada  Red,  and  Newtown  Pippin,  from  six 
votes  each. 
The  reports  from  the  southern  half  of  the  State  (and  western  central)  were  less  name 


rous  and  more  diverse  in  character,  recommending  more  or  less  of  the  southern  list  first 
above  given,  along  with  a  few  of  the  northern,  according  as  the  writers  were  more  or  less 
extensively  acquainted  with  varieties." — Secretary. 


To  Preserve  Wooden  Labels. — We  know  enough  of  the  confusion  arising  in  collections 
through  the  loss  of  labels,  when,  from  want  of  timely  renewal,  they  decay  at  bottom. 
During  the  past  year  I  set  my  wits  to  work  to  find  out  a  better  plan  of  charring  them  to 
render  them  durable,  and,  from  present  experience,  I  believe  I  have  hit  upon  a  good  plan. 
Before  detailing  my  own  way  I  will  just  mention  that  the  plan  pursued  previously,  and 
which  I  was  taught  while  in  a  London  nursery,  was  to  dip  them  in  melted  lead ;  this  did  not 
answer  very  well,  and  was  often  inconvenient.  The  way  I  have  hit  upon  is,  to  my  belief, 
original,  and  is  as  follows  :  Having  made  the  labels,  before  they  are  painted  get  a  dish 
or  vessel  of  any  size  and  suitable  depth,  say  four  inches  deep,  which  fill  with  turpentine. 
In  this  you  may  dip  the  labels,  a  handful  at  a  time,  immersing  them  as  deep  as  required, 
and  then  take  them  one  by  one  and  apply  a  light  to  the  point,  this  will  char  them  well 
superficially,  if  properly  done,  and  much  more  neatly  than  any  other  plan  I  have  seen. 
When  so  charred  they  appear  to  be  very  durable. — Jaques. 


Planting  Ship  Timber  in  Florida. — A  plantation  of  Live-oak,  made  by  some  careful  public 
officer  in  West  Florida,  is  said  to  be  flourishing  finely,  and  Colonel  Claiborne  publishes  a 
letter,  in  which  he  proposes  to  establish  extensive  plantations  of  this  oak  on  reserved  lands 
in  Louisiana.  He  says  the  Live-oak  grows  there  with  astonishing  vigor  and  rapidity.  In 
seven  years  from  the  acorn  it  forms  a  beautiful  shade.  In  twenty  years  it  has  the  tenacity 
and  durability  of  iron,  and  is  ready  for  the  axe  of  the  ship-carpenter. 


The  Cherry  Tree. — In  several  forms  it  has  been  announced  that  the  cherry  does  not 
succeed  in  many  western  localities,  and  we  have  been  looking  out  for  some  experienced 
person  to  give  the  proper  directions  and  information  on  the  subject.  Dr.  Kirtland  has  come 
to  the  rescue ;  in  a  late  Ohio  Cultivator  he  contends  that  it  is  an  established  maxim  that 
wherever  a  chestnut-tree  has  grown,  the  cherry  and  the  peach  will  thrive  ;  he  thinks  that 
if  some  of  the  Cincinnatians  would  enter  upon  the  cultivation  of  the  cherry  with  half  the 
zeal  and  devotion  that  hundreds  are  doing  with  their  vineyards,  means  would  be  devised 
for  overcoming  the  obstacles.  They  have  almost  all  kinds  of  soils,  exposures,  and  eleva- 
tions. On  the  prairies  permanent  walls  of  suitable  height  would  be  found  a  comfort  and 
advantage  to  every  householder,  and  with  this  protection,  and  trenching,  and  under-drain- 
ing, with  deep  borders  of  soil  adapted  to  the  wants  of  the  cherry-tree,  he  thinks  they 
might  possess  this  beautiful  fruit.  The  walls  may  be  cheaply  constructed  of  limestone, 
sand,  and  gravel,  according  to  the  directions  of  Fowler's  book.  Shelter  is  gradually  becom- 
ing known  as  one  of  the  greatest  appliances  of  cultivation.  All  are  convinced  that  under- 
drainage  is  all  but  essential  to  fruit  culture — with  that  and  shelter  we  firmly  believe  fruit 
can  be  grown  everywhere  to  advantage. 


The  new  Part,  the  fifth  of  the  splendid  Flora  of  Tasmania,  by  J.  D.  Hooker,  M.  D.,  F.  R.  S. 
(4to.  London),  completes  volume  one,  terminating  with  Conifers.  The  second  volume  will 
include  Endogens  and  flowerless  plants.  It  is  impossible  to  conceive  anything  more  admir- 
able than  the  plates,  especially  those  of  the  singular  genus  Richea,  and  of  the  curious  Tas- 
manian  Conifers,  to  which  alone,  including  Casuarina,  five  plates  crowded  with  details  are 
devoted.  The  letter-press  is,  as  usual,  rich  in  botanical  criticism  and  elaborate  researches 
into  structure  and  affinity.  Works  like  this  will  place  Australia  in  a  better  scientific 
position  than  even  the  mother  country. 


The  Victoria  Peak  is  so  liiglily  eulogized  in  the  Gardener^s  Chronicle  as  to  make  it  an 
object  to  test  it  here.  That  periodical  says:  "It  standa  in  the  highest  class,  the  flesh 
being  perfectly  melting  to  the  core.  We  understand,  moreover,  that  it  is  a  very  great 
bearer,  it  having  been  necessary  to  prop  up  the  original  tree,  in  order  to  prevent  the  branches 
breaking  under  the  weight  of  their  crop.  Its  habit  is  thorny  and  very  robust.  Its  season 
in  ordinary  years  is  February." 


Mk.  Editor,  if  we  could  but  reduce  the  Rose  lists  !  Here  are  twelve  good  ones  which 
will  suit  most:  General  Jacqueminot,  Prince  Lt on,  Lord  Raglan,  G4ant,  Baron  Provost, 
Bourbon  Queen,  Paul  Joseph,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  Dupetit  Thouars,  Augusts  Mie,  Souvenir  de 
Malmaison,  and  William  Griffiths.  These  are  free  flowerers,  hardy,  and  first  rate,  and  of  dif- 
ferent colors.  Rosa  Malheur. 

P.  S.  Why  don't  you  tell  your  parish  of  the  most  beautiful  yellow  rose  extant  ?  It  is 
very  scarce,  but  where  is  such  a  rose  for  the  garden  or  greenhouse  as  the  inimitable  yellow 
Viscomtesse  de  Cazes  ?  R.  M. 

[There  is  scarcely  a  better,  but  the  gardeners  won't  let  it  be  much  known  because  it  is  so 
scarce.  We  v^ere  about  to  recommend  it,  but  Rosa  has  forestalled  us.  It  is  a  delicate  grower, 
with  a  deep  orange  colored  centre,  and  very  superb. — Ed] 


It  is  to  be  regretted  that  Sir  William  Hooker's  very  useful  Journal  of  Botany  has  ceased 
to  appear.  Under  one  form  or  another,  the  learned  author's  scientific  correspondence  has 
been  given  to  the  public  ever  since  the  year  1827,  and  the  loss  of  it  will  be  felt  too  soon. 
Nor,  indeed,  with  the  exception  of  the  Journal  of  the  Linnsean  Society,  and  Taylor's  Annals 
of  Natural  History,  does  there  now  remain  any  English  medium  through  which  short  papers 
on  systematical  botany  can  be  communicated  to  the  public. 


Mr.  Sowerby's  Grasses  of  Great  Britain  continue  to  appear  with  regularity.  Part  Third 
contains  figures  of  Phalaris  arundinacea,  Ammophila  arundinacea,  and  three  Phleums.  The 
letter-press  fully  justifies  the  favorable  account  formerly  given  of  it. 


Prof.  Ettinghausen  has  communicated  to  the  Imperial  Academy  of  Sciences  of  Vienna, 
a  paper  on  the  "Nervation  of  the  Leaves  of  Celastraceous  Plants."  In  this  memoir,  the 
learned  author  enters  minutely  into  the  distribution  of  veins  in  leaves,  reducing  them  to 
certain  tyjiical  forms,  thus  applying  his  principles  to  a  practical  purpose.  Ten  beautifully 
nature-printed  plates  of  leaves,  and  many  wood-cuts  prepared  by  the  same  ingenious  pro- 
cess, accompany  the  memoir. 


Close  upon  the  number  of  the  Flore  des  Serres  for  April  appears  that  for  May ;  so  that  the 
writer  is  making  up  his  arrears.  The  new  niimber  contains  several  excellently  drawn 
florist's  flowers  belonging  to  the  Rose,  the  Tree  Carnation,  Early  Tulips,  and  Hyacinths, 
together  with  a  representation  of  the  seed-vessel  of  a  Bootan  Rhododendron  called  macro- 
carpum,  measuring  three  inches  in  length.  The  editor  exclaims,  What  then  will  the 
flower  be  ? 


aossip*. 

In  the  Jardin  des  Plantes,  at  Paris,  is  a  sun-dial  bearing  this  inscription :  "Horas  nan 

numero  nisi  serenas"  (I  count  only  the  sunny  hours) — a  pretty  and  appropriate  motto.     The 
merry  mortal  forgets  that  even  sunny  hours  are  numbered  by  a  shadow ! 

It  is  well  to  know  and  remember  that  iron  railings  should  never  be  inserted  into 
stone  with  lead ;  the  action  of  the  atmosphere  keeps  up  a  galvanic  action  between  the  two 


metals,  ending  soon  in  destruction.  Zinc  is  better,  and  paint  formed  of  the  oxide  of  zinc 
preserves  iron  exposed  to  the  atmosphere  infinitely  better  than  the  ordinary  paint,  composed 
of  oxide  of  lead.  The  new  mode  of  immersing  iron  railings  and  wire  in  melted  zinc,  called 
galvanizing  it  (which  is  an  erroneous  but  convenient  term),  answers  a  very  good  purpose. 

The  electric  light  so  much  talked  of  lately,  was  tried  on  the  Thames,  to  light  the 

workmen  employed  on  the  new  "Westminster  Bridge,  and  with  a  result  that  appears  fatally 
objectionable.  Its  light  produces  shadows  so  very  black,  that  the  workmen  were  continually 
betrayed  in  their  movements,  and  fell  off  the  stages  into  the  water. 

AcHiMENES  IN  BASKETS. — For  the  decoration  of  a  stove  or  conservatory  during  sum- 
mer and  early  autumn,  we  know  of  no  more  useful  plants  than  Achimenes,  and  if  carefully 
removed  to  a  cool  temperature  as  soon  as  the  blossoms  expand,  and  shaded  during  bright 
sunshine,  they  will  remain  longer  in  beauty  than  in  a  hot  stove.  About  the  beginning  of 
February,  put  the  tubers  in  pans  iilled  with  light,  sandy  soil,  and  place  in  a  gentle  heat, 
where  they  soon  vegetate.  After  shoots  are  an  inch  long,  they  should  be  carefully  removed, 
selected,  and  finally  planted.  Employ  square  baskets  (eighteen  inches  by  six  inches), 
stuffed  with  sphagnum,  the  soil  within  composed  of  about  equal  parts  of  turfy  loam,  leaf- 
soil,  and  decomposed  manure,  with  a  liberal  admixture  of  sharp  silver  sand.  The  moss 
being  rolled  tightly  round  the  rim,  keeps  in  its  place  by  means  of  wire  pegs,  the  whole  being 
finished  off  with  the  shears.  Insert  the  plants  two  inches  apart,  water,  and  remove  to  a  pit 
with  a  light,  moist  atmosphere,  where  they  grow  freely.  Stop  at  the  second  and  fourth 
joints,  to  secure  compact,  bushy  specimens  ;  after  the  second  stopping,  then  stake,  and  the 
outer  row  of  plants  peg  close  over  the  rim  of  the  'basket.  At  same  time,  furnish  with  a 
top-dressing  of  thoroughly  decomposed  manure  mixed  with  silver  sand ;  after  that,  with 
the  exception  of  being  regularly  tied,  they  receive  the  same  treatment  as  before,  until  such 
time  as  they  should  flower,  when  they  are  removed  to  the  conservatory,  care  being  taken 
to  prepare  them  for  the  change  by  rendering  it  gradual.  When  all  are  fully  expanded,  they 
will  be  a  complete  mass  of  blossom  ;  in  short,  floral  balls.  All  varieties  are  not  alike 
adajpted  for  growing  in  baskets,  but  longiflora  and  its  varieties  may  be  used  with  safety. 

A  grand  National  Rose  Exhibition  is  to  be  held  in  London,  this  spring — the  first  of 

its  kind.     It  will  afford  a  fine  opportunity  for  making  a  selection. 

Lighting  mines  by  gas  is  now  practised  in  England,  where  its  importance  may  be 

inferred  from  the  fact  that  the  estimated  cost  of  oil  and  tallow  burnt  in  the  mines  of  Great 
Britain,  is  two  millions  and  a  half  of  dollars  per  annum.  In  one  Cornish  mine,  the  expense 
is  thirty-five  thousand  dollars  a  year.  Gas  has  been  forced  down  the  shaft  by  pressure — a 
depth  of  seven  hundred  and  eighty  feet — with  entire  success  to  the  operation. 


Answers  to  Correspondents. — (D.  P.  B.,  College  Hill,  Ohio.)  The  most  satisfactory  mode 
of  forming  a  plantation  for  shelter  or  screens  of  the  kind  you  mention,  is  to  plant  an  irregu- 
lar-formed strip  inside  the  boundary  line,  varying  from  ten  to  forty  feet  in  width,  and  setting 
it  quite  thick  with  young  trees,  chiefly  evergreens.  In  the  first  place,  let  the  ground  be 
well  broken  up  by  deep  and  thorough  ploughing,  and,  if  possible,  subsoiled.  Procure  trees 
of  a  small  size — say  from  one  foot  to  eighteen  inches  in  height — and  plant  from  three  to  six 
feet  apart ;  this  will  give  a  satisfactory  and  speedy  growth.  The  most  suitable  evergreens 
for  this  purpose  are  the  White  and  Austrian  Pines,  Norway,  Balsam,  and  Scotch  Firs,  Ameri- 
can Arbor- Vitse,  and  Hemlock  Spruce.  It  will  be  advisable  to  plant  about  one-third  of  tlie 
number  deciduous  trees,  such  as  any  of  the  free-growing  Poplars,  Maples,  Willows,  Larch, 
&c.     These  can  be  thinned  out  as  the  evergreens  grow  up. 

In  planting,  set  similar  kinds  in  small  groups,  which  will  produce  a  better  effect.  Of 
course,  the  individual  beauty  of  trees  cannot  be  developed  by  this  mode,  unless  they  are 
carefully  thinned  out  as  they  increase  in  size.     The  advantages  of  this  method  of  planting 


EDITOR'S  TABLE 


are  many ;  the  plants  being  young,  will  grow  at  once  with,  vigor,  and  they  can  be  procured 
at  a  low  cost  at  any  of  the  wholesale  nurseries.  Without  a  plan  of  your  grounds,  we  can- 
not be  more  definite.  We  would,  however,  advise  you  (and  we  would  extend  the  advice 
to  all  who  are  about  improving)  to  prepare  a  rough  plan  and  description  of  your  place,  and 
inclose  it  in  an  envelop  addressed  to  William  Saunders,  Landscape  Gardener,  Germantown, 
Pa.,  who,  by  his  writings  in  these  pages,  and  by  his  operations  in  various  parts  of  the  Union, 
has  shown  himself  to  be  a  master  of  his  art, 

A.  McClintock  wishes  to  have  a  hedge  of  Arbor-Vitse  both  thick  and  high.  This  will  not 
be  exactly  as  difficult  as  the  case  of  the  boy  who  wished  to  eat  his  cake  and  keep  it  also  ; 
but  it  will  require  a  little  time.  Cut  back  every  June  and  September,  leaving  the  tops  at 
each  clipping  a  little  longer  than  at  the  previous  one,  and  in  a  very  few  years  we  can  pro- 
mise you  one  of  the  most  practicable  hedges  known 'to  planters  ;  its  only  disadvantage  is, 
that  it  is  brown  in  winter.  Like  all  others,  it  demands  regular  attention.  If  one  could 
live  a  century  or  so,  a  hemlock  hedge  would  be  a  more  desirable  thing. 

Apple  Budding. — Will  you  or  some  of  your  correspondents  please  tell  me  how  it  will  do 
to  make  dwarf  apple-trees  by  budding  Paradise  apple  on  standard  and  then  working  apple 
on  the  Paradise  again  ?  I  have  some  now  budded  with  Paradise,  and  would  like  to  have 
the  advice  of  some  one  who  has  had  experience  before  working  good  fruit  on  them. 

J.  B.  R.,  California. 

[Have  any  of  our  correspondents  had  any  experience  ?  Many  thanks  for  the  "  Camas" 
and  "  Wappatoo"  seeds. — Ed.  H.] 

Berberis  Darwinii. — Rustic  Adornments. — (Amateur,  Watertown.)  Small  side-shoots  of 
B.  Darwinii  slipped  off  with  a  heel  strike  best  any  time  in  summer,  covered  with  a  bell- 
glass  and  kept  cool.  Perhaps  you  kept  your  slips  too  moist,  or  so  damp  that  they  rotted 
from  want  of  air  at  times. 

Charles  Brackett,  Rochester  (Indiana),  writes  as  follows  :  "  Inclosed  I  send  seeds  of  an 
ornamental  vine  which,  for  the  past  two  years,  has  appeared  on  the  Tippecanoe,  eight 
miles  above  town.  It  is  a  beautiful  thing.  My  attention  was  called  to  it  by  Bart  Hamlet, 
an  old  pioneer.  If  you  give  it  a  name,  let  it  be  named  after  old  Bart,  as  he  is  dead  now ; 
and  I  would  like  to  see  his  name  survive  him  in  this  beautiful  vine  which  he  brought  to 
my  notice.  Charles  Brackett." 

"  P.  S. — Bart  called  it  the  feather  vine.  Let  Dr.  Brinckle  try  some  of  the  seeds,  if  con- 
venient. C.  B." 

The  seeds  are  those  of  a  well  known  vine  (the  Clematis  virginiana),  and  yet,  being  well 
known,  there  should  be  no  reason  why  poor  Bart  Hamlet  should  not  be  forever  remembered 
for  calling  attention  to  it : — 

'■  And  what  so  poor  a  man  as  Hamlet  is 
May  do,  God  willing,  shall  not  lack." — Hamlet,  Act  1. 

The  first  player  says  to  Hamlet,  "  I  hope  we  have  reformed  that  indifferently  well,"  and 
so  we  would  reform  "  indifferently  well"  the  nomenclatures  of  the  botanists  who,  by  the 
way,  do  not  act  fairly  in  giving  the  names  of  plants  (and  pears)  to  their  friends  exclusively, 
else  should  we  have  fewer  hard  words.  Griesbreghtii  and  Warcszewickzii  should  yield  to 
Ophelii  and  Hamlettii  ;  and  we  therefore  hereby  authorize  Mr.  Brackett  to  christen  the 
Clematis  virginiana  with  a  shorter  name,  the  Hamlettii,  in  memory  of  "pioneer  Bart,"  dis- 
missing it  with  two  lines  from  Shakspeare  : — 

'^ Laertes.  Farewell,  Ophelia;  and  remember  well 
What  I  have  said  to  you." — Hamlet,  Act  1. 

(.Tames  Taylor.)     The  ashes  of  anthracite  coal  are  useful  to  some  fruit-trees,  as  the  cherry 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 

and  grape,  but  not  specially  to  garden  crops,  except  it  be  to  assist  in  disintegrating  the 
soil.  Apply  to  the  trees  by  top  dressing,  in  the  fall,  or  digging  it  in  in  spring.  Bituminous 
coal-ashes  contain  valuable  organic  manures  for  all  trees  and  shrubs,  and  especially  ever- 
greens. Unleached  wood-ashes  are  too  strong  for  most  of  your  garden  purposes  ;  leached, 
they  are  applied -with  great  advantage  to  onions,  peach-trees,  &c.,  and  as  a  top  dressing  for 
grasses,  especially  clover. 

As  usual,  various  inquiries  have  been  received  too  late  for  answer  the  current  month. 


Catalogues,  etc.,  received. — Cherry  Hill  Nursery,  Westchester,  Pa.,  spring  of  1858.  This 
circular  embraces  a  long  list  of  the  best  strawberry  plants,  priced,  and  trees,  Osage  Orange, 
Silver  Maples,  &c.  &c.     Joshua  Hoopes,  proprietor. 

Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruit  Trees,  Evergreens,  Roses,  &c.  &c.,  at  the  Columbus 
Nursery,  by  M.  B.  Bateham  &  Company,  1858.  An  admirable  Catalogue,  prepared  by  one 
of  the  best  informed  nurserymen  of  the  West. 

Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruits,  by  A.  Fahnestock  &  Sons,  Toledo  Nurseries,  Ohio,  for 
1858-59.  Every  description  of  fruit  that  thrives  in  the  climate  is  here  to  be  found,  with 
directions. 

J.  M.  Thorburn  &  Co.'s  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Vegetable  and  Agricultural  Seeds,  &c.. 
Garden,  Field,  Fruit,  &c.,  to  which  large  additions  have  been  made,  this  year,  of  tested 
novelties.     New  York,  1858. 

Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  Shrubs,  Roses,  &c.  &c.  For  sale 
by  Samuel  Cofman,  at  the  Spring  Grove  Nursery,  near  Carroll,  Fairfield  County,  Ohio,  for 
1857  and  1858.  A  very  full  descriptive  catalogue  of  a  large  and  varied  collection,  including 
strawberries  and  the  smaller  fruits. 

Illustrated  Catalogue  of  Microscopes,  &c.  &c.,  for  sale  by  James  W.  Queen,  924  Chestnut 
Street,  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Queen  has  a  fine  collection  of  philosophical  instruments,  specta- 
cles, &c.  &c.  We  have  lately  examined  and  tested  some  of  his  thermometers,  of  which 
he  has  an  extraordinary  variety,  and  found  them  correct.  Mr.  Q.  has  good  thermometers 
as  cheap  as  four  dollars  the  dozen,  very  neat  and  handsome ;  the  glass  tube  is  red,  which 
displays  the  mercury  readily  to  the  eye. 

Verbenas. — We  are  again  enabled  to  commend  the  annual  catalogue  of  Dexter  Snow,  of 
Chicopee,  Mass.,  who  first  inaugurated  the  system  of  devoting  his  attention  to  a  single 
speciality.  He  has  introduced  the  verbena  extensively,  sending  it  by  mail  or  express  with 
great  success,  and,  we  hope,  profit.  This  spring,  Mr.  Snow  offers  even  greater  facilities  than 
formerly,  and  enumerates  six  new  varieties  as  important  acquisitions,  viz  :  Madame  Abdt, 
Geant  des  Battailes,  Lady  Palmerston,  Celestial,  Le  Gondolier,  and  Charles  Dickens.  We 
advise  our  friends  to  inclose  a  stamp,  and  procure  Mr.  Snow's  sensible  catalogue,  in  which 
they  will  find  directions  for  cultivating  this  garden  favorite. 

Peabodt's  Prolific  Corn, — A  circular  setting  forth  the  extreme  value  of  this  corn  has 
been  received.  If  Mr.  P.'s  strawberry,  the  coming  season,  equals  the  picture  in  the  Patent 
Office  Report,  and  elsewhere,  we  may  "  acknowledge  the  corn." 


Jorlitttltttral  S0tifti^s. 

Michigan  State  Horticultural  Societt. — At  a  meeting  of  the  Standing  Fruit  Committee 
for  the  examination  of  seedlings,  it  was  resolved  to  recommend  for  trial  an  apple  presented 
by  B.  Hathaway,  of  Little  Prairie  Ronde,  under  the  name  of  Pawpaw  Seedling. 

Description. — Size,  medium.  Color,  red,  obscurely  striped.  Flesh,  yellowish,  a  little 
coarse,  juicy,  mild,  subacid,  sprightly.     Quality,  "very  good." 


editor's  table. 


The  following  persons  contributed  specimens  of  fruit  for  the  examination  of  the  Society  : 

A.  C.  Hubbard,  Detroit :  Jeremiah  Stanard,  Ionia  ;  Samuel  Johnson,  Kalamazoo  ;  J.  T.  Wil- 
son, Jackson  ;  D.  McKee,  Kalamazoo  ;  Joshua  Clemens,  Leoni ;  Geo.  W.  Taylor,  Kalamazoo  ; 

B.  Hathaway,  Little  Prairie  Ronde  ;  E.  Merrill,  Kalamazoo  ;  T.  T.  Lyon,  Plymouth  ;  George 
D.  Rice,  Kalamazoo ;  S.  S.  Cobb,  Kalamazoo :  A.  Buell,  Kalamazoo. 

The  thanks  of  the  Society  were  tendered  to  the  corporation  and  citizens  of  Kalamazoo, 
for  the  free  use  of  the  rooms,  tables,  fuel,  lights,  &c.,  during  their  sessions.     Adjourned. 

Hezekiah  G.  Wells,  President. 
T.  T.  Lyon,  Secretari/. 

List  of  Apples  recommended  by  the  Society  for  General  Cultivation. 


American  Summer  Pearmain — Amateur. 
Benorie — Market. 
Baldwin — All  purposes. 
Belmont — Do. 
Cooper — Market. 
Domine — Do. 

Early  Harvest — All  purposes. 
"      Strawberry — Amateur. 
Fameuse — All  purposes. 
Gravenstein — Do. 
Hawthornden — Market. 
Hubbardston  Nonsuch — All  purposes. 
Jonathan — Do. 
Keswick  Codlin — Market. 
Late  Strawberry — All  purposes. 
Lady — Amateur. 
Maiden's  Blush — All  purposes. 
Pippin,  Golden  (of  Michigan) — All  purposes. 
Pippin,  Fall — All  purposes. 
Swaar — Do. 

Seek-no-further  (Westfield) — All  purposes. 
Spitzenburg  (Esopus) — Do. 


Spitzenburg  (Flushing) — All  purposes. 

Spy,  Northern — Do. 

Yellow  Bellflower — Do. 

Peck's  Pleasant — Amateur. 

Poume  Gris — Do. 

Porter — All  purposes. 

Pearmain  (Herefordshire) — Amateur. 

Rhode  Island  Greening — All  purposes. 

Red  Astrachan — Market. 

Red  Canada — Do. 

Rambo — All  purposes. 

Russett,  Golden — Do. 

"        Roxbury — Market. 
Sine  Qua  Non — Amateur. 
Summer  Rose — Do. 
Summer  Queen — Cooking. 

"         Sweet  Paradise — Amateur. 
Sweet  Bough — All  purposes. 
Sweeting,  Jersey — Do. 

"  Spiced — Baking. 

"       ^  Talman— Do. 
St.  Lawrence — All  purposes. 


Beauty  of  Kent — Cooking. 
Duchess  of  Oldenburg — Market. 
Dyer — Amateur. 
Fall  Wine— Do. 
Hawley — All  purposes. 
Norton's  Melon — Amateur. 


List  of  Apples  that  Promise  Well. 
River — Amateur, 


Sweeting,  Golden — Stock. 
"         Bailey — Do. 
"  Danver's  Winter — Do. 

"  Ladies' — All  purposes. 


Gilliflower  Black. 

"  Striped. 

"  Scalloped. 

Alexander. 
Twenty-Ounce  Pippin. 


List  of  Apples  unworthy  of  Cultivation 
Pumpkin  Sweet. 
Romanite. 
Cheeseboro'  Russet. 
Pennock. 
Tewksbury  Blush. 

Recommended  for  Further  Trial. 
Green  Newtown  Pippin. 


The  Society  then  discussed  and  adopted  the  following  resolutions  : — 

Resolved,  That  this  Society  appreciates  the  horticultural  labors  of  Dr.  John  A.  Warder, 
and  that  we  look  with  much  interest  to  his  forthcoming  work  on  fruits,  and  that  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Society  be  requested  to  send  him  such  specimens  of  the  fruits  now  on  exhibition 
as  he  may  deem  proper,  correctly  labelled  for  his  inspection. 

Resolved,  That  this  Society  would  strongly  urge  the  necessity  and  propriety  of  laying  out 
specimen  grounds  upon  the  farm  of  the  State  Agricultural  College,  to  be  filled  up  with  fruit 
and  ornamental  trees,  shrubs,  and  plants,  to  be  used  as  guides  to  correct  nomenclature,  and 
for  the  exemplification  of  the  most  approved  modes  of  pruning  and  culture. 

Resolved,  That  this  Society  adopt  as  their  standard  of  nomenclature,  the  recently  revised 
edition  of  Downing's  Fruits  and  Fruit-Trees  of  America, 


editor's  table. 


U0tts  hx  i\t  Icntl]. 

MARCH. 

YINEYARD  CALENDAR. 

BY  R.  BUCHANAN,  CINCINNATI,  OHIO. 

Pruning  the  vines  should  be  finished  by  the  middle  of  this  month.  If  cut  at  a  later 
period,  thej  would  be  injured  by  bleeding,  or  flowing  of  the  sap.  The  method  of  pruning 
has  been  given  in  former  articles.  The  spur  and  bow  system  is  generally  adopted  when 
the  vine  is  trained  to  a  single  stake  ;  but,  on  trellises,  the  horizontal  and  bow-shaped  train- 
ing is  of  course  the  best.  Some  of  our  cultivators  are  now  trying  experiments  to  prevent 
mildew  and  rot,  by  long  training,  or  leaving  more  wood  than  formerly.  Others  have  no  faith 
in  that  remedy  for  diseases,  which  they  consider  mainly  atmospheric.  Stakes  may  be  driven 
the  latter  end  of  this  month,  when  the  frost  is  out  of  the  ground,  and  the  vines  tied  to  the 
stakes  with  willow  ties,  in  soft  weather,  when  the  vines  are  pliable,  and  will  not  break  by 
bending.     The  forenoon  is  the  best  part  of  the  day  for  this  purpose. 

It  would  be  too  soon  to  plough  or  hoe  the  vineyard  this  month,  unless  the  season  should 
be  unusually  early,  and  the  ground  warm  and  dry  towards  the  latter  end  of  the  month. 

The  Wise. — Keep  the  casks  bung  full,  and  the  bungs  tight.  Burn  sulphur  matches  in 
the  empty  casks,  and  drive  the  bungs  in  tight.  These  matches  are  cotton  or  paper  strips, 
about  an  inch  wide,  saturated  with  melted  brimstone.  Two  to  four  inches  to  each  cask, 
according  to  its  size,  will  be  sufficient.  The  strip  is  attached  to  a  wire  about  a  foot  long, 
and,  when  lighted,  held  in  the  cask  until  consumed,  and  the  bung  is  then  driven  in  tight. 

BY  ^YILLIAM  SAUNDERS,  GERMANTOWN,  PA. 

The  continued  open  weather  has  afforded  ample  opportunities-  for  preparing  the  soil 
and  forwarding  operations  for  early  spring  cropping.  The  value  of  such  crops  as  Onions, 
Peas,  Parsnips,  Potatoes,  &c.,  depends  very  much  upon  the  period  of  sowing  and  planting. 
Onion  seeds  sown  on  the  10th  of  March  have  produced  a  fine  crop  of  large  bulbs,  when,  from 
seed  sown  on  the  26th  of  the  same  month,  the  produce  was  only  fit  for  small  sets.  The 
potato  crop  cannot  be  relied  upon  unless  planted  early,  and  the  advantage  of  eight  or  ten 
days  in  spring  is  frequently  all  the  difference  between  failure  and  success.  It  is  necessary, 
however,  to  keep  in  view  that  tender  crops,  such  as  Lima  Beans,  Dwarf  Beans,  Corn,  Okra, 
&c.,  do  not  gain  by  being  planted  before  the  soil  has  attained  considerable  heat,  and  the 
atmospheric  temperature  warm  and  settled. 

Every  auxiliary  towards  getting  the  ground  in  early  working  condition  should  therefore 
be  resorted  to ;  such  as  throwing  the  surface  up  in  ridges,  and,  if  of  a  clayey  texture,  fre- 
quently turning  it  over,  that  it  may  be  the  more  thoroughly  penetrated  by  frost ;  and,  it 
should  further  be  remembered,  that  working  and  trampling  on  adhesive  soils  while  they 
are  wet,  will  render  all  previous  preparation  entirely  useless  ;  and  it  may  be  well  to  remind 
beginners  that  all  permanent  and  remunerative  improvement  in  tenacious  soils  must  be 
founded  upon  a  proper  system  of  under-draining. 

Flowek  GrARDEN. — The  flower  borders  should  be  forked  over  (not  dry  with  a  spade),  and, 
as  the  free-growing  herbaceous  plants  soon  extend  themselves  beyond  due  limits,  the  plants 
may  be  slightly  reduced.  A  dressing  of  guano,  at  the  rate  of  400  lbs.  to  the  acre,  will 
invigorate  growth.  Hardy  herbaceous  flowering  plants  have  been  much  neglected  in  modern 
flower  gardens.  In  a  future  number  we  may  give  a  list  of  such  as  are  most  desirable.  The 
lawn  will  also  be  benefited  by  an  early  application  of  guano,  so  that  the  spring  rains  may 
dissolve  and  carry  it  to  the  roots  of  the  grasses  ;  this  will  encourage  an  early  vigorous 
growth,  and,  in  connection  with  frequent  mowing,  will  form  a  close  turf,  able  to  withstand 
the  scorching  effects  of  long-continued  dry  weather. 

Greenhouse  and  Conservatory. — The  interior  of  ornamental  plant  structures  can  be  much 
improved  in  appearance  and  rendered  much  more  interesting  by  having  graceful  festoons 
of  climbing  plants  depending  from  the  roof.     A  series  of  curved  iron  rods  covered  with 


vines  produce  an  agreeable  effect,  and  break  up  the  usual  monotonous  internal  arrangement 
of  glass  houses.  Plants  for  this  purpose  may  be  planted  out  in  small  prepared  borders  or 
beds  of  soil,  but,  as  a  matter  of  convenience,  it  is  more  desirable  to  plant  them  in  pots  or 
boxes  of  suitable  dimensions,  which  can  be  placed  in  positions  where  their  appearance  will 
not  be  conspicuous.  The  limitation  of  root  room  is  also  of  advantage  in  causing  a  tendency 
to  flower,  and  diminish  the  luxuriance  of  wood  growth,  which  is  a  constant  source  of  an- 
noyance when  the  roots  have  unlimited  freedom.  There  are  many  hardy  climbing  plants 
well  adapted  for  such  situations  when  grown  in  pots.  The  Bignonia  Capreolata,  which  is 
rather  tender  for  northern  latitudes,  is  a  fine  evergreen  climber ;  so  is  the  sweet  yellow  Ca- 
rolina Jasmine,  Gelseminum  nitidam.  The  Akebia  quinata,  five-leaved  Akebia,  with  clus- 
ters of  small  blue  flowers  and  beautiful  foliage,  and  the  Chinese  Wistaria  are  also  very 
suitable.  Amongst  others  more  strictly  requiring  greenhouse  protection  may  be  mentioned 
the  following :  Ipomea  Learii,  and  I.  Horsfallii,  Bignonia  Lindleyii,  or  Picta,  as  it  is  named 
in  some  collections,  Passiflora  alata,  a  vigorous  grower,  P.  racemosa,  P.  Kermesina  and  P. 
Loudonii,  Tacsonia  manicata,  Lophospermum  Hendersonii,  Kennedya  prostrata,  K.  mono- 
phylla,  K.  Marryatta,  and  K.  nigricanus,  Sollya  heterophylla,  Tropseolum  Lobbiana  flowering 
all  the  winter,  Doliclios  lignosus,  Eccremocarpus  scabre,  and  Brachysema  latifolia.  Plants 
of  more  tender  constitution,  and  usually  grown  in  hothouses  (but  which  do  as  well  in  a 
greenhouse  when  attention  to  watering  during  winter  is  given,  requiring  to  be  kept  very 
dry,  that  is,  they  should  receive  no  more  water  than  sufficient  to  preserve  them  fi'om 
shrivelling  during  the  coldest  season),  are  the  following:  Maudevilla  suaveolens,  a  very 
choice  sweet-scented  flowering  plant,  Allamanda  cathartica,  Stephanotis  floribunda,  Big- 
nonia venusta,  Combretum  purpurea,  Hoya  carnosa,  and  H.  imperialis,  Schubertia  Graveo- 
lens,  and  Stigmaphillea  ciliata.  Much  of  their  beauty  depends  upon  the  care  and  skill 
exercised  in  training.  While  no  appearance  of  negligence  should  be  tolerated,  still  there 
should  appear  a  natural  freedom  of  growth  ;  this  will  in  some  measure  be  secured  by  tying 
in  only  such  shoots  as  are  strong,  leaving  secondary  laterals  to  hang  loosely  around. 
Climbing  plants  are  frequently  objected  to  on  account  of  their  harboring  insects,  and  the 
difiiculty  of  keeping  them  clean.  When  this  happens  they  should  be  pruned  severely  and 
the  plant  thoroughly  cleaned,  or,  which  is  one  of  the  advantages  of  having  them  in  pots, 
they  can  be  substituted  by  something  else. 

Pleasure  Ground  and  Shrubbery  Plantations. — The  repeated  failures  that  have  attended 
the  introduction  of  many  new  evergreen  trees  and  shrubs  is  a  matter  of  much  discourage- 
ment to  those  who  are  anxious  to  give  variety  to  their  ornamental  grounds.  Such  trees  as 
the  Cryptomeria  Japonica  and  Deodar  Cedar  ai'e  too  tender  for  this  latitude,  and,  indeed, 
all  to  the  north  of  the  Potomac.  It  is  true  that  isolated  instances  may  be  found  where  they 
stand  with  slight  injury,  but  that  no  dependence  can  be  placed  in  them  as  permanent  trees 
is  shown  by  the  fact  that,  after  growing  for  several  years  and  attaining  a  height  of  ten  or 
twelve  feet,  they  have  ultimately  succumbed.  Evergreen  shrubs  have  sutFered  the  same 
fate  ;  the  Aucuba  Japonica,  English  hollies.  Rhododendrons,  &c.,  have  not,  as  a  general  fea- 
ture, made  any  mark  in  our  pleasure  grounds.  Still  there  is  no  lack  of  material,  and  if,  as 
we  have  frequently  recommended,  we  would  plant  more  liberally  of  those  that  are  well 
known  to  be  perfectly  hardy,  we  might,  in  connection  with  thick  planting,  be  enabled  to 
succeed  with  those  choice  evergreen  shrubs  that  are  only  found  to  luxuriate  in  the  shelter 
of  larger  growths.  The  idea  of  allowing  each  tree  and  plant  suflicient  space  for  full  develop- 
ment is  one  of  the  principal  errors  with  inexperienced  planters  ;  their  lawn  is  dotted  over, 
and  all  immediate  and  ultimate  effect  destroyed.  It  may  be  questioned  whether  there  is 
not  more  real  beauty  in  the  combination  of  forms  than  in  individual  perfection  in  trees. 

A  fine  old  oak  is  an  object  of  admiration  when  standing  apart  from  its  fellows,  but  the 
varied  outline,  diversity  of  foliage,  and  numerous  curves  produced  by  a  group,  is  none  the 
less  pleasing.  This  is  a  subject  that,  however  tempting,  we  cannot  here  more  than  merely 
mention.  Ornamental  plantations  should  be  treated  as  entirely  distinct  from  the  lawn 
proper.  Let  a  portion  of  ground  be  set  apart  for  this  purpose,  and  thoroughly  trenched  and 
enriched,  then  plant  very  thickly  with  such  well  known  rapid  growing  trees  as  Norway  and 
Hemlock  spruce.  White  Austrian  and  Scotch  pines,  Arbor-vitaes,  Red  cedar,  &c.  When  these 
afford  a  sufficient  shelter  the  margins  may  then  be  filled  with  all  the  smaller  shrubs,  not 
omitting  that  valuable  shrub  the  Mahonia  aquifolia.  A  few  deciduous  undergrowths  may 
also  be  added.  The  lawn  will  then  admit  of  being  thoroughly  and  satisfactorily  maintained 
as  a  close  green  turfy  surface,  with  here  and  there  an  individual  tree  showing  full  develop- 
ment.    Variety,  combined  with  utility,  will  then  be  produced ;  but  the  planter  must  be 

bued  with  the  elements  of  beauty,  and  his  taste  cultivated  before  attempting  to  prod 
pleasing  future  effects. 


WATS01T1AI:RIDIF0LIA  fe  ^ar  FIlLGEJ^liA 


foliv  hui. 


•ening  paHies  .. 

•1.  and  yet  so  diilercii  • 
'vp  of  t4io  dinTTpre  •  " 


II 


N.S  :  Vol.  YU, 


gathers,  at  the  bidding  cxf  the  more  humble,  to  a  corn-husking  or  a  "  Bee,"  may 
enjoy  when  it  determines  so  to  do,  we  should  lay 'down  our  pen  contented  with 
the  feat. 

But  country  life  presents  all  and  more  of  the  obstacles  which  we  have  hinted  at. 
Once  we  were  a  guest  where  an  attempt  was  made,  by  an  amiable  and  hospitable 
host,  to  bring  together  his  leisured  neighbors,  and  to  form  a  social  dining  club, 
where  the  members  could  meet  once  a  week  and  be  social.  They  assembled  once, 
but  once  only  !  And  why  ?  The  dinner  was  all  that  a  dinner  ought  to  be,  and 
it  was  enlivened  by  the  good  humor  and  good  sense  of  all  present.  Why  was  it 
not  repeated  at  the  houses  of  the  guests  ?  There  was  no  good  reason.  Perhaps 
sickness  in  the  next  whose  term  had  been  fixed,  was  the  cause — indifference,  we 
could  scarcely  infer — but  the  affair  was  dropped,  and  clever  and  well  informed 
people,  who  could  see  the  smoke  ascend  from  each  other's  chimneys,  met  so  rarely 
that  it  was  almost  painful  to  meet. 

Depend  upon  it,  this  is  not  the  state  of  things  which  will  make  the  country  a 
desirable  residence.  People  who  shut  themselves  up  in  solitude — who  have  no 
taste  for  the  genial  social  afternoon  and  evening — who  partake  not  in  the  pleasures 
or  sorrows  of  their  fellows — are  not  neighbors  to  be  sought.  In  choosing  a  loca- 
tion to  build  your  earthly  mansion,  the  books  tell  you  all  about  the  advantages  of 
a  hill-side,  a  valley,  or  a  stream  ;  but  give  us  the  situation  where  social  life  is 
cultivated  with  at  least  as  much  eagerness  as  the  farm  or  the  garden,  and  where 
the  well  informed  are  unselfish  enough  to  surround  themselves  with  that  charity 
which  gives  a  portion  of  their  time  to  the  delights  of  social  intercourse. 

Too  often — ah  1  how  sadly  often — the  social  position  of  neighborhoods  is  broken 
up  by  a  single  error  of  one  or  other  party.     Misunderstandings  on  trivial  matters 
foreclose  for  life  the  pleasant  meetings  which  should  occur.     We  leave  this  portion 
of  our  topic  in  sorrow  for  the  fact,  and  with  a  single  quotation  : — 
"  Annoyances  and  trespasses  ivill  be, 
Which  'twere  as  well  thou  didst  not  cJioose  to  see ; 
By  gentle  bearing  prove  thy  gentle  blood — 
Shine,  thou,  the  mirror  of  good  neighborhood." 


LAYING    OUT   GARDENS,   ETC. 

Many  gardens  are  wholly  deficient  in  any  distinctive  character,  from  the  fact  of 
their  having  been  designed,  or  more  properly  jumbled  together  piecemeal,  without 
any  design  whatever.  It  cannot  be  denied  that  such  gardens  often  possess  many 
pleasing  features;  but,  from  the  incongruity  inseparable  from  such  an  arrangement, 
their  beauty  is,  for  the  most  part,  neutralized  or  entirely  lost.  It  is  hardly  too 
much  to  say  that  nothing  truly  beautiful,  as  a  whole,  ever  resulted  from  chance, 
and  a  garden  certainly  does  not  form  an  exception  to  the  rule.  Of  course,  it  is 
not  insisted  that  a  design  having  been  once  determined  on  should  be  adhered  to 
at  all  hazards ;  that  would  be  little  short  of  insanity,  because  many  circumstances 
will  often  present  themselves  for  consideration  in  the  working  of  it  out  which  will 
allow  of  a  modification  in  the  detail  with  great  advantage ;  but  with  the  principal 
features  there  should  be  no  change.  Presuming  that  these  will  be  the  result  of 
careful  consideration,  and  be  thoroughly  adapted  to  the  exigencies  of  the  case,  no 
partial  change  could  possibly  be  made  without  destroying  the  effect  of  the  whole, 
reducing  what  would  be  beauty,  order,  cougruity,  to  a  mere  chaos  of  discordant 
parts.  The  beauty  of  a  design  arises  in  a  great  measure  from  the  harmony  of  its 
several  parts  to  the  whole. 

Yet  the  great  source  of  pleasure  to  be  derived  from  a  garden  must  undoubtedly 


INSECTS — APHIDIPHAGI, 


consist  in  the  variety  of  its  subordinate  features,  and  in  the  various  objects  of  which 
they  are  composed;  but  there  must  be  design  in  their  arrangement  and  formation 
if  they  are  to  produce  all  the  pleasure  of  which  they  are  capable.  Yariety  and 
intricacy,  when  subject  to  order  and  design,  are  among  the  most  powerful  sources 
of  pleasure  to  the  senses  and  the  mind.  "Nothing,"  says  Allison,  in  his  Essay 
on  Taste,  "is  more  delightful  than  in  any  subject  where  we  at  first  perceived  only 
confusion  to  find  regularity  gradually  emerging,  and  to  discover  amid  the  apparent 
chaos  some  uniform  principle  which  reconciles  the  whole.  To  reduce  a  number  of 
apparent  dissimilar  particulars  under  our  general  law  of  resemblance,  as  it  is  one 
of  the  strongest  evidences  of  the  exertion  of  wisdom  and  design,  so  it  is  also  pro- 
ductive of  one  of  the  strongest  emotions  of  beauty  which  design  can  excite."  It 
is  not,  of  course,  to  be  understood  that  a  garden  is  at  any  time  to  appear  chaotic 
or  confused,  which  is  the  result  of  chance;  but  it  certainly  should  have  sufficient 
intricacy  to  stimulate  curiosity,  and  variety  enough  to  satisfy  that  curiosity  when 
excited. 

The  recognition  of  one  principal  feature  in  the  scenery  of  a  garden  must  not 
be  allowed  to  produce  monotony  in  the  subordinate  ones,  or  to  influence  their 
number.  Nor  indeed  need  it  do  so.  There  is  generally  some  one  point,  either 
from  the  windows  of  the  principal  rooms  or  from  some  situation  near  the  house, 
where  the  garden  as  a  whole  should  form  a  pleasing  view,  and  it  is  to  this  that 
especial  attention  should  be  given.  Supposing  the  point  of  view  to  be  elevated, 
as  it  should  be,  above  the  surface  of  the  garden,  as  from  a  terrace,  the  various 
parts  of  which  the  garden  is  composed — lawns,  shrubberies,  single  specimens  and 
groups  of  shrubs  or  trees,  flowers,  and  garden  ornaments — should  so  combine  as 
to  form  one  pleasing  and  symmetrical  whole.  This  symmetry  need  not  necessarily 
be  formality  or  mere  uniformity,  although  it  is  more  than  probable  that  the  imme- 
diate foreground  will  be  made  up  of  both  ;  but  the  several  parts  should  so  balance 
each  other  as  to  present  to  the  eye  a  symmetrical  and  pleasing  combination.  Every 
scene  or  object  to  be  embraced  by  the  eye  at  one  view  should  possess  symmetry, 
and  to  be  truly  beautiful  it  must  be  so.  Nature  is  ever  teaching  us  the  importance 
and  beauty  of  symmetry,  and  the  eye,  constituted  to  find  pleasure  in  that  quality, 
in  spite  of  all  the  abominations  in  form  with  which  false  or  perverted  tastes  have 
from  time  to  time  sought  to  allure  it  from  its  allegiance,  remains,  and  ever  must 
remain,  faithful  to  itself.  It  may,  and  often  does  put  on  the  spectacles  of  fashion, 
and,  for  a  time,  professes  to  be  charmed  with  the  abortions  revealed  to  it ;  but  of 
these  it  discards  to-morrow  what  it  professes  to  admire  to-day;  and  true  and 
faithful  to  its  earliest  love,  ever  returns  to  it  with  renewed  affection. 

Symmetry  is  not  necessarily  formality.  Both  are  beautiful  in  themselves,  but 
they  have  each  their  special  province,  and  must  not  be  confounded  together. 


INSECTS,   NO.    5.— ILLUSTRATED APHIDIPHAGI. 

BY  J.  STAUFFER,  MOUNT  JOY,  PA. 

Having,  in  our  last  article,  considered  several  species  of  plant  lice,  we  will  now 
consider  those  insects  known  to  feed  upon  the  aphids,  in  three  sections.  The  First, 
larvce  of  coleopterous  insects — the  Beetle  family ;  in  the  Second,  those  of  Neurop- 
tera,  and  also  the  Ichneumons,  which,  however,  do  not  feed,  but  oviposit  upon 
aphids,  and  are  classed  among  the  Hymenoptera ;  Section  Third,  those  of  dip- 
terous species,  or  two-winged  Flies. 

Sect.  I.  The  family  Coccinellidae,  comprised  of  about  twelve  genera,  among 
which  are  the  Coccinella — perhaps  twenty-six  species.     These  are  usually  of  a 


INSECTS — APHIDIPHAGI, 


red,  yellow,  or  orange  ground  color,  ornamented  with  black  spots,  varying  in 
number.  Others  are  black,  with  white,  red,  or  yellow  spots ;  they  are  smooth, 
and  very  pretty,  observed  by  every  child,  and  called  "lady  birds."  Common 
among  flowers  and  plants  in  our  gardens. 

Figs.  4,  5,  6,  and  7,  show  the  perfect  insect.     Fig.  3,  a  pupa  similar  to  those 
of  Chrysomela,  found  attached  to  leaves.     Fig.  11,  the  hatchet-shaped  terminal 

joint  of  the  maxillary  palpi.  Fig.  12,  the 
oblong  labium  and  bifid  mandible.  Fig.  13, 
the  pseudo-three-jointed  tarsi.  Fig.  10  is  a 
most  beautiful  insect  I  have  met  with — a  spe- 
cies of  Cassidadse,  or  Tortoise  Beetles  (?) ; 
this  had  the  centre  of  the  thorax  and  scutel- 
lum  of  a  burnished  gold  color,  the  centre  of 
the  elytra  reddish-orange,  the  external  margin 
of  the  elytra  and  thorax  of  a  delicately  veined, 
transparent,  pearly  border,  concealing  the  head, 
&c.  In  the  cabinet  they  lose  their  brilliancy. 
Fig.  9  is  without  spots — perhaps  Say's  Coc- 
cinella  normata.  They  are  difficult  to  name  ; 
hence,  without  first  comparing  those  and  others 
in  my  collection  with  a  well  arranged  cabinet, 
I  prefer  silence.  Figs.  1  and  2  are  the  larvas, 
so  destructive  to  aphids  that,  by  placing  a  few 
upon  an  infested  plant,  they  will  speedily  ex- 
terminate them.  The  parent  usually  lays  her 
eggs  in  clusters  among  the  aphids,  v^'here  they 
hatch,  and  find  their  food  at  hand. 

The  perfect  insect,  and  the  larvse,  as  also 
some  species  of  Chrysomela,  emit  a  viscid,  yel- 
low fluid,  which,  according  to  Dr.  Hirsch,  of 
Yienna,  when  bruised  with  the  finger,  imparts 
thereto  the  property  of  allaying  the  severest 
toothache,  by  simply  rubbing  the  teeth  and 
gums  with  it.  It  is  deemed  an  admirable 
specific,  and  that  the  efficacy  on  the  finger 
lasts  for  several  days,  M.  Y.  Audouin  states 
he  has  observed  the  union  of  individuals  of 
opposite  colors,  but  found  that  the  eggs  result- 
ing from  this  union  were  sterile. 

There  is  another  smaller,  blackish  beetle  of 
this  family,  usually  pubescent,  comprising  eigh- 
teen species,  known  as  Scymnus,  which  means  a  lion's  whelp,  and  the  larva3  dis- 
tinguished from  the  last  by  being  clothed  with  tufts  of  white,  down-like  hairs. 
Mr.  Harris  says  they  "  are  as  sanguinary  and  ferocious  as  the  most  savage  beast 
of  prey,"  "catching  and  devouring,  with  the  greatest  ease,  lice  nearly  as  large 
as  its  own  body,  one  after  another,  in  rapid  succession,  without,  apparently,  satis- 
fying its  hunger,  or  diminishing  its  activity  !"  This  reminds  one  of  Paddy's  greedy 
pig,  which,  after  devouring  a  bucketful  of  feed,  failed  to  fill  the  same  vessel, 
head,  bristles,  and  all. 

Sect.  11.  Hemerobiidse  (Lace-winged  Flies),  remarkable  for  the  golden  brilliancy 
of  its  prominent  eyes  (Fig.  7),  and  the  delicate  green  wings  of  our  Crysopaperla 
4).     Mr.  Harris  states  that  "  it  suspends  its  eggs  in  clusters  beneath  the 


leaves  where  plant-lice  abound."  I  have  not  found  any  so  suspended,  but  stand- 
ing erect  on  the  top  of  the  leaf  of  an  apple-tree,  on  a  rather  long  and  delicate 
stipe  (Fig.  8),  sometimes  in  clusters  like  minute  fungi.  Figs.  1  and  2,  the  larvae  ; 
Fig.  1,  greatly  magnified,  is  of  a  dark,  purplish-lead  color,  beautifully  ornamented 
with  orange  yellow  spots ;  head  rather  broad  in  front,  yellowish,  with  two  black, 
longish  spots  on  its  middle.  The  mandibles  are  long,  curved,  and  pointed,  grooved 
beneath,  in  which  the  maxilla  are  concealed,  enabling  them  to  hold  and  suck  their 
prey.  The  "jaws  are  not  perforated  with  a  hole,"  as  stated  by  Mr.  Harris ;  this 
is  a  mistaken  view  of  older  writers  than  Mr.  H. 

•  By  opening  excrescences  common  on  the  elm,  infested  by  a  species  of  Erisoma, 
I  have  frequently  found  this  larva  in  their  midst,  like  a  wolf  among  a  flock  of 
sheep,  making  havoc  to  their  utter  extermination.  The  pupa  I  have  not  seen, 
but  copy  that  of  the  Hemerobius  merdiger  (Fig.  3)  escaping  from  its  net-veined 
cocoon,  about  the  size  of  a  pea.  Such  is  the  case,  also,  with  our  species,  I  infer. 
Figs.  5  and  6  are  two  species  of  minute  Ichneumons — captured  while  engaged  at 
ovipositing  upon  the  aphids  on  the  cabbage — called  blight,  A.  brassica  (Fig.  5), 
and  its  wing  ;  this  has  a  brilliant  gold  bronze  thorax  and  abdomen  ;  the  antennae, 
short,  clavate.  The  other  had  long,  filiform  antennae.  Those,  again,  have  their 
parasites,  a  species  of  Chalcididae ;  are  said  to  deposit  their  egg  into  the  maggot 
of  the  Ichneumon  already  preying  upon  the  vitals  of  the  Aphid,  thus  producing 
a  maggot  within  a  maggot  within  so  minute  a  carcass.  This  reminds  one  of  Mr. 
Stephen's  quaint  couplet  in  his  Illustrations,  vol.  vii.,  which  says  : — 

"  Great  fleas  and  little  fleas  liave  smaller  fleas  to  bite  'em, 
The  smaller  fleas  have  lesser  fleas — so  on,  ad  infinitum.''^ 

Sect.  III.  Family  Syrphid^e.  These  are  gayly  colored  flies,  frequenting  flowers, 
and  sporting  themselves  in  rapid  motions.  Some,  like  the  Volucella,  often  mis- 
taken for  Bombi  themselves,  lay  their  eggs  in  the  nests  of  Bombi  and  Vespse. 
Fig.  8,  the  larvae.  Fig.  9,  the  plumose  antennae  of  the  fly.  Figs.  2,  3,  and  4, 
are  those  which  deposit  their  eggs  in  the  midst  of  the  aphids.  Fig.  1  represents 
the  oddly-shaped  larvse,  without  legs  or  eyes  ;  they  project  their  attenuated  end, 
armed  with  a  mouth  and  triple-darts,  and  seize  upon  an  aphid,  elevate,  and  suck 
its  juices.  A  number  will  speedily  rid  a  plant,  strewing  the  ground  with  the 
carcasses  of  their  victims.  When  ready  to  undergo  their  change,  they  attach 
themselves  by  means  of  a  glutinous  secretion  ;  when  the  body  contracts  and  har- 
dens, the  pupa  is  then  formed  within  the  skin  of  the  larva.  Fig.  5  is  the  antennae. 
Fig.  6,  the  mouth  of  the  perfect  insect. 

Much  has  been  written  on  this  subject  by  men  of  science — enough  to  fill  a  volume 
— but  this  must  suffice,  as  it  has  already  become  too  lengthy.  We  have  now 
considered  the  natural  means  provided.  The  artificial  means  to  be  employed  for 
their  destruction,  consist  in  fumigation  with  sulphur  and  tobacco,  for  those  in 
greenhouses,  where  a  moist  atmosphere  is  requisite.  By  bending  over  the  ends 
of  branches  infested,  and  holding  them  a  few  minutes  in  warm  soapsuds,  is  good. 
The  brine  from  pickled  pork,  and  the  liquid  remaining  after  making  hard  soap, 
applied  to  the  roots  of  hardy  plants  infested,  is  good.  Scrubbing  trees  with  a 
stiff  brush  and  a  solution  of  potash  in  spring;  scraping  off  the  loose  bark  from 
fruit-trees,  down  to  the  ground,  uncovering  a  portion  of  the  roots,  and  filling 
the  chinks  with  grafting  cement ;  replacing  with  fresh  earth  ;  or  melt  equal  parts 
of  resin  and  fish-oil  together,  and  apply  it  warm  with  a  brush.  Syringing  with 
pure  water  will  clear  rose  bushes  from  the  A.  rosea.  To  conclude,  I  would  recom- 
mend the  reading  of,  and  considering,  the  10th  and  11th  verses  of  the  third  chapter 
of  Malachi. 


HYBRIDIZING  THE  VINE,  ETC. 

HYBRIDIZING    THE   YINE,  ETC. 

BY  WM.  N.  WHITE,  ATHENS,  GEORGIA. 

I  SHOULD  have  preferred  waiting  until  it  was  again  in  blossom  before  discussing 
further  the  practicability  of  hybridizing  the  vine,  as,  with  its  floral  organs  before 
them,  your  readers  could  then  decide  for  themselves  as  to  the  difficulty  or  ease 
with  which  it  could  be  effected.  But  as  some  interest  seems  to  be  felt  in  the 
matter,  I  will  state  more  fully  my  views,  which  they  can  verify,  if  correct,  at  that 
time.  Meanwhile,  those  of  them  that  have  access  to  the  article  "  Botany"  in  the 
new  edition  of  the  Encyclopcedia  Britannica,  or  to  Gray's  Botanical  Text-Boole, 
can  get  a  very  good  idea  of  the  structure  of  the  vine  blossom  from  the  enlarged 
figures  there  given. 

That  the  vine  cannot  be  hybridized,  is  of  course  like  any  other  negative  propo- 
sition, scarcely  possible  to  be  proved;  and  that  it  is  nearly  impossible,  is  nearly 
as  difficult  to  establish.  It  will  perhaps  not  be  so  difficult  to  make  evident,  that 
if  Mr.  Rogers,  as  appears  from  your  last  issue,  has  succeeded  in  this,  he  has  been 
very  fortunate  ;  that  if  these  vines  produced  (being  true  hybrids),  and  set  their 
fruit  well,  and  seed  freely,  it  is  remarkable  ;  and  should  their  fruit  prove  valuable, 
and  they  be  brought  into  general  cultivation,  it  will  be  the  first  instance  of  the 
kind  in  history,  and  I  for  one  congratulate  him  on  his  success,  if  he  has  really 
succeeded. 

The  question  is  not  one  of  cross-hreeding  merely,  or  the  fertilization  of  one 
variety  by  the  pollen  of  another  variety  of  the  same  species  (itself  a  difficult  mat- 
ter in  the  vine,  as  I  think),  but  the  interviixtiire  of  species  themselves.  Whatever 
success  Knight  had  in  his  experiments,  was  not  in  hybridizing,  but  in  cross-breed- 
ing. The  only  hybrid  fruit  that  I  remember,  was  his  almond  peach,  which  was 
good  for  nothing. 

The  controverted  point  in  the  report  of  the  Georgia  Committee  is  the  observa- 
tion of  Le  Conte  :  "  Although,  among  some  families  of  plants,  hybrids  occur 
naturally,  or  may  be  formed  artificially,  yet  it  is  difficult  to  understand  how  this 
can  ever  be  the  case  in  the  genus  Yitis.  In  forming  a  hybrid,  it  is  necessary  to 
emasculate  the  flower  we  wish  to  produce  fruit,  and  to  impregnate  its  pistil  with 
the  pollen  of  some  other  species.  This  is  impossible  in  the  present  instance,  on 
account  of  the  minuteness  of  the  flower  and  its  parts  of  fructification,"  together 
with  the  additional  remark  of  the  Committee  :  "  Nor  is  this  all.  He  might  have 
added  another  difficulty.  The  petals  are  caducous,  and  cohere  at  their  tips,  form- 
ing a  little  cap,  which,  in  the  act  of  falling  off  whole,  draws  over  from  one  side 
or  the  other,  almost  invariably,  the  pollen  from  its  own  stamens  upon  the  pistil. 
The  chances  then  are  that  the  operator  on  so  minute  a  flower,  in  the  act  of  remov- 
ing this  cap,  and  then  the  stamens,  would  already  have  fertilized  the  pistil  before 
applying  the  pollen  of  the  species  or  variety  selected.  We  would  not,  however, 
assert  that  hybridization,  naturally  or  artificially,  is  absolutely  impossible,  but 
nearly  so,"  &c. 

It  is  true,  this  cap  is  easily  removed.  Dr.  C.  W.  Grant  informs  me  that  he  has  also 
found  no  great  difficulty  in  taking  out  the  stamens,  or  in  applying  the  pollen,  which 
he  has  done  repeatedly ;  but  the  operation  succeeded  only  so  far  as  to  render  the 
action  of  its  own  pollen  abortive.  The  florets  operated  upon  produced  no  fruit, 
and  the  cause  of  this  sterility  lies  undoubtedly  in  the  parts  of  the  floret  being 
so  minute  that  he  could  not  remove  the  stamens  without  injury  to  the  sti 
Indeed,  the  minuteness  of  the  parts  may  be  judged  from  this  :    After  w 


noticed  that  the  species  rotundifolia  was  six-petalled,  it  required  close  scrutiny 
with  good  eyes  to  determine  whether  there  were  really  six  stamens  or  but  five, 
without  separating  them  ;  and  where  the  eye  can  scarcely  distinguish,  it  is  difficult, 
certainly,  for  the  hand  to  manipulate. 

Another  difficulty  in  hybridization  is,  that  the  blossoms  of  the  foreign  grapes 
(at  least  with  us)  open  much  earlier  than  our  native  species  ;  but  this  is  not 
insuperable,  as  the  pollen  may  be  kept  some  time. 

But,  after  all,  when  the  whole  manipulation  has  been  performed,  the  pollen 
applied,  and  when  fertilization  follows,  there  is  no  certainty  that  there  has  been  a 
true  cross.  Gaertner,  the  best  authority  on  hybridization  as  far  as  observation  on 
experiment  could  qualify  one,  says  that,  in  any  plant,  "the  influence  of  its  own 
pollen  is  so  preponderant  over  even  that  of  a  great  mass  of  foreign  pollen,  that 
a  microscopic  quantity  of  its  own  can  annihilate  that  of  the  other."  Again  : 
"The  fact"  (says  De  Candolle,  Veg.  Physiologie,  p.  705)  "which  the  experiments 
of  Kohlreuter  have  best  demonstrated  is,  that  the  smallest  quantity  of  pollen  is 
sufficient  for  fecundation.  Hence  arises  one  of  the  great  difficulties  of  hybridizing, 
as  when  a  stigma  has  been  acted  upon  by  its  own  pollen,  it  is  not  susceptible  of 
being  fertilized  by  another  species."  The  same  author  also  states  (page  479)  that 
"  in  many  genera,  fecundation  executes  itself  in  the  unexpanded  bud,  or  at  the 
moment  of  expansion,  or  in  the  shelter  of  certain  special  integuments,  as  the  cohering 
petals  of  the  vine.''''  Let  it  at  the  same  time,  in  this  connection,  be  remembered 
that  when  the  stigma  of  any  floret  is  in  a  fit  state  to  receive  the  pollen  of  another 
species,  its  own  pollen  is  also  in  a  fit  state  to  fertilize  it.  Bearing  the  above  facts 
in  mind,  I  for  one  do  not  feel  inclined  to  change  my  opinion,  already  expressed, 
that  "the  chances  then  are  that  an  operation  on  so  minute  a  flower,"  or  one  where 
the  parts  are  so  near  each  other,  "in  the  act  of  removing  this  cap,  and  then  the 
stamens,  would  have  already  fertilized  the  pistil,"  &c.  Mr.  Rogers  made  his 
experiments  "  when  the  blossoms  on  the  native  vine  had  begun  to  open  ;^^  then  "  a 
few  clusters  were  selected  on  which  to  operate  from  those  most  forivard,  and  nearly 
ready  to  open."  If  the  operation  was  so  carefully  performed  as  not  to  injure  the 
stigma,  it  is  probable  that,  in  any  ordinary  vine,  it  would  have  been  self-fertilized  ; 
but  as,  in  this  variety,  only  from  four  to  eight  berries  are  found  ordinarily  to  set,  it 
is  probable  he  was  so  fortunate  as  to  happen  upon  a  variety  in  which  the  anthers 
are  frequently  or  generally  imperfect  in  most  of  the  florets,  while  the  stigma  was 
in  its  normal  condition.  Such  being  the  case,  those  in  which  the  anthers  were 
perfect  probably  did  not  hybridize,  and  of  course  showed  the  native  leaf  in  the 
seedling  produced,  while,  with  a  portion,  I  am  inclined  to  think  a  cross  of  species 
loas  effected,  especially  as  the  process  seems  to  have  been  conducted  with  extra- 
ordinary care.  There  then  may  have  been  an  exceptional  case,  but  we  are  con- 
fident that  every  one  of  the  readers  of  the  Horticidturist  will,  after  examining  the 
florets  of  the  vine  for  themselves,  agree  that  it  presents  unusual  obstacles  to  the 
hybridizer. 

That  hybridizing,  in  general,  is  of  itself  no  easy  matter,  we  shall  show  in  another 
article. 


A    WORD    FOR   EVERGREENS. 

BY  THE  REV.  A.  D.  GRIDLET,  CLINTON,  N.  Y. 

It  is  a  little  remarkable  that  no  more  attention  is  given,  in  our  country,  to  the 
planting  of  evergreens.  In  England,  where  the  winters  are  shorter  and  less 
severe,  this  work  is  pursued  with  great  enthusiasm.     Only  six  or  eight  species 


are  indigenous  there  ;  yet  zealous  planters  have  traversed  the  globe  in  quest  of 
new  varieties,  and  have  now  acclimated  in  that  little  island  upwards  of  seventy. 
Our  own  country  has  more  native  Conifers  than  any  other,  and  our  climate  favors 
the  introduction  .of  many  from  foreign  lands;  yet  these  treasures  are  compara- 
tively unappreciated  by  us  ;  so  that,  what  has  been  said,  in  general,  of  our  in- 
digenous trees  and  shrubs  (that  "  one  must  travel  to  Europe  to  see  the  best  col- 
lections of  them"),  is  unquestionably  true  of  our  evergreens.  Perhaps  their  very 
commonness  has  something  to  do  with  our  indifference  for  them.  Perhaps  the 
national  character  has  not  yet  outlived  the  wood-chopping  era,  and  still  looks 
upon  forest-trees,  and  evergreens,  in  particular,  as  signs  of  primitive  desolation 
and  barbarism. 

To  some  eyes,  evergreens  have  a  melancholy  aspect,  especially  so  in  winter. 
The  harping  of  the  winds  through  their  leaves  is  to  them  a  sound  of  wailing. 
Their  branches  ermined  with  snow,  are  painful  reminders  of  departed  summer ; 
the  trees  seem  to  have  been  caught  and  overpowered  by  winter,  and  to  struggle 
pitifully  against  surrounding  horrors  and  gloom,  wholly  unable  to  dissipate  them. 
This  feeling,  of  course,  is  very  much  a  matter  of  taste,  which  reasoning  can  do 
little  to  change.  But  it  may  properly  be  questioned  whether  the  prevailing  sad- 
ness of  the  wintry  season  has  not  been  transferred  unconsciously,  but  ungene- 
rously, to  the  trees  themselves,  which  tend  to  give  that  season  a  look  of  cheerful- 
ness. Alas  !  for  us,  if  that  which  was  designed  to  be  a  beautiful  compensation  for 
an  admitted  evil,  is  made  a  sad  suggester  of  the  evil  itself!  We  also  surmise  that 
this  prejudice  has  arisen  chiefly  from  the  sight  of  the  sickly,  one-sided  specimens 
of  Balsam  Fir  with  which  our  front  yards  and  our  door-yards  have  so  long  and 
so  exclusively  been  planted.  One  who  has  seen  the  rich  variety  of  evergreens 
now  being  introduced  into  cultivated  grounds,  here  and  there,  can  hardly  com- 
plain of  their  monotony.  The  waving  plumes  of  the  lordly  pines,  the  aspiring 
cones  of  the  stately  spruces,  the  dense,  browsy  masses  of  the  symmetrical  arbor- 
vitse,  the  feathery  and  pendulous  branches  of  the  ever-verdant  hemlock,  the  neat, 
tapering  shafts  of  the  silvery  juniper — surely,  there  is  no  lack  of  beauty  and 
variety  here. 

It  will  be  found  true,  we  think,  that  those  who  have  no  liking  for  evergreens, 
are  generally  the  young  and  frivolous.  Deciduous  trees  are  more  to  their  taste, 
being  expressive  of  lightness  and  gayety.  Thoughtful  men,  and  those  of  advanced 
years,  prefer  the  soberer  tints  and  the  steadfast  verdure  of  evergreens ;  yet  the 
foliage  of  those  trees  is  not  so  steadfast  as  to  be  unvarying.  Who  has  not  ob- 
served the  air  of  freshness  it  assumes  on  the  opening  of  spring  ?  And  then,  in 
early  summer,  the  new  growth  vies  in  beauty  with  the  foliage  of  other  trees  ;  the 
pines  and  spruces  sending  out  soft,  yellow  tufts — the  one  shooting  upward,  the 
other  hanging  down,  and  enlivened  with  the  delicate  pink  cones  of  the  tree  ;  the 
firs,  with  bluish-gray  tufts  and  ascending  cones  ;  and  the  hemlocks,  fairest  of  all, 
"  every  finger-tip  of  their  outspread  palms  thimbled  with  gold,  and  every  tree 
looking  as  if  all  the  sunsets  that  had  ever  been  steeped  into  its  top,  were  oozing 
out  of  it  in  drops."  And  besides,  who  has  not  observed  the  pleasing  effect  which 
evergreens  give  to  the  pale  green  leaves  of  deciduous  trees  in  spring  ?  also,  the 
depth  of  tone  which  their  peculiar  forms,  colors,  and  foliage,  impart  to  groups  of 
trees,  even  in  midsummer — an  effect  which  can  be  gained  by  no  possible  combina- 
tion of  deciduous  trees  ;  also,  the  fine  background  they  furnish  to  flowering  shrubs 
and  plants;  the  richness  they  add  to  the  kaleidoscope  of  autumn,  and  the  height- 
ened beauty  they  give  to  trees  and  shrubs  which  retain  their  scarlet  and  crimson 
berries  throughout  the  winter  ? 

In  the  view  of  the  writer,  one  of  the  strongest  arguments  for  a  liberal  planting 


of  conifers  about  a  country  residence,  is  the  cheerful  air  they  lend  to  a  home 
daring  the  spring  and  autumn.  There  is  a  month  or  six  weeks  in  spring,  after 
the  snow  has  disappeared,  before  deciduous  trees  put  forth  leaves.  The  grass  is 
green  upon  the  lawn  ;  the  early  bulbs,  and  a  few  other  plants,  are  in  blossom  ; 
the  birds  are  singing;  bees  are  humming ;  while  yet,  the  trees  are  as  naked  as  in 
winter.  Introduce,  now,  a  variety  of  evergreens  on  all  sides  of  that  lawn,  and 
you  give  the  place  a  summery  look  at  once.  So  in  the  autumn.  After  deciduous 
trees  have  shed  their  leaves,  there  is  often  a  period  of  six  weeks  or  two  months 
when  a  country  place,  otherwise  desolate,  needs  only  a  good  supply  of  evergreens 
to  prolong  the  season  of  verdure.  Plant  the  grounds  liberally  with  such  trees, 
keep  the  grass  and  walks  in  good  order,  and  in  the  hazy  light  of  a  warm  day  in 
November,  we  could  find  perhaps  as  much  enjoyment  there  as  amid  all  the  leafy 
pomp  of  summer.  We  could  not,  indeed,  plant  our  grounds  wholly,  nor  even 
chiefly,  with  evergreens.  Trees  of  this  kind  should  be  sufficiently  numerous  to 
make  the  place  pleasant,  even  when  other  trees  are  leafless  ;  yet  deciduous  trees 
should  so  abound  as  to  give  the  premises  a  new  and  heightened  charm  during  the 
vernal  season.  As  among  ornamental  shrubs,  those  are  the  most  desirable  whose 
foliage  is  persistent  and  fresh  throughout  the  summer,  and  which  take  on  new 
attractions  when  in  flower,  so  a  country-place  is  best  planted  when  it  has  evergreens 
sufficient  in  its  composition  to  make  it  always  cheerful,  yet  has  also  deciduous 
trees  enough  to  give  it  additional  beauty  on  the  opening  of  summer. 

Not  the  least  argument  for  evergreens  is  the  sense  of  protection  and  comfort 
they  afford  to  a  country  residence.  Here,  use  and  beauty  are  happily  combined, 
the  use  itself  becoming  an  element  of  beauty.  The  value  of  evergreens  as  a  pro- 
tection during  the  stormy  months  of  the  year,  can  hardly  be  over-estimated.  In 
all  situations,  but  especially  on  elevated  sites,  the  winds  batter  in  pieces,  and  often 
kill,  flowering  plants  ;  they  nip  the  buds  of  fruit-trees,  and  break  down  and  muti- 
late choice  ornamental  trees.  Considering  that  it  is  chiefly  the  violence  of  the 
winds,  and  not  the  severity  of  the  cold  that  harms  our  plantations,  we  see  the 
importance  of  giving  them  suitable  shelter.  Surround  a  bleak  spot  with  a  belt, 
or  with  scattered  groups  of  evergreens,  and  the  effect  will  be  at  once  perceptible. 
You  may  then  plant  the  finest  trees  upon  the  glade  behind  them,  and  they  will 
grow  erect  and  unmarred  ;  the  choicest  shrubs  and  most  delicate  plants  will  de- 
velop all  their  beauty  of  leaf  and  flower  ;  fruit-trees  will  grow  luxuriantly,  their 
blossoms  will  not  be  blighted,  and  their  fruit  will  hang  to  the  stem  until  it  is  fit 
for  the  planter's  use.  And  would  not  the  presence  of  a  goodly  number  of  such 
trees  prevent  the  frost  from  penetrating  the  ground  as  deep  as  it  would,  if  left 
naked  to  the  winds  ?  Certain  it  is,  that  when  planted  on  the  exposed  sides  of 
dwellings,  they  protect  them  sensibly  from  the  blasts  of  winter,  and  cheat  the  cold 
season  of  half  its  dreariness.  They  may  make  little  difference  in  the  temperature 
as  marked  by  the  thermometer,  yet  they  break  the  force  of  the  wind,  subdue  its 
angry  tones,  and  prevent  it  from  rushing  in  at  every  cranny  and  crevice  of  the 
building.  They  give  the  premises  without  a  sheltered  and  warm  aspect,  even  in 
the  severest  weather,  and  make  out-door  labor  and  recreation  comfortable  and 
pleasant.  The  quiet,  home-like  look  of  such  a  place,  as  well  as  its  actual  comfort, 
is  a  strong  argument  for  the  liberal  planting  of  evergreens. 

Thus  much  for  the  beauty  and  usefulness  of  this  class  of  trees.     Let  us  now 

enumerate,  as  well  as  we  can,  the  leading  hardy  varieties.     And  here  it  is  in  place 

to  remark,  that  several  varieties  which  were  considered  hardy,  a  few  years  ago, 

must  now  be  ranked  as  tender.     For  example,  before  they  had  been  fully  tested. 

Cedar  of  Lebanon,  Deodar  Cedar,  Himalayan  Spruce,  Picea  WebUana,  and 

cephalonica,  Torreya  taxifolia,  Araucaria  imhricata,Cryptomena  japo7iica,  and 


others  with  still  harder  names,  were  classed  by  sanguine  amateurs  as  "perfectly 
hardy."  Some  of  them,  perhaps,  had  been  sadly  frost-bitten,  and  others  killed 
outright,  by  the  winter;  but  that  was  owing  merely  to  some  mistake  in  planting, 
or  to  an  unsuitable  location,  or  to  the  severity  of  the  season,  or  to  a  want  of 
familiarity  with  the  vicissitudes  of  our  climate — a  pardonable  fault,  surely,  in 
newly-landed  foreigners  !  But  somehow  or  other,  those  mistakes  have  continued 
to  be  made.  The  location  and  soil  are  only  seldom  just  right ;  trying,  "  peculiar," 
"  unprecedented"  winters  continue  to  succeed  each  other,  and  the  natives  of  warmer 
countries  persist  in  being  pinched  by  our  hyperborean  climate.  Here  and  there, 
a  persevering  arboriculturist  manages,  by  dint  of  draining  and  blanketing,  to  carry 
a  few  shivering,  adopted  citizens  through  several  winters  ;  but  they  come  out  each 
successive  spring  with  the  loss  of  several  limbs,  or  of  their  heads,  and,  after  that, 
their  life  isn't  worth  much.  All  honor  to  such  enterprising  planters  1  They  de- 
serve the  thanks  of  their  countrymen  for  their  difficult  and  often  costly  experi- 
ments.    We  can  appreciate  somewhat  the  feelings  of  those  who 

"  With  unsparing  hand, 
Would  cull  the  beauties  of  each  land. 
And  blend  them  in  one  favored  spot." 

We  are  not  wholly  strangers  to  the  delight  of  carrying  safely  through  the  winter 
trees  indigenous  to  milder  latitudes.  "  Stolen  waters  are  sweet."  And  with  those 
who  have  the  means  and  leisure  for  this  pastime,  we  can  find  no  fault ;  but  as  for 
calling  such  trees  "  hardy,"  and  recommending  them  for  general  planting,  what 
sane  mind  can  do  it  ?  There  are  hardy  evergreens,  both  native  and  foreign,  and 
sufficient  in  variety  to  satisfy  any  reasonable  taste ;  those  which  long  experience 
has  proved  to  be  hardy  in  the  latitude  of  Central  New  York,  and  to  deserve 
general  recommendation,  are  chiefly  the  following,  and  named  in  the  order  of  their 
excellence  : — 

1.  Norway  Spruce. — We  place  this  first  not  only  because  of  its  beauty,  but  for 
its  superior  hardiness,  rapidity  of  growth,  the  ease  with  which  it  may  be  trans- 
planted, and  the  freshness  of  its  color  at  all  seasons  of  the  year.  Its  foliage  is 
heavier  and  less  rigid  than  that  of  its  American  cousin.  Its  limbs  sometimes  take 
a  drooping  and  graceful  sweep,  and  the  shorter  side-branches  hang  down  like  rich 
fringes  or  tresses,  in  an  exceedingly  pleasing  manner.  It  is  a  beautiful  tree  when 
young,  every  year  improves  it,  and,  in  old  age,  it  is  truly  venerable.  It  makes 
an  excellent  lawn-tree,  and  answers  well  for  groups,  and  belts,  and  hedges.  It 
is  fast  becoming  a  popular  rival  of  the  old-fashioned  Balsam  Fir.* 

2.  The  Hemlock. — This  tree  is  more  impatient  of  removal  than  the  last-men- 
tioned, is  slower  in  growth,  and  though  perfectly  hardy,  the  extremities  of  its 
twigs  are  sometimes  slightly  damaged  by  the  winter  winds.  Otherwise,  it  deserves 
the  first  place  on  our  list.  Its  foliage  is  dense,  yet  feathery  and  graceful,  and  re- 
tains its  color  fresh  throughout  the  year.  Whatever  charges  of  stiff"ness  and  mono- 
tony may  be  brought  against  other  evergreens,  none  can  be  sustained  against  this. 
Its  branches  do  not  shoot  out  stiff  like  rods  from  the  trunk,  but  each  one  has  a 
slender  and  flexible  termination,  even  the  central  and  highest  shaft  bending  over 
at  the  top,  and  giving  the  whole  tree  an  air  of  graceful  and  modest  beauty.  Perhaps 
the  most  favorable  condition  for  viewing  this  tree  is  when  its  branches  are  wreathed 
with  newly-fallen  snow,  or  jewelled  with  drops  of  dew  or  rain.     We  wonder  not 

*  "  It  has  added  not  a  little  to  our  interest  in  the  Norway  Spruce  to  learn,  of  late,  that 
fossils  of  it  have  been  found  in  the  rocks  of  a  by-gone  age.    It  would  seem  that  it  was  too 
tree  to  perish  altogether  with  the  Northern  mammoth,  hippopotamus  and  rhinoceros, 
once  roamed  beneath  its  branches." — Testimony  of  the  Rocks,  p.  153. 


at  the  fond  enthusiasm  with  which  the  poet  Willis  writes  of  the  hemlocks  around 
his  mountain  home.  Speaking  of  this  tree  in  its  sprinjtr  dress,  he  says  :  "  Of  all 
Nature's  renewals,  I  think  this  is  the  fairest.  The  old  foliage  forms  such  an  effec- 
tive contrast  for  the  new.  The  child-blossom  and  his  predecessor  are  heighten- 
ing graces,  each  to  the  other — neither  so  beautiful  alone,  and  both  finding  room 
enough,  and  enjoying  the  same  summer  together.  Parent  and  child  are  one  glory. 
The  home-tree  was  not  stripped  and  deserted  for  the  new-comer.  Of  that  most 
precious  of  our  wayside  religions — the  homestead-hallowing — it  seems  to  me  that 
the  Hemlock  should  be  the  chosen  emblem."  A  historian  tells  us  that  when 
Xerxes  first  beheld  the  oriental  plane-tree,  he  halted  his  army  "  to  admire  its 
pulchritude  and  procerity,  and  became  so  fond  of  it,  that,  spoiling  both  himself, 
his  wives,  and  great  persons,  of  all  their  jewels,  he  covered  it  with  gold,  gems, 
necklaces,  scarfs,  bracelets,  and  infinite  riches  |  *  *  *  *  and  when  he  was  forced 
to  part  with  it,  he  caused  the  figure  of  it  to  be  stamped  on  a  medal  of  gold,  which 
he  continually  wore  about  him."  Would  Xerxes  have  done  less  on  first  seeing 
the  Hemlock  ?  Xo  "  far-fetched  and  dear-bought"  tree  equals  this.  It  is  suit- 
able for  anyplace  or  purpose.  For  a  lawn,  nothing  can  be  more  refined  and  ele- 
gant ;  it  groups  well  with  itself  and  with  other  trees  ;  it  makes  a  compact  screen 
and  hedge,  being  improved  by  an  occasional  shearing.  It  is  one  of  the  best  trees 
for  cemeteries  (for  private  lots,  especially),  because  of  its  unchanging  verdure, 
and  because  it  can  be  kept,  by  pruning,  within  the  smallest  compass.  If  trans- 
planted on  a  misty  day  in  spring,  with  a  ball  of  earth  about  the  roots,  there  is  no 
difficulty  in  removing  it.  After  planting,  the  roots  should  be  mulched  with  leaves, 
tan-bark,  or  flat  stones. 

3.  The  White  Pine. — This  native  tree  (sometimes  called  Weymouth  Pine)  is 
superior  to  any  known  foreign  variety.  Pinus  exceha,  of  the  Himmalay  Mountains, 
rivals  it  in  many  respects,  but  is  proving  itself  less  hardy  at  the  North  than  was 
expected.  The  White  Pine  is  a  stately  tree,  hardy,  easily  transplanted  ;  its  leaves 
a  deep,  rich  green,  arranged  in  heavy  silken  plumes,  which,  when  swayed  by  the 
wind,  have  almost  the  freedom  and  grace  of  deciduous  foliage.  Its  balsamic 
fragrance  is  a  pleasant  odor,  and  is  thought  to  possess  medicinal  properties.  The 
slightest  motion  of  the  wind  through  the  branches  produces  a  silvery  murmur, 
which  a  poetical  mind  might  say  is  the  echo  of  a  storm  at  sea,  roaring  around  a 
brother  pine,  the  mast 

"Of  some  tall  admiral." 

It  retains  its  greenness  throughout  the  winter.  It  is  too  large  a  tree  for  small 
premises ;  its  most  appropriate  place  is  in  extensive  parks,  and  on  the  outskirts 
of  cultivated  grounds. 

4.  Scotch  and  Austrian  Pines. — We  place  these  together,  because  they  are 
similar  in  habit  and  merit,  though,  perhaps,  the  Scotch  is  preferable  of  the  two, 
on  account  of  the  pleasant  blue  tinge  of  its  foliage.  The  Austrian  is  a  noble, 
dark,  sea-green  tree,  almost  sombre,  yet  so  grand  and  bold  in  its  out-spreading 
branches  as  to  command  universal  admiration.  In  these  last  respects,  Pinus 
ponderosa  (a  new-comer  from  the  mountains  of  Oregon)  bids  fair  to  outstrip  it ; 
but  it  has  not  yet  been  fully  tested. 

5.  Bakam  Fir. — This  time-honored  tree  deserves  this  rank,  both  for  its  real 
merits  and  for  the  associations  connected  with  it.  Hardiness,  ease  in  transplant- 
ing, peculiarity  of  color,  symmetry  of  form,  the  persistency  of  its  verdure  through- 
out the  year — all  combine  to  recommend  it.  It  is  specially  suited  to  small  grounds. 
No  tree  forms  a  finer  contrast  with  others.  When  mingled  with  deciduous  trees, 
it  shoots  up  its  dark  spires  among  their  lighter  spray  in  a  most  picturesque  man- 


A  WORD  FOR  EVERGREENS. 

ner ;  and  even  in  winter,  its  effect  among  leafless  trees  is  quite  pleasing.  The 
ol)jections  made  to  it  are,  confessedly,  somewhat  formidable.  It  is  stiff  and  prim, 
and,  in  old  age,  becomes  lean  and  shabby.  But  is  it  stiffer  than  the  European 
Silver  Fir  which  seeks  to  supplant  it  ?  If  set  in  a  deep,  generous  soil,  it  retains 
its  good  looks  for  twenty  years  or  more  ;  and  a  tree  which  holds  its  own  for  a 
generation,  is  not  to  be  despised.  When  it  has  outlived  its  beauty,  it  can  easily 
be  displaced  for  a  younger  and  better.  It  has  been  so  long  planted  by  the  door- 
step of  cottage  and  mansion  as  to  become  a  household  tree,  and  it  should  not  be 
hastily  set  aside.  The  European  Silver  Fir,  though  an  exceedingly  neat  and  sym- 
metrical tree,  and  one  which  grows  old  more  gracefully  than  the  Balsam,  can 
hardly  be  relied  on  at  the  North.  Good  specimens  are  occasionally  seen  in  the 
latitude  of  Newburgh,  on  the  Hudson,  but  it  often  loses  its  leader  in  winter,  even 
as  far  south  as  Pennsylvania. 

[When  young,  it  does  so,  though  not  as  a  rule.  When  established,  we  have 
found  it  uniformly  hardy,  and  remember  what  a  beauty  it  will  become  at  the  time 
the  Balsam  is  utterly  unsightly,  and  must  be  removed. — Ed.] 

6.  Black  and  White  Spruce. — The  White  is  not  very  common,  but  good  speci- 
mens, well  grown,  are  hardly  inferior  to  the  Norway  Spruce.  One  in  the  grounds 
of  the  late  Mr.  Downing,  is  the  admiration  of  every  visitor.  The  Black  Spruce 
is  more  abundant,  and,  as  generally  seen,  has  smaller  branches  and  thinner  foliage 
than  its  Norwegian  relative.  It  makes  an  excellent  leader  in  a  group  of  other 
trees.     Its  numerous  pendulous  cones  are  not  the  least  of  its  attractions. 

V.  Siberian  Arbor-  Vitce. — This  resembles  the  American  variety,  but  its  foliage 
is  denser,  darker,  and  becomes  less  browned  in  winter.  Its  hardiness  is  evinced 
by  its  origin.  It  is  one  of  the  best  trees  "for  general  purposes."  As  an  orna- 
mental screen,  it  ranks  next  to  the  Hemlock.  Its  slow  growth  recommends  it  for 
planting  in  small  yards  and  in  cemeteries.  [It  is  unfortunately  yet  expensive, 
but  must  ultimately  be  our  evergreen  hedge-tree. — Ed.] 

8.  American  Arbor-  Vitce. — Here  comes  the  servant  of  all  work — the  tree  which 
makes  itself  so  generally  useful.  A  child  can  transplant  it.  It  is  not  fastidious 
about  soils  or  exposure ;  nay,  if  any  delicate  brother  tree  shrinks  from  the  north 
wind,  it  willingly  shelters  and  nurses  it.  If  promoted  to  a  conspicuous  place,  it 
bears  its  honors  well,  and  takes  on  as  courtly  a  grace  (at  least,  during  the  gay 
season)  as  most  of  its  associates. 

9.  T}ie  Junipers. — Of  these,  the  common  American  and  Swedish  are  the  most 
desirable.  They  are  small,  pyramidal  trees,  seldom  reaching  higher  than  twenty 
or  thirty  feet.  The  branches  are  sometimes  loose  and  straggling — at  others,  com- 
pact and  upright.  The  foliage  is  a  silvery  green,  with  a  slight  bluish  tinge.  By 
occasionally  tying-in  the  branches,  and  giving  them  a  little  pruning,  the  tree  is 
made  to  resemble,  in  form,  a  miniature  Poplar.  The  Junipers  are  somewhat 
formal  in  their  habit,  but,  in  shape  and  color,  they  strongly  contrast  with  other 
trees,  and  when  set  near  buildings  or  other  artificial  objects,  their  effect  is  quite 
pleasing.  Aside  from  their  lively  color,  they  make  appropriate  trees  for  cemetery 
lots. 

The  Red  Cedar  is  not  a  tree  of  the  highest  excellence,  but  deserves  a  place  in 
large  collections.  It  varies  much  in  form  and  color,  being  sometimes  dense  and 
conical — at  others,  open  and  spreading  ;  sometimes  a  dark  grass-green — at  others, 
with  a  tinge  of  blue.  The  chief  defects  of  this  tree  are  its  rusty  hue  in  winter, 
its  liability  to  lose  its  lower  branches,  and  to  become  shabby  on  the  side  exposed 
to  violent  winds.  Planted  in  a  sheltered  situation,  and  on  soil  congenial  to  it,  it 
often  becomes  a  very  handsome  object. 

ere  are  other  hardy  evergreens,  of  undoubted  excellence,  which  migl: 


noticed  here,  had  we  sufficient  space;  such  as  the  Corsican,  Cembrian,  Dwarf, 
and  Sabinian  Pines,  Cracovian  Juniper  {Picea  pichta),  the  American  Yew,  and 
others;  but  those  ah'eady  mentioned  embrace,  in  our  judp^ment,  the  cream  of  the 
catalogue.  If  these  are  arranged  with  skill,  and  well  cultivated,  they  will  give  to 
a  plantation  as  great  variety  as  can  reasonably  be  desired. 

A  good  deal  has  been  said  of  late  respecting  the  importance  of  evergreen 
shrubs.  Amateurs  have  cried  out :  "  Oh,  for  the  Hollies,  Laurels,  and  Rhodo- 
dendrons of  England  !"  Such  shrubs  would  certainly  add  much  to  the  beauty  of 
our  home-scenes  in  the  fall  and  spi'ing  ;  but  what  could  we  do  with  broad-leaved 
shrubs  in  midwinter,  with  the  snow  two  or  three  feet  upon  them  ?  Would  they 
not  be  demolished?  And  has  not  Providence  wisely  limited  such  shrubs  almost 
wholly  to  regions  where  but  little  snow  falls,  or  caused  thera  to  grow  where  they 
will  be  sheltered  by  the  thick  overhanging  boughs  of  trees  ? 

In  conclusion,  we  beg  leave  to  offer  a  few  words  of  exhortation.  Dear  friends, 
plant  evergreens  for  their  beauty  and  their  use,  and  plant  those  only  which  are  of 
undoubted  hardiness  and  excellence.  Plant  them  not  in  the  autumn,  to  be  lashed 
about  by  the  winter  winds  before  they  have  become  established,  but  in  the  spring, 
in  cloudy  weather,  and  when  they  are  just  beginning  to  make  their  first  growth. 
Take  pains  to  give  them  kindly  soil,  and  then  to  mulch  the  roots.  If  carelessly 
transplanted,  they  ought  to  die.  Choose  small,  vigorous  trees  rather  than  large 
ones.  Let  Dr.  Johnson  growl  as  he  may  about  "the  frightful  interval  between 
the  seed  and  the  timber."  Plant  a  few  choice  specimens  singly  upon  the  lawn, 
with  their  lower  branches  resting  upon  the  sod,  and  their  unbroken  foliage  sweep- 
ing upward,  and  floating  outward  in  queenly  grace  and  freedom.  Plant  some  in 
groups  and  masses,  and  so  dispose  them  as  to  secure  depth  and  richness  of  color 
in  contrast  with  lighter  shades,  always  avoiding,  however,  too  great  dissimilarity 
of  form.  Plant  the  larger  and  coarser  varieties  for  outposts  and  guards,  to  check 
the  roystering  winds,  and  the  smaller  for  screens  and  thickets,  to  hide  disagreeable 
objects,  and  to  conceal  pleasant  prospects  in  advance.  By  all  means,  avoid  a 
common  and  very  great  fault  of  planters,  viz  :  setting  trees  so  near  to  roads  and 
walks  that,  in  a  few  years,  they  overspread  them,  and  have  to  be  cut  down  or  be 
badly  mutilated.  Study  carefully  the  capacities  of  every  tree  before  planting  it. 
"In  hello,  noil  licet  his  errari,''''  and  this  is  equally  true  in  planting  evergreens. 
Have  you  a  passion  for  evergreen  shrubbery  ?  Then,  try  your  hand  first  with 
the  Mahonia,  American  Yew,  Yucca,  Ink-berry  bush.  Box-tree,  and  Evergreen 
Thorn,  planting  them  in  the  shade  of  other  trees,  and  if  you  succeed  with  these, 
add  the  native  Holly,  Laurel,  and  Rhododendrons,  to  your  list.* 

And  finally,  let  not  your  work  end  with  'planting  trees  and  shrubs.  Feed  them 
from  year  to  year  with  generous  food,  th-at  they  make  a  vigorous  growth,  and 
always  wear  the  bright  hues  of  health.  And  in  the  words  (slightly  altered)  of 
an  old  planter:  "What  joy  may  you  have  in  seeing  the  success  of  your  labors 
while  you  live,  and  in  leaving  behind  you,  to  your  heirs  or  successors,  such  a  work 
that,  many  years  after  your  death,  shall  record  your  love  to  your  country  ?  And 
the  rather,  when  you  consider  to  what  length  of  time  your  work  is  like  to  last." 

*  The  American  Holly  grows  wild  as  far  north  as  New  Jersey  and  Massachusetts  ;  the 
Laurel  (Kahnia  latifolia)  abounds  in  Connecticut,  and  the  Rhododendron  maximum  is  found 
in  New  York,  New  Hampshire,  and  Maine.  [By  Ink-berry  bush,  our  author  doubtless 
means  Prinos  ylaher. — Ed.] 

o 


THE    HARTFORD    PROLIFIC    GRAPE   AND   BOSTON 

PEAR. 

BY  GUNDON  W,  RUSSELL,  HARTFORD,  CONNECTICUT. 

About  six  years  since  I  sent  to  Hoveyh  Magazine  an  account  of  the  Hartford 
Prolific  Grape;  it  may  be  found  in  No.  CCYII.  page  114.  At  the  time  it  was 
thought  to  be  too  modest  a  statement  by  those  who  were  acquainted  with  the 
Grape;  but  as  it  is  not  a  common  fault  to  underrate  a  new  fruit  upon  its  intro- 
duction, it  may  be  pardoned  in  this  instance.  I  write  you  now  to  say  that  the 
experience  of  subsequent  years  has  impressed  me  more  favorably  with  its  good 
qualities.  I  have  never  pretended,  nor  has  any  one  else  who  is  acquainted  with  it, 
and  able  to  judge,  that  it  is  superior  to  the  Isabella,  for  it  is  not;  but  it  approaches 
to  it  in  quality,  and  ripening,  as  it  does,  two  or  three  weeks  earlier.  It  is  a  very 
valuable  variety  for  those  localities  where  the  Isabella  does  not  ripen;  and  it  is 
also  valuable  anywhere  for  those  who  desire  this  fruit  in  succession. 

If  it  has  any  fault  it  is  that  the  berry  does  not  adhere  to  the  stem  with  as  much 
tenacity  as  some  other  varieties.  I  have  not  known  it  to  drop  from  the  vine  before 
maturing,  or  when  mature,  but  from  the  cluster  some  time  after  it  has  been  picked. 

In  the  history  which  L  gave  of  this  variety  I  stated  that  it  was  an  accidental 
seedling  in  the  garden  of  Mr.  Paphro  Steele,  of  this  town.  A  number  of  vines 
came  up  together,  and  were  allowed  to  fruit ;  all  were  so  inferior  except  this,  that 
they  were  destroyed ;  they  were  supposed  to  be  destroyed,  but  one  of  the  worth- 
less ones  remained.  This  fact  I  did  not  learn  when  I  obtained  the  materials  for 
its  history,  and  was  not  aware  that  two  different  vines  had  ever  been  sold  for  the 
Hartford  Prolific  until  about  three  years  since,  when  I  saw,  at  an  exhibition  of 
the  Rhode  Island  Horticultural  Society,  at  Providence,  a  collection  of  grapes 
labelled  "  Steele's  Seedling" — which  name  has  sometimes  been  applied  to  the 
Prolific — but  so  unlike  in  quality  that  when  I  returned  home  I  made  further  and 
more  thorough  inquiries  of  Mr.  Steele.  I  was  satisfied  that  in  a  few  instances, 
when  first  brought  into  notice,  one  of  the  inferior  seedlings  had  been  sold  for  the 
true  Hartford  Prolific,  not  by  design,  but  by  mistake,  and  possibly  this  will  account 
for  the  slowness  of  unbelief  of  some  in  this  variety. 

From  some  experiments  which  have  been  made  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  this 
will  prove  valuable  as  a  wine  grape ;  it  certainly  is  deserving  of  consideration  for 
this  purpose. 

Those  persons  who  class  the  Hartford  Prolific  with  the  Northern  Muscadine, 
Charter  Oak,  or  common  Fox,  are  either  blinded  by  prejudice  or  interest,  or  don't 
know  any  better;  that  is  all. 

The  Boston  Pear. — I  suppose  you  have  heard  of  the  Boston  Pear ;  those  who 
gave  five  dollars  apiece  for  these  trees  undoubtedly  have.  Well,  it  is  nothing 
more  than  the  "Pinneo,"  a  seedling  which  originated  in  the  eastern  part  of  this 
State  a  hundred  years  since.  I  have  compared  the  fruit  and  trees  of  the  Boston 
and  Pinneo  together,  and  am  satisfied  of  their  identity;  and  so  are  many  others 
here,  who  saw  them  both  last  September.  I  gave  an  account  of  the  origin  of 
the  Pinneo  to  the  editor  of  the  Homestead,  which  he  tells  me  he  sent  to  you.  I 
hear  from  Boston  that  Mr.  Hovey  has  promised  to  give  a  statement  when  he  pro- 
cured the  scions. 


LONICERA  ANGUSTIFOLIA. — NEW  GRAPES  IN  ENGLAND 


LONICERA    ANGUSTIFOLIA. 


Raised  from  seeds  re- 
ceived from  Captain  Wil- 
liam Munro,  from  the 
North  of  India. 

A  slender  deciduous 
shrub,  with  narrow  lan- 
ceolate ciliated  leaves, 
and  small  pale  yellow 
flowers,  growing  in  pairs 
at  the  end  of  a  slender 
drooping  peduncle,  short- 
er than  the  leaf  to  which 
it  is  axillary. 

This  plant  grows  about 
four  or  five  feet  high  in 
any  good  garden  soil,  and 
is  easily  increased  by  cut- 
tings. It  flowers  in  A  pril 
and  May;  and  is  not  only 
a  distinct,  but  rather  neat- 
looking  plant.  Where  a 
choice  collection  of  hardy 
shrubs  is  grown  it  de- 
serves a  place. — {Horti- 
cultural Society''s  Jour- 
nal.) 


NEW   GRAPES,   ETC.,    IN   ENGLAND. 

The  Muscat  Hamhurgji  Grape. — A  beautiful  portrait  of  this  great  fruit  appears 
in  the  last  London  Florist,  with  the  following  description  :  "  This  fine  grape  is  a 
seedling,  raised  at  Wrest  Park,  Bedfordshire,  by  Mr.  Seward  Snow,  whose  great 
experience  and  skill  in  the  cultivation  of  fruits,  are  well  known  to  our  readers. 
Mr.  Snow  informs  us  that  this  grape  originated  by  fertilizing  flowers  of  the  Black 
Hamburgh  vine  with  those  of  the  White  Muscat  of  Alexandria ;  and  that  one  of 
the  seedlings  from  this  crossing  is  the  subject  of  our  plate.  We  believe  it  was 
named  the  Muscat  Hamburgh  by  the  Pomological  Society,  which  name  very  cor- 
rectly describes  its  character,  for  it  will  at  once  be  obvious  to  our  readers 
examining  the  plate,  that  there  is  a  great  resemblance  to  the  Hamburgh  in 


NEW  FRUITS  IN  ENGLAND, 


of  bunch  and  berry,  as  we  understand  there  is  also  in  its  habit  of  growth  and 
earliuess  ;  and  that  its  other  parent  (the  Muscat)  has  imparted  that  peculiar  musky 
aroma  found  only  in  that  variety,  and  which,  hitherto,  has  been  confined  to  white 
grapes  alone.  We  can  justly  congratulate  Mr.  Snow  in  having  been  so  fortunate 
as  to  originate  so  noble  a  grape,  and  one  likely  to  prove  so  valuable." 

We  conclude  the  notice  of  this  grape  by  extracting  a  description  of  it  from  a 
circular  sent  us  by  A.  Henderson  &  Co.,  of  the  Edgeware  Road,  who,  it  appears, 
hold  the  English  stock  of  it ;  see,  also,  advertisements. 

"  Mr.  Snow  has  been  successful  in  the  production  of  a  Black  Hamburgh  Grape, 
with  the  flavor  of  the  Muscat,  having  amongst  its  good  qualities  the  hardy  con- 
stitution of  its  parent,  the  Black  Hamburgh.  It  ripens,  and  that  to  the  highest 
state  of  perfection,  in  an  ordinary  peach-house  ;  it  is  very  short-jointed,  and  a 
most  abundant  bearer.  The  bunches  are  large  and  handsome,  with  fine  shoulders. 
The  shape  of  the  berry  varies  even  in  the  same  bunch,  sometimes  round  like  the 
Hamburgh,  to  oval,  like  the  Muscat.  The  flesh  is  melting,  and  remarkably  rich 
in  flavor,  fully  charged  with  the  aroma  of  the  Muscat,  and  with  an  unusually  high 
perfume." 

The  Trentham  Black  is  another  new  introduction  from  Mr.  Fleming,  of  Trent- 
ham,  with  a  medium-sized  bunch,  and  oval  berry.  The  flavor  is  very  rich,  and 
vinous.  It  is  said  to  be  a  good  keeper.  Mr.  Duncan,  of  Basing  Park,  who  has 
an  excellent  reputation,  has  also  two  new  varieties,  of  which  report  speaks  well. 

Then  there  is  Lady  Doune's  Seedling  (a  late  black  grape),  producing  fine  bunches 
and  oval  berries,  with  a  firm  flesh,  and  moderately  vinous  ;  hangs  well,  and  will 
probably  supersede  the  Barbarossa. 

Other  New  Fruits  in  England. — "Apples. — Cox's  Orange  Pippin  proved  last 
year  to  be  the  best  apple  in  England  of  the  old  varieties.  Among  new  kinds,  the 
following  are  among  the  best :  Taylor's  Seedling  and  Lord  Raglan  as  kitchen 
sorts  ;  Frogmore  Nonpareil  for  table  or  kitchen. 

"Peaches. — The  Salway  is  a  new  late  peach,  belonging  to  the  yellow-fleshed 
varieties.  This  sort  will  keep  till  November,  and  is  then  very  rich  and  melting; 
it  is  a  valuable  kind.  The  Desse  is  another  late,  melting  peach,  hanging  nearly 
as  long  as  the  above,  and  of  a  good  size.  The  true  Bourdine  is  also  a  very  desir- 
able late  peach,  ripening  after  the  Late  Admirable.  The  above  three  and  the 
true  Catherine  (if  it  can  be  got)  should  be  grown  in  orchard-houses,  or  within 
glass  walls,  when  fruit  fit  for  table  might  be  had  through  November.  Yineuse 
de  Fromentia  and  Pucelle  de  Malines  are  two  rather  new  middle  season  peaches ; 
and  the  Early  York  and  Scott's  Early  Red  (American  varieties),  two  early  peaches, 
which  may  be  added  to  collections  as  valuable.  The  Walburton  Admirable  is 
also  an  excellent  late  peach,  and  not  so  well  known  as  it  deserves.  We  have 
nothing  to  report  of  nectarines,  further  than  to  recommend  the  Hardwick  and 
Downton,  two  useful  hardy  kinds,  to  those  who  are  not  growing  them ;  also  the 
Murray  and  Yermash,  which  are  excellent  varieties.  The  Oldenburg  is  a  new 
kind,  which  we  hope  fully  to  prove  next  season. 

"  Plums. — We  incline  to  the  opinion  that  there  is  still  wanting  a  better  flavored 
plum  than  the  Reine  Claude,  or  Greengage,  which  has  retained  its  superiority 
for  centuries.  The  three  seedling  plums,  Angelina  Burdett,  Standard  of  England, 
and  Woolston  Gage,  raised  by  Mr.  Bowling,  of  Southampton,  and  figured  in  our 
volume  for  1853,  do  not  prove  to  be  any  improvement  on  our  older  varieties. 
The  Jefferson  is  an  American  Plum,  latterly  brought  into  notice ;  it  proves  to  be 
a  good  kind,  either  for  pots  or  out-door  culture. 

"Apricots. — There  are  no  very  new  kinds  of  this  fruit.     The  Kaisha  is 
worth  growing.     The  Frogmore  Seedling  is  also  rather  a  new  sort ;  the 


closely  resembles  the  Moor  Park,  both  in  appearance  and  quality,  but  it  ripens 
later  than  that  old  favorite  variety. 

"Fiffs. — This  fruit  has  undergone  but  little  change  for  ages.  The  Brown  Ischia, 
Lee's  Perpetual,  and  White  Marseilles,  still  rank  among  the  best. 

"Of  new  Fears,  their  name  is  '  Legion;'  the  difficulty  is  to  select  those  which 
are  improvements.  Climate,  season,  soil,  and  mode  of  training,  affect  the  size 
and  quality  of  pears  very  much.  Matthews'  Eliza  is  a  new  seedling.  The  follow- 
ing have  proved  good  this  last  season  :  Poire  Peche  is  an  excellent  kind,  ripening 
in  September  ;  Brudnell's  Seedling  is  an  early  pear,  ripening  about  the  same  time 
as  the  preceding;  it  is  of  rich,  sugary  quality,  but  soon  decays  when  ripe;  the 
Bergamot  Seckel  is  a  hardy  variety,  possessing  the  qualities  of  the  Seckel  with 
the  advantage  of  larger  size;  Sabine  d'Hiver  promises  to  be  one  of  the  best  new 
late  pears  ;  Seaton  Seedling  is  a  small  November  Pear,  of  excellent  quality  ; 
Conseiller  de  la  Cour  and  Triomphe  de  Jodoigne,  are  two  large,  handsome  con- 
tinental sorts,  of  recent  introduction,  and  are  of  first-rate  quality ;  Beurre  Clair- 
geau  and  Hitton's  Seedling  are  large  and  showy  pears." 


WATSONIA    IRIDIFOLIA  — YAR.    FULGENS.* 

Iridese. 

FROM  THE  FLORE  DES  SERRES. 

If  the  great  number  of  floral  colors  was  not  an  acknowledged  fact  among  many 
of  the  Irideoes,  the  plant  here  represented  could  hardly  be  considered  a  simple 
variety  of  Gladiolus  iridifolius  of  Jacquin.  Although  the  type  of  this  tribe  ap- 
pears pale  and  dull,  with  flowers  of  a  grayish-blue,  still,  the  plant  before  us  is 
adorned  with  such  rich  vermilion  orange,  that  it  well  deserves  the  epithet  of 
fulge7is. 

All  the  Watsonias  are  originally  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  They  have 
often  been  confounded  with  the  genus  Gladiolus,  from  which  they  only  differ  by 
slight  shades,  such  as  greater  regularity  in  the  form  of  the  perianth,  and  par- 
ticularly the  cleft  stigmas,  with  uniform  divisions,  instead  of  being  simple  and 
spread.  Two  of  the  prettiest  species  are  the  Watsonia  meriana  and  the  Watsonia 
aletroides,  both  of  a  bright  rose  color.  The  Watsonia  iridifolia  surpasses  them 
in  size,  and  rivals  them  in  beauty  ;  it  somewhat  resembles  sword  grass.  Its  stem, 
furnished  towards  the  base  with  from  four  to  seven  ensiform  leaves,  rises  a  com- 
pact shaft,  of  three  or  six  feet  in  height.  The  shaft  greatly  exceeds  the  leaves  ; 
it  is  often  simple,  but  sometimes  divided  in  vigorous  specimens.  The  flowers  are 
wanting  in  fragrance.  The  flowering  begins  in  September,  and  continues  more 
than  a  month.     This  beautiful  species  is  too  rare  in  collections. 

Culture. — Let  amateurs  ignore  the  innumerable  amount  of  forms  and  varied 
color  which  the  flowers  of  the  bulbs  of  the  Cape  and  similar  countries  offer ! 
How  many  persons  attached  for  many  years  to  certain  kinds  of  culture,  wearied 
with  forms  well  known  to  them,  are  delighted  at  the  sight  of  these  Amaryllidacese, 
Liliacese,  Iridaceae,  which  they  enjoy  for  the  first  time  I  Why  is  it  they  are  so 
opposed  to  common  things  ?  Who  has  not  cultivated  Crocuses,  this  little,  welcome 
flower  of  the  spring  ?  Well,  the  generality  of  bulbs  scarcely  offer  any  more 
difficulty  in  the  culture,  with  only  this  simple  difference  :  that  the  bulbs  from  the 
Cape  need  the  protection  of  glass  from  continued  rain  and  snow !  And  as  to  the 
frost,  the  shutters  above  the  glass  protect  them  from  that,  with  the  help  of  a  little 
manure  during  the  coldest  weather. 

*  See  Frontispiece. 


N.  S  :  YoL.  YIIL— April,  1858.  12 


THE  ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  THE  OLD  FRUIT-BOOK. 


To  amateurs  who  would  wish  to  try  the  culture  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope 
bulbs,  we  will  say  :  A  hollowed  square  fat,  of  about  a  foot  in  depth,  formed  of 
two  tiers  of  common,  and  one  of  fresh  earth,  furnished  below  with  a  thick  bed  of 
rubbish,  of  pebbles,  etc.,  in  order  to  facilitate  the  running  away  of  water,  is  en- 
circled with  a  box,  which  is  surrounded  with  old  straw  or  tan,  to  prevent  the  frost 
from  penetrating  it.  At  the  beginning  of  October,  you  plant  the  bulbs  firmly, 
according  to  the  relative  height  of  the  plants,  from  three,  four,  to  five  inches  in 
depth.  Rest  the  frames  on  the  box,  and  during  the  winter  keep  out  dampness, 
giving  them  air  whenever  the  temperature  will  allow  it,  and  cover  them  up  with 
manure  or  straw  when  there  is  a  threatening  of  frost.  By  the  first  days  of  spring, 
all  the  bulbs  (of  which  many  have  started  in  winter)  are  in  full  vegetation.  At 
this  period,  air  it  extensively  if  you  can,  but  cover  it  up  when  the  rain  comes.  At 
last,  the  frost  entirely  gone,  you  can  carry  away  the  box,  and  in  this  way  the  flat 
square  makes  the  ordinary  garden  soil,  with  a  very  pleasing  effect. 

After  the  flowering,  if  it  is  not  wanted  to  go  to  seed,  cut  off  the  useless  pedun- 
cle, and,  consequently,  the  withered  flowers ;  set  the  bulb  upright,  and  separate 
the  sprouts  from  it,  and  keep  both  of  them  in  a  very  dry  place,  to  replant  them, 
as  we  have  said,  in  the  month  of  October. 

The  seed  plot  is  made  in  the  autumn  or  spring,  in  a  well  drained  spot,  with 
compost  of  sifted  earth.  The  second  year,  the  plant  can  be  settled,  and  the  greater 
part  of  the  young  plants  will  begin  to  flourish  from  this  time.  The  sprouts  may 
be  treated  precisely  as  the  parent. 


THE   ILLUSTRATIONS   OP   THE    OLD    FRUIT-BOOK. 

E  have  more  than  once  alluded  to  the  quaint  old 
book  of  Lawson,  which  has  been  successfully  re- 
printed at  the  publication  office  of  this  work,  and 
is  now  in  the  hands  of  many  of  our  readers.  But 
as  some  may  not  have  had  access  to  the  cuts,  we 
copy  a  few  to  give  piquancy  to  our  pages.  It  must 
be  remembered  that  the  work  bears  date  1626.  At 
page  28,  the  author  says  : — 

"  And  needful  is  a  stoole  on  the  top  of  a  ladder, 
of  eight  or  more  rounds,  with  two 
backe  feet,  whereupon  you  may 
safely  and  easefully  stand  to 
grafife,  to  dresse,  and  to  gather 
fruit,  thus  formed.    The  feet  may 


be  fast  wedged  in,  but  the  ladder  must  hang  loose,  with  two 
bands  of  iron." 

This  is  quite  a  comfortable  stool,  though  it  does  look  a 
little  shaky  ! 

Grafting. — "  To  be  short  in  this  point,  cut  your  graft,  in  any  sort  or  fashion, 
two  inches  long,  and  ioyne  him  cleanly  and  close  to  any  other  sprig  of  any  tree 
in  the  latter  end  of  time  of  grafting,  when  sap  is  somewhat  rife,  and  in  all  proba- 
bilitie  they  will  close  and  thriue  :  thus  : 


The  Sprig.  The  Graft, 

any  other  fashion  you  thinke  good." 


The  Twig. 


The  Graft 


fc^^: 


THE  ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  THE  OLD  FRUIT-BOOK. 


Inoculating:  is  an  eye  or  bud,  taken  barke  and  all  from  one  tree,  and  placed 
in  the  roome  of  another  eye  or  bud  of  another,  cut  both  of  one  compasse,  and 
there  bound.     This  must  be  done  in  summer,  when  the  sap  is  proud. 

"  Much  like  unto  this  is  that  they  call  grafting  in  the  scutchion.  They  differ 
thus :  That  here  you  must  take  an  eye  with  his  leafe,  or  (in  mine  opinion)  a  bud 
with  his  leaues,  and  place  them  on  raised  with  a  wedge,  and  then  the 

another  tree,  in  a  plaine  (for  so  they  I  I  eye  or  bud  put  in,  and  so  bound  up. 
teach).  The  place  or  barke  where  1—4  I  cannot  denie  but  such  may  grow, 
you  must  set  it,  must  be  thus  cut  \  |  And  your  bud,  if  he  take,  will  flowre 
with  a  sharpe  knife,  and  the  barke  and  beare  fruit  that  yeere  :  as  some 

grafts  and  sets  also,  being  set  for  bloomes.  If  these  two  kindes  thriue,  they  reforrae 
but  a  spray,  and  an  undergrowth.  Thus  you  may  place  Roses  on  Thornes,  and 
Cherries  on  Apples.  Many 
write  much  more  of  grafting, 
but  to  small  purpose." 

Your  under-gardeners  must 
labor  to  keep  down  weeds, 
"  with  a  skrapple  of  iron  thus 


formed,  for  nettles  and  ground- 
ivy  after  a  showre." 

Trimming  is  illustrated  in 
the  fashion  of  the  adjoining 
cut,  which  might  be  given  as 
the  style  in  vogue  with  the 
city  trimmers,  to  make  a  long 
pole,  but  little  shade.  This 
mode  is  recommended  to  make 
good  timber.  The  author 
says  : — 

"  How  many  Forests  and 
Woods,  wherein  you  shall  haue 
for  one  liuely  thriuing  tree, 
foure  (nay  sometimes  twenty 
foure)  euill  thriuing,  rotten 
and  dying  trees,  euen  while 
they  line  ?  And  in  stead  of 
trees  thousands  of  bushes  and 
shrubbes.  What  rottennesse  ? 
what  hollownesse  ?  what  dead 
amies  ?  withered  tops  ?  cur- 
tailed trunkes  ?  what  loads  of 
mosses  ?  drouping  boughes  ? 
and  dying  branches  shall  you  see  euery  where  ?  And  those  that  like  in  this  sort 
are  in  a  manner  all  unprofitable  boughes,  cankered  armes,  crooked,  little  and  short 
boales:  what  an  infinite  number  of  bushes,  shrubs,  and  skrogs  of  hazels,  thornes,  and 
other  profitable  wood,  which  might  be  brought  by  dressing  to  become  great  and 
goodly  Trees.  Consider  now  the  cause  :  The  lesser  wood  hath  beene  spoiled  with 
carelesse,  vnskilfull,  and  vntimely  stowing,  and  much  also  of  the  great  wood 


Imagine  the  root  to  be  spred  farre  wider. 


greater  Trees  at  the  first  rising  haue  filled  and  ouer-loaden  theraselues  with  a 
number  of  wastfull  boughes  and  suckers,  which  haue  not  only  drawne  the  sappe 
from  the  boale,  but  also  haue  made  it  knottie,  and  themselues  and  the  boale  mossie 
for  want  of  dressing,  whereas  if  in  the  prime  of  growth  they  had  beene  taken 
away  close,  all  but  one  top  (according  to  this  patterne)  and  cleane  by  the  bulke, 
the  strength  of  all  the  Sap  should  haue  gone  to  the  bulke,  and  so  he  would 
haue  recouered  and  couered  his  knots,  and  haue  put  forth  afaire,  long  and  streight 
body  (as  you  see)  for  timber  profitable,  huge  great  of  bulke,  and  of  infinite  last. 

"  If  all  timber  Trees  were  such  (will  some  say)  how  should  we  haue  crooked 
wood  for  wheeles,  coorbs,  &c. 

"  Answ.  Dresse  all  you  can,  and  there  will  be  enough  crooked  for  those  vses. 

"  More  than  this,  in  most  places,  they  grow  so  thicke,  that  neither  themselues, 
nor  earth,  nor  any  thing  vnder  or  neere  them  can  thriue,  nor  sunne,  nor  raine,  nor 
aire  can  doe  them,  nor  any  thing  neere  or  vnder  them  any  profit  or  comfort." 


THE    PATENT    OFFICE.  — A  G  RI  C  UL  TURAL    DEPART- 
MENT. 

BY  AGRICOLA. 

It  is  well  known  that,  for  some  years  past,  efforts  have  been  made  by  promi- 
nent agriculturists  in  various  sections  of  the  Union,  and  especially  by  the  United 
States  Agricultural  Society,  which  holds  its  annual  convention  at  Washington, 
to  direct  attention  to  the  utility  of  a  National  Agricultural  Department — its 
head  a  cabinet  ofiBcer,  with  power  and  position  co-ordinate  with  the  other  Secre- 
taries. There  is,  it  must  be  admitted,  some  propriety  in  the  scheme,  inasmuch 
as  the  rural  interest  is  supreme,  and  the  tillers  of  the  soil  greater  in  number  and 
wealth  than  all  others  combined ;  hence  it  could  be  only  necessary  for  them  to 
unite  on  the  measure  to  carry  it  into  effective  operation.  Why,  then,  it  may  be 
asked,  is  it  not  accomplished  ?  Perhaps  a  sufficient  answer  may  be  found  in  the 
fact,  there  is  fear — well  founded  fear — lest  it  get  into  the  hands  of  politicians. 
Its  head  not  selected  because  of  his  fitness  for  the  post,  but  in  recompense  for 
services  on  the  stump  ;  not  in  extracting  stumps,  for  to  that  extent  his  claim  might 
be  legitimate,  and  his  aids  appointed  through  favoritism  and  personal  friendship, 
without  regard  to  their  capacity.  Such  has  unhappily  been  the  result  of  many  a 
well  intentioned  effort ;  and  if  the  Agricultural  Department  were  established,  it 
would  be  a  miracle,  indeed,  did  it  escape.  I  had  read  of  the  agricultural  division 
of  the  Patent  Office,  and,  when  last  in  Washington,  strolled  towards  the  structure 
which  bears  that  name — a  noble  pile  of  marble,  its  fagade  equal  to  one  of  our 
city  squares,  its  Grecian  portico  almost  rivalling  the  Parthenon.  I  rejoiced  that 
American  inventors  were  so  much  honored  in  the  edifice;  they  have  done,  and  are 
doing,  their  share  towards  the  civilization  and  refinement  of  all  mankind  ;  and  the 
arts  of  peace  have  been  more  potent  to  elevate  American  character  abroad  than 
the  triumphs  of  war.  McCormick  has  surpassed  Scott,  and  that  is  no  slight 
praise.  But  I  am  digressing.  I  was  about  to  lead  you,  Mr.  Editor,  to  the 
agricultural  division  of  the  Patent  Office.  Where,  sir,  do  you  imagine  I  found 
the  department  which  represented  at  Washington  our  country's  leading  interest  ? 
Shall  I  write  it  down  ?  In  a  dingy,  dismal  corner  of  the  rear  basement,  with 
just  light  enough  to  make  the  gloom  more  gloomy — the  official  a  clerk  unknown 
to  agriculture,  but  not  "unknown  to  fame." 

When  the  "  agricultural  division,"  as  it  is  called,  was  made  (one  hardly  knows 
how,  for  it  would  seem  to  have  sprung  into  existence  self-created),  and  a  person 


was  appointed,  charged  with  the  duty  of  procuring  and  distributing  seeds,  a  favor 
able  opportunity  presented  to  test  the  practical  working  of  an  inchoate  scheme. 
The  appropriations  made  by  Congress  were  ample,  and  met  with  scarcely  a  dissen- 
tient voice.  But,  alas  !  how  are  the  best  intentions  made  abortive  by  an  erro- 
neous step  I — a  false  move  at  chess  endangers  the  game — and  the  appointment 
of  an  incompetent  person  to  procure  seeds,  has  frustrated  the  well-intentioned 
efforts  of  the  friends  of  agriculture.  It  may  be  said  that  an  official  duly  qualified 
for  the  post,  is  not  readily  obtained.  True,  there  are  difficulties  in  the  way.  The 
incumbent  should  be  one  practically  acquainted  with  agriculture  in  its  various  sub- 
divisions. He  should  be  possessed  of  some  botanical  knowledge  ;  have  at  least 
a  smattering  of  chemistry  as  applied  to  agriculture ;  not  ignorant  of  the  products 
of  other  lands,  especially  with  reference  to  the  numerous  plants  which,  either 
simply  or  combined,  are  used  in  manufactures,  the  arts,  and  sciences.  Such 
knowledge  would  qualify  him  to  judge  of  the  probable  advantage  of  their  intro- 
duction to  our  country,  and  his  investigations  would  enable  him  to  point  out  the 
latitude  and  character  of  the  soil  in  which  success  was  probable,  together  with 
the  mode  of  culture  which  experience  had  determined  as  the  best. 

Mr.  Editor,  here  is  a  wide  field  with  "ample  room  and  verge  enough,"  and  had 
a  clerk  of  proper  qualifications  been  selected,  much  might  have  been  accomplished  ; 
the  harvest  was  indeed  plentiful,  and  the  means  to  meet  expenses  ample.  We 
should  not  then  have  seen  seeds  from  warm  latitudes  distributed  in  the  North, 
and  English  grain  and  esculent  vegetable  seeds,  of  varieties  familiar  to  every 
kitchen  garden  in  our  country,  scattered  broadcast,  whilst  the  same  identical  sorts, 
of  American  growth,  were  being  exported  to  the  British  possessions,  more  esteemed 
there  than  those  obtained  from  England!  Hyacinth  roots,  such  as  are  sold  at 
auction  in  every  seaport,  and  nearly  every  city  in  the  Union,  would  not  then  have 
been  imported,  packed  in  tin  cases,  and  dispatched  by  the  mails,  as  an  exploit 
worthy  of  the  Patent  Office  1  We  should  not  then  have  seen  tens  of  thousands 
of  dollars  expended  in  the  wretched  compilation  known  as  the  "Agricultural 
Report  of  Patent  Office,"  which  no  man  well  informed  in  rural  affairs  would  ven- 
ture to  send  abroad,  so  shamefully  does  it  misrepresent  the  actual  agricultural 
condition  and  intelligence  of  our  country.  Yerily,  we  are  a  patient  people,  to 
be  content  to  "pay  the  piper"  for  such  execrable  music.  Mr.  Editor,  has  not 
our  faithful  sentinel,  the  Horticulturist,  a  word  to  say  on  this  unvarnished  expose, 
and  shameless  pervei'sion  of  the  public  funds  ?  Agricola. 

[Beyond  all  question,  the  subject  should  be  investigated.  A  letter  writer  from 
Washington  asserts  that  all  the  common  garden  seeds  planted  for  ten  miles  round 
that  capital,  are  procured  from  the  Patent  Office  gratuitously,  and  that,  in  many 
instances,  poultry  is  fattened  on  corn  and  wheat  obtained  in  like  manner.  We 
have  ourselves  seen  boxes  and  bags  of  seeds  going  a  begging  from  the  same  source, 
and  to  get  rid  of  the  stuff  sent  in  kindness  by  Washington  habitues,  in  over  abund- 
ance, it  has  been  fed  to  pleasure  horses  I  But  what  shall  we  think  of  long  scar- 
let raddish  seed,  early  York  cabbage,  and  mignonette !  to  say  nothing  of  turnip 
seeds  imported,  though  originating  here,  and  given  away  in  over-doses  to  all  who 
know  the  secret  of  the  public  crib-h'mg.  It  is  surely  a  misapplication  of  the 
appropriation,  and  needs  reform.  What  a  melancholy  thing  it  is  to  find  the  best 
intentioned  schemes  fail  from  incompetent  management.  We  were  about  to  take 
notice  of  some  errors  in  the  last  Report  which  would  indeed  make  us  ashamed  to 
meet  it  abroad,  when  this  communication  came  to  hand,  and  we  must  wait.  Our 
correspondent  might  well  have  made  some  remarks  on  the  injustice  of  gratuitously 
distributing  English  seeds,  such  as  our  own  people  are  engaged  in  producing 
great  success. — Ed.  H.] 


A  TRIP  TO  CUBA  AND  THE  SOUTHERN  STATES,  NO.  11. 

CONCLUSION. 

IME  began  to  be  valuable,  and  leaving  the  hospitalities 
of  Natchez,  we  descended  the  Mississippi,  to  join  the 
remnant  of  our  large  party,  and  make  our  way  home- 
wards. The  Princess,  with  another  and  an  agreeable  set 
of  people,  returned  us  safely,  after  an  absence  of  a  week. 
New  Orleans  has  been  well  described  as  a  vast  cotton 
fair,  attended  by  representatives  from  all  the  cotton-con- 
suming world  during  winter,  and  abandoned  to  the  few- 
residents  who  remain  in  summer.  As  most  who  come 
here  to  make  money  leave  it  as  soon  as  they  have  accom- 
plished their  ends,  there  is  too  little  public  spirit,  and  few 
improvements  that  demand  concert  of  action,  or  which 
are  not  absolute  necessities,  can  be  carried  through.  Its 
commerce  is  immense.  The  prophecies  of  its  declension  may  prove  true,  but  none 
who  ascend  its  river  from  the  Delta,  passing  another  and  another  fine  ship  in  con- 
stant succession,  or  who  view  the  shipping  along  its  wharves  receiving  their  vast 
cargoes,  can  believe  in  its  sudden  decline.  Railroads  may,  and  do,  divert  the  pro- 
duce from  certain  former  tributaries,  but  new  land  is  every  day  broken  up,  and 
bales  of  cotton  every  year  come  to  hand  from  some  newly  cultivated  district; 
railroads  may  exercise  a  great  influence  in  preventing  the  enormous  increase  of 
the  city  once  anticipated,  but  its  growth  is  still  certain. 

The  French  part  of  the  town  presents  some  curious  differences  from  our  stereo- 
typed mode  of  building  cities  ;  a  foreign  air  pervades  it,  but  it  is  without  interest 
after  the  first  survey.  The  dead  level  of  the  site  diminishes  its  beauty,  and  all 
l)icturesqueness  is  destroyed.  Bad  smells  are  not  as  prevalent  as  might  be  ex- 
pected, the  water  of  the  river  being  let  in  to  wash  the  gutters  daily;  mosquitoes 
in  April,  however,  prove  a  great  annoyance  to  us  who  scarcely  ever  have  them  at 
home,  even  in  the  warmest  season. 

We  found  Mobile  in  a  complete  turmoil  with  a  parade  of  the  firemen  ;  and  after 
a  hospitable  day  with  the  celebrated  and  scientific  Dr.  Nott,  took  the  new  steam- 
boat St.  Nicholas  for  Montgomery,  Alabama — the  head  of  navigation,  where  the 
travel  joins  the  system  of  Georgia  railroads.  Our  boat  was  furnished  with  a 
machine  called  a  "  Calliope,"  to  make  music  by  steam  1  It  was  "  performed"  by 
a  negro  at  the  principal  stopping  places,  and  became  a  serious  nuisance  with  its 
harsh  and  most  discordant  notes.  Strange  to  say,  it  was,  however,  a  most  popu- 
lar piece  of  grinding ;  for,  generally,  we  found  ladies  and  gentlemen  waiting  for 
a  tune,  and  the  negroes  assembled,  with  their  ebony  skins  and  white  teeth  fully 
exposed. 

We  had  a  North  Carolina  giant  on  board — a  huge,  ungainly  fellow — who  was 
anxious  to  "  employ"  somebody  to  exhibit  him,  but  was  unsuccessful  in  finding  a 
Barnum. 

The  Alabama,  though  so  useful  a  river,  is  a  very  uninteresting  one  ;  it  is  a  river 
of  the  fourth  class.  Till  it  descends  into  the  rich  bottoms  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 
it  flows  through  the  hilly  region  of  the  State,  and  is  navigable  only  at  high  water. 
The  valleys  are  clothed  with  a  dense  and  luxuriant  vegetation,  to  which  the  giant 
creepers  and  the  palmetto  give  a  semitropical  character.  The  constant  appear- 
ance of  the  Spanish  moss,  with  its  long,  gray,  shaggy,  withered-looking  growth. 


gives  a  melancholy  deadness  to  the  scene,  as  you  thread  your  way  through  the 
stream,  winding  and  turning  sufficiently  to  more  than  double  the  di.stance  you 
wish  to  conquer.  The  forest  descends  to  the  banks  of  the  river,  and  it  is  no 
uncommon  thing  for  the  overhanging  branches  to  brush  the  deck  of  the  steamer. 
In  one  or  two  instances,  the  limbs  took  hold  of  the  bell,  and  rang  a  loud  peal. 
The  boat  rarely  stops  ;  when  it  does,  it  pokes  its  nose  into  a  high  bank  ;  boxes, 
bags  of  corn,  and  a  few  barrels  of  pork,  are  rolled  out  into  the  sand  or  mud,  as 
it  happens  to  be  dry  or  wet,  the  owner,  with  his  gang  of  negroes,  taking  them 
up  the  hill  with  difficulty,  and  at  his  leisure.  Sand  banks  form  between  the 
different  voyages ;  a  skeleton  of  a  steamboat  may  now  and  then  be  seen  left  upon 
one  of  these. 

The  ascent  of  the  river  presents  the  most  melancholy  scene.  Life,  there  is 
almost  none,  if  we  except  the  vegetation.  Once  in  a  day  you  may  pass  a  steam- 
boat, but  as  to  other  navigation  or  sailing,  pleasure  parties,  or  even  a  ferry-boat 
of  any  importance,  all  is  silent ;  the  few  settlements  on  high  bluff's  present  nothing 
attractive,  and  look  like  melancholy  storehouses.  The  inhabitants  reside  back 
from  the  river,  where  it  is  more  healthy ;  scarcely  a  habitation  presented  itself  for 
three  hundred  miles.  These  sylvan  solitudes  are  interspersed  with  swamps  ;  these 
are  traversed  by  channels  cutting  the  inhabitants  off  from  each  other,  and  the 
whole  appearance  of  things  is  that  of  solitude  brooding  over  unhealthy  nature ; 
dampness  pervades  the  lowlands,  and  it  is  curious  to  see  the  puny  efforts  of  man 
trying  to  reclaim  here  and  there  a  little  cotton  land — all  this  in  a  country  which 
has  been  called  settled  for  half  a  century. 

As  we  ascend,  our  Calliope  startles  the  woods  ;  we  approach  a  landing,  to  take 
in  wood ;  scows  are  ready  loaded,  the  engine  stops  till  these  are  fastened  on  each 
side,  and,  as  we  proceed  up  stream,  the  fuel  is  hastily  piled  upon  our  lower  deck, 
the  empty  scows  are  let  go,  and  they  return  with  the  current  to  their  former  moor- 
ings, to  load  for  the  next  customer.  If  the  landing  is  at  a  farm-house  or  a  store, 
all  the  big  and  little  negroes,  with  a  few  white  children,  range  themselves  on  the 
heights  above  us,  and  dance  to  our  half-savage  music,  the  notes  of  which  are 
about  as  discordant  as  those  of  a  sledge-hammer.  As  we  stop  at  some  of  the 
high  bluff's,  there  are  long  steps  of  wood  descending  to  our  level,  and  occasionally 
a  sort  of  railway,  worked  by  a  horse  on  the  hill,  pulls  up  or  lets  down  the  solitary 
individual  who  descends  to  see  if  there  is  any  pork  or  corn  to  his  address.  We 
saw  no  mails  or  newspapers  go  ashore  ;  these  are  conveyed  in  stages,  &c.  The 
railroad  from  Mobile  to  Montgomery  is  slowly  creeping  along,  and,  when  com- 
pleted, will  convey  passengers  in  one  day,  instead  of  three  or  four. 

The  skill  required  to  navigate  a  river  such  as  this,  must  be  very  great.  In  the 
dark  nights  it  must  be  almost  impossible ;  if  a  low  stage  of  water  is  added,  it 
seems  utterly  impracticable.  We  were  assured  there  was  plenty  of  water  by  all 
parties,  but,  before  reaching  Montgomery,  apprehensions  were  entertained  that 
we  might  get  aground.  These  apprehensions  were  not  without  cause,  for  we 
touched  bottom  often,  and  long  poles  were  in  the  hands  of  the  men,  to  lift  us 
over.  A  fair  ratd  of  speed  is  kept  up,  even  in  the  thick  darkness,  and  were  it 
not  for  the  indifference  to  danger  manifested  by  the  habitues  and  the  hands  of  the 
boat,  a  Northern  traveller  would  feel  alarm. 

As  soon  as  dinner  or  tea  is  over,  all  the  passengers  group  themselves  on  the 
sides  of  the  boat  to  smoke  or  chat.  The  big  and  little  negroes  assemble  to  dance, 
or  lie  about  and  play  some  simple  game  of  cards. 

The  scene  is  so  monotonous,  that  a  good  sleeper  has  the  advantage  over  the 
wakeful,  who,  if  nothing  better  offers,  looks  on  at  the  game  of  cards,  played 
all  appearance  without  money,  the  laws  of  Alabama  being  extremely  stri 


on  this  subject.  Every  player  is  at  the  mercy  of  any  informer,  and  the  rules  of 
the  boat,  unlike  those  on  the  Mississippi,  do  not  allow  of  any  gambling. 

Bales  of  hay  and  sacks  of  corn,  with  now  and  then  a  box  of  claret,  or  barrels 
of  pork  or  salt,  were  delivered  here  and  there,  and  once  a  child's  bathing-tub 
went  ashore  with  a  gentleman,  who  was  met  by  his  servant,  to  carry  his  coat,  and 
the  light  tub  was  left  to  be  sent  for. 

Sometimes  a  reach  of  peculiar  colored  wall  of  mud  was  seen  rising  fifteen  feet 
from  the  water,  as  regularly  formed  as  if  made  by  art,  and  both  ends  well  defined, 
having  the  precise  appearance  of  the  walls  of  a  garden  ;  and  the  garden  itself  was 
well  represented  by  shrubs  and  trees,  intermingled  with  the  wild  azalea,  in  white 
and  red  festoons.  The  Cottonwood  was  the  prevailing  tree  ;  the  dogwood  in 
blossom  ;  the  long-leafed  pine  and  the  pecan  occasionally  enlivened  the  solitary 
scene.  As  we  approached  Montgomery,  the  buckeye  became  common.  The 
weather  was  bleak  and  chilly  (April  12),  though  all  the  trees  were  in  full  leaf. 
Montgomery  is  a  fine  Southern  town,  but  it  was  too  wet  for  much  exploration, 
and,  on  the  13th,  we  started  for  Atlanta,  Georgia,  through  glorious  hedges  of  the 
Cherokee  Rose,  in  bloom,  trees  in  leaf,  &c.  Before  night  there  was  no  green  thing 
to  be  seen  ;  we  were  on  the  higher  grounds,  and  we  saw  no  vegetation  till  we 
reached  Augusta,  a  short  stay  on  a  Georgia  plantation  being  our  only  experience 
of  Georgia  life. 

Augusta  has  great  merits  as  a  winter  residence,  but  our  limits  are  reached,  and 
we  do  not  deem  a  railroad  tour  to  Philadelphia  of  sufficient  interest  to  record. 
We  reached  home  on  the  19th  of  April,  and  encountered  the  rigors  of  a  Northern 
winter  for  some  time  thereafter. 


NATURE'S    GREATNESS    IN  SMALL    THINGS. 

PROM  HOUSEHOLD  WORDS. 

To  the  imagination  of  man,  magnitude  presents  itself  as  one  of  the  noblest  and 
most  impressive  attributes  with  which  material  objects  are  clothed.  The  colossal 
grandeur  of  the  Alps,  amid  the  wonders  of  nature,  or  of  the  Pyramids  among  the 
master-pieces  of  art,  affects  the  sensuous  nature  of  the  beholder  with  unmingled 
reverence  and  awe.  But  the  refined  intelligence  seeks  for  a  higher  standard  of 
value  than  size  can  afford.  Sense  bows  before  the  majesty  of  sublime  proportion  ; 
reason  first  seeks  to  investigate  all  the  relations  of  material  things,  and,  in  the  end, 
exalts  to  the  highest  place  those  which  a  searching  test  has  declared  to  possess  the 
loftiest  significance.  Not  unfrequently  it  is  seen  that  forms  the  most  minute  are 
most  essential.  They  were  the  Titanic  forces  and  grander  features  of  nature  which 
evoked  the  admiration  and  the  worship  of  the  earliest  tribes  of  men.  As  we  descend 
along  the  stream  of  time,  we  may  discover  a  growing  perception  of  the  greatness 
of  small  things ;  the  marvellous  power  of  minor  organisms  to  work  immeasurable 
changes,  and  the  exquisite  beauty  of  minute  structures. 

Many  centuries  ago,  thoughtful  men  foreshadowed  the  full*  expression  of  this 
ripening  truth,  and  anticipated  the  results  of  modern  science  in  a  profound  axiom 
— tota  natura  in  minimis — in  smallest  things  is  nature  greatest.  It  was  reserved 
for  this  century  to  develop  a  saying  of  the  schools  into  a  household  precept.  This 
age  has  cast  down  barriers  that  walled  round  the  human  vision,  and  has  spread 
out  before  us  a  whole  universe  of  created  things,  of  which  no  man  knew  before 
our  time.  We  see  now,  by  the  aid  of  the  microscope,  that  greatness  has  no  exist- 
ence but  as  composed  of  infinite  littleness.  Who  that  bowed  before  the  oak  could 
have  thought  the  lord  of  the  forest  to  be  a  compound  mass  of  many  millio 


independent  organisms,  of  which  thousands  are  combined  within  an  acorn  ?  Who 
that  looked  upon  the  mountain  chains  of  Western  Asia,  or  the  white  cliffs  of  Dover, 
could  surmise  that  they  were  the  handiwork  of  infusorial  animalcules,  whose  shells 
make  up  the  mass  in  numbers  of  thirty  millions  to  a  cubic  inch  ?  These  are  the 
revelations  of  the  microscope. 

Gifted  with  this  new  power,  the  naturalist  has  traversed  the  material  universe 
as  though  armed  with  a  magician's  wand  ;  and  beneath  all  diverse  shapes,  amid 
all  various  structures,  he  has  found  one  simple  and  invariable  unit,  the  beginning 
of  all  form  ;  the  first  and  main  element  of  attenuated  organisms.  It  is  the  organic 
cell.  The  loftiest  trees  have  bowed  their  heads,  and  confessed  this  strange  secret 
of  their  structure.*  The  stubborn  rock  has  not  withheld  the  same  tale  of  ante- 
diluvian lore.  The  highest  animal  and  the  lowest  plant  have  narrated  the  self- 
imprinted  story  of  their  birth.  Flowers  have  whispered  it — the  rustling  leaves  have 
breathed  it.  The  butterfly  has  borne  it  on  the  dust  of  its  wings,  the  fish  upon  its 
scales.  It  is  written  in  the  blood  that  circulates  in  our  veins — it  is  imprinted  on 
the  muscle  which  gives  motion,  and  the  bones  which  afford  support  to  our  frame. 
All  nature  testifies  to  it.  One  secret  that  is  the  key  of  all  shapely  beauty  or 
deformed  ugliness — a  hidden  unity  amidst  all  variety — a  common  type  for  every 
form.  One  word  which  all  creation  perpetually  utters ;  a  witness  to  the  one  source 
whence  all  derives. 

The  waters  teem  with  dissimilar  forms  of  life.  The  air  is  darkened  with  inhabi- 
tants, not  one  of  which  has  its  exact  counterpart.  The  mind  actually  shrinks  from 
the  contemplation  of  endless  dissimilarity,  and  apparently  inharmonious  difference. 
What  a  chasm  gapes  between  the  shape  and  function  of  the  stately  old  chestnut- 
tree  of  Etna,  whom  time  has  not  subdued  and  age  has  not  withered,  and  the 
ephemeral  fungus  that  springs  up  to-day,  flowers  to-morrow,  and  dies  ere  another 
sun  has  visited  it!  A  wider  interval  appears  between  the  noble  form  of  man  him- 
self and  the  green  mould  that  clothes  his  tomb.  But  the  microscope  resolves  this 
complexity,  and  bridges  easily  this  ahasm.  It  resolves  them  alive  into  simplest 
elements,  and  finds  beneath  all  the  same  type  of  creation.  It  shows  always,  at 
the  foundation,  that  common  origin  in  cell-growth  which  binds  all  created  things 
in  one  sublime  connection  ;  and  proclaims  a  common  law  of  growth,  and  a  per- 
vading fiat  of  creative  power  as  vice-regent  over  organic  nature. 

It  was  our  own  distinguished  countryman,  Robert  Brown,  who  initiated  the 
observations  whose  fruitful  results  have  led  to  the  perception  of  this  universal 
law.  But  not  until  the  researches  of  Schleiden,  in  1837,  was  any  useful  general- 
ization obtained.  The  efforts  of  naturalists  had,  before  that  time,  been  chiefly 
directed  towards  the  perception  of  differences  and  the  creation  of  species.  But 
Schleiden  saw  that  the  philosophy  of  nature  was  darkened  by  our  ignorance  of 
the  laws  of  natural  development ;  and  bravely  devoting  himself  to  the  patient 
study  of  growth,  and  the  laws  which  control  it,  he  travelled  through  a  tangled 
forest  of  prickly  and  entwined  facts,  till  at  last  he  saw  the  light,  and  could  pro- 
claim it.  He  watched  the  secret  processes  of  plants,  traced  them  in  their  repro- 
duction and  their  birth,  analyzed.their  structures,  and  observed  the  process  of  their 
functional  activities. 

At  the  end  of  a  long  course  of  labor,  he  was  able  to  tell  the  world  that,  as  the 
minor  organisms,  which  are  the  lowliest  members  of  the  vegetable  kingdom,  are 
each  in  themselves  an  individual  cell,  having  life  and  activity,  nutrition  and  repro- 
duction, so  the  highest  plants  are  only  congeries  of  such  individuals,  heaped  one 
upon  another,  moulded  into  a  thousand  shapes,  and  adapted  to  different  purposes. 
It  was  then  that  he  enunciated  the  principle  that  the  life-story  of  a  plant  is  to  be 

*  See  Household  Words,  Volume  the  Eighth,  pages  354  and  483. 


studied  through  the  vital  history  of  its  composing  cell-elements  ;  and,  proclaiming 
the  microscopic  vegetable  cell  as  the  unit  of  vegetable  creation,  exalted  it  to  the 
place  of  honor  among  the  objects  of  microscopic  research.  It  was  no  small  thing 
that  this  key  to  the  cabinet  of  vegetable  physiology  should  be  so  discovered,  and 
placed  in  our  hands;  but  his  researches  led  to  yet  another  result — for  Schwann 
proceeded  to  apply  to  the  animal  world  the  same  method  of  inquiry  which  Schleiden 
had  inaugurated  among  plants;  and,  at  the  close  of  two  years,  he  made  known, 
in  his  turn,  the  sublime  truth  that  the  law  of  formation  and  reproduction  which 
prevails  in  the  vegetable  rules  also  over  the  animal  creation.  He  showed  that  the 
scheme  is  the  same,  and  the  cells  still  the  primordial  element  of  being.  Bones, 
cartilages,  muscles,  nerves,  and  every  tissue  were  traced  to  their  origin  in  cell- 
growth.  Man  himself  appears  as  a  congeries  of  cells;  his  growth  the  expression 
of  the  sum  of  their  growth;  the  vital  processes  of  his  body  carried  on  by  cell- 
action  ;  secretion,  absorption,  exhalation,  nutrition,,  chemical  change,  and  vital 
change;  so  many  names  which  only  indicate  phases  in  the  history  of  cell-life,  that 
epitome  of  all  organic  life.  These  splendid  researches  were  the  result  of  observa- 
tions made  with  very  imperfect  and  inoffensive  instruments;  they  should  encourage 
the  poorest  and  simplest  student  of  microscopic  nature  to  think  and  to  examine 
for  himself.  They  should  inspire  an  abiding  faith  in  the  noble  simplicity  of  the 
innermost  mysteries  of  nature,  and  the  power  of  the  human  intellect  to  master  the 
difficulties  of  all  mere  material  problems  in  the  exercise  of  its  heaven-descended 
reason.  Greatly  should  the  microscopist  rejoice  to  find  in  his  favorite  instrument 
a  facile  power  of  unveiling  these  high  secrets.  The  most  inexpensive  microscope 
gives  him  the  power  to  interrogate  all  surrounding  objects  on  this  head,  and  to 
draw  from  them  the  confession  of  their  obedience  to  cell-power.  Sitting  in  the 
poorest  room,  even  on  the  dullest  day,  he  may  cut  a  chip  from  the  floor,  take  a 
leaf  from  a  flower,  a  thread  from  the  carpet,  a  hair  from  the  chair,  a  fragment  from 
his  food,  a  coal-chip  from  the  fire,  or  a  drop  of  blood  from  the  finger,  and  they 
will  all  speak  to  him  in  this  same  language..  Their  variety  will  show  up  a  higher 
uniformity,  their  complexity  a  simple  cellular  unit.  Their  multiform  shapes  will 
betray  one  common  type.  Uttering  many  voices,  they  sing  one  grace  and  canticle 
of  the  same  purport;  the  vastness  and  variety  of  the  results  produced  by  modi- 
fications of  the  same  unvarying  means;  the  universality  of  cell-power;  the  per- 
vading existence  of  cell-growth,  the  million  development  of  its  resources,  its 
shapes,  its  functions,  its  labors,  and  its  value. 

This  high  law  of  unity  stretches  yet  further.  It  has  other  applications,  and  has 
found  other  as  illustrious  exponents.  While  Schleiden  and  Schwann  were  working 
humbly  in  their  vocation  amid  the  mysteries  of  structure  in  far  parts  of  Germany, 
our  own  countryman,  Owen,  was  studying  the  law  of  form  here  in  the  heart  of 
London.  The  one  was  busied  with  his  microscope  and  his  needles,  searching  into 
the  tissues  of  plants,  questioning  their  stem,  their  fibres,  and  their  pollen;  the 
other,  arranging  ill-smelling  bones,  dissecting  neglected  carcasses  of  wasted  crea- 
tures, scorning  nothing  that  once  had  life,  and  still  possessed  organization — making 
light  of  labor  when  it  promised  a  new  fact,  or  ^  fresh  illustration — looking  for 
order  amidst  confusion — waiting  for  light  in  the  darkness.  At  either  end  of  the 
web,  patient  workers  were  unravelling  the  plaited  thread  of  science  ;  each  followed 
a  widely  separate  clue,  but  in  the  end,  as  they  held  fast  to  the  right,  their  paths 
have  met,  and  they  stand,  centrally  amidst  the  toiling,  scattered  crowd  of  scientific 
laborers,  the  apostles  of  a  great  truth. 

What  Schleiden  had  done  for  structural  anatomy,  Owen  did  for  the  anatomy  of 
form.  The  man,  the  bird,  the  reptile,  and  the  fish,  the  uncouth  saurian,  and  the 
strange  griffin  of  pre-Adamite  times,  seemed  to  be  separated  by  as  wide  an  interval 

=  =(^ 


as  any  that  distinguished  the  structure,  of  the  lichen  from  that  of  the  palm-tree. 
But,  the  secret  once  fathomed,  and  the  type  established,  their  visible  connection 
is  read  off  from  them  as  from  Nature's  own  primer.  Owen  has  demonstrated,  to 
the  satisfaction  of  the  world,  that,  by  changes  of  one  form  alone,  the  archetypal 
vertebra,  all  world-wide  varieties  have  been  effected.  This  is  the  key  of  the 
mammoth  frame — it  is  the  secret  of  the  shape  of  the  fishy  tribe.  Those  are  ex- 
panded vertebra  which  inclose  the  brain  of  man  ;  they  are  vertebral  appendages 
which  wall  round  his  heart — which  afford  levers  of  action  for  the  arms — which 
supply  bases  of  support,  and  cavities  of  protection  for  the  organs  of  motion  and 
sense,  so  multiform  and  variously  endowed.  The  paddle  of  the  seal,  the  wing  of 
the  bird,  and  the  fin  of  the  fish  are  new  forms  of  the  same  element.  Thus  it  is, 
that  truth  harmonizes  with  truth,  and  law  combines  with  law. 

This  grand  demonstration  of  unity  in  creation  is  a  new  bulwark  to  religion. 
The  proofs  of  design  have  long  been  a  potent  weapon  of  defence,  and  an  earnest 
source  of  delight  in  the  hands  of  rational  and  religious  men.  But  there  were 
many  things  in  nature  which  it  failed  to  explain.  What  of  intelligent  and  economic 
design  could  be  traced  in  the  half  dozen  bones  hidden  beneath  the  skin  of  the  seal's 
flapper  ?  Those  joints  were  useless,  and  those  pieces  unavailing.  A  solid,  single- 
hinged  mass  was  apparently  far  more  to  the  purpose  than  this  difficult  complexity 
of  unused  joints.  We  begin  now  to  see  that  the  apparent  anomalies  bear  refer- 
ence to  economy  of  type,  and  not  of  instrument.  They  wear  the  livery  of  arche- 
typal servitude,  they  are  the  servants  of  a  double  wisdom. 

Thus,  beyond  and  above  the  law  of  design  in  creation,  stands  the  law  of  unity 
of  type,  and  unity  of  structure.  No  function  so  various,  no  labor  so  rude,  so 
elaborate,  so  dissimilar,  but  this  cell  can  build  up  the  instrument,  and  this  model 
prescribes  the  limits  of  its  shape.  Through  all  creation,  the  microscope  detects 
the  handwriting  of  oneness  of  power  and  of  ordinance.  It  has  become  the  instru- 
ment of  a  new  revelation  in  science,  and  speaks  clearly  to  the  soul  as  to  the  mind 
of  man. 


THE  DELAWARE  GRAPE.  — IS  IT  THE  TRAMINER? 


BY  A.  THOMSON,  DELAWARE,  OHIO. 

When  the  grape  now  known  as  the  Delaware  was  first  brought 
to  the  notice  of  horticulturists  (some  ten  or  twelve  years  since), 
it  was  supposed,  from  what  could  be  learned  of  its  history, 
that  it  was  a  foreign  variety  ;  and  with  the  view  of  having 
its  identity  fixed,  specimens  of  the  fruit  were  sent  to  a  num- 
ber of  gentlemen  in  various  sections  of  the  country,  regarded 
as  authority  in  such  matters,  including  the  veteran  pomolo- 
gist  of  Cincinnati,  Mr.  Nicholas  Longw-orth.  Mr.  L.  did 
not,  from  his  own  personal  knowledge,  express  an  opinion 
as  to  what  it  was,  or  whether  native  or  foreign  ;  but  some 
German  vine-dressers  in  his  employ  declared  it  to  be  the 
Traminer,  a  celebrated  wine  grape  of  the  Rhine.  Others 
were  equally  positive  that  it  was  the  Red  Reding,  also  a  well 
known  German  grape  of  high  repute  ;  but  the  weight  of  tes- 
timony favoring  the  Traminer  side  of  the  question,  the  decision  that  it  was  that 
variety  was  formally  announced,  and  generally  acquiesced  in,  though  the  only 
proof  of  its  being  correctly  named  was  that  afforded  by  the  resemblance  the  fruit 
was  thought  to  bear  to  some  recollected  to  have  been  seen  and  tasted  years  befor( 


in  "  Fader] and,"  by  the  Teutonic  laborers* referred  to,  and  they,  too,  were  divided 
in  opinion  as  to  what  it  really  was.  Unsatisfactory  as  such  evidence  might  seem, 
it  was,  at  the  time,  in  the  absence  of  anything  to  the  contrary,  regarded  as  con- 
clusive, and  the  grape  accordingly  went  forth  as  the  veritable  Traminer,  and  as 
such  found  its  way  into  at  least  two  fruit  books,  with  "  Delaware"  and  numerous 
European  cognomens  appended  as  synonymes ;  and  orders  for  the  Delaware,  in 
some  instances,  were  filled  by  sending  out  the  Traminer,  much  to  the  injury  of  the 
reputation  of  the  genuine  article.  Having  had  considerable  experience  with 
foreign  vines,  and  finding  them  uniformly  tender,  very  subject  to  mildew,  and 
entirely  unsuited  to  our  soil  and  climate,  and  several  years'  experience  showing 
the  Delaware  to  be  directly  the  reverse  of  all  this,  I  began  to  doubt  the  correct- 
ness of  the  decision  above  noted,  and  this  doubt  was  increased  on  hearing  of  seve- 
ral instances  in  which  efforts  to  grow  the  Traminer  (received  for  the  Delaware) 
had  signally  failed.  I  therefore  determined  to  investigate  the  matter  further,  and 
with  that  view  again  sent  specimens  of  the  fruit  to  numerous  distinguished  horti- 
culturists who  had  not  before  seen  it,  none  of  whom  recognized  it  as  any  variety 
with  which  they  were  acquainted,  and  a  number  of  them  declared  most  positively, 
from  their  own  knowledge,  that  it  was  neither  the  Traminer  nor  Red  Resling. 
About  the  same  time,  I  embraced  the  opportunity  afforded  by  a  visit  to  the  Atlantic 
States  to  call  at  several  extensive  commercial  gardens,  at  two  of  which  I  found 
the  Traminer  growing,  and  at  one  of  them  a  vine  of  the  Delaware,  also,  which  I 
had  furnished  myself.  An  intelligent  young  German  in  attendance  assured  me  he 
was  perfectly  familiar  with  the  Traminer  previous  to  emigrating  to  this  country, 
and  that  there  was  no  doubt  about  the  vines  there  shown  rae  as  that  variety  being 
true  to  name  ;  and  he  agreed  with  me  that  it  bore  no  resemblance  to  the  Delaware 
in  wood  or  foliage.  Since  that  time,  the  vines  have  been  very  generally  dissemi- 
nated. The  fruit  has  been  seen  and  tasted  by  the  best  judges  the  country  affords, 
including  many  intelligent  foreigners,  and  while  none  hesitate  to  bear  testimony 
to  its  excellence,  I  know  of  no  instance  in  which  any  one  has  claimed  to  recognize 
it  as  the  Traminer  or  any  other  known  variety.  In  saying  emphatically  it  is 
not  the  Traminer,  I  am  fully  sustained  by  Dr.  Warder,  and  all  other  Cincinnati 
horticulturists  whom  I  have  heard  express  an  opinion  on  the  subject  within  the  last 
five  years  ;  and  I  do  not  think  it  can  be  shown  that  Mr.  Longworth  has  at  any 
time  positively  asserted  it  is  that  variety,  or  even  intimated  that  it  was,  except 
upon  the  strength  of  the  opinion  advanced  by  his  vine  dressers.  Indeed,  in  letters 
received  from  him  within  the  past  few  weeks,  he  does  not  claim  that  he  knows 
what  it  is,  but  admits  directly  the  reverse,  and  expresses  a  desire  for  facts  by  which 
to  remove  his  doubts  as  to  whether  it  is  a  native  or  foreigner. 

These  remarks  are  elicited  by  observing  that  the  editor  of  a  journal  issued  in 
your  vicinity — himself  an  avowed  admirer  of  the  fruit — asserts,  in  a  late  number 
of  his  paper,  that  in  the  brief  communication  from  Mr.  Longworth  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  Delaware  Grape,  in  the  February  numbeu  of  the  Horticulturist,  that 
gentleman  has  eo?i(fe»mec?  the  Delaware,  and  says  "it  is  the  Traminer."  With 
all  due  deference,  I  respectfully  submit  that  Mr.  Longworth,  in  that  article,  does 
not  either  "condemn"  the  Delaware,  or  say  "it  is"  the  Traminer.  The  readers  of 
your  journal  have  access  to  the  article,  and  are  quite  competent  to  judge  for  them- 
selves.    I  leave  them  to  decide  whether  or  not  I  am  right. 

It  is  an  easy  thing  to  assert  that  a  fruit  is  or  is  not  a  certain  variety;  but,  to 
intelligent  horticulturists,  it  would  be  far  more  satisfactory  to  have  it  proven,  and 
as  a  few  years  are  sufficient  to  place  the  matter  beyond  doubt  (and  in  this  case 
no  evidence  has  been  adduced  to  establish  the  Traminer  theory,  though  at 
ten  years  have  elapsed  since  it  was  first  promulgated,  on  exceedingly  do 


authority),  I  think  it  is  high  time  it  were  abandoned.  It  is  very  desirable  to  have 
all  errors  in  nomenclature  corrected,  and  I  suggest  to  gentlemen  (if  any  such 
there  be)  who  are  dissatisfied  with  the  present  designation,  that  they  push  their 
explorations  into  some  7ieio  channel,  and  if  they  succeed  in  developing  anything 
new  or  desirable  in  reference  to  it,  no  one  will  rejoice  at  their  success  more  than 
myself.  I  repeat,  however,  that  the  claim  that  it  is  the  Tramiuer — so  long  per- 
sisted in,  on  such  shallow  foundation — should  be  urged  no  further. 

But  if  not  the  Traniiner,  what  is  it  ?  This  question  I  cannot  answer.  The 
facts  connected  with  its  early  history  would  warrant  the  inference  that  it  is  a 
foreign  variety,  but  all  experience  tends  to  upset  that  theory.  My  own  decided 
opinion  is,  that  it  is  an  accidental  seedling,  originating  in  a  garden  where  foreign 
vines  were  growing,  and  possibly  of  foreign  parentage  ;  and  the  latest  and  most 
reliable  information  I  have  been  able  to  obtain,  favors  the  conclusion  that  when 
the  original  vine  was  brought  to  this  country,  it  was  probably  the  only  one  of  its 
kind  then  in  existence.  What  it  is,  however,  is  of  comparatively  little  conse- 
quence. The  important  questions  are,  is  it  a  superior  fruit  ?  is  it  hardy  ?  pro- 
ductive ?  suited  to  our  soil  and  climate  ?  To  the  first  question,  no  judge  of  fruit 
who  has  had  an  opportunity  of  tasting  it  will  hesitate  to  respond  in  the  affirma- 
tive ;  for,  in  quality,  it  is  universally  conceded  that,  among  hardy  grapes,  it  has 
but  a  single  peer,  and  no  superior.  That  it  may  safely  be  called  productive,  is 
remarkably  exempt  from  every  species  of  mildew  or  blight,  and  is  perfectly  at 
home  in  our  gardens,  will,  I  fancy,  be  admitted  by  all  who  are  familiar  with  it; 
and  though  somewhat  difficult  to  get  under  way,  and  not  by  any  means  as  rampant 
a  grower  as  some  of  our  natives,  when  most  thoroughly  established,  with  kindly 
treatment  (and  no  vine  manifests  more  readily  than  this  its  appreciation  of  gene- 
rous nourishment),  I  think  the  most  skeptical  will  become  satisfied  that  delicacy 
of  habit  and  feebleness  of  growth  are  not  inherent  or  chronic  defects,  but,  on  the 
contrary,  its  normal  condition  is  that  of  a  robust,  healthy,  and  vigorous  vine. 

[Mr.  Thomson  has  done  good  service  in  the  above  communication,  and  we 
propose  that  all  interested  should  merely  wait  till  the  DelaM^are  ripens  again. 
Traminer  or  not,  they  will  all  want  it ;  but  it  has  now  too  many  spectators  looking 
on  to  allow  the  subject  to  remain  in  doubt,  for  which,  indeed,  we  have  already 
stated  there  is,  in  the  opinion  of  those  well  informed,  no  question. — Ed.  H.] 


ENGLISH    STRAWBERRIES. 

BY  JOHN  SAUL,  WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

At  page  *72  of  current  volume  are  some  very  interesting  notes  upon  the  fruits 
of  185T,  by  Mr.  W.  C.  Strong,  He  says:  "  That  any  English  variety  is  desirable 
for  our  climate,  is  a  question  yet  to  be  proved."  However  applicable  this  opinion 
may  be  to  Massachusetts,  it  will  not  hold  good  in  the  District  of  Columbia, 

Mr.  John  Slater,  of  Alexandria,  Va.,  an  intelligent  and  experienced  market  gar- 
dener, cultivates,  and  has  cultivated  for  years,  none  but  English  strawberries,  to 
which  he  has,  this  season,  added  one  French  variety.  To  use  his  own  words  :  "  I 
have  kicked  every  other  sort  out  of  my  garden;"  and  bear  in  mind,  this  was  not  with- 
out first  testing  them,  "  They  were  found  wanting,"  and  then  discarded.  He  tests 
every  native  or  foreign  sort  of  promise  ;  now  what  is  the  result  ?  Any  person 
interested  in  the  matter  can  have  ocular  demonstrations  in  our  market  during 
the  season  of  this  fruit.  His  crops  are  not  only  abundant,  but  the  fruit  is  of  the 
largest  size  and  highest  flavor,  in  which  these  varieties  are  known  to  excel. 


other  growers,  with  their  little,  scarlet  sorts,  get  from  six  to  twelve  cents  per  quart 
for  strawberries,  Mr.  S.  can  easily  command  from  twenty-five  to  fifty  cents,  and, 
on  their  first  appearance,  a  dollar.  The  varieties  are  Alice  Maud,  for  a  first  crop, 
followed  by  Victoria  and  Kitley's  Goliath ;  to  these  he  has  now  added  "  Yicom- 
tesse  Hericart  de  Thury  !" 

Mr.  W.  Cammack,  another  horticulturist  of  long  standing,  cultivates  princi- 
pally English  varieties.  I  say  "principally,"  for  he  grows  one  (and  I  believe 
only  one)  native  variety — Hovey's  Seedling;  the  other  sorts  the  same  as  Mr.  S. ; 
and  he  is  equally  renowned  for  his  magnificent  crops. 

Mr.  John  Howlett,  an  excellent  florist  and  gardener,  cultivates  English  straw- 
berries exclusively.  To  him  is  due  the  introduction  and  first  successful  culture 
of  Kitley's  Goliath  in  this  neighborhood.  From  a  small  bed,  a  few  feet  square, 
he  sold  $84  worth  of  strawberries — none  for  less  than  fifty  cents  per  quart.  An- 
other great  advantage  of  these  strawberries  is,  that  from  their  large  size,  they  can 
be  picked  so  quickly,  and  a  few  will  fill  the  measure.  All  strawberries  do  not  sell  so 
high  in  our  markets  ;  any  quantity  of  small,  acid,  scarlet  strawberries  are  disposed 
of  at  prices  ranging  from  six  to  twelve  cents  per  quart. 

As  a  proof  of  the  estimation  in  which  these  varieties  are  held,  another  market 
gardener  has  about  two  acres  of  Kitley's  Goliath,  with  others  in  like  proportion. 

The  question  will  be  naturally  asked :  How  come  those  varieties  to  succeed  to 
such  perfection  with  the  gardeners  here  named,  whilst  they  have  so  signally  failed 
in  the  hands  of  others  in  the  vicinity  ?  I  answer,  good  culture.  These  men 
know  the  value  of  deep  trenching,  high  manuring,  and  good  after  care,  such  as 
keeping  them  perfectly  clear  from  grass  and  weeds  through  the  summer,  and  the 
ground  loose  and  broken.  Persons  not  disposed  to  give  such  culture,  but  to  de- 
pend upon  the  plough,  and,  in  case  of  failure  of  a  strawberry  crop,  to  take  ofi"  a 
crop  of  hay  or  clover,  had  better,  by  all  means,  stick  to  their  scarlets ;  they  are 
far  more  satisfactory.  By  "scarlets"  I  mean  nearly  all  oar  native  varieties,  as 
few — very  few — possess  the  least  trace  of  a  Pine,  not  excepting  the  best  of  Ameri- 
can strawberries,  Hovey's  Seedling.  This  must  be  apparent  to  any  person  con- 
versant with  the  original  types  of  our  now  cultivated  strawberries. 

I  am  fully  aware  that  many  English  varieties  are  not  suited  to  our  climate ; 
others  are  disposed  to  burn.  The  nearer  to  perfection  that  a  fruit  reaches,  the 
greater  care  and  higher  culture  it  requires;  it  is  so  with  all  garden  vegetables, 
with  florists'  flowers  and  plants.  Neglect  the  dahlia,  rose,  hollyhock,  or  pansy  ; 
how  soon  do  the  flowers  of  the  three  first  become  single  and  poor,  and  the  last 
diminutive  in  size.  Our  finest  cattle  demand  the  greatest  care.  Apples  are  at- 
tacked by  borers;  pears  are  subject  to  blight;  peaclies  gum;  plums,  apricots, 
and  nectarines,  are  injured  by  curculios  ;  grapes  mildew  ;  corn  "  fires;"  wheat  has 
smut ;  and  our  potatoes  rot ;  yet  persons  are  found  to  cultivate  one  and  all  of 
them. 


^A-RIETIES. 

Carrying  Bees  to  the  Moors. — An  apiarian,  in  Scotland,  has  given  in  the  Cottage  Gar- 
dener a  narrative  of  his  journey,  in  carrying  four  hives  of  hees  to  the  moors.  The  first 
place  they  made  application  for  liberty  to  leave  them  with  a  cottager,  was  denied,  on  the 
plea  that  they  robbed  the  heather  of  its  juice !  making  the  cows'  milk  not  worth  a  button 
for  making  butter.  This  is  the  wisdom  (he  says)  of  the  nineteenth  century,  found  up  near 
the  clouds  behind  Greenock.  When,  at  length,  they  found  a  welcome,  the  bees  begai  +o 
work  instanter,  and  in  four  minutes  the  first  bee  was  seen  to  enter,  bearing  pollen ;  then 

— C^ 


VARIETIES. 


August  12. 

October 

No.  1. 

Collateral  . 

.     20  lbs. 

48  1b 

No.  2. 

(< 

.     23    " 

53    ' 

No.  3. 

Storied       . 

.     21    " 

49    ' 

No.  4. 

(( 

.     24   " 

50    ' 

another  and  another,  faster  and  faster,  until  (the  fifteenth  minute  after  being  opened)  every 
entrance  of  every  hive  is  crowded  with  burdened  bees.  Between  August  12  (when  I  left 
them)  and  October  5,  when  I  brought  them  home,  I  visited  them  twice,  and  deprived  three  of 
them  on  my  second  visit.  The  result  of  their  sojourn  in  the  moors,  comprising,  of  course, 
these  deprivations,  is  given  below.  The  hives  consisted  of  two  collateral  and  two  storied) 
reduced  prior  to  removal  by  depriving  them  of  supers,  side  boxes,  and  side  bars,  to  as 
nearly  the  same  weight  as  possible,  with  the  double  object  of  testing  the  two  systems  where 
food  was  plentiful,  and  of  avoiding  the  paradox  of  carrying  honey  to  the  heather. 

The  Collateral  Hives. — The  tare  of  boxes,  boards,  &c.,  being  deducted,  the  net  weights 
are  as  follow  : — 

August  12.      October  5. 

Gain  .         .         .         .28  lbs. 
"      .         .         .         .     30   " 
"      .         .         .         .     28    " 
"      .         .         .         .     26    " 

Large  Mokello  Cherry. — At  Whalley  Abbey,  Lancashire,  died,  during  the  last  autumn, 
the  celebrated  Morello  Cherry,  which  was  considered  one  of  the  finest  trees  of  the  kind  in 
the  North  of  England.  Symptoms  of  decay  had  been  noticed  in  it  for  several  years,  to  the 
regret  of  all  who  knew  it ;  and  the  proprietor,  under  the  advice  of  Mr.  Pontey,  had  spared 
no  expense  to  prolong  its  life,  but  to  no  eifect.  This  stately  tree  sank  rapidly  at  last,  and 
the  Abbey  has  lost  one  of  its  well  known  and  noblest  ornaments.  It  has  been  conjectured 
to  be  nearly  as  old  as  the  dissolution  of  the  Abbey,  and  many  and  sad,  since  that  time, 
have  been  the  changes  and  vicissitudes  which  it  has  witnessed.  When  in  full  growth  and 
health,  in  the  month  of  May,  it  was  singularly  beautiful.  Rising  to  ninety  feet  high,  with 
a  proportionate  and  graceful  diameter,  the  whole  covered  with  pure  white  blossoms,  like  a 
spotless  pyramid  of  snow,  it  contrasted  most  favorably  with  the  ivy-covered  ruins,  the  dark 
foliage  of  the  Scots  firs  and  elms,  and  other  adjoining  trees.  From  its  branches  the  mistletoe 
hung  down,  a  plant  almost  unknown  in  other  parts  of  East  Lancashire,  and  its  huge  limbs 
cast  a  sha,dow  over  the  high  altar  of  the  conventual  church,  the  last  resting-place  of  all  that 
is  mortal  of  the  abbots  who  designed  and  executed  the  surrounding  beautiful  buildings.  It 
contained  two  hundred  and  fifty-three  solid  feet  of  wood,  one  hundred  of  which  have  been 
sent  to  Messrs.  Bell  &  Copeland,  to  be  wrought  up  into  appropriate  furniture,  to  be  kept  as 
memorials  of  this  splendid  tree. — Cliviger,  in  Gardener's  Chronicle. 


De  Candolle's  Prodrornus,  Vol.  14,  Part  II.,  has  been  published,  comprehending  Thyme- 
Iseaceae  by  Meisner,  Santalacese  by  Alph.  De  Candolle,  and  some  small  allied  orders.  And 
thus  we  are  brought  almost  to  the  borders  of  the  great  unisexual  region  of  endogenous 
plants,  for  there  is  little  now  to  intervene  between  the  difficult  race  of  Laurels  and  the 
great  mass  of  Euphorbiaceje.  In  order  not  to  delay  the  progress  of  the  main  work.  Prof. 
De  Candolle  proposes  to  proceed  immediately  with  Begonias,  leaving  room  for  the  others  in 
the  series,  as  was  formerly  done  with  Solanacese.  Two  volumes  more  are  expected  to  com- 
plete Exogens.  Prof.  Andersson  undertakes  the  Salicaceous  order — a  difficult  task,  requir- 
ing great  judgment  as  well  as  experience.  It  is  computed  that  the  fourteen  volumes  actually 
completed  contain  50,509  species,  arranged  in  4,525  genera.  The  first  volume  was  begun 
in  1822,  and  appeared  in  1824.  If  we  suppose  two  botanists,  on  an  average,  to  have  been 
incessantly  engaged  on  the  work  for  thirty-six  years,  then  1,403  species  will  have  been 
determined  annually,  or  701  by  each — good  work  when  species  have  to  be  carefully  examined 
and  compared,  as  has  been  the  case  wUi  the  Prodromus,  and  not  put  together  with  paste 
and  scissors,  &  la  Wrlpers.     Who  but  a  Be  Candolle  could  have  had  the  power  to  carry 


through  so  miglity  a  work  as  this,  in  which  there  will  be,  eventually,  a  complete  syste- 
matical account  of  all  plants  known  at  the  time  of  publication  of  the  several  volumes  ? 


How  TO  ENJOY  A  GARDEN. — Dissatisfactiou  with  ourselves  and  doings  is  the  first  step  to 
improvement.  Grumbling  dissatisfaction  that  we  have  not  the  variety,  grandeur,  and  ex- 
tent of  some  one  else  who  possesses  and  employs  twenty  or  fifty  times  the  resources,  is  one 
of  those  low,  degrading  forms  of  envy  with  which  I  can  have  no  sympathy  save  that  of 
pity,  and,  more  especially,  because  it  so  blinds  the  judgment  as  to  prevent  the  right  use  of 
the  resources  within  its  reach.  The  farmer's  wife  who  manages  a  couple  of  flower  beds  in 
such  a  manner  that  the  wealthiest  could  hardly  make  them  more  beautiful,  is  not  only 
worthy  of  all  honor,  but  gives  the  best  evidence  that,  with  increased  resources,  she  would 
manage  twenty  nearly  equally  well.  I  have  put  in  the  word  nearly  advisedly,  because  the 
smaller  the  garden,  other  things  being  equal,  the  brighter  and  more  telling  should  it  be  ; 
and  it  is  easier  to  make  it  so  than  when  various  gardens  have  to  be  attended  to.  Look  on 
a  couple  of  beds  a  tangled  mass  of  flowers  and  weeds,  and  where  and  what  would  be  the 
condition  of  twenty  beds  ?  Superior  quality  and  beauty,  be  the  sphere  of  their  action  small 
or  large,  will  ever  command  approbation  ;  and  without  these,  mere  extent  will  only  be  an 
extensive  annoyance. —  Correspondent. 


Report  of  the  Third  Annual  Fair  of  the  Hancock  Agricultural  Society,  and  List  of  Pre- 
miums awarded.  This  is  printed  at  "Carthage,"  and  the  two  words  of  "Hancock"  and 
"  Carthage"  are  not  followed  by  the  name  of  any  State,  a  defect  which  often  surprises  us. 
It  is  not  uncommon,  indeed,  for  newspapers  to  be  issued  for  years  and  years  without  the 
name  of  the  State  in  which  they  are  published  being  anywhere  inserted.  Does  not  this 
look  too  miach  like  a  mere  local  circulation,  and  as  if  the  locality  was  too  much  all  the  world 
the  makers  know  ?  This  report,  we  presume,  emanates  from  New  York  or  Illinois,  but  are 
not  quite  sure. 


""■"^wteluJiujim 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 


Weather. — The  snow  whicli  fell  in  early  March  disappeared  on  the  15th,  when  the  blue- 
birds began  to  sing,  and  we  are,  as  we  go  to  press,  sanguine  of  approaching  gardening  weather. 


The  Notes  of  the  Month,  in  our  present  number,  will  be  found  to  be  quite  spicy  and 
interesting.  Mr.  Saunders  holds  a  ready  and  able  pen,  which  we  have  some  difficulty  in 
getting  him  to  wield  often  enough  ;  Cincinnatus  has  drawn  him  out  in  defence  in  a  manner 
that  makes  his  "  Note  Preliminary"  one  for  reference.  The  readers  of  that  curious,  face- 
tious, and  valuable  book  by  Chandos  Wren  Hoskyns,  republished  by  Lewis  F.  Allen  in 
Buffalo,  1854,  the  "  Chronicles  of  a  Clay  Farm,"  will  recognize  the  agreement  between  the 
book  as  well  as  between  the  writings  of  the  most  scientific  agricultural  writers  and  the 
"  Notes  of  the  Month"  for  April. 


Winter  Ruralities  of  Boston. — A  reliable  Boston  correspondent  gives  us  a  curious  and 
amusing  account  of  the  newest  winter  fashions  of  the  people  in  that  city.  It  appears  they 
were  all  crazy  on  the  subject  of  skating.  All  the  young  men  and  maidens  from  twelve  to 
twenty-five  years  old  did  nothing  in  March  but  skate  on  Jamaica  Pond.  They  say  on  fine 
days  5000  might  be  seen,  including  the  heavy  fathers  and  mothers,  who  went  on  the  ice  to 
chaperon  their  daughters.  The  latter  were  then  hustled  by  the  young  men,  and  skated 
and  slid  against  until  they  were  all  mixed  up,  when  the  daughters  disappeared  in  the 
melee.  The  Balmoral  petticoat  was  another  great  feature  of  the  scene.  The  whole  lake 
was  surrounded  by  the  carriages  of  the  wealthy  Bostonians,  from  twelve  to  four  o'clock,  or 
high  change,  and  the  sight,  it  is  said,  was  beautiful.  There  was  a  great  number  of  excel- 
lent skaters  among  the  young  ladies,  who  can  cut  their  names  backwards  ;  the  best  skater 
was  the  greatest  belle,  and  as  for  the  young  men,  he  who  could  not  cut  a  ring  backwards 
on  the  outside  skate  was  nobody.  Instead  of  balls  and  parties,  the  whole  visiting  and 
gayety  the  past  season  was  on  the  ice.  The  young  men  and  girls  made  up  parties  of 
fifteen  and  twenty,  and  went  up  Charles  River  ten  miles  to  some  village,  where  the  heavy 
fathers  who  had  driven  out  met  them,  and  had  a  jolly  dinner,  when  young  Boston  skated 
back  by  moonlight,  and  old  Boston  dozed  back  in  the  coaches.  Healthful,  all  this,  for  mind 
and  body ;  but  we  protest  against  the  treatment  of  the  old  folks,  and  wonder  the  young 
ladies  should  disappear  under  the  circumstances. 


Fire. — We  sincerely  regret  to  learn  by  a  private  letter  from  one  of  Dr.  Grant's  neighbors 
that  a  new  propagating  house,  ninety  feet  in  length,  with  12  to  15,000  grape-vines  (Dela- 
ware and  Rebecca,  &c.  &c.),  has  been  destroyed  by  fire.  This  is  an  accident  to  which 
such  houses  are  always  more  or  less  liable,  and  should  be  carefully  guarded  against. 


The  Garbigues  Grape. — Mr.  J.  Hoopes,  of  West  Chester,  Pa.,  writes  us  regarding  the 
Garrigues  grape,  that  he  observes  in  the  Valley  Farmer  that  it  is  described  as  superior  to 
the  Isabella,  on  his  authority.     He  has  no  hesitation,  he  says,  in  declaring  that  "  the 


N.  S.:  Vol.  VIII.— April,  1858. 


13 


rigues  is  nearly  equal  in  flavor  to  the  Isabella  and  Catawba,  and  of  the  same  size  ;  but  its 
greatest  superiority  over  them  consists  in  its  extreme  hardiness  and  perfect  exemption  from 
mildew."  He  considers  it  worthy  of  general  cultivation,  particularly  in  the  more  northern 
sections  of  our  country.  The  berries  have  a  tendency  to  drop  after  becoming  ripe.  He 
thinks  Downing's  new  work  correct  on  this  grape,  although  the  originator  always  asserted 
it  sprung  from  the  seed  of  a  raisin. 

Aqoariums. — "We  have  answered  a  correspondent  elsewhere  regarding  aquariums,  with 
references  to  former  articles  on  the  subject.  A  few  hints  for  beginners  are,  nevertheless, 
in  season.  No  odorous  material  or  poisonous  putty  should  be  employed  in  joining  the 
glass,  and  all  varnish  must  be  entirely  dried  before  use.  The  shaded  back  of  the  aquarium 
should  be  placed  next  the  light,  as  the  rays  ought  to  penetrate  the  water  entirely  through 
its  upper  or  horizontal  surface.  Direct  rays  of  light  must  be  received  during  some  part  of 
the  day,  being  screened  by  a  white  blind  when  the  sun  may  be  too  powerful ;  as,  should 
the  water  become  tepid,  it  would  be  fatal  to  many  of  the  inhabitants.  Don't  overcrowd 
your  tank,  but  be  content  with  a  few  specimens,  and  an  occasional  change. 

The  composition  of  artificial  salt  water  has  been  found  sufficient  for  zoophytes,  but  not 
for  fish  and  other  of  the  higher  class  of  marine  animals,  except  for  a  certain  given  time  ; 
its  ingredients  are — 

Common  salt  3^  oz. ; 

Epsom  salts  \  oz. ; 

Chloride  of  magnesium   200  grs.  ;  \ 

Chloride  of  potassium        40  grs. ;  )        ^        °     ' 
To  these  add  four  quarts  of  water,  and  when  the  salts  are  thoroughly  dissolved,  say  on  the 
following  day,  the  liquid  must  be  filtered  through  a  sponge  ;  it  is  then  fit  for  use. 

The  common  ditch  plant,  Valisneria  spiralis,  is  excellent  for  imparting  oxygen.  A  glass 
''  fish  globe"  does  perfectly  for  beginners,  and  experiments  will  soon  make  you  expert  in 
selecting  water-snails,  gold-fish,  &c.  &c.,  but,  as  before  observed,  be  sure  you  don't  boil  your 
water  before  using  it,  nor  cook  your  pets  by  exposing  them  too  much  to  the  sun. 


The  Grape. — We  publish,  in  a  former  page,  an  interesting  article  from  Mr.  W.  N.  White, 
on  hybridizing  the  grape.  Mr.  W.  informs  us  that  in  consequence  of  the  receipt  of  a  dozen 
new  varieties  from  Dr.  Grant,  the  report  of  the  Georgia  pomological  committee  on  the  species 
of  V.  labrusca  will  be  deferred  for  a  time.  Also,  that  they  now  have  reason  to  consider  the 
Delaware  grape  not  a  variety  of  V.  jestivalis,  as  they  supposed.  In  the  committee's  former 
report  last  year,  speaking  of  the  blossoms  of  V.  rotundifolia,  a  misprint  makes  '•  more  were 
found  female  or  pistillate  only"  read  "none  were  found." 


Planting  Potatoes. — They  say  abroad  that  the  secret  of  getting  potatoes  ripe  in  August 
that  will  keep  all  winter,  is  "to  set  them  well  sprouted.  There  is  no  occasion  to  put  them 
in  early.  The  month  of  August  is  the  critical  time  for  the  winter  potato.  But  by  sprouting 
the  tuber  before  setting,  you  obtain  nearly  a  month's  advantage,  so  that  when  the  disease 
does  come,  the  plant  is  in  a  stronger  state  than  it  would  otherwise  be,  and  is  thereby  en- 
abled to  repel  the  attack."  The  author  who  thus  writes  in  the  Royal  Agricultural  Society's 
Journal  is  the  Rev.  E.  F.  Manly,  and  there  may  be  something  in  his  remarks. 


Grafting  the  Gkape  Vine. — We  have  met  with  many  experienced  persons  who  have 
never  seen  the  grape-vine  grafted.  The  process  is  so  easy,  that  thousands  who  are  anxious 
to  possess  the  newer  varieties,  should  especially  take  cai-e  of  their  old  roots  and  insert 
scions  of  the  new.     No  clay,  or  covering  of  the  grafted  part  is  necessary  beyond  the  natural 


editor's  table. 

soil,  below  which  the  graft  is  to  be  inserted.  Saw  oflF  your  stock  and  put  in  your  scion 
with  two  or  three  buds,  wedge-fashion,  as  in  the  cleft-grafting  of  fruit-trees,  and  then  cover 
up  a  few  inches,  leaving  one  or  two  buds  above  ground  ;  where  the  stock  is  very  large,  and 
inconvenient  to  split,  a  gimlet-hole,  so  made  as  to  bring  the  two  barks  together,  has  an- 
swered. The  sprouts  of  the  old  stock,  as  they  spring  up  to  rob  the  graft,  must  be  pulled 
off.  Grafts  often  bear  some  fine  clusters  the  first  season  of  growth,  and  many  more  the 
second. 

In  this  way,  the  old  stocks  of  wild  grapes  removed  from  the  woods  are  very  useful,  with 
due  care.  We  have  lately  seen  an  old  Catawba  vine  that  was  wanted  for  shade  forty  feet 
off,  laid  down  for  a  year  till  it  had  rooted  well,  and  then  was  grafted  with  perfect  success, 
and  fruited  the  first  season. 


Necrology. — We  regret  to  announce  the  death  of  Samuel  T.  Jones,  of  Staten  Island,  New 
York,  a  most  successful  horticulturist,  and  formerly  an  eminent  merchant  of  New  York. 
These  pages  have  recorded  his  enthusiasm  and  remarkable  success  in  fruit  culture.  We 
have  never  seen  a  greater  amount  of  good  fruit  grown  in  the  same  space  ;  hot-house  grapes, 
peaches,  and  pears,  were  Mr.  Jones's  especial  favorites,  and  nobody  had  finer.  We  have 
measured  peach-trees  in  his  grounds  much  larger  in  circumference  than  the  body  of  an 
ordinary  man,  and  bearing  most  profusely.  His  method  of  treating  these  trees  is  recorded 
by  himself  in  the  Horticulturist  for  1856,  p.  501,  and  maybe  referred  to  with  great  advantage. 

Mr.  Jones  was  a  native  of  Philadelphia,  resided  some  years  in  England,  and  returning  to 
New  York,  was  the  active  mind  in  developing  the  mineral  resources  of  the  neighborhood ; 
in  the  introduction  of  zinc  paint  he  was  conspicuously  the  leader. 

In  private  life,  as  a  member  of  the  community,  and  as  a  consistent  Christian,  Mr,  Jones 
will  long  be  remembered.  As  a  husband,  father,  and  friend,  he  is  most  sincerely  lamented 
by  those  privileged  with  his  acquaintance. 


The  Death  of  the  Ddke  of  Devonshire  is  deeply  regretted  by  horticulturists  abroad.  He 
is  called  "  one  of  the  most  illustrious  examples  of  refined  taste  and  magnificent  conception 
which  the  horticultural  world  has  ever  seen."  "The  fame  of  the  gardens  of  Chatsworth," 
says  the  Gardener's  Chronicle,  "  has  spread  through  the  world,  and  gave  an  impetus  to  the 
formation  of  the  people's  parks.  To  the  very  last  the  love  of  flowers  was  intensely  mani- 
fested in  this  lamented  nobleman ;  they  may  almost  be  said  to  have  become  a  necessity  of 
his  existence.  When  a  melancholy  attack  of  illness  brought  on  a  debility  which  was 
incurable,  his  pleasure  was  to  be  wheeled  to  some  obj  ect  the  beauty  of  which  he  still  would 
gaze  upon,  and  the  conservatory  at  Chiswick  is  fitted  up  with  little  contrivances  to  enable 
him  to  stroll  feebly  among  the  shrubs  which  it  contains.  The  Duke  died  at  Hardwicke  on 
Monday,  the  18th  ult.,  in  the  68th  year  of  his  age,  as  peacefully  as  he  had  lived.  By  none 
will  his  loss  be  more  felt  than  by  the  Horticultural  Society,  of  which  he  has  been  President, 
since  the  death  of  Mr.  Thomas  Andrew  Knight." 


Pears. — Mr.  J.  De  Jonge  states  that  it  requires  at  least  15  years  before  the  real  merit  of 
a  new  variety  of  pear  can  be  completely  determined.  This  term  is  not  too  long  for  most 
varieties.  For  those  that  are  fertile,  the  period  may  perhaps  be  reduced  to  10  years  at  the 
utmost,  dating  from  the  time  of  their  first  bearing,  providing  that  no  time  is  lost  in  the 
nursery. 


A  White  Apricot,  dotted  with  red,  has  been  produced  in  Belgium,  where  one  amateur 
planted  last  year  4000  stones  with  a  view  to  procure  new  and  good  kinds.  The  apricot 
succeeds  well  in  Belgium,  as  many  may  remember  who  have  travelled  there  in  the  season. 


editor's  table. 


A  GrAKDEN  AND  FOUNTAIN. — There  is  no  reason  why  a  suburban  garden  should  not  be 
beautified  by  water  scenery  of  some  kind — by  the  formal  stone  basin  and  fountain,  the 
circular  pond  shaded  with  rose  arches,  and  stocked  with  ornamental  fish,  or  the  mimic  lake 
or  river,  partially  hidden  to  conceal  the  meagreness  of  its  extent,  and  the  illusion  helped 
out  by  sloping  banks,  massive  shrubs,  and  a  few  water-fowl. 

Where  the  dimensions  are  small,  a  basin  is  to  be  preferred.  Such  a  tank  must  not  be 
inclosed  by  shrubs  or  a  profusion  of  vegetation,  but  must  oflTer  its  white  rim  in  contrast 
with  smooth  turf,  sloping  gently  up  towards  a  hillock,  out  of  which  the  basin  rises  with  its 
circle  unbroken,  or  only  broken  in  one  or  two  places,  by  an  elegant  trailing  plant,  or  piece 
of  appropriate  statuary.  In  such  cases,  the  surrounding  borders  should  be  formally  laid 
out  with  gay  exotics,  the  box  borders  kept  in  the  neatest  trim,  the  standard  roses  on  the 
turf  few  but  fine,  and  anything  in  the  nature  of  a  shrubbery  or  sylvan  retreat  placed 
sufficiently  far  away  so  as  not  to  break  the  formality  and  brightness  which  should  surround 
the  basin.  The  fountain  may  be  of  a  classical  design,  a  mere  jet  on  the  surface  of  the 
water  not  having  sufficient  dignity,  while  the  ornaments  of  the  paths  and  grass-plat  should 
be  elegant  vases  crowded  with  gay  plants  ;  and  light  iron  chairs,  rather  than  rustic  baskets 
and  mossy  seats. 


In  an  extensive  garden  of  formal  arrangement,  laid  out  in  parterres,  planted  with  various 
exotic  shrubs,  the  centre  should  be  appropriated  to  an  ornamental  basin  and  bold  jet. 
From  the  centre  the  paths  may  diverge  and  form  the  radii  of  a  circle,  so  as  to  afford  ap- 
proaches to  the  fountain  and  views  of  it  from  every  part  of  the  formally  planted  scene. 
Tlie  annexed  plan  for  such  a  garden  may  be  found  useful  where  there  is  sufficient  space  to 
give  it  fulness  of  character.  The  shrubs  may  be  botanically  as  well  as  artistically  arranged, 
and  a  combination  of  the  arboretum  and  pleasure  garden  satisfactorily  accomplished. 

In  our  next  we  shall  give  a  sketch  of  "  a  garden  aquarium." 


Professor  Johnson's  Report. — The  "  First  Annual  Report  of  Prof.  S.  W.  Johnson,  Chemist 
to  the  Connecticut  State  Agricultural  Society,  and  Professor  of  Analytical  and  Agricultural 
Chemistry  in  Yale  College,"  has  been  kindly  forwarded  us  by  Mr.  Henry  A.  Dyer,  corre- 
sponding secretary.  Here  is  something  valuable,  some  real  information  for  the  farmer, 
which  we  trust  will  be  spread  abroad  in  an  intelligible  form  by  the  farming  journals.  It 
is  worth  all  the  ipse-dixits  of  ignorant  conjectures  that  form  the  staple  of  so  many  printed 
works  ;  it  is  founded  upon  analysis,  and  its  facts  may  be  relied  on.  We  consider  it  beyond 
price  ;  it  goes  to  the  root  of  the  matter,  and  without  fear  or  favor  tells  us  what  manufactured 
manures  are  of  value,  what  is  their  commercial  value,  and  which  are  worthless ;  the  Pro- 
fessor says  the  Lodi  Company's  manufacture  cannot  be  recommended.  It  assures  us  that 
cotton-seed  is  almost  as  valuable  food  as  linseed  cake,  and  that  it  is  much  richer  in  oil 


albuminous  matter ;  that  cattle  eat  it  when  mixed  with  palatable  food,  and  soon  learn  to 
eat  it  with  a  relish  ;  that  it  is  also  a  capital  fertilizer.  ''Next  to  Peruvian  guano,  this  is  a 
substance  (cotton-seed  cake)  which,  if  its  composition  proves  uniform,  is  most  nearly  worth 
what  it  costs."  This  report  will  be  hailed  by  intelligent  agriculturists  as  of  the  highest 
value  ;  it  inaugurates  a  new  era  ;  read  and  study  it,  all  farmers. 


Hedges  and  Evergreens — A  complete  Manual  for  the  Cultivation,  Pruning  and  Management 
of  all  Plants  suitable  for  American  Hedging ;  to  which  is  added  a  Treatise  on  Evergreens.  By 
John  A,  Warder,  M.  D.     New  York  :  A.  0.  Moore,  1858. 

This  is  a  duodecimo  of  291  pages,  with  illustrations,  at  the  price  of  one  dollar.  It  is  a 
r^sum^  of  what  is  known  on  the  subjects  it  treats  of,  and  might,  in  fact,  be  called  "  A  Plea 
for  the  Osage  Orange  ;"  the  reader  will  find  it  contains  the  two  following  paragraphs — the 
first  from  the  author,  the  second  from  Mr.  Ernst,  on  the  Osage  Orange : — 


Page  126 — "  The  interlacings,  as  a  remedy, 
would,  by  a  good  cultivator,  be  considered 
of  doubtful  propriety,  to  say  the  least,  except 
in  a  very  limited  extent." 


Page  192 — "  Plashing  answers  well ;  it  is  a 
simple  process,"  &c.  "Plaiting  or  plashing 
are  the  only  safe  modes  of  protection,  and 
never  should  be  dispensed  with  for  an  out- 
side protection,"  &c. 

It  is  true  that  Dr.  Warder  says :  "  For  my  own  notions,  as  to  the  sentiments  contained 
in  the  last  paragraphs,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  appropriate  chapter."  The  said  chapter 
is  intended  to  controvert  the  opinions  of  the  Horticulturist,  which  are  sustained  by  Mr. 
Ernst  at  page  192,  in  the  fullest  manner,  one  employing  the  word  "interlacings,"  and  the 
other  "plaiting  or  plashing." 

The  last  part,  on  evergreens,  is  intended  for  learners — the  merest  tyros  in  planting,  and 
we  submit  to  the  author  whether  the  use,  to  such,  of  words  like  "adnate"  and  '^ phytologf 
in  common  writing,  is  not  giving  too  strong  expressions  for  beginners,  who  may  be  obliged 
to  turn  to  their  dictionaries. 

Again :  we  beg  book-makers  not  to  follow  so  frequently  the  example  of  the  Patent  Office 
in  its  "Reports."  By  general  consent  of  naturalists  and  all  scientific  men,  the  Latin  names 
attached  to  plants  when  they  are  significative  of  a  place,  a  country,  or  a  person,  are  spelled 
with  a  capital  letter ;  Cedrus  Libani  and  not  libani ;  Abies  Canadensis  and  not  canadensis  ; 
see  pages  258  and  254 ;  and  again,  page  250,  Pinus  Australis  is  spelled  with  a  small  a,  and 
the  same  error  is  repeated  in  sinensis,  canariensis,  &c.  &c.  ;  it  has  Californiana  for  Califor- 
nica,  &c.,  to  say  nothing  of  names  being  spelled  difiierent  ways. 

We  regret  that  the  writer  has  omitted  the  enumeration  of  one  of  the  best,  if  not  the  best 
plant  for  an  evergreen  ornamental  hedge,  viz.,  the  Siberian  Arbor  Vitse,  Thuja  Sibirica. 
We  most  willingly  admit  that  mistakes  are  easily  committed,  and  that  our  own  printer 
allows  errors  sometimes  to  pass,  but  nevertheless  make  these  suggestions  for  the  benefit  of 
future  editions  ;  the  subject  is  an  important  one.     Dr.  Warder  can  do  better. 

With  regard  to  the  Osage  Orange  as  a  hedge  plant,  we  indorse  Professor  J.  B.  Turner's 
opinion,  that  "the  causes  of  failure  have  been,  in  most  cases,  imperfect  preparation  of  the 
soil,  poor  plants,  careless  culture,  or  the  intrusting  of  the  job  to  professional  hedge-makers, 
who  were  strangers  to  their  employers." 


American  Pomological  Society. — President  Wilder  requests  us  to  announce  that  the 
seventh  session  of  the  American  Pomological  Society  will  be  held  in  the  city  of  New  York 
on  the  14th  of  September  next.     Circulars  will  be  issued  in  due  season. 


Hooper's  Frdit  Book  has  had  a  great  sale  at  Cincinnati,  and  a  new  edition,  with  cor 
tions,  is  in  press.     Dr.  Warder  is  preparing  his  work  for  publication. 


editor's  table. 

Dear  Sir:  Allow  me  to  call  your  attention  to  a  plant  we  have  here,  called  the  "  Boston 
ivy,"  which  I  presume  is  identical  with  the  "  Australian"  or  "  French  ivy,"  of  your  corre- 
spondent "W."  It  is  the  Bryonia  palmata,  a  native  of  Ceylon.  Nat.  Order  Cucurbitacese. 
It  is  one  of  the  very  best  plants  we  have  for  hanging-baskets,  or  vases,  in  the  conservatory 
during  winter.  Wm.  Johnston. 

[Can  we  be  writing  of  the  same  plant  ?    Pray  send  us  a  leaf  or  a  flower,  one  or  both. — Ed.] 


Dendrobium  Nobile. — A  splendid  plant  of  this  lovely  Dendrobe  is  at  present  flowering  in 
the  collection  of  B.  K.  Bliss,  Esq.,  of  this  place.  It  is  but  a  small  specimen,  comparatively, 
yet  has  70  large  flowers  on,  all  well  expanded.  A  more  lovely  object  can  scarcely  be  con- 
ceived, and  such  is  its  beauty  that,  when  better  known,  we  are  sure  no  collection  of  hot- 
house plants,  however  small,  will  be  considered  complete  without  it.     Most  truly  yours, 

Springfield,  Mass.,  Feb.  10,  1858,  Daniel  Barker. 


CtJPHEA  Eminens. — Ed.  Horticulturist:  In  a  recent  number  I  notice  a  correspondent  recom- 
mending the  Cuphea  eminens,  as  one  of  the  most  valuable  winter  blooming  house  plants 
ever  introduced.  In  reading  the  report  of  the  committee  on  flowers  of  the  Massachusetts 
Horticultural  Society,  I  observe  they  speak  of  it  as  utterly  worthless.  I  am  much  inte- 
rested in  winter  blooming  plants,  having  to  supply  bouquets  largely  for  our  families,  and 
was  about  to  increase  it  largely ;  but  now  I  hesitate.  It  is  quite  possible  the  plant  ex- 
hibited in  Boston  was  poorly  grown,  or  illy  flowered,  as  I  have  myself  seen  very  valuable 
plants  brought  out  in  a  very  dubious  condition  in  order  that  its  owner  might  have  the 
doubtful  credit  of  being  its  first  exhibitor.  I  should  very  much  like  to  have  the  opinions 
of  others  who  have  grown  it,  if  you  think  desirable.  The  committee's  opinion  of  Canna 
Warscewickzii  I  fully  indorse,  and  inclose  you  a  few  flowers  from  a  spike  I  have  now  open. 

"A  Bouquet-Maker." 

[The  flower  is  a  glorious  deep  crimson,  and  a  valuable  plant  both  for  leaf  and  bloom. — Ed.] 


Plant  Cabinets. — Ed.  Horticulturist — Dear  Sir :  I  have  no  doubt  many  of  your  readers 
were,  as  I  was,  much  pleased  with  your  remarks  on  these  structures.  By  some  such  con- 
trivance, many  who  are  now  deprived  of  the  luxury  of  a  few  flowers,  may  have  them  in 
perfection.  I  think  I  would  sooner  consent  to  be  deprived  of  any  source  of  pleasure  than 
that  which  my  little  conservatory  affords,  and  am  gratified  whenever  I  see  anything  tend- 
ing to  afi'ord  the  masses  an  opportunity  of  similar  enjoyment.  I  write  now  to  remark  that 
a  neighbor  who  has  not  a  bay  window  outside,  has  contrived  to  make  one  inside  the  common 
plain  one,  by  a  double  sash ;  and  the  way  her  plants  luxuriate  in  this  small  "house"  is  the 
admiration  of  every  passer-by.  Should  you  take  time  to  honor  my  little  place  with  a  call 
one  of  these  days,  I  will  take  you  to  see  it.  The  dry  air  of  rooms  seems  to  have  an  injuri- 
ous tendency  on  plants  ;  and  it  is  really  surprising  to  see  how  well  they  do  in  these  cases  ; 
besides  removing  the  annoyance  which  watering  plants  in  rooms  in  the  usual  way  often- 
times entails. 

Philadelphia.  M. 

DioscoREA  Batatas. — Mr.  Editor :  In  renewing  my  somewhat  procrastinated  subscription 
to  your  spirited  and  interesting  periodical,  it  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  write  a  little  of  our 
experience  with  the  above,  what  we  consider  a  valuable  esculent.  We  have  cultivated  this 
potato  for  two  seasons,  and  the  only  noticeable  objection  so  far  is  that  the  tubers  penetrate 
the  earth  so  deep  that  it  is  hard  to  get  them  out  whole. 

can  enumerate  in  its  favor  its  productiveness,  good  eating  qualities,  exemption,  so  far, 
disease  ;  but,  above  all,  its  extreme  hardiness  to  withstand  our  most  rigorous  winters 


editor's  table. 


in  the  open  ground  without  the  slightest  protection.  A  few  hills  left  out  the  first  winter 
('56  and  '57)  have  grown  luxuriantly  the  past  season,  whilst  of  those  now  in  the  ground 
(over  }  acre)  we  dug  two  hills  a  few  days  ago,  and  had  them  served  up  in  a  pudding  to 
quite  a  household,  and  is  remembered  among  the  good  things  that  gratify  the  appetite. 

I  am  aware  that  I  run  some  risk  in  testifying  thus  to  the  merits  of  the  Dioscorea,  as  much 
has  been  said  against  it  through  the  public  prints,  resulting  in  some  cases  from  bad  culture 
and  soil,  and  planting  too  small  and  imperfect  tubers ;  yet  I  firmly  believe  when  some  reason- 
able time  elapses  to  get  acquainted  with  its  characteristics,  it  will  rank  as  one  of  the  insti- 
tutions of  our  glorious  country.  Samuel  Cofman. 

Carroll,  Fairjiehi  Co.,  Ohio. 

The  Verbena. — We  have  an  interesting  communication  on  the  verbena,  from  James  S. 
Negley,  for  which  we  cannot  find  space  this  month.  Mr.  Negley  has  established  a  valuable 
nursery  in  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  where  he  prides  himself  justly  on  having  all  that  is  new  and 
valuable  ;  he  names  to  us  a  number  of  the  finest  roses  for  sale,  which  are  but  rarely  to  be 
yet  found  in  our  eastern  collections.  Pittsburg  is  an  admirable  point  for  distribution  to 
the  West  and  South,  and  we  should  have  no  doubt  that  our  friends  in  Natchez,  for  instance, 
would  find  it  to  their  advantage  to  procure  novelties  from  thence. 

Barnes  ^  Washburn,  Harrison  Square,  Dorchester,  Mass.,  put  up  their  collections  of 
flower-seeds  in  a  most  attractive  way.  Boxes  with  elegant  covers,  printed  in  gold,  contain 
respectively  22  varieties  of  the  best  kinds  for  one  dollar,  and  44  kinds  for  one  dollar  and 
seventy-five  cents  ;  10  varieties  for  fifty  cents,  and  extra  varieties  as  enumerated  in  their 
advertisement,  which  it  will  be  well  to  consult. 

John  Perkins,  of  Moorestown,  New  Jersey,  a  few  miles  from  Philadelphia,  has  a  fine  col- 
lection of  large,  well-grown  evergreens,  larger  than  are  usually  found  in  nurseries,  which 
some  who  desire  immediate  efl'ect  may  thank  us  for  noticing. 


Cincinnati  Horticultural  Society. — Will  our  friends  of  this  society  permit  us  to  suggest 
more  care  in  the  printing  of  their  official  reports  in  the  Cincinnatus.  The  old  black  letter 
book  on  gardening,  reprinted  at  this  office,  is  not  the  "  New  Orleans  Orchard ;"  that  city 
was  unknown  as  a  book-publishing  town  in  1626.  And  the  flowering  of  the  Jasminimi  nudi- 
Jlorum  in  January  is  not  an  evidence  of  precocity ;  it  is  a  winter  flower,  and  therefore  will 
bloom  at  that  season  unless  cut  ofi"  by  unusual  rigor. 


Winter  Apples. — We  have  from  Mr.  R.  Peters  some  very  fine  winter  apples,  worthy  of 
note,  viz:  Nickajack  (already  figured  in  this  work),  Green  Crank,  Limber  Twig,  and 
Sharkley.  The  latter,  Mr.  P.  thinks  the  best  of  all  apples  for  the  "  cotton  growing  coun- 
tries," as  a  late  keeper.  Nickajack  ranks  next  as  a  keeper.  Green  Crank  is  preferred  by 
many  to  the  Nickajack,  but  does  not  keep  so  long.  To  our  taste  it  is  the  best  apple  of  the 
whole.  Limber  Twig  is  well  known  at  the  north,  and  is  valued  by  the  "  old  times"  men, 
who  hauled  hundreds  of  miles  to  market,  and  then  shovelled  the  apples  into  and  out  of  the 
wagons  ;  after  all  this  they  would  keep  until  April  and  May. 


Profits  of  Pear  Culture. — We  have  ready  for  our  next  number  an  article  on  this  sub- 
ject, fi-om  the  pen  of  Lewis  F.  Allen,  Esq.,  of  Bufi'alo,  New  York;  and  from  Mr.  Chorlton 
one  on  the  grape,  in-doors  and  out. 


Two  New  Vegetables  are  attracting  much  attention  in  England,  the  Cottager's  Kale, 
desci-ibed  as  a  very  fine  Brussels  sprout,  the  sprouts  of  which  will  not  heart ;  and  the  Custard 
Squash,  a  very  superior  sort. 


editor's  table. 


Strawberries. — If  you  are  troubled  by  birds,  wide  distances  are  dangerous,  unless  you 
protect.  Kill  slugs  in  winter  with  lime  or  ducks.  Do  not  water  while  the  plant  is  in  flower, 
but  from  the  time  the  berry  is  formed  till  it  reddens  you  cannot  pour  on  too  much.  Put 
clean  wheat  straw  between  the  ranks,  and  water  every  third  day,  in  sultry  weather,  copi- 
ously. Begin  manuring  directly  after  the  crop  is  off  and  the  runners  taken.  Preservation 
of  life  is  better  than  the  chance  of  a  resurrection.  Potash  is  a  good  manure.  Use  guano 
(sparingly),  soot,  coal  ashes,  wood  ashes,  liquid  manure,  cow  and  horse  droppings.  Stale 
night-soil  is  believed  by  many  to  be  the  best.  New  maiden  earth  is  also  good  for  a  dress- 
ing. 

After  the  crop  is  off  cut  oflf  all  the  leaves  and  dress  handsomely,  stirring  the  soil  about 
two  inches  deep  between  the  ranks,  and  one  inch  near  the  plants.  This  brings  a  luxuriant 
crop  of  leaves,  which  protect  the  crown  in  winter,  and  throw  oflf  the  wet.  This  will  not  do, 
unless  you  do  it  early,  and  are  a  "high  manurer." 

Now,  if  you  will  attend  to  these  rules,  you  will  get  good  and  fine  Strawberries.  Remem- 
ber, says  a  good  gardener,  the  words — Manure,  Pump,  or  Irrigate. — W. 


Artificial  Fruit. — We  saw  the  other  day  at  H.  A.  Dreer's,  327  Chestnut  Street,  Phila- 
delphia, the  handsomest  plate  of  artificial  fruit  that  has  ever  come  under  our  notice.  The 
Peaches  were  beyond  measure  tempting,  even  to  the  incipient  decay.  On  inquiry,  it  ap- 
peared they  were  made  by  a  lady  who  also  devotes  her  attention  to  teaching  the  art — Miss 
C.  Smith,  No.  1013  Coates  Street,  Philadelphia. 


Cerasus  Japonica  Alba  Flore  Pleno. — For  a  fine  specimen  of  this  most  beautiful  double 
flower,  we  are  indebted  to  David  Ferguson,  near  Laurel  Hill  Cemetery.  It  eclipses  the  old 
double  flowering  cherry  and  the  spireas  ;  is  perfectly  hardy,  and  of  easy  cultivation,  and  a 
most  lovely  flower  to  force. 


Answers  to  Correspondents. — Geo.  M.  Brown — The  "  Turk's  cap"  cactus — Mela  cactus 
communis — is,  we  believe,  sometimes  called  "  Pope's  Head,"  though  it  is  unusual  for  it  to 
branch  out  in  the  way  you  describe  yours  to  do.  We  could  not  name  it  from  your  descrip- 
tion. Cactuses,  to  bloom  well,  require  a  season  of  growth,  and  one  of  rest.  It  is  a  good 
plan  to  set  them  out  in  the  open  air  about  May  ;  give  them  a  liberal  supply  of  water  for  one 
or  two  months,  then  gradually  dry  them  oflf  for  winter,  and  they  will  well  reward  you.  A 
Cereus  multangularis,  and  C.  Peruvianus,  annually  bloom,  thus  treated,  in  our  garden. 

James  Moore :  In  propagating  from  unripe  shoots,  either  of  the  vine  or  of  any  plant, 
bottom  heat  is  of  great  advantage,  and  in  many  cases  essential  to  success.  If  the  cuttings 
can  be  so  placed,  as  not  to  have  too  great  a  heat  at  first,  say  about  55°,  and  after  a  week  or 
ten  days  increased  to  60°,  and  so  on  to  65°  or  70O,  they  are  more  certain  to  strike  than 
when  kept  in  a  uniform  heat.  Any  sharp  fine  sand,  washed  so  as  to  have  any  impurities 
it  may  contain  separated,  is  as  good  as  silver  sand  for  striking  in. — Ed.] 

John  J.  Goldsmith,  Waverly,  111. — The  pea  sent  is  well  known ;  it  is  called  the  Oregon, 
and  has  not  given  satisfaction  where  we  have  known  it  to  be  planted. 

Vigneron. — The  term  muscat,  applied  to  particular  kinds  of  grape,  is  not  derived  from  the 
perfumed  or  musky  flavor  of  those  varieties,  but  from  the  berries  attracting  flies,  muscae, 
for  which  reason  the  Latins  called  the  kind  vitis  apiaria. 

W.  H.  B.,  York,  Pa. — We  know  of  no  such  article  as  Black  sulphur.  Probably  you  are 
right  in  your  supposition. 

Amy,  Baltimore. — Remove  the  trees  very  carefully  in  the  spring,  about  the  time  of  its 
growth.     Do  not  allow  the  roots  to  get  dry. 


A  summer-liouse,  such  as  you  propose,  may  be  erected  by  employing  cedar  poles,  &c., 
according  to  plans  dispersed  through  the  volumes  of  the  Horticulturist,  which  you  are  good 
enough  to  say  you  have  been  "a  lover  of  since  its  first  publication." 

George  H.  Brown,  Kingston,  N.  Y. — We  have  exhausted  the  subject  of  Aquariums  long 
since,  and  cannot  in  this  case  "  try  back."  See  vol.  for  1855,  p.  302  ;  vol.  for  1856,  p.  405  ; 
vol.  for  1857,  pp.  47  and  281.  For  the  book  published  by  Dix,  Edwards  &  Co.,  apply  to 
your  bookseller ;  it  is  very  full.  We  are  constantly  referred  to  for  information  already 
imparted,  and  as  we  publish  indexes,  it  might  often  save  trouble  to  cons\ilt  them. 

Myron  R.  Benton. — We  shall  be  greatly  obliged  by  a  sight  of  the  remarkable  apple  you 
mention,  at  its  next  ripening. 

Names  of  Plants. — (H.  H.)  The  Fern  is  the  Asplenium  flabelliforme,  a  very  pretty 
greenhouse  Fern,  and  useful  for  baskets.  The  other  pretty  little  plant  has  often  been  men- 
tioned under  the  name  of  the  Artillery  Plant,  and  called  Pilea  muscosa,  or  Thelygonum 
cynocrambe,  a  very  interesting  little  plant  for  the  stove.  The  Cactaceous  Plant  is  one  of 
the  Opuntia  family,  probably  Opuutia  ficus  Indica  ;  but  we  cannot  be  certain  of  this  from  a 
bit  so  small. 

(E.  S.)  Ipomfea  quamoclit.  (D.  McEwen.)  Phytolacca  decandria,  or  Virginian  Poke. 
(J.  L.)  Cerinthe  major,  a  garden  annual. 


Catalogues,  etc..  Received. — H.  A.  Dreer's  Catalogue  for  1858,  includes  premium  roses, 
dahlias,  verbenas,  and  a  select  list  of  fruit,  and  ornamental  trees  and  plants,  for  sale  at  327 
Chestnut  Street,  Philadelphia,  or  at  his  garden  near  the  stand-pipe  of  the  West  Philadelphia 
Water  Works,  and  enumerates  various  things,  as  well  as  seeds,  in  request  at  this  season. 

Experiments  and  Observations  upon  the  Sorghum  Saccharatum,  or  Chinese  Sugar  Cane. 
By  Joseph  S.  Levering.     For  sale  by  Henry  A.  Dreer,  327  Chestnut  Street,  Philadelphia. 

Lyons,  Wayne  County,  N.  Y.,  Nurseries.  E.  Ware  Sylvester  advertises  in  this  way  all 
the  fruits,  evergreens,  &c.  &c. 

A  Supplementary  Priced  List  of  Plants  for  sale  in  the  spring  of  1858,  by  W.  C.  Strong, 
Brighton,  Mass.,  five  miles  from  Boston,  comprises  New  Hardy  and  Foreign  Grapes,  New 
Roses,  Fruit  Trees,  New  Bedding  and  Greenhouse  Plants,  &c.  &c.,  and  offers  inducements, 
rarely  exceeded,  to  purchasers. 

Sheppard's  Forwarding  and  Commission  Horticultural  Nursery  and  Seed  Agency,  159 
Front  Street,  New  York.     Circular. 

Protest  against  the  Report  and  Awards  on  the  Field  Reapers  and  Mowers  and  Harvest 
Implements,  by  the  U.  S.  Agricultural  Society,  at  Syracuse.     By  R.  L.  Allen. 

Descriptive  Catalogue  of  the  Rochester  Commercial  Nurseries.  H.  E.  Hooker  &  Co.  An 
excellently  considered  list  of  valuable  fruits,  &c. 

A.  0.  Moore's  Agricultural  Book  List ;  140  Fulton  Street,  New  York ;  advertises  espe- 
cially Olcott's  Fifth  Edition  on  the  Sorgo  and  Imphee. 

Mr.  H.  A.  Mish,  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  has  issued  a  Catalogue  of  Fruit  Trees  at  reasonable 
prices.  Grapes  of  the  newest  and  best  kinds,  Strawberries  in  great  variety  and  quantity, 
and  Shade  and  Ornamental  Trees.  We  expect  to  learn  that  this  enterprising  nurseryman's 
grounds  will  very  soon  rank  with  any  in  our  own  or  sister  States. 

The  Agricultural  College  of  the  State  of  Michigan,  is  a  pamphlet  setting  forth  the  advan- 
tages of  the  institution,  and  giving  a  list  of  the  numerous  students  who  are  availing  them- 
selves of  this  most  useful  measure.  We  recognize  very  able  teachers,  and  among  them  our 
friend  John  C.  Holmes,  as  Professor  of  Horticulture,  and  Treasurer. 

Monthly  Bulletin  of  the  United  States  Agricultural  Society,  Washington.  A  valuable 
publication. 


Landretli's  Rural  Register  and  Almanac  for  1858.  This  Register  takes  precedence  in  one 
important  respect ;  it  is  to  be  had  for  nothing — or  at  all  events  a  thankee.  But  it  has  other 
and  great  merits,  being  compiled  by  one  of  the  best  cultivators,  and  the  largest  seed-grower 
in  the  world.  Address,  with  a  stamp,  D.  Landreth,  Philadelphia.  The  information  it 
contains  is  reliable,  and  there  is  no  more  correct  almanac. 

James  M.  Thorburn's  Annual  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Flower  Seeds,  with  practical  direc- 
tions for  their  culture  and  treatment.  There  is  no  better,  and  as  their  seeds  are  punctually 
sent  by  mail,  or  as  directed,  they  deserve  and  will,, we  hope,  receive  extensive  patronage. 

The  Sweet  Potato ;  its  Northern  Culture.  Directions  in  a  printed  sheet,  from  0.  S. 
Murray  &  Son,  Twenty  Miles  Stand,  Warren  County,  Ohio.  Excellent  instruction,  which 
we  may  take  occasion  to  print. 

Catalogue  of  Select  Annual,  Biennial  and  Perennial  Flower  Seeds,  cultivated  and  sold 
by  David  Landreth  &  Son,  21  South  Sixth  Street,  Philadelphia.  Reliable  and  dependable, 
as  are  their  garden  vegetable  seeds,  now  as  well  known  as  the  name  of  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  and  household  treasures  wherever  known. 

R.  Buist's  Select  Catalogue  of  Greenhouse,  Hothouse,  and  Hardy  Plants,  322  Market 
Street,  and  Darby  Road,  Philadelphia. 

R.  Buist's  Catalogue  of  Select  Roses,  Rosedale  Nurseries,  Darby  Road,  Philadelphia. 
These  two  Catalogues  are  well  worthy  of  attention.  We  are  free  to  say  that  few  if  any 
establishments  in  this  country  contain  the  variety  of  desirable  plants  that  Mr.  Buist  culti- 
vates. His  preface  on  the  Rose  is  very  satisfactory.  Mr.  B.  spells  the  rose  we  noticed 
favorably  last  month  Vicompte  des  Cazes,  and  not  Vicomptesse. 

Barnes  &  Washburn's  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Choice  Flower  Seeds,  Dorchester,  Mass. 
Another  of  Dahlias,  Verbenas,  Petunias,  &c.  &c.  These  gentlemen  are  carrying  on  a 
flourishing  business,  and  deserve  credit  for  enterprise  and  careful  regard  to  the  interests  of 
their  customers. 

Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Shade  Trees,  Shrubs,  Roses,  Vines,  Bedding  Plants,  &c.,  for  sale 
by  John  W.  Adams,  Portland,  Maine.     A  valuable  catalogue  of  a  good  collection. 

Address  before  the  Georgia  Horticultural  Society,  on  its  19th  Anniversary,  Feb.  12,  1858. 
By  John  E.  Ward.     Savannah,  1858.     Eloquent  and  terse. 

The  Commercial  Crisis ;  its  Cause  and  Cure.  Two  Lectures  delivered  in  Montreal.  By 
William  Brown,  Cote-des-Neiges  Nurseries,  near  Montreal.  Here  is  one  of  the  craft  lec- 
turing on  a  new  topic,  and  we  mean  to  read  what  he  says. 

Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Garden,  Field,  and  Flower  seeds,  sold  by  Wm.  Thorburn,  492 
Broadway,  Albany,  N.  Y.     Comprises  everything  required. 

Messrs.  Bridgeman,  New  York,  have  sent  us  their  valuable  Spring  Catalogues,  but  just 
too  late  for  examination. 


The  amount  of  the  influence  of  vegetation,  as  such,  iipou  the  air  we  breathe,  has  thus 

been  demonstrated.  For  every  six  pounds  of  carbon  which  plants  have  accumulated  in 
their  structure,  they  have  withdrawn  from  the  atmosphere  twenty-two  pounds  of  baleful 
carbonic  acid  gas,  and  replaced  it  with  sixteen  pounds — an  equal  bulk — of  life-sustaining 
oxygen.  Consider  the  quantity  extant  merely  in  the  trunks  of  trees.  The  trunk  of  a  single 
giant  pine  contained  356,000  pounds  of  carbon — a  quantity  sufficient  to  propel,  on  our  rail- 
roads, 200  tons  of  merchandise,  a  distance  of  3,560  miles  !  In  its  growth,  this  tree  withdrew 
from  the  air  1,305,333  pounds  of  carbonic  acid  gas,  and  replaced  it  with  949,333  pounds  of 
en  gas — a  quantity  sufficient  to  maintain  the  respiration  of  a  single  man  for  1,100  years. 


editor's  table. 


Add  to  the  quantity  of  carbon  gathered  by  this  one  huge  California  tree  all  that  is  contained 
in  the  forests  and  herbage  of  the  world  ;  all  that  accumulated  in  the  soil  as  vegetable  mould, 
peat,  and  in  other  forms,  the  product  of  the  vegetation  of  by-gone  ages.  And  finally,  let 
the  estimate  embrace  all  that  belongs  to  the  bodies  of  the  whole  existing  animal  kingdom, 
and  we  shall  have  the  expression,  if  it  can  be  made  in  figures,  of  the  amount  of  a  single 
(though  the  largest)  element  which  vegetation  has  withdrawn  from  the  atmosphere.  If  we 
miiltiply  the  vast  amount  of  carbon  by  sixteen,  and  divide  it  by  six,  we  obtain  the  number 
of  pounds  of  oxygen  gas  that  have,  in  this  process,  been  supplied  to  the  atmosphere,  and 
this  is  the  only  operation  in  nature  which  gives  to  the  air  free  oxygen  gas — that  indis- 
pensable agent  of  animal  life.  Animals  consume  it,  and  give  back  carbonic  acid,  which, 
while  it  is  injurious  to  their  life,  is  the  principal  element  of  the  food  of  vegetables,  is  con- 
sumed by  them,  and  the  oxygen  restored  for  the  use  of  the  animals.  Hence  the  necessity 
of  the  vegetable  kingdom  in  purifying  the  air  we  breathe,  and  hence,  too,  the  impure  air  of 
cities,  where  animal  overbalances  vegetable  life. 

The  Cactus  tribe — growing  under  the  burning  rays  of  a  vertical  sun,  on  dry  sand 

nearly  devoid  of  vegetable  mould,  and  beneath  a  sky  that  for  three-quarters  of  a  year 
yields  them  not  one  drop  of  rain — are  tumid,  with  a  watery  juice,  of  inestimable  value  to 
the  parched  traveller.  Even  the  wild  ass,  cautiously  stripping  off  the  dangerous  spines 
with  his  hoof,  knows  how  to  help  himself  to  a  delicious  draught,  when  traversing  the  deso- 
late steppes. 

The  Tree,  or  Cow  Cabbage,  is  one  of  the  most  remarkable  of  the  cabbage  kind,  hav- 
ing a  hard  and  woody  stalk,  averaging  five  feet  in  height,  and  used  for  walking-sticks.  In 
the  Island  of  Jersey  it  reaches  the  height  of  eight  or  ten  feet  and  more.  This  is  mainly 
produced  by  daily  pulling  off  the  lower  leaves  as  fodder  for  the  cows,  leaving  foliage  only 
at  the  top  ;  thus  a  small  garden  has  almost  the  appearance  of  a  plantation  of  palms.  Planted 
close,  as  living  fences,  they  keep  out  fowls  and  small  animals.  Sheds  are  thatched  with 
the  dried  stems  ;  they  serve  as  stakes  for  kidney  beans,  peas,  &c.,  and  as  cross-spars  for  the 
purpose  of  upholding  the  thatch  or  roof  of  the  smaller  class  of  farm-buildings,  cottages,  &c., 
and,  when  kept  dry,  are  said  to  last  upwards  of  half  a  century.  At  a  distance  from  the 
coast,  and  in  colder  latitudes  than  Jersey,  this  cabbage  always  degenerates.  The  walking- 
sticks  are  almost  handsome. 

We  have  learned,  says  Dr.   Gray,  what  the  food  of  plants  is,  and  whence  they 

obtain  it.  Their  universal  food  is  rain-water,  which  has  absorbed  some  carbonic  acid,  nitro- 
gen, and  ammonia  or  its  compounds,  from  the  air,  or  dissolved  them  from  the  decomposing 
remains  of  fonner  vegetation  already  existing  in  the  soil,  whence  it  has  also  dissolved  a 
variable  quantity  of  earthy  matter.  This  liquid  is  imbibed  by  the  roots,  and  carried  up 
through  the  tissues  of  the  stem ;  the  crude  sap  is  carried  into  the  leaves  ;  these  and  other 
green  parts  of  plants  (the  chlorophyll e)  constitute  the  apparatus  of  vegetable  digestion. 
The  agent  (the  motive  power  which  puts  this  most  curious  chemical  apparatus  into  action) 
is  solar  light.  This  is  the  indispensable  agent  by  which  lifeless  mineral  matter  (earth  and 
air)  is  transformed  into  the  organized  substance  of  living  plants,  and,  consequently,  of  ani- 
mals. Such  is  the  important  part  which  light  performs  in  vegetable  digestion — that  initial 
step  in  organized  existence  upon  which,  as  the  first  link  in  the  chain,  all  the  rest  absolutely 
depends.  Hence  the  Creative  fiat,  '  Let  there  be  light,'  was  the  immediate  precursor,  as  it 
is  the  indispensable  condition,  of  organized  and  animate  existence.  Again  :  It  is  clear  that 
the  oxygen  which  is  given  to  the  air,  in  ordinary  vegetable  digestion,  comes  from  the  de- 
composition of  carbonic  acid.  Plants  take  this  latter  gas  from  the  air,  directly  or  indi- 
rectly ;  they  retain  its  carbon  ;  they  restore  to  the  air  pure  oxygen.  This  is  the  principal 
material  which  is  given  up  to  the  air,  and  it  alone  renders  it  fit  for  the  breathing  and  life 
of  animals.     To  verify  this,  expose  some  freshly-gathered  leaves  to  the  sunshine  in  an  in 


verted  glass  vessel,  filled  witli  water,  so  as  to  collect  the  bubbles  of  air  -which  rise,  and 
which  are  nearly  pure  oxygen  gas.  The  evolution  of  this  gas  goes  on  while  the  sun  shines, 
but  immediately  stops  when  a  shadow  is  cast  over  the  leaves,  and  is  resumed  when  the 
screen  is  withdrawn,  or  when  a  gleam  of  reflected  sunlight  is  cast  upon  the  leaves  from  a 
mirror;  thus,  showing  how  entirely  the  whole  depends  on  sunshine.  In  nature's  operations 
(as  in  the  Daguerrean  operation),  diffused  daylight  answers  the  purpose,  but,  in  our  rude 
experiments,  we  cannot  quite  imitate  the  delicacy  of  her  processes. 

"  In  the  parish  churchyard  of  Aldworth,  in  Berkshire,"  says  a  correspondent  of  a 

London  paper,  "  stands  a  yew-tree,  which  is  much  larger  than  any  I  have  ever  seen  or  read 
of  elsewhere.  This  tree  is  nine  yards,  or  twenty-seven  feet,  in  circumference,  four  feet  from 
the  ground.  The  denuded  branches  spread  over  a  very  large  surface  ;  their  shadow,  it  is 
affirmed,  at  one  time  covered  nearly  an  acre  of  ground.    Its  once  lofty  head  is  decayed. 


'gain  for  th  IJnntt 

APRIL. 
VINEYARD  CALENDAR. 

BY  R.  BUCHANAN,  CINCINNATI,  OHIO. 

Tnis  is  a  busy  month  for  the  vine-dresser,  as,  in  this  and  the  three  succeeding  months, 
the  crop  has  to  be  made.  Driving  in  stakes  that  may  have  been  loosened  by  the  frosts  of 
winter,  replacing  by  new  ones  those  that  have  rotted  off,  tying  the  vines  to  the  stakes,  and, 
towards  the  latter  part  of  the  month,  hoeing  or  ploughing  the  vineyard,  if  the  ground  is  in 
order,  are  the  principal  duties  that  crowd  upon  the  vine-dresser  in  April.  Some  of  the 
stakes  that  have  rotted  ofi"  at  the  surface  of  the  ground,  may  still  be  long  enough  to  sharpen 
and  drive  in  again.  Stakes  should  be  six  and  a  half  to  seven  feet  long  at  first,  so  that  they 
may  bear  to  be  sharpened,  and  driven  in  two  or  three  times  ;  they  may  thus  be  used  for 
many  years. 

The  process  of  tying  the  vines  to  the  stakes  is  simple,  and  has  been  given  in  a  former 
article,  but  I  will  here  repeat  it.  The  branch  is  bent  round  in  the  form  of  a  bow,  or  three- 
fourths  of  a  circle  ;  the  top  part  or  centre  of  this  bow  is  fastened  to  the  stake  by  a  willow 
tie  ;  the  top  end  of  the  branch  (which  now  becomes  the  lower  part  of  the  bow)  is  either 
fastened  close  to  the  stake  by  tlie  same  kind  of  tie,  or  left  a  few  inches  from  it.  This  is 
done  in  soft  weather,  in  the  forepart  of  the  day,  when  the  branch  is  pliable,  and  will  not 
readily  break. 

Hoeing  or  ploughing  should  only  be  done  when  the  ground  is  mellow,  or  in  order  for 
working. 

This  is  also  the  month  for  planthig  new  vineyards.  Lay  off  the  ground  (previously  pre- 
pared) by  a  line,  and  put  down  a  stick  about  fifteen  inches  long  where  each  vine  is  to  stand, 
at  distances  of  three  feet  by  six,  three  and  one-half  by  seven,  or  four  by  eight  feet  apart, 
as  may  be  preferred.  Then  plant  the  cuttings  or  vines,  wlien  the  ground  is  in  order,  by 
digging  a  hole  about  a  foot  deep  (the  width  of  the  spade),  and  fifteen  inches  long.  Plant 
two  cuttings,  in  a  slanting  position,  eight  inches  apart  below,  and  one  inch  above  ground, 
leaving  the  top  bud  even  with  the  surface,  and  fill  the  hole  up  nearly  full,  to  be  afterwards 
filled  up  at  the  first  hoeing.  If  both  cuttings  grow,  take  up  one  to  replace  failures,  or  cut 
it  ofl"  under  ground,  as  but  one  vine  should  be  left  to  each  stake.  Vines  may  be  planted  a 
foot  deep,  and  the  holes  filled  up  at  once. 

The  wine  has  to  be  merely  treated  as  directed  in  last  month.  Keep  the  casks  full,  and 
the  bungs  tight. 

By  WILLIAM  SAUNDERS,  GERMANTOWN,  PA. 

A  Note  Explanatory. — The  natural  anxiety  which  every  right-minded  man  feels  for  his 
own  accuracy  in  words  written  or  spoken,  and  in  justice  to  those  of  your  readers  who  peruse 
the  "  Calendar  of  Operations"  communicated  by  me  to  your  pages,  renders  it  an  imperative 
on  my  part,  to  notice  the  animadversions  on  these  articles  by  "  Cincinnatus" 
number  of  the  Horticulturist.     He  accuses  me  of  negligence  and  carelessness  in 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 

preparation,  and  that,  in  consequence,  there  are  frequently  errors  in  my  advice.  On  this 
point  I  at  once  admit  my  sensitiveness,  as  I  would  consider  it  an  insult  both  to  yourself 
and  readers,  were  I  to  advocate  a  mode  of  practice  that  a  lengthened  experience  had  not 
satisfied  me  to  he  correct,  or  advance  statements  that  I  had  not  proved  and  weighed  by 
every  available  means  in  my  power  before  making  them. 

In  my  opening  number  (January,  1856),  I  alluded  to  a  difficulty  that  I  had  before  expe- 
rienced in  writing  calendars,  viz :  "  That  calendars,  in  general,  are  either  too  brief  to  be 
valuable,  or  too  lengthy  and  minute  for  the  limited  space  of  a  monthly  periodical."  I 
further  signified  my  intention  of  attempting  to  steer  a  middle  course,  and  it  has  therefore 
been  my  constant  aim  not  only  to  avoid  useless  repetitions,  but  to  make  my  remarks  as 
comprehensive  as  possible,  consistent  with  clearness.  How  far  I  may  have  been  successful 
in  doing  so,  I  of  course  cannot  be  a  competent  judge.     It  may  be  that  I  have, 

"In  laboring  to  be  brief,  become  obscure." 

But  I  well  know,  that  if  my  desire  had  been  merely  to  fill  a  certain  amount  of  pages,  I  could, 

"With  far  more  ease,  have  told  a  longer  story." 

Your  correspondent  seems  anxious  that  his  remarks  should  not  be  considered  as  being 
made  in  any  carping  spirit.  I  would  have  been  less  inclined  to  think  so  if  he  had  not  mis- 
quoted my  remarks,  and  attempted  to  falsify  my  meaning  by  disconnecting  sentences,  with 
a  view  of  obscuring  any  clearness  or  accuracy  of  expression  which  they  contained.  With 
regard  to  the  advice  which  your  correspondent  deems  objectionable,  I  do  not,  on  again 
perusing  it,  wish  to  make  any  alterations.  It  is  true,  that,  by  extending  the  paragraph,  it 
might  be  rendered  so  as  to  be  more  readily  understood  ;  but  I  submit  that,  taken  in  connec- 
tion with  the  general  tenor  of  my  calendars,  there  is  no  room  for  doubt  as  to  the  meaning 
intended  to  be  conveyed. 

In  the  "  Calendar"  for  October  last,  I  remarked  that  "the  relative  advantages  of  fall  and 
spring  planting  is  open  to  much  discussion.  So  much  depends  upon  local  circumstances, 
that  diversity  of  opinion  is  of  all  things  most  likely.  One  man  will  plant  in  October, 
another  in  December,  and,  in  both  cases,  it  will  be  considered /a/^  planting.''^  I  mentioned 
the  circumstance  as  one  reason  for  diversity  of  opinion  on  the  practice,  as  I  find  many 
people  consider  planting  in  October,  November,  and  December,  equally,  as  fall  planting.  Is 
it  necessary  for  me  to  add  that  1  do  not  look  upon  December  planting  as  coming  under  the 
appellation  of  fall  planting?  In  the  October  "Calendar"  for  1856,  I  remark  that  "in  the 
fall  the  soil  is  warmer  than  the  air ;  the  formation  of  roots  proceeds  while  the  branches 
are  dormant."  Further  on:  "But  to  insure  these  good  results,  planting  should  be  pro- 
ceeded with  immediately  after  the  leaves  have  fallen;  if  delayed  beyond  October,  success  will 
be  less  certain." 

To  come  more  particularly  to  the  objections  of  your  correspondent;  in  the  "  Calendar" 
for  last  November  I  remark :  "  In  sheltered  situations,  trees  may  yet  be  planted  ;  do  not, 
however,  plant  in  a  hurry,  but  let  the  ground  be  thoroughly  prepared,  and  in  good  con- 
dition." My  meaning  is  surely  obvious  enough,  which  is  :  that  i-ather  than  plant  in  a  hurry, 
or  before  the  ground  is  thoroughly  prepared,  to  defer  it  until  spring.  This  meaning  cannot 
for  a  moment  be  doubted  by  reading  out  the  paragraph.  "  If  you  find  it  more  convenient 
to  get  your  trees  now  than  in  the  spring,  or  if  your  orders  have  to  come  from  a  more  northern 
locality  than  your  own,  by  all  means  secure  them  at  once  ;  and  when  they  arrive,  have  a 
deep  trench  prepared,  and  lay  them  in  closely,  covering  well,  at  least  half  up  their  stems  ; 
they  will  then  be  ready  to  plant  at  the  earliest  fitting  moment  in  spring."  Is  this  not  sufficiently 
explicit  ?  or  is  it  necessary  for  me  to  admit  "  that  waiting  for  the  frost  to  mellow  the  soil, 
is  an  ill  method  of  etfecting  early  fall  planting  ?" 

I  have  strongly  and  frequently  urged,  whenever  occasion  offered,  the  primary  importance 
of  draining,  more  especially  in  clayey  soils,  and  their  exposure  to  the  ameliorating  influence 
of  the  atmosphere,  in  order  to  bring  them  into  a  condition  fitted  for  cultivation.  In  the 
paragraph  from  which  your  correspondent  has  taken  his  text,  I  remark  :  "  It  is  a  commend- 
able practice  to  prepare  the  holes  now,  throwing  out  the  soil,  and  leaving  it  exposed,  to  be 
acted  upon  by  frost ;  by  this  means  it  will  acquire  a  friability  not  otherwise  easily  obtained." 
This  amelioration  of  soil  by  frost  your  correspondent  considers  "  all  moonshine,"  and  goes  on 
to  observe  that  "  summer  fallowing  and  winter  freezing,"  so  far  as  they  relate  to  a  system, 
"  belong  to  the  barbaric  age  of  agriculture  ;"  that  "fall  ploughing  of  light  soils  is  univer- 
sally considered  by  our  most  scientifically  practical  agriculturists  as  positively  injurious  ; 
that  "  wet  or  stiff  soils,  when  ploughed  in  the  fall,  are  heavier  in  summer,"  and  this  because 
"the  frost  decomposes  the  vegetable  fibres,  roots  of  weeds,  and  past  crops;"  that  "the 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 


more  modern,"  and,  as  he  thinks,  "  the  more  accurate  conclusion  is,  that  all  such  treatmeut 
of  soils  is  mere  cobbling,  unworthy  of  our  age."  And  "if  gentlemen  wish  to  render  soils 
friable,  they  now  do  it  by  draining,  and  adding  silicious  and  vegetable  substances  ;"  that 
"  it  is  better  not  to  plant  a  tree  than  plant  it  in  a  soil  upon  which  frost  will  have  a  bene- 
ficial effect  in  rendering  it  friable."  But  if  it  is  "  first  drained,  then  get  a  barrow  of  decayed 
leaves  from  the  woods,  and  a  barrow  of  well-washed  sand  from  the  public  road,  and  mix 
them  with  the  stiff  soil,  we  may  go  ahead  without  hesitation."  "Turning  it  up  to  freeze 
is  a  temporary  affair,  unworthy  of  being  considered  a  commendable  practice."  Such  is  a 
fair  epitome  of  your  correspondent's  "  confession  of  faith."  It  exhibits  such  total  ignorance 
both  of  the  science  and  practice  of  agriculture,  that  if  the  writer  alone  were  concerned,  I 
would  throw  down  my  pen ;  for,  although  I  have  no  particular  aversion  against  entering 
into  the  arena  of  controversy  with  a  well  matched  opponent,  there  is  no  honor  in  taking 
the  easy  advantage  of  one  who,  like  the  Chinese  soldiers  I  have  heard  of,  rushes  forward 
with  two  or  three  swords  at  a  time,  and  that,  too,  with  the  hilts  of  the  weapons  presented 
to  my  hands,  and  the  points  sticking  in  his  own. 

Bare  summer  fallowing  has  in  part  been  superseded  by  the  culture  of  green  crops,  but  is 
still  extensively  practised  by  intelligent  and  successful  farmers  in  the  best  farmed  districts 
of  country.  On  this  subject,  one  of  the  most  accomplished  farmers  and  writei'S  on  agricul- 
tural matters  has  the  following  remarks  :  "Though  it  cannot  be  desirable  to  see  the  prac- 
tice of  bare  fallows  extended  (for  it  exists  too  much  already  upon  many  soils  where  it  might 
be  with  every  advantage  substituted  by  green  crops),  it  must  yet  be  borne  in  mind  that  it  is 
not  in  the  mechanical  structui-e  alone  that  heavy  soils  difler  from  light  soils  ;  their  chemical 
difference — which  is  quite  as  great — lies  in  that  essential  particular  that  the  clay  soil  is 
naturally  richer  in  the  mineral  constituents  required  by  your  crops.  Potash,  soda,  and 
phosphorus,  which  you  must  supply  to  a  light  soil  before  you  sow  it,  you  have  only  to  de- 
velop in  a  clay  soil  by  deep  and  frequent  stirring,  and  submitting  to  the  oxidation  of  the 
atmosphere.  The  green  croj),  with  its  carbon-obtaining  leaves,  will  no  doubt  supply  organic 
wealth  to  either ;  but  inorganic  food  can  come  from  the  soil  alone,  and  if  the  soil  be  able 
to  supply  it  from  its  own  resources,  one-half  the  value  of  the  green  croj^,  as  a  fertilizer,  is 
renounced.  Its  remaining  value  as  a  collector  of  organic  matter  from  the  atmosphere,  is 
the  point  upon  which  the  question  will  be  poised,  of  its  adoption  on  a  soil  which,  after 
eflectual  drainage,  subpulverization,  and  liming,  still  retains  the  character  of  a  'clay.' 
Even  upon  such  land  (which  is  not  so  plentiful  as  some  imagine),  experience  has  yet  to 
prove  how  far,  by  deep  ploughing  and  subsoiling  immediately  after  harvest,  and  making 
the  most  of  suitable  weather  between  that  time  and  the  following  summer,  the  green  crop 
may  take  its  place  in  a  six-course  system  as  profitably  as  in  the  four-course  system  upon 
lighter  soils.  The  bare  fallow  is  too  ancient,  too  prospectively  laborious,  and  patient,  not 
to  have  deep  reason  at  the  bottom  of  it.  Chemistry  has  discovered  the  truth  which  prac- 
tice has  attested.  The  question  may  be  not  whether  the  fallow  shall  be  abandoned,  but 
whether  its  objects  can  be  achieved  at  a  less  sacrifice  of  time." 

We  are  told  that  fall  ploughing  of  light  soils  is  universally  considered  as  positively  in- 
jurious. The  soil  must  be  light,  indeed,  that  is  injured  by  fall  ploughing.  That  there  is 
no  such  universal  opinion,  is  too  well  known  to  require  comment ;  I  would,  however,  in 
passing,  ask  "Cincinnatus"  to  inform  us  why  it  is  injurious  ? 

We  are  further  informed,  that  clay  lands  ploughed  iu  the  fall  are  heavier  in  summer,  and 
for  once  a  reason  :  "  Because  the  frost  also  decomposes  the  roots  of  weeds,"  &c.  The  farmer 
who  grows  weeds  in  sufficient  quantity,  that  his  future  croj)  is  mainly  dependent  upon  their 
decaying  roots  for  an  existence,  is  a  relic  of  something,  whether  of  a  "  barbaric  age  of  agri- 
culture" or  not,  I  will  not  determine  ;  but  I  would  consider  him  a  fitting  companion  for  Bo-Bo 
and  his  father,  Ho-ti,  as  described  in  Elia's  dissertation  on  "  Roast  Pig  :"  Bo-Bo  accidentally 
set  fire  to  his  father's  cottage,  in  which  there  was  a  fine  litter  of  pigs.  Both  father  and  son 
were  so  pleased  with  the  burnt  remains,  that  "  as  often  as  the  sow  farrowed  so  sure  was  the 
house  of  Ho-ti  to  be  in  a  blaze !" 

When  planting  a  tree,  it  is  a  matter  of  paramount  importance  to  have  the  soil  in  so  finely 
divided  a  state  that  every  root  will  be  enveloped,  and  the  smallest  crevices  and  interstices 
filled.  It  is  then  surely  a  question  of  moment  to  know  how  this  friability  is  to  be  obtained. 
The  cheapest  and  most  effectual  crusher  is  frost.  Here  is  the  jjrocess  described,  as  I  find  it 
in  a  recent  agricultural  monthly  periodical :  "  The  freezing  and  thawing  process  is  of  vast 
benefit  to  soils.  Investigations  go  to  show  that  the  fineness  of  a  soil  is  among  its  best 
qualities.  Some  have  gone  so  far  as  to  say  that  it  matters  little  what  a  soil  consists  of,  if 
it  is  sufficiently  fine ;  that  the  New  England  granite  soils,  if  as  fine  as  those  of  the  Ohio 
valley,  would  be  as  good.     This  may  seem  extravagant,  and  probably  is  so,  yet  all  will 


editor's  table. 


agree  that  fineness  is  a  most  important  quality.  Now,  a  December  frost,  stiffening  the 
ground  for  eight,  twelve,  sixteen  inches  deep,  is  a  silent,  quiet  operation,  but  it  is  one  in 
which  an  immense  amount  of  mechanical  power  is  exerted.  By  reason  of  the  expansion 
of  water  at  the  point  of  freezing,  particle  is  made  to  impinge  against  particle  by  a  slow  but 
irresistible  movement,  both  held  as  in  a  vice,  and  pressed  against  each  other,  till  probably 
more  particles  in  an  acre  of  soil  are  broken  up,  and  divided  into  two,  five,  or  a  dozen,  than 
could  be  effected  by  the  labor  of  a  score  of  men  in  a  whole  summer.  Clay  soils  are  rendered 
less  adhesive,  and  coarse  soils  (not  made  up  too  much  of  mere  sand,  that  holds  no  water) 
are  rendered  finer  by  freezing.  Throwing  them  into  ridges  in  autumn,  to  give  the  frost 
greater  access,  is  beneficial."  One  more  extract  on  this  subject:  "  That  which,  under  the 
name  of  oxygen,  we  are  accustomed  to  consider  as  a  gas,  forms,  in  fact,  one-half  of  what 
geologists  call  the  whole  solid  crust  of  the  globe.  In  the  subsoil,  it  exists  in  combination 
with  metallic  substances,  which,  when  so  combined,  we  call  earths.  Until  they  have  been 
brought  into  free  contact  with  the  air,  these  earths  are  said,  in  the  language  of  chemists, 
to  be  in  the  protoxide  state — that  is,  in  a  state  of  early  oxidation,  containing  free  acids  in- 
jurious to  vegetation  ;  hy  free  and  complete  access  to  the  air,  the  protoxide  is  converted  into  the 
peroxide,  a  state  favorable  to  vegetation.  Now,  farmer,  the  question  for  you  is  how,  as  speedily 
as  possible,  to  convert  the  protoxide  into  the  peroxide — an  enemy  into  a  friend.  Paring 
and  burning  will  do  it  immediately,  but  at  a  cost  more  (perhaps)  than  the  worth  of  the 
land.  Subsoil  ploughing  will  do  it — in  eight  or  ten  years,  perhaps.  A  winter^  s  frost,  if  your 
land  is  loell  drained,  and  well  ivorked  the  following  spring  and  summer,  either  as  a  falloiv  or 
manured  green  crop,  will  do  it  in  one  year."  This  is  the  language  of  a  practical  farmer,  whose 
practical  success  has  been  often  and  justly  extolled.  I  would  not  dwell  so  long  upon  this 
sul)ject  were  I  not  convinced,  after  twenty  years'  practical  experience,  that  it  is  of  the  utmost 
importance.  It  has  long  been  my  belief  that  there  are  few  soils  actually  deficient  in  inorganic 
substances,  if,  by  due  exposure  to  the  decomposing  effects  of  the  atmosphere,  their  latent 
principles  of  fertility  were  rendered  available.  This  can  only  be  secured  by  thorough 
granulation,  and,  until  this  is  effected,  manure  applied  is  as  much  thrown  away  as  food 
upon  a  disordered  appetite,  or  words  upon  an  unteachable  mind. 

Your  correspondent  cautions  us  not  to  plant  a  tree  in  soil  "  which  frost  will  have  a  bene- 
ficial effect  on  in  the  way  of  rendering  it  friable."  To  this  I  will  simply  reply,  that  a  soil 
which  will  not  he  rendered  more  friable  from  freezing  and  thaxving,  is  incapable  of  supporting 
vegetation.  His  advice  to  gentlemen  who  wish  to  plant  in  clayey  soils,  "  to  go  out  with  a 
wheelbarrow  for  decayed  leaves  and  road  sand,"  is  so  limited  in  its  application  that  I  fear 
the  only  gentlemen  who  will  be  likely  to  adopt  it  are  those 

"  Geraraen  whose  lands, 
Inclosed  all  in  bow  pots,  their  attics  adorn, 
And  whose  share  of  the  soil,"  &c. 

The  impropriety  of  planting,  generally,  in  such  mixtures,  I  may  at  some  future  time 
notice  more  in  detail. 

With  regard  to  the  "  hard  fisted"  gardeners,  and  their  astonishment  at  my  advising  the 
abolition  of  raking  soil  finely  for  ordinary  seed  crops,  it  occurs  to  me  that  they  must  have 
a  "  soft"  spot  somewhere.  All  good  gardeners  know  that  a  finely  divided  surface  will  cake 
sooner  than  when  it  is  rough,  and  daily  act  upon  that  principle. 

I  feel,  Mr.  Editor,  that  I  have  occupied  too  much  space  in  replying  to  the  lucu- 
brations of  an  anonymous  novice  in  horticulture ;  but  since  these  animadversions  are  in 
a  measure  indorsed  by  their  publication,  I  had  no  other  alternative  than  to  defend  myself, 
and  prove  to  your  readers  that  my  advice  is  neither  hastily  nor  carelessly  given.  I  now 
ask  your  correspondent  to  point  out  the  errors  in  my  advice  to  which  he  alludes  in  his  con- 
cluding paragraph,  as  I  am  ready  to  correct  any  wrong  impressions  that  I  may  have  been 
the  means  of  creating.  So  much  do  I  feel  interested  in  this  subject,  that  I  will,  for  the 
present,  waive  all  the  disadvantages  I  would  be  under  in  replying  to  the  carpings  of  an 
anonymous  writer ;  but,  for  the  future,  all  such  communications  will  be  considered  as 
unworthy  of  serious  consideration. 

Vegetable  Garden. — If  the  suggestions  of  former  "  Calendars,"  with  reference  to  digging 
and  trenching,  have  been  acted  upon,  the  soil  will  now  be  in  the  best  condition  for  cropping  ; 
the  ameliorating  effects  of  winter  will  have  left  it  in  a  state  the  most  suitable  for  vegetating 
seeds.  All  that  will  now  be  requisite  in  preparing  for  such  crops  as  carrots,  onions,  beets, 
parsnips,  &c.,  is  a  slight  turning  up  and  breaking  with  a  fork,  and  if  done  in  a  dry  time, 
the  soil  will  reduce  to  a  powder.  Avoid  raking  as  far  as  possible.  Draw  slight  furrows 
with  a  hoe,  and  cover  the  seeds  with  the  same  implement,  leaving  an  open,  porous  s 
will  not  readily  cake  with  rains  until  the  young  plants  are  above  ground  ;  after 


lioeing  and  surface  stirring  will  prevent  the  formation  of  a  caked  surface.  One  of  the  dis 
advantages  of  a  tenacious  soil  is  this  liability  to  harden  on  the  surface  after  even  slight 
showers  ;  and  it  is  also  one  of  the  principal  features  in  the  good  management  of  these  soils, 
to  stir  the  surface  after  every  rain.  Everything,  however,  depends  upon  the  time  when 
the  stirring  is  performed.  Between  the  wetting  and  softening  of  the  soil  by  rain,  and  its 
caking  b}'  sun  and  drought,  there  is  a  period  when  it  is  in  the  most  favorable  condition  for 
hoeing.  This  is  one  of  those  matters  in  horticulture  upon  which  no  definite  rules  can  be 
given  that  will  be  applicable  in  all  cases  ;  the  practice  that  would  be  suitable  for  one  soil 
and  situation,  would  be  unsuited  for  another  differently  circumstanced.  In  view  of  the 
many  conflicting  ojiinions  which  are  frequently  given  in  the  enunciation  of  mere  practical 
rules  (and  which  may  be  either  right  or  wrong  according  to  existing  peculiarities),  it  is  a 
question  worthy  of  more  than  mere  passing  notice,  whether  more  real  progress  would  not 
follow  from  the  promulgation  of  principles  only,  leaving  every  one  to  deduce  the  practice 
for  themselves  ;  for  it  is  well  known  that  no  amount  of  explanatory  information  will  com- 
pensate for  the  want  of  that  discriminating  knowledge  which  can  only  be  obtained  from 
practical  experience. 

Fruit. — In  setting  out  young  plantations  of  raspberries  and  blackberries,  cut  down  the 
canes  to  within  a  couple  of  inches  of  the  ground  ;  a  young,  vigorous  shoot  will  be  produced, 
and  the  plant  become  healthy  and  permanently  established.  The  anxiety  to  procure  a  few 
fruits  the  first  season,  is  prejudicial  to  the  ultimate  well-being  of  the  plants. 

Currants  and  Gooseberries. — These  should  always  be  grown  as  miniature  trees,  on  clean 
stems  nine  inches  or  a  foot  high.  In  preparing  for  bushes  of  this  kind,  cuttings  of  young 
wood  about  twelve  or  fourteen  inches  long,  should  be  selected,  and  all  the  buds  cut  clean 
out,  except  the  two  uppermost  ;  plants  from  these  will  never  throw  up  suckers,  will  be  more 
fruitful,  and,  with  skilful  i^runing,  maybe  grown  as  regular  and  pyramidal  as  a  Glout  Mor- 
ceau  Pear  on  a  quince  stock.  The  Black  Currant  is  worthy  of  more  general  cultivation ; 
although  not  a  choice  dessert  fruit,  it  is  the  most  valuable  of  all  for  preserving,  particularly 
for  medicinal  j)urposes  ;  it  also  makes  a  superior  wine. 

Flower  Garden. — Plants  for  the  flower  garden  will  now  be  under  propagation,  and  a 
liberal  supply  should  be  provided,  based  upon  the  extent  of  surface  to  be  planted.  To 
avoid  labor  in  potting,  and,  also,  to  economize  both  in  the  expense  of  pots  and  the  space 
they  occupy  in  a  greenhouse  or  glazed  frame,  the  cuttings  of  verbenas,  heliotropes,  &c., 
when  rooted,  may  be  planted  in  shallow  boxes,  two  or  three  inches  apart,  in  regular  rows  ; 
and  once  a  week  for  two  or  three  weeks  before  planting  out  in  the  beds,  run  a  knife  in  the 
centre  of  the  rows,  so  as  to  sever  the  roots  ;  each  plant  will  thus  have  a  small  square  of 
soil  attached,  wliicli  can  be  removed  entire,  and  the  jjlants  will  start  as  freely  into  growth 
as  if  they  had  been  individually  turned  out  of  pots.  There  is  great  opportunity  for  display 
of  true  taste  in  the  arrangement  of  flower  gardens.  What  is  termed  the  massing  system, 
consists  in  filling  entire  beds  with  one  kind  of  plant,  or,  in  very  large  beds  there  may  be 
several  distinct  patches,  but  all  so  distinct  and  numerous  as  to  be  seen  from  a  distance. 
This  kind  of  gardening  is  perhaps  very  appropriate  in  some  situations,  but,  although  we 
have  seen  it  attempted  very  frequently,  it  has  never  appeared  a  satisfactory  arrangement. 
It  is  only  suitable  for  geometrically-formed  gardens,  and  these  gardens  are  themselves  in  best 
keeping  when  connected  with  a  dwelling  ;  the  highly  artistic  character  of  a  geometrical 
arrangement,  and  its  various  accessories,  in  the  shape  of  vases,  fountains,  sundials,  and 
statuary,  are  displayed  to  greatest  advantage  in  connection  with  balustrades,  terraces,  and 
objects  equally  artificial  in  character.  Flower  beds,  when  so  situated,  partake  more  of  sur- 
rounding features  when  distinct  kinds  of  plants  are  planted  in  effective  masses  ;  and  there 
is  certainly  an  air  of  refined  and  artistic  beauty  in  a  garden  of  this  style  which  is  not  found 
in  the  promiscuous  planting  of  ordinary  flower  borders.  But,  on  the  other  hand,  isolated 
flower  beds  or  borders  are  far  more  interesting  when  composed  partly  of  herbaceous  flower- 
ing plants,  perennials,  and  annuals.  The  old-fashioned  foxglove,  lily  of  the  valley,  lark- 
spur, and  mignonette,  snowdrops,  and  grajje  hyacinth,  are  surrounded  with  so  many  pleas- 
ing associations  of  old  homesteads,  that  we  must  question  the  taste  that  would  disband 
them  forever  from  our  gardens. 

Planting  Trees. — Many  kinds  of  trees  (among  others,  the  Norway  Fir,  Arbor-Vitre,  Hem- 
lock Spruce,  Maples,  &c.)  thrive  best  on  a  clayey  subsoil.  Indeed,  all  plants  seem  to  attain 
greatest  size  and  age  on  soils  of  this  description,  doubtless  because,  in  them,  there  are 
abundance  of  the  special  substances  they  require  for  building  up  their  structure,  and  in 
which  light,  sandy  soils  are  deficient.  The  only  evil  in  clayey  soils  is  their  liability  to 
retain  moisture  to  an  injurious  extent,  and  their  frequent  resistance  to  roots.  Draining 
obviates  all  this. 


PINUS  LAMBEKTIANA. 


JO&^'i 


0  stagger)^  whence  wc  derive  oar 


vL.  Vin.— May,  1858. 


^(*^ 


^\ 


STRAY  THOUGHTS  ABOUT  CULTIVATION,  ETC. 


glimpses  are  afforded,  but  in  the  main  we  have  but  little  knowledge  of  ancient 
tillage,  nor,  perhaps,  to  the  practical  man  is  it  of  much  importance. 

In  the  Middle  Ages  Saracenic  Spain  seems  to  have  been  the  best  tilled.  To 
this  day  the  traveller  in  Yalencia  and  Granada,  amidst  scenes  of  utter  apathy  and 
indolence,  varied  only  by  a  chronic  system  of  intestine  dissension,  often  meets  the 
neglected  remains  of  a  most  magnificent  system  of  irrigation,  remaining  like 
monuments  of  the  indefatigable  labors  of  a  race  that  has  passed  away,  but  carrying 
with  them  so  lasting  an  attachment  to  Spain,  that  long  after  their  expulsion  from 
Europe,  they  retained  and  handed  down  through  many  generations  recorded  titles 
of  their  estates,  and  even  the  very  keys  of  their  houses  in  the  Spanish  Peninsula. 

There  are  lost  arts  undoubtedly,  and  in  agriculture  and  gardening  we  are  not 
sure  but  that  sometimes  we  might  derive  benefit  from  the  olden  times.  Mr. 
Prescott  tells  us,  that  along  the  table-lands  of  the  mountainous  districts  of  Peru, 
and  in  dry  and  unfruitful  valleys,  the  singular  practice  was  adopted  of  digging 
what  may  be  called  subterranean  fields ;  the  upper  soil  was  thrown  out,  till  they 
reached  one  moi'e  moist  and  fertile,  and  here,  twenty  feet  below  the  natural  surface, 
in  a  sort  of  sunk  hot  bed,  manured  with  fish  from  the  sea-coast,  or  the  still  more 
enriching  deposit  of  guano  from  the  islands  along  the  coast,  they  raised  abundant 
crops  of  corn  and  vegetables. 

No  pheasant  in  an  English  preserve  is  watched  with  more  jealous  care  than  the 
Incas  extended  to  the  sea  fowl  of  the  guano  islands.  To  kill  one  of  them,  or 
even  to  set  foot  on  their  island  territories  during  the  hatching  season,  was  as  much 
as  the  life  of  a  Peruvian  was  worth.  Noiv,  under  civilized  (?)  rule,  we  kill  the  goose 
that  lays  the  golden  q^^,  regardless  of  posterity. 

There  is  scarcely  a  reflecting  mind  which  does  not  feel  that  amongst  all  the 
wonders  of  advanced  or  advancing  science,  the  greatest  wonder  is  its  own  infancy; 
that  man  should  have  looked  upon  nature  so  long,  and  known  her  so  little,  and 
that  what  little  we  have  learnt  should  have  been  learnt  so  lately. 

Of  all  the  centuries  which  make  up  the  history  of  the  world,  take  away  all  but 
the  last,  and  what  becomes  of  that  elementary  science,  little  yet  valued  at  its  ripe 
importance,  which  directs  and  explains  to  us  the  simple  elements  and  constitution 
of  all  the  matter  we  behold — of  every  existing  substance  that  we  come  into  con- 
tact with  by  the  aid  of  our  bodily  senses,  of  everything,  in  short,  that  we  can 
touch,  taste,  smell  or  see,  and  of  a  great  deal  which  is  not  cognizable  by  the  ex- 
ternal senses,  but  only  those  of  the  mind,  such  as  invisible  gases ;  where  again 
would  be  that  other  science,  which  investigates  the  substance  of  the  planet  on 
which  we  live  and  move,  and  which,  step  by  step,  interrogates  the  solid  rock,  and 
chronicles  its  place  in  the  history  of  creation,  by  the  evidence  inclosed  in  its  suc- 
cessive layers  of  once  living  creatures,  now  lying  in  monumental  forms  more  real 
than  sculptured  effigies,  and  affording  by  the  regular  series  they  present  of  fossil 
anatomy  and  osteology,  a  complete  sketch  of  the  rise  and  progress  of  organic 
forms  of  plant  and  animal,  antecedent  to  those  we  now  see  around  us.  Where, 
again,  would  be  that  analytical  history  of  organized  matter  which  explains  the 
growth  and  structure  of  all  existing  forms  of  life,  containing  within  themselves 
the  principle  of  increase  and  reproduction  ?  We  allude  to  chemistry,  geology, 
and  animal  and  vegetable  physiology.  These  three  sciences,  to  mention  no  others, 
are  each  directly  connected  with  the  labors  and  the  studies  of  the  agriculturist 
and  gardener  ;  and  when  we  lift  our  eyes  around  us,  and  see  the  accumulation  of 
results,  the  realized  forms  of  human  comfort  and  enjoyment,  the  means  and  appli- 
ances of  life,  which  one  or  two  centuries  of  discovery  in  those  and  other  sciences 
have  supplied  by  their  application  to  every  useful  art,  it  is  surely  a  somewhat 
startling  thought,  or  would  be,  were  we  not  so  accustomed  to  overlook  it,  that  for 


so  long  a  portion  of  the  world's  history  such  studies  had  no  existence  ;  that  for 
ages  upon  ages  human  life  passed  without  them. 

One  of  the  tangible  causes  in  operation  to  retard  the  growth  of  agricultural 
knowledge  was  found  in  the  variety  of  climate.  The  easy  labors  of  the  Egyptian 
husbandman  afforded  little  to  guide  more  northern  nations  under  the  changed  in- 
fluences of  the  elements  and  seasons  ;  every  detail  was  invested  by  the  preponder- 
ance of  heat  and  cold,  drought  and  moisture.  The  progress  of  the  art  was  checked, 
as  the  conditions  of  its  practice  varied  at  every  step,  and  difiTerences  of  climate 
were  again  broken  up  into  smaller  areas  by  vaineties  of  soil.  A  light  soil  required 
quite  different  treatment  from  a  clay,  and  what  was  true  of  either,  a  little  above 
the  sea,  would  no  longer  be  true  at  a  height  of  seven  or  eight  hundred  feet.  A 
science  can  only  grow  by  the  observation  of  individual  facts.  Can  it  be  wondered 
at  tliat  the  literature  of  agriculture  should  have  proved  so  useless,  so  apparently 
impractical,  and  therefore  so  distrusted,  when  every  rule  laid  down  was  liable  to 
be  found  false  on  application ;  that,  like  faery  money,  what  seemed  gold  in  the 
hand  of  the  giver,  proved  dust  in  the  hand  of  the  receiver.  Thus  there  was  little 
or  no  history  of  agriculture  or  gardening  to  write.  They  are  the  arts  of  the 
world's  advanced  age ;  their  science  is  prospective ;  every  day's  addition  to  the 
population  of  a  country  enforces  it  upon  human  notice  and  intelligence  by  the  re- 
peated impulse  of  daily  necessity.  Where  the  active  minds  of  old  were  intent  on 
cathedral  architecture,  our  scientific  men  reveal  to  us  the  structure  of  the  plant, 
and  give  us  principles  on  which  to  erect  our  fulcrums  of  action.  The  birth  of 
chemistry,  a  science  which  unfolds  the  laws  and  structure  of  the  soil  and  the  plants 
it  produces,  with  the  phenomena  of  their  growth,  must  obviously  afford  an  epoch 
from  which  all  analytical  progress  in  agriculture  must  take  its  date.  Its  practice 
must  be  merely  empirical  so  long  as  its  elementary  principles  are  unknown ;  it 
was  equally  useful  as  the  magnetic  needle  to  navigation,  or  steam  power  to  the 
mechanical  arts.  Knowing  this,  good  citizens  are  now  turning  their  attention  to 
teaching  it  in  colleges,  to  be  disseminated  everywhere.  The  principles  must  be 
known  before  true  progress  can  be  attained.  Cultivation  by  steam  power  is  now 
as  near  being  an  established  fact  as  the  steamboat  was  twenty  or  thirty  years  after 
Fitch's  success.  The  harvesters  and  steam-threshers  are  but  the  forerunners  of 
modified  ploughing. 

Causes  and  effects  which  were  once  regarded  as  purely  physical  and  temporary, 
begin  to  assume  a  wider  aspect,  a  permanence  and  moral  fixity  of  purpose,  which, 
when  regarded  by  themselves,  we  had  never  attached  to  them.  The  sustenance, 
the  comforts,  the  conveniences  of  life,  achieved  by  art  and  science,  are  no  longer 
the  mere  utilitarian  objects  of  human  ingenuity,  nor  the  matter  from  which  they 
are  struck  out,  things  to  contemplate  independently  or  for  their  own  sake  alone. 
Physical  things,  and  the  sciences  which  relate  to  them  begin  to  be  invested  with 
a  garment  of  meaning  and  of  purpose  altogether  new.  The  drained  morass,  the 
fresh-turned  fallow,  the  waving  corn-field,  the  meadow  with  its  herbage  interspersed 
by  flowers,  no  longer  stand  separately  before  us  as  things  of  mere  labor,  utility 
or  beauty,  or  our  relation  with  them  the  accident  of  a  day.  A  higher  ordinance 
and  appointment,  enveloped  within  the  teaching  of  science,  become  gradually  but 
irresistibly  revealed,  binding  and  disposing  all  to  work  together  to  the  greatest 
ends,  not  of  the  individual  only,  but  of  the  whole  family  of  man ;  not  of  his  physi- 
cal necessities,  or  intellectual  pursuits  alone,  but  of  his  whole  relation  with  that 
Highest  Wisdom  whose  evidences  and  attributes  are  engraven  upon  the  fabric  of 
nature,  in  characters  not  of  power  or  knowledge  only,  but  of  universal  and  inex- 
haustible beneficence. 


NEW  PLANTS. — THE  PAMPAS  GRASS. 


NEW   PLANTS. 

Ilex  Fortunl — There  is  growing  in  the  nursery  of  Mr.  Glendinning,  of  Turn- 
ham  Green,  a  handsome  evergreen  Holly  raised  from  seeds  collected  by  Mr.  For- 
tune in  China,  at  a  place  named  Hwuy-chou,  where  it  formed  a  fine  tree,  loaded 
with  large  berries  in  December,  1853.  In  its  young  state  it  is  much  like  I.  cor- 
nuta,  but  in  the  adult  condition  it  acquires  quite  another  appearance,  resembling 
a  very  broad-leaved,  entire-leaved  European  Holly.  The  flowers  are  unknown, 
the  specimen  before  us  being  only  in  fruit.  In  that  state  there  is  in  the  axil  of 
each  leaf  a  sessile  umbel  of  from  six  to  ten  stalks,  each  about  three-quarters  of  an 
inch  long ;  so  that,  when  loaded  with  berries,  it  must  have  a  glorious  appearance. 
We  can  find  no  description  of  any  Asiatic  species  (of  which  there  are  many)  that 
will  apply  to  this,  which  we  therefore  suggest  should  bear  the  name  of  its  intelli- 
gent discoverer. 

LupiNUS  Menziesii  (Mr.  Menzieh  Lvpiii). — A  shrubby,  Californian  Lupin, 
with  yellow  flowers.  Sent  to  Kew  Gardens  by  Mr.  Thompson,  of  Ipswich. — 
Botanical  Magazine,  t.  5019. 

EiCHORNiA  TRICOLOR  {Three-colored  Eichomia). — It  has  also  been  called  Pon- 
tederia  tricolor.  A  Brazilian  aquatic  plant.  Its  flowers  are  purple,  blue,  and 
^Nh\iQ.—Ibid.,  t.  5020. 

Begonia  laciniata  {Cut-leaved  Begonia). — A  native  of  Silhet,  Nepal,  and 
Eastern  Bengal.  Elowers,  large,  white,  tinged  with  pink.  The  leaves  beautifully 
variegated,  with  purple  round  the  edge,  and  in  the  centre  of  the  upper  surface  ; 
the  edge  and  veins  on  the  under  surface  deep  pink. — Ibid.,  t.  5021. 

Illairea  CANARINOIDES  {Canarina-like  Illairea). — Native  of  Central  America, 
and  introduced  thence  to  Europe  by  M.Warszewicz.  It  is  a  hardy  annual ;  "  but 
is  a  very  dangerous  neighbor,  one  of  the  men  in  Kew  Gardens  having  suffered 
severely,  and  for  some  weeks,  from  being  accidentally  stung  by  it."  Flowers,  dull 
brick  color,  appearing  in  July  and  August.  It  belongs  to  the  natural  order 
Loasese. — Ibid.,  t.  5022. 

RuBUS  NUTANS  {Shaggy-Stemmed  Raspberry). — This  decumbent  species  is  a 
native  of  the  Himalaya  Mountains,  at  elevations  of  from  8,000  to  11,000  feet. 
It  came  from  Mr.  Low,  of  the  Clapton  Nursery ;  but  when,  or  by  whom,  intro- 
duced, is  not  known. — Ibid.,  t.  5023. 


THE    PAMPAS    GRASS    (GYNERIUM    ARGENTEUM.) 

FROM  THE  LONDON  FLORIST. 

Within  the  last  few  years,  those  who  were  so  fortunate  as  to  possess  plants  of 
the  Pampas  Grass,  and  transferred  them  to  the  open  soil,  have  been  gratified  in 
witnessing,  each  summer,  the  beauty  of  its  long,  slender  leaves,  which  form  bun- 
dles or  sheaths  at  their  base,  and  rise  to  the  height  of  six  or  eight  feet,  when  they 
gracefully  curve  outward,  giving  the  plant  the  appearance,  at  a  distance,  of  a 
hemisphere  of  beautifully  curved  lines.  Towards  autumn,  when  the  leaves  have 
attained  their  full  development,  the  flower  stems  appear  from  the  centres  of  the 
strongest  sheaths,  shooting  up  perpendicularly  three  or  four  feet  above  the  mass 
of  foliage,  and  gradually  unfolding  a  plume  of  elegant,  feather-like  flowers,  which 
at  first  are  of  a  silky  whiteness,  but  assume  a  darker  tint  as  the  season  advances. 
The  striking  beauty  of  this  plant  in  the  autumn,  was  the  theme  of  all  who  saw  it, 
and  a  large  supply  of  seeds  having  been  distributed  by  the  Horticultural  Socie 

well  as  sent  out  by  the  trade,  the  plant  is  now  met  with  in  most  gardens  of 


THE  PAMPAS  GRASS. 

repute ;  it  has  fully  established  its  popularity,  about  which  there  cannot  now  be 
a  question.  We  have  received  from  several  of  our  correspondents  dimensions  of 
plants  under  their  care,  varying  from  twelve  to  fourteen  feet  hipjh,  and  ten  to  eigh- 
teen feet  in  diameter,  with  from  a  score  to  fifty  heads  of  flowers.  When  frosts 
have  occurred  in  September,  about  the  time  when  the  flower  stems  appeared,  they 
have  injured  them,  as  at  that  stage  they  are  succulent,  and  consequently  tender, 
and  are  also  then  frequently  broken  by  high  winds. 

Although  the  Pampas  Grass  is  not  very  particular  about  soil  (provided  it  be 
open),  yet,  to  insure  a  rapid  growth,  a  deep,  rich  soil,  well  manured,  will  be  found 
desirable  ;  the  plants  should  likewise  be  very  liberally  supplied  with  water  during 
the  period  of  active  growth.  The  situation  should  be  one  fully  exposed  to  the 
sun,  with  a  dry  subsoil,  and  as  much  as  possible  sheltered  from  high  winds,  which 
will  sometimes  break  off  the  flower  stems  when  young,  and  thus  rob  the  plant  of 
a  part  of  its  beauty.  The  plant  ceases  to  grow  after  November,  and  the  frosts 
of  winter  will  induce  a  state  of  rest,  and  may  brown  and  even  kill  the  upper 
parts  of  the  leaves,  in  exposed  places,  down  to  the  stem  ;  but  if  the  subsoil  is 
dry,  no  harm  will  happen,  and,  on  the  return  of  warm  weather,  a  fresh  growth 
will  commence.  The  plant  increases  itself  in  bulk  by  forming  a  large  increase  of 
stoles,  or  new  bundles  of  leaves,  and,  with  good  treatment,  soon  becomes  a  large 
specimen. 

This  grass  has  now  become  cheap,  and  the  question  of  what  can  be  done  with 
it,  may  now  be  discussed  more  fully  than  when  its  scarcity  made  it  a  pet,  and  of 
course  the  most  prominent  part  of  the  lawn  or  flower  garden  was  allotted  it. 
Although  graceful  in  the  extreme,  we  cannot  bring  ourselves  to  consider  the 
flower  garden  as  exactly  the  place  for  this  grass.  From  March  to  July  there  is 
nothing  in  its  appearance  that  can  be  considered  ornamental;  after  the  latter 
period  the  growth  is  very  rapid,  and  it  is  then  that  its  claims  to  an  ornamental 
plant  can  be  fully  appreciated.  We  intend  selecting  an  open  site  for  it,  backed 
up  with  evergreens,  against  which  the  appearance  of  its  silvery  plumes  would 
admirably  contrast;  it  might  also  be  formed  into  groups  on  the  margins  of  lakes 
or  running  streams  of  some  magnitude,  for  it  would  be  bad  taste  to  plant  so  grand 
a  thing  near  a  small  pool  or  puny  brook.  If  planted  near  water,  the  ground 
should  be  elevated  above  the  ordinary  level ;  for,  unlike  our  Carexes,  this  is  not 
a  bog  plant,  strictly  speaking,  but  is  found  in  a  state  of  nature  inhabiting  the 
vast  pampas  (whence  its  name)  of  Buenos  Ayres — level  plains  extending  for 
hundreds  of  miles  in  La  Plata,  and  reaching  from  near  the  shores  of  the  Atlantic 
to  the  foot  of  the  Andes.  On  these  immense  plains  (which  contain  but  few  varie- 
ties of  plants,  and  scarcely  any  trees  or  shrubs)  vegetation  is  exposed  at  times  to 
extreme  alternations  of  drought  and  floods — the  parnpas  presenting,  at  certain 
seasons,  all  the  appearance  of  a  dry  and  parched  vegetation,  and,  at  other  times, 
of  almost  unequalled  verdure.  The  period  of  blooming  in  this  country  corresponds 
with  the  summer  of  its  native  land,  and  we  may  infer  from  its  native  habitat  that 
a  sunny,  open  exposure,  with  a  dry  state  at  the  roots  while  in  a  dormant  state, 
and  an  abundant  supply  of  moisture  while  growing,  will  very  nearly  approximate 
to  the  conditions  of  its  native  climate. 

The  Pampas  Grass  may  be  propagated  by  division  of  its  numerous  stoles,  with 
a  piece  of  root  to  each,  or  by  imported  seed  (for  we  do  not  imagine,  from  its 
season  of  flowering  in  this  country,  it  will  ripen  any  seeds  here),  which  should  be 
sown  on  the  surface  of  broad  pans  or  boxes  filled  with  sandy  peat.  The  soil 
should  be  kept  moist  and  shaded,  when  the  young  plants  will  soon  appear,  and 
be  pricked  out  into  other  pans  till  they  are  large  enough  for  transferring  to 
open  ground.     Botanists  describe  the  Gynerium  as  being  dioecious,  or  having 


THE  PAMPAS  GRASS. 


male  and  female  flowers  on  different  plants ;  the  male  flowers  being  wanting  in 
size  and  brilliancy  of  color,  any  plants  found  producing  them  should  be  destroyed, 
as  the  propagation  of  the  female  or  more  ornamental  variety  is  easily  effected,  and 
plants  only  from  this  kind  should  be  made  use  of. 

By  way  of  helping  our  description,  and  to  enable  our  readers  better  to  judge 
of  the  effect  produced  by  the  Pampas  Grass  when  in  bloom,  we  append  a  woodcut 


^l^^/i^U^AAW^-^^ 


.^■^••^rito^^^t^ 


.X^\N 


of  a  plant  growing  in  the  beautiful  grounds  of  Stoke  Park,  the  seat  of  the  Right 
Hon.  H.  Labouchere,  and  long  the  elegant  seat  of  the  Penn  family  of  Pennsyl 
vania  celebrity. 


That  plant  of  this  grass  is  one  of  a  lot  of  seedlings  raised  in  1854,  shifted  into 
an  11-inch  pot  in  the  autumn,  and  wintered  under  glass,  merely  keeping  the  frost 
from  it.  It  was  planted  out  in  May,  1855  ;  it  grew  luxuriantly,  and,  in  October, 
1856,  it  had  eleven  fine  spikes  of  flowers,  and,  in  the  present  year,  it  has  forty-two 
spikes,  from  ten  to  eleven  and  one-half  feet  in  height. 

The  subsoil,  where  it  is  growing  is  gravel  to  within  a  few  inches  of  the  surface. 
A  pit  was  taken  out  for  it  three  and  one-half  feet  in  width  and  two  feet  deep,  and 
filled  up  with  loam,  with  a  mixture  of  charcoal  and  well-rotted  manure. 

[Mr.  Buist  thinks  this  grass  not  hardy  at  Philadelphia ;  for  the  South  it  will 
certainly  be  very  valuable. — Ed.  H.] 


SALVIAS,  &c.  &c.,  AND  THEIR  CULTURE. 

FROM  THE  LONDON  GARDENERS'  CHRONICLE. 

These  are  very  important  adjuncts  of  the  plant-house  in  winter;  indeed,  in- 
dispensable. The  best  kinds  for  winter  work  that  I  have  met  with  are  S.  splen- 
dens  and  S.  Gesnerceflora ;  the  *S'.  fulgens  may  also  be  added.  For  winter 
blossoming,  these  are  valuable,  and  their  culture  very  simple.  They  should  be 
propagated  annually  by  cuttings  in  March,  got  speedily  into  small  pots,  and 
receive  high  culture  in  the  greenhouse  or  a  frame.  In  order  to  render  them 
bushy,  they  must  be  frequently  pinched ;  and,  indeed,  this  pinching  may  be  con- 
tinued up  to  the  end  of  June,  when  they  may  be  allowed  to  form  heads  for  blos- 
soming. They  may  be  flowered  in  seven-inch  pots  in  perfection,  although  it  is 
very  convenient  for  some  purposes  to  have  a  lot  in  five-inch  pots  also.  By  the 
middle  of  June  they  should  be  placed  out  of  doors  in  cinder  ashes  in  a  very  sunny 
situation,  as  they  abhor  shade,  and  all  they  require  during  the  summer  is  regular 
watering.  In  the  end  of  September,  they  should  be  placed  in  a  cold  frame  fur 
fear  of  frost,  or,  if  room,  on  the  front  shelf  of  a  greenhouse.  No  pinching  may 
be  allowed  after  this.  A  few  remarks  concerning  soil  are  necessary.  Most  of 
the  Salvia  family  run  too  much  to  leaf,  and  are  apt  to  become  long-jointed.  Now, 
the  elements  that  conduce  to  this  habit  are  rich  soils,  too  much  air  moisture,  and 
a  want  of  light.  These  evils,  therefore,  must  be  avoided.  For  compost,  nothing 
is  so  good  as  a  plain,  strong  loam  ;  this,  with  sound  drainage,  will  be  found  to 
grow  them  shorter-jointed,  and  more  compact,  and  will  enable  them  to  withstand 
an  hour  or  two  of  drought  without  suffering.  In  all  their  stages  they  require  full 
exposure  to  sunshine,  and,  when  approaching  the  blooming  condition,  simply  a 
cool  and  an  airy  situation  in  the  house. 

Ageratums. — These  are  very  useful  as  winter  flowers,  at  least  through  Novem- 
ber and  December.  They  are  best  from  cuttings  struck  in  July,  which,  with 
proper  cultivation,  will  become  nice  stock  plants  by  the  month  of  October. 
They  must  be  frequently  pinched  in  order  to  render  them  bushy,  and  may  be 
finally  established  in  five  and  seven-inch  pots.  The  stopping,  or  pinching,  must 
cease  after  the  beginning  of  September,  and  all  they  require  after  is  a  cool 
situation  on  a  greenhouse  shelf,  or  in  a  frame. 

Gesnera  zebrina. — This  is  a  stove  plant  of  great  beauty,  much  admired  for 
its  zebra-like  foliage,  as  also  its  brilliant  scarlet  flowers.  The  plant  sinks  into  a 
state  of  perfect  rest  after  the  manner  of  the  Gloxinia  family,  and  the  dry  roots 
must  be  taken  out  of  the  old  and  dry  soil  in  March  and  repotted.  This  plant 
requires  a  generous  soil,  one  composed  of  equal  parts  of  sound  loam,  old  manure, 

peat,  and  some  silver  sand,  will  suit  it  well.     The  chief  thing  is  to  give  it  • 
plenty  of  heat ;  few  plants  enjoy  more.     To  grow  it  in  high  perfection 


vivid  coloring,  from  ^0°  to  80°  are  necessary.  Another  point  is  to  allow  it 
plenty  of  air  moisture.  Bottom  heat  is  of  great  importance  too,  especially  in  the 
earlier  stages  of  its  growth,  10°  to  80°  if  possible.  Most  of  this  tribe  enjoy  a 
partial  shade,  or,  at  least,  are  averse  to  intense  sunlight,  which  is  apt  to  deface 
the  foliage.  All  possible  care  should  be  taken  at  all  times  not  to  injure  the  latter; 
therefore,  when  moved,  cautious  handling  is  necessary.  When  in  blossom,  they 
will  do  very  well  in  the  very  warmest  spot  of  a  greenhouse,  although  an  inter- 
mediate house  would  suit  them  better. 

Cytisuses. — This  family  is  well  known  as  a  most  useful  winter  shrub,  some 
kinds  very  fragrant,  and  being  evergreens,  they  are  particularly  desirable.  They 
are  propagated  with  facility  by  cuttings  in  the  spring.  But  these  cuttings,  with 
every  appliance,  will  require  a  second  season's  growth  to  make  them  into  nice 
little  plants,  or,  in  other  words,  to  commence  blooming  fairly.  They  become 
annually  finer,  and,  of  course,  larger,  until,  of  course,  in  a  few  years,  they  become 
too  large  and  too  coarse  for  ordinary  purposes.  Their  soil  may  be  two  parts  a 
sound  loam  and  one  part  peaty  material.  Their  culture  otherwise  is  very  simple. 
They  are  essentially  greenhouse  plants,  but  will  endure  low  temperature  readily  ; 
absence  of  frost,  however,  is  requisite.  But  to  have  them  blossom  through  the 
winter,  a  little  coaxing  at  the  proper  period  is  requisite.  The  best  plan  I  have 
found  out  concerning  them  is  to  treat  them  on  a  similar  principle  to  such  things 
as  Camellias,  viz.,  to  force  them  into  early  growth,  pinching  away  freely  all  the 
while,  and  after  accomplishing  this,  to  turn  them  out  of  doors  in  a  half  shady 
situation  at  midsummer,  housing  them  again  by  the  middle  of  September :  this  I 
say  with  regard  to  winter  blossoming.  But  they  must  not  be  coddled  ;  they  must 
have  a  light  situation,  with  a  moderate  temperature.  Perhaps  C.  racemosus  is 
one  of  the  most  useful,  but  there  are  several  species  so  much  approaching  each 
other,  that  they  are  a  little  awkward  to  distinguish.  I  may  add  that  they  are 
very  useful  for  bouquets. — R.  Errington. 


CAN  PEARS  BE  PROFITABLY  GROWN  FOR  MARKET? 

BY  LEWIS  F.  ALLEN,  BLACK  ROCK,  N.  Y, 

After  reading  the  glowing  accounts  which  have  been  given  in  the  many  pomo- 
logical  discussions  of  the  fruit  meetings  and  conventions  which  have  been  held  iu 
different  sections  of  the  United  States  for  ten  years  past,  of  the  profits  of  pear 
growing,  one  unacquainted  with  the  subject  would  think  the  above  a  very  strange 
question  to  ask  of  the  orchardist,  particularly  the  pear  cultivator ;  yet  it  is  asked 
in  all  sobriety  and  earnestness  by  one  who  has  not  only  attempted  to  be  a  grower 
of  the  fruit  himself,  but  is  well  acquainted  with  many  men  who  have  attempted  it 
and  failed,  and  others  who  have  succeeded  to  a  limited  extent,  and  can  answer 
for  themselves  in  the  affirmative,  if  they  choose,  and  this  over  a  very  considerable 
extent  of  country  for  the  number  of  years  enumerated. 

Ten  years  ago  (drawing  my  conclusions  from  the  numerous  articles  I  had  seen 
in  the  Horticvlturist,  then  edited  by  the  late  A.  J.  Downing),  I  became  almost 
enthusiastic  in  favor  of  pear  culture,  and  having  succeeded  quite  tolerably  in  a 
number  of  young  trees  which  I  had  planted  some  years  earlier  on  their  own  stock, 
I  planted  out  about  five  hundred  young  pears  budded  on  the  quince,  as  dwarfs, 
and  added  two  or  three  hundred  standards  on  their  own  roots.  The  land  on  which 
I  planted  them  was  new — that  is  to  say,  it  had  been  but  a  few  years  reclaimed 
from  the  forest.  It  was  a  dry,  clay  loam,  with  a  gentle  descent  to  the  east, 
off  its  surface  water,  rich  in  phosphates  and  the  food  of  orchard  trees.     Appl 


CAN  PEARS  BE  PROFITABLY  GROWN  FOR  MARKET  ? 

pear,  and  quince-trees,  had  already  been  planted  in  adjoining  grounds,  and  as  like 
soils  all  about  me  had  for  many  years  produced  their  fruits  successfully  (the  pear 
but  so-so),  I  had  little  doubt  of  full  success  in  my  new  enterprise.  I  had  raised 
the  best  crops  of  corn,  potatoes,  other  roots,  small  grain  of  different  kinds,  and 
grass,  on  the  land,  and  could  have  no  doubt  of  its  perfect  adaptation  to  the 
growth  of  the  pear,  either  on  its  own  stock  or  the  quince.  I  obtained  my  trees 
from  established  nurseries,  the  varieties  various  in  kind,  and  the  trees  themselves 
"  warranted  good."  I  had  the  ground  thoroughly  prepared  by  a  previous  potato 
crop,  and  deep  ploughing ;  the  holes  were  large ;  the  whole  work  was  properly 
done  in  planting.  1  hiow  how  to  plant  a  tree,  and  every  one  was  set  by  my  own 
hands,  so  far  as  preparing  the  tree,  placing  it  in  the  ground,  and  finishing  the 
work,  was  concerned,  having  assistance  only  from  my  men  in  filling  in  the  earth 
over  the  roots.  For  two  or  three  years  afterwards,  root  crops  were  cultivated 
among  the  trees,  with  plenty  of  good  stable  manure,  and  many  of  them  grew 
well.  The  trees  produced  fruit,  more  or  less,  the  next  year  after  they  were  planted, 
and  so  continued  to  do  while  they  lasted ;  they  were  properly  pruned,  and,  three 
years  after  planting,  the  orchard  was  laid  into  grass,  but  dug  every  year  thoroughly, 
for  four  or  five  feet  in  diameter  around  the  roots,  and  manure  we^/ forked  in.  I 
say  many  of  the  trees  grew  well ;  some  of  them  did  not  grow  well.  They  soon 
became  diseased,  and  died,  or  looked  so  unpromising  that  they  were  taken  out 
and  replaced  by  others  obtained  from  the  nurseries.  Various  ailments,  however, 
were  continually  occurring  among  them,  and  within  five  years  after  first  planting, 
I  had  replanted  about  the  whole  number  in  the  orchard ;  not  every  tree,  under- 
stand, but  equal  to  twice  the  original  number  in  the  whole.  Occasionally,  a  doubt 
would  arise  whether  my  pear  enterprise  was  to  be  altogether  successful ;  but  I  was 
continually  reading  the  Horticulturist,  the  agricultural  papers,  and  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  pomological  meetings,  which  I  sometimes  attended,  as  well,  in  which 
all  the  new  and  enthusiastic  pear  growers  seemed  to  be  moving  in  the  full  tide  of 
successful  experiment.  I  occasionally  invited  my  pomological  friends  to  see  my 
orchard,  who,  as  they  looked  over  it  with  me,  admired  some  of  the  trees,  shook 
their  heads  at  others,  asked  many  questions,  and  "hoped  I  would  succeed." 
Some  of  them  now  and  then  ventured  to  inquire  whether  I  had  taken  care  to 
give  them  good  cultivation,  and  wondered  why  some  of  the  trees  should  look  so 
thrifty,  while  others  looked  so  bad,  and  "had  their  doubts"  about  them  ;  yet  some 
of  the  trees  continually  kept  dying.  A  few  would  be  attacked  with  a  blight  in 
the  bark,  showing  black  blotches  on  their  trunks,  near  the  root;  they  were  planted 
mostly  with  the  quince  wood  very  near,  or  altogether  under  the  ground.  Others 
stopped  growing  altogether,  stood  stock  still,  but  still  lived.  Others,  again,  would 
spot  all  over  the  leaves  ;  and  occasionally  the  fire-blight  would  take  a  hop-skip- 
and-jump,  killing  outright  a  dozen  or  so  in  different  parts  of  the  ground,  and  let- 
ting the  rest  alone.  They  were  well  cultivated.  I  know  the  fact;  and  never  took 
half  the  pains  with  any  other  fruit-trees  that  I  did  with  that  pear  orchard.  My 
apple  and  quince-trees,  on  their  own  stocks,  which  stood  near  them  at  the  same 
time,  grew  well,  flourished,  and  bore  fruit  in  abundance.  And  so  did  many  of 
my  pear-trees,  on  their  own  stocks  ;  yet  these  latter,  even,  in  far  too  great  num- 
bers, which  were  immediately  adjoining  the  dwarfs,  died  out.  But  the  story  was 
soon  told.  In  the  winter  of  1855-6,  myriads  of  field  mice  infested  my  grounds  ; 
the  snow  came  in  hurricanes  of  depth  and  drift,  and  when  it  went  off  in  the  spring, 
almost  every  one  of  my  once  promising  and  hopefully  nursed  trees  was  thoroughly 
girdled  by  the  mice,  and  the  trees  as  dead  as  if  a  fire  had  run  through  them  ! 
gh  sadly  cast  down  at  this  unlooked-for  termination  of  my  labors,  I  confess 
I  felt  a  relief  from  any  further  anxious  and  unrecompensed  labor  in  that  line  ; 


and  thus  ended  my  orchard  pear  cultivation.  But  I  will  still  further  explain  :  I 
had  the  "best  varieties"  for  dwarf  culture  in  my  assortment — all  taken  from  "  the 
authorities"  laid  down  in  the  books  and  the  "conventions."  I  had  about  fifty  of 
the  finest  "Dutchess"  I  ever  saw,  which  I  got  when  but  a  year  from  the  bud, 
when  I  planted  them  in  a  nursery  row  in  the  garden,  where  they  grew  beautifully 
for  three  or  four  years.  I  carefully  lifted  them,  with  large  balls  of  earth  on  the 
roots,  laid  them  on  a  wheelbarrow,  took  them  to  the  orchard,  and  planted  them 
carefully ;  yet  they  never  grew  any  afterwards,  and  bore  but  a  few  indifferent 
pears. 

"Very  well,"  may  say  my  readers.  "But  one  swallow  does  not  make  a  sum- 
mer, and  others  may  have  done  better."  Let  us  see.  I  can  now  number  up  twenty 
or  thirty  of  ray  friends  and  neighbors  who  commenced  pear  cultivation  about  the 
same  time  with  myself,  and  if  not  so  extensively,  quite  as  enthusiastically  and 
hopefully.  We  then  had  a  horticultural  society  in  Buffalo.  We  held  frequent 
meetings  and  discussions,  compared  notes,  visited  each  other's  grounds,  showed 
our  fruits,  and  did  a  great  business — in  the  future.  We  had  diverse  soils,  ex- 
posures, cultivations,  and  all,  to  pretty  much  the  same  extent,  according  to  num- 
bers, suffered  in  loss  and  calamity  ;  and  the  upshot  has  been,  although  the  mice 
injured  their  trees  but  slightly,  compared  with  mine,  as  they  were  more  "  in  town," 
their  orchards  (which  were  planted  in  fifties  and  hundreds)  now  show  but  a  few 
scattered,  dwarfish  trees,  promising  little  for  the  future,  and  not  worth  attention, 
only  for  the  purpose  of  a  few  family  fruits.  Out  of  the  whole  number  who  started 
so  enthusiastically  in  the  pear  line,  I  know  but  one  who  still  shows  any  confidence 
in  the  dwarf  pear,  and  he,  I  imagine,  more  out  of  a  constitutional  obstinacy  in 
never  confessing  to  an  error  than  from  any  success  he  has  achieved  in  their  cul- 
ture. Every  other  one  of  our  coterie  either  blurts  out  the  fact  that  "  dwarf  pears 
are  a  humbug,"  or  drops  his  head,  and  says  nothing,  when  asked  "  how  his  pears 
are  getting  on  ?" 

Nor  is  this  all.  The  same  result  has  occurred  with  scores  of  other  pear  grow- 
ers between  this  and  Albany,  all  along  through  the  best  fruit  sections  of  New  York, 
three  hundred  miles  in  extent.  I  attended  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Society  of 
fruit  growers  in  Western  New  York,  at  Rochester,  last  January,  and  among  all 
the  fruits  exhibited  saw  not  a  dozen  good  specimens  of  winter  pears,  a  few  very 
moderate  Vicar  of  Winkfields  only.  So,  at  the  late  meeting  of  the  New  York 
State  Agricultural  Society  at  Albany,  where  a  very  creditable  show  of  winter 
fruits  was  made,  one  solitary  little  plate  of  imperfect  winter  pears  was  seen.  A 
winter  pear,  indeed,  is  of  little  account  any  way ;  they  are  cold  and  watery,  and 
but  little  better  as  a  winter  fruit  than  a  melon.  And  such  is  the  result  of  the 
millions  of  dwarf  pears  which  have  been  planted  out  within  the  last  dozen  years 
in  this  great  fruit-growing  State  of  New  York,  where  the  result  ought  to  be — if 
there  were  anything  at  all  in  their  cultivation — any  quantity  of  the  finest  of  winter 
pears,  Nelis,  Beurre  D'Amburghs,  Glout  Morceaus,  Easter  Beurrus,  and  others 
in  market  at  their  proper  seasons !  There  are  exceptions  to  all  this  disappoint- 
ment and  desolation,  I  admit,  but  only  enough  to  make  good  the  adage,  that  "all 
general  rules  have  some  exceptions."  Summer  and  fall  pears,  in  the  proportions 
which  have  been  cultivated  (so  far  as  I  can  ascertain),  have  fared  no  better,  ex- 
cept in  close  garden  cidture,  where,  with  but  a  few  trees  in  each,  they  may  have 
done  better ;  but  even  with  them  a  large  majority  of  the  cultivators  have  con- 
demned them.     But  they  do  it  quietly,  and  don't  care  to  make  a  fuss  about  it. 

With  standard  pears,  the  success  of  one  orchardist  has  been  various.  Disease  has 
carried  off  the  majority  of  them,  in  one  shape  or  another ;  blight,  in  its  various 
phases,  has  been  the  chief  scourge,  particularly  with  the  finer  varieties.     Wildings, 


wbich  are  hardly  worth  cultivation  without  working  with  the  better  varieties,  have 
sustained  themselves  the  best ;  but  even  they  have  been  cut  down  to  a  considerable 
extent,  wherever  planted.  Some  districts  I  can  name  where  they  once  flourished, 
but  now  scarce  a  pear-tree  can  be  found,  old  or  young;  while  the  apple,  peach, 
cherry,  plum,  and  quince,  thrive  under  equal  cultivation.  So  far  as  my  own 
observation  extends,  therefore,  the  pear,  as  an  orchard  fruit,  does  not  succeed.  At 
all  events,  numerous  standard  pear  orchards  have  been  planted  out  in  Western 
New  York  within  the  last  ten  or  twelve  years,  and  I  know  of  not  a  single  one 
which  is  now  full,  or  even  half-faW  of  trees  as  they  were  first  planted  ;  and  if  any 
orchardist  has  succeeded  with  the  pear  as  he  or  others  have  done  with  the  apple, 
peach,  and  other  orchard  fruits,  I  should  be  pleased  to  know  it.  Among  all  the 
numerous  inquiries  which  I  have  made,  the  fact  has  not  yet  been  ascertained. 
There  are  many  large,  grand,  old  pear-trees  scattered  throughout  the  country, 
some  of  them  over  a  hundred  years  in  age,  and  bearing  large  crops  of  poor  wild- 
ing fruit  every  year — the  remnants  of  orchards,  their  fellows  having  died  out  a  great 
many  years  ago,  so  long  ago,  indeed,  that  but  few  living  people  remember  them  ; 
but  they  only  prove  that  the  pear,  even  as  a  standard,  only  occasionally  succeeds, 
instead  of  being  a  reliable  tree  for  orchard  culture.  Men  may  theorize  as  they 
please  as  to  the  causes  of  their  decline;  I  simply  stette facts,  such  as  they  have 
come  to  my  own  knowledge.  I  believe  that  I  have  succeeded  quite  as  well  as 
the  average  of  those  who  have  tried  them,  having  now  upwards  of  twenty  quite 
fair  standard  trees  about  my  house,  growing  in  a  strong,  clayey-loam  soil,  and 
bearing,  more  or  less,  very  good  fruit  every  year ;  they  have  thus  far  escaped  the 
blight,  while  some  of  my  neighbors,  chiefly  on  lighter  soils,  have  been  terribly 
scourged  by  that  disease,  and  lost  many  of  their  best  trees.  I  consider  the  pear 
much  safer  on  its  own  stock  than  on  the  quince;  yet,  having  no  prejudices  in  this 
matter,  and  speaking  only  from  my  own  observation,  I  freely  admit  that  there 
may  be  localities  in  the  eastern  part  of  Massachusetts — about  Boston,  for  example 
— where  the  pear,  both  on  its  own  stock  and  on  the  quince,  may  thrive  and  be 
profitable  for  orchard  cultivation.  The  statements  of  such  pomologists  as  Col. 
Wilder,  Mr.  Hovey,  Mr.  Maning,  and  others  there  who  say  that  they  succeed  in 
their  cultivation,  are  not  to  be  controverted  with  hypotheses  or  denial,  at  least  by 
me.  I  only  say  that  their  locality  is  a  fortunate  one ;  for  I  do  not  believe  that 
they  have  cultivated  their  trees  any  better  than  many  others  have  done  in  other 
localities  where  they  did  not  succeed  at  all. 

TTie  Profits  of  Pear  Gidture  as  a  Market  Fruit. — In  looking  at  the  remarkable 
statements  which  have  been  made  at  various  times  in  the  fruit  conventions,  and 
reading  them  over  again  as  they  have  circulated  in  the  periodicals,  one  would 
suppose  that  the  profits  of  pear  growing  were  enormous.  The  statements  which 
have  usually  been  put  forth,  relate  to  single  trees  in  a  favorable  place,  or  to 
a  feiv  trees  only,  and  in  a  bountiful  year.  The  average  of  years  would  tell  a  far 
different  story  ;  and  having  experienced  the  same  variations  of  success  in  my  own 
cultivation,  and  seen  it  among  my  neighbors,  warrants  my  own  belief  as  to  the 
facts.  Forty  years  ago,  when  a  boy,  I  saw  beautiful  Virgalieus  selling  in  the 
New  York  markets,  at  the  fruit  stands,  for  two  or  three  cents  each,  then  the  only 
really  choice  pear ;  now  the  Yirgalieu  is  seldom  in  market,  having  been  attacked 
almost  all  over  the  country,  and  on  all  varieties  of  soils  and  situations,  with  spot, 
and  crack,  and  shrivel,  and  blight.  Nor  shall  I  allude  to  the  cause  of  this  recent 
disease,  for  nothing  is  yet  known  about  it,  other  than  that  it  exists  ;  and  although 
various  cures  have  been  suggested,  the  Yirgalieu  still  suffers,  except  in  some 
favored  localities.     That  fruit,  therefore,  cannot  be  longer  relied  on,  at  prese 

Within  a  few  years  past,  other  good  varieties,  as  the  Bartlett,  Dutchess  D 


212  CAN  PEARS  BE  PROFITABLY  GROWN  FOR  MARKET? 

gonleme,  Winter  Nelis,  Stevens'  Genesee,  Yicar  of  Winkfield,  a  variety  or  two 
of  Summer  Pear,  and  others,  have  been  seen  in  the  markets,  and  sold  in  their 
seasons  at  from  a  cent  or  two  to  five  or  six  cents  each,  possibly  more  in  a  few 
instances ;  but  large  sales  at  the  latter  prices  are  not  frequent.  Bartletts — the 
best  market  pear  we  have — are  seldom  worth  over  three  dollars  a  bushel,  and 
must  be  good  specimens  at  that.  Virgalieus,  when  really  good,  will  bring  five 
to  six  dollars  a  bushel.  Seckles,  better  flavored  than  either,  are  worth  no  more, 
and,  from  their  inferior  size  and  color,  unless  the  buyers  know  their  excellence, 
will  not  sell  for  near  as  much.  Indeed,  the  size,  color,  and  appearance  of  the 
fruit,  help  the  sale  far  better  than  flavor,  and  one  may  talk  of  "flavor"  in  an  ill- 
looking  pear  to  all  eternity,  and  the  public  won't  buy  it.  A  good-looking  choke 
pear  is  better,  with  them.  We  never  could  get  over  three  dollars  for  our  Bart- 
letts in  the  very  best  samples  when  our  orange  pears,  not  good  for  the  table 
compared  with  many  others  (yet  are  the  very  best  for  preserving),  will  sell  for 
a  dollar  and  a  half  to  two  dollars.  In  fact,  so  obtuse  are  the  public  to  pear 
flavor,  that  a  wilding  will  sell  for  nearly  as  much,  in  large  quantities,  as  the  best 
of  other  varieties,  with  no  better  looking  outside;  while  in  bearing,  they  will 
yield  double  or  treble  the  quantity  on  the  same  sized  tree.  I  met  a  friend  the 
other  day  who  had  a  few  bushels  of  well-grown  Vicars,  which  he  sent  to  market 
some  weeks  ago,  and  could  not  get  two  dollars  a  bushel  offered  for  them  in  a  city 
of  over  eighty  thousand  people  1  He  grows  more  pears  than  any  one  else  about 
here,  as  he  says,  and  only  gets  three  dollars  for  his  best  Bartletts,  which  don't 
pay  for  growing,  taking  the  seasons  as  they  run.  In  fact,  the  only  men  about 
here  who  make  any  money  by  their  pears,  are  a  few  farmers  having  large,  old, 
wilding  trees,  which  give  large  annual  yields,  and  sell  at  about  a  dollar  a  bushel 
on  the  average.  I  have  a  single  tree  of  the  orange  pear,  thirty  odd  years  old,  which 
gives  me  an  average  annual  yield  of  about  eight  bushels,  worth  more  to  me,  at 
market,  than  all  the  others  put  together,  expense  of  cultivation  considered.  How 
an  orchard  of  them  would  succeed,  I  don't  know ;  for  although  the  single  tree  I 
have  is  healthy,  a  score  or  two  of  them  might  fail  in  part,  or  wholly.  Still,  I 
would  rather  risk  them  than  any  others  I  have  ever  tried ;  and  they  are  a  better 
fruit,  every  way,  than  the  overpraised  Yicar  of  Winkfield. 

Now,  the  above  is  right  in  the  teeth  of  all  the  flattering  stories  we  so  often  hear 
of  the  "  profits"  of  pear  culture  ;  and  if  anybody  has  a  better  story  to  tell,  I 
want  to  hear  it.  Don't  be  afraid,  gentlemen  ;  you  won't  raise  competition  enough 
to  damage  your  business.  Our  fruit  markets  are  as  lean  of  good  pears  as  of  fresh 
figs  or  pine-apples,  although  millions  of  trees  have  been  planted  within  the  last 
dozen  years;  and  if  those  who  have  planted  are  fortunate  enough  to  secure  a  good 
supply  for  their  own  tables  throughout  the  pear  season,  they  are  to  be  con- 
gratulated. 

Now,  after  all  this  flat-footed  confession,  a  great  many  people  may  set  it  down 
as  the  grumblings  of  a  disappointed  man.  Be  it  so.  I  have  only  told  my  own 
experience,  and  the  conjugated  experience  learned  from  others.  It  is  useless  to 
say  that  we  have  taken  no  pains  with  our  trees  ;  that  they  were  not  properly  cul- 
tivated and  pruned.  It  is  not  so.  Not  half  the  pains  have  been  taken  with  any 
other  fruits  we  have  cultivated.  Cutting  back,  scissoring,  pinching,  and  all  the 
thousand  and  one  "  peddling"  devices  of  the  savans  have  been  resorted  to,  and 
failure,  so  far  as  anything  beyond  a  very  partial  success,  in  a  few  instances,  has 
been  attained,  is  the  grand  result.  Men  are  inclined  to  let  their  success  be  known 
to  the  world,  but  of  their  failures  they  incline  to  say  little. 

Well,"  it  may  be  asked,  after  all  this  discussion,  "  do  you  recommend 
growing  the  pear  altogether  ?"     By  no  means.     If  you  have  a  favorable 


and  locality,  grow  the  pear  for  your  own  use,  and  the  market,  too,  if,  on  trial,  it 
succeeds.  Grow  the  dwarf,  even  in  your  garden,  but  not  elsewhere,  and  plant  out 
standards  at  large,  and  make  the  most  of  them.  I  conceive  the  great  objection 
to  the  dwarf  to  be,  that  the  quince  and  pear  woods  are  so  diverse  in  formation 
that  the  open-pored  wood  of  the  pear  will  not  closely  unite  with  the  compact 
and  smaller-pored  wood  of  the  quince.  Consequently,  they  are  subject  to  blow 
off,  when  they  get  to  any  size,  for  want  of  adhesion,  which,  on  examination  of 
such  cases,  will  be  found  never  to  have  intermingled  their  heart-sap  ;  and  in  other 
cases,  after  growing  a  few  years,  they  will  stop  further  growth  altogether.  In 
these  last,  examine  the  connecting  point  of  the  two  woods,  and  they  will  be  found 
to  adhere  only  at  the  bark,  and  perhaps  a  small  portion  of  the  sap-wood,  while 
the  original  stocks  will  no  more  be  joined  together  like  an  apple  or  pear,  worked 
into  its  own  wood,  than  a  pine  knot  which  falls  out  of  a  board  as  you  are  nailing 
it  up,  joins  to  the  grain  of  the  main  wood.  Aside  from  this  difficulty,  dwarf-trees 
require  quince  culture  in  a  quince  soil,  which  are  far  from  being  so  universal  as 
pear  soils  are. 

A  long  story,  and  a  very  useless  one,  I  fear,  Mr.  Editor ;  but  as  the  spirit 
moves,  I  have  felt  disposed  to  tell  you  my  experience. 


HOLMES'S    SWEET    APPLE. 

BY  B.  S.  HOLMES,  WILSON,  NIAGARA  COUNTT,  N,  Y. 

Below  I  give  you  a  sketch  of  a  sweet  apple  that  is  considered  a  great  acquisition 
to  our  winter  sweet  apples  in  this  vicinity,  where  it  originated. 

History. — The  original  tree  was  produced  from  seed  saved  by  my  maternal 
grandfather  (Judge  J.  Taylor,  of  Charlton,  Saratoga  Co.,  N.  Y.)  and  family, 
and  brought  by  my  father, 
Daniel  Holmes,  of  Wilson, 
Niagara  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and 
planted  where  he  now  lives, 
forty  years  ago.  From  the 
product  of  those  seeds  he 
planted  .his  first  orchard, 
but  subsequently  reheaded 
by  grafting  all  the  trees 
except  the  one  that  pro- 
duced this  apple.  This 
proved  so  good  that  he 
not  only  saved  the  original 
tree,  but  also  had  several 
others  grafted  with  scions 
from  it.  He  has  also  dis- 
tributed scions  to  a  limited 
extent. 

Description.  —  Tree,  a 
vigorous  grower.  Young 
shoots,  a  dark  brown,  with 
a  slight  reddish  tinge,  and 
partly  covered  with  a  slight 

fuzz.    Fruit,  medium  size,  conical,  and  frequently  a  little  one-sided.    Skin,  a  waxy 
w,  resembling  the  Porter,  with  a  red  cheek  when  exposed  to  the  sun.     Stalk, 


medium  in  length  and  size,  inserted  in  a  rather  deep  cavity.  Calyx,  open,  set  in 
a  shallow  basin.  Flesh,  yellow,  tender,  rather  juicy,  rich  and  sugary,  with  a 
slight  spicy  iiavor — superior  for  the  dessert,  and  unsurpassed  for  baking.  A 
good  bearer,  with  a  tendency  to  overbear  every  other  year.  Quality,  best.  Season 
from  November  to  February.     The  fruit  is  called  here  the  Holmes^s  Sweet. 


THE  GRAPE  AND  ITS  CULTURE— IN-DOORS  AND  OUT. 

BY  "WM.  CHORLTON,  NEW  BRIGHTON,  STATEN  ISLAND,  N.  Y. 

To  say  that  the  grape-vine  is  as  old  as  the  hills,  or  that  the  varying  arguments 
of  ancient  and  modern  cultivators  respecting  the  individual  modes  of  treatment 
are  infinite,  would  be  going  a  little  too  far  in  assertion  ;  but  we  may  affirm  that 
it  is  one  of  the  oldest  purveyors  to  man's  gastric  appetite,  and  possesses  a  sepa- 
rate longevity  equal  to  any  other  known  plant,  when  nature  has  accidentally  placed 
it  in  a  region  and  soil  congenial  to  its  constitution,  or  man  has  cultivated  it  in 
an  uninterruptedly  sensible  manner.  We  have  no  records  of  a  grape-vine  dying 
out  of  old  age  under  such  circumstances,  while  we  have  plenty  yet  in  their  prime 
that  verify  the  above  presumption.  These  instances  are,  however,  known  to  be 
beyond  the  controlling  influence  of  that  mystification  and  opinionative  narrow 
prejudice  which  leads  some  people  to  believe  that,  because  the  grape-vine  will  for 
a  time  devour  the  strongest  and  most  filthy  of  manures,  it  is  absolutely  necessary 
to  supply  such  materials  ad  libitum.  Put  common-sense  to  reflect  upon  what 
one  of  the  most  extreme  advocates  for  such  nuisances  recommends,  and  see  how 
it  looks.  Besides  advising  "  a  soil  made  up  of  ordinary  richness  with  leaf-mould, 
dung,  and  so  forth,  we  are  to  add  one  good  horse  or  cow  to  every  ten  square  yards,''"' 
cut  into  pieces,  and  applied /res/*.  Now  we  admit  that  the  grape-vine  is  one  of 
the  greatest  gluttons  there  is  in  the  vegetable  kingdom,  when  the  leaves  are  in  an 
atmosphere  conducive  to  vigorous  development,  but,  like  an  over-fed  fat  hog  of 
limited  age,  there  is  not  "bone  and  muscle"  enough  furnished,  in  the  mean  time, 
to  support  the  wear  and  tear  of  the  natural  lifetime  of  the  subject.  "  Big  talk" 
often  comes  out  .of  such  results  for  a  time,  and  immense  bunches  of  watery  fruit 
are  occasionally  produced ;  but  watch  the  progress  for  a  number  of  successive 
years,  and  our  word  for  it,  such  gorged  gluttons  will  become  much  weaker,  and 
more  predisposed  to  disease  and  barrenness,  than  where  the  true  constitutional 
habits  have  been  cared  for.  The  plain  fact  is,  there  is  nothing  mysterious  about 
the  cultivation  of  this  plant,  neither  is  there  any  other  that  will  bear  a  greater 
amount  of  ill-treatment,  and  again  recover.  We  have  said  above  that  the  grape- 
vine is  a  plant  of  great  longevity ;  yet  some  of  our  cultivators,  both  in  the  vine- 
yard and  under  glass,  consider  it  necessary  to  replant  after  a  few  years  of  bearing, 
because,  according  to  their  belief,  the  vines  are  worn  out.  Now  if  we  find  that, 
under  different  circumstances,  certain  individuals  that  have  received  more  rational 
treatment  are  known  to  be  hundreds  of  years  old,  and  are  still  as  healthy  as  they 
were  a  century  ago,  also  continuing  equally  fruitful,  and  that  fruit  of  the  best 
quality,  it  stands  to  reason  that  there  must  be  a  screw  loose  in  such  experience 
somewhere.  To  secure  this  robust  old  age,  and  the  consequent  profits  arising 
therefrom,  it  becomes  requisite  to  consider  the  true  nature  of  the  plant. 

First.  It  is  always  found  to  be  most  at  home  in  a  tolerably  rich  upper  base 
abounding  in  vegetable  matter  impregnated  with  limestone,  and  accompanied 
with  a  well  drained  subsoil.  Second.  It  is  a  rampant  grower  in  all  its  varieties, 
producing  a  large  volume  of  branches  and  leaves,  the  latter  of  which  respire  and 
perspire  very  freely,  and  act  by  drawing  up  and  elaborating  the  juices  from  the 


THE  GRAPE  AND  ITS  CULTURE — IN-DOORS  AND  OUT 


roots,  and  also  absorbing  the  moisture  and  gases  in  the  atmosphere.  According 
with  the  amount  of  surface  in  these  leaves,  and  concentration  of  action  under  the 
influence  of  steady  heat  and  light,  so  will  be  the  corresponding  ratio  of  roots 
and  wood  healthy,  and  of  permanent  structure,  or  otherwise.  Such  being  the 
case,  it  is  easily  seen,  that  if  the  extension  of  growth  be  unduly  encouraged  by 
over-rich  compost  (more  particularly  while  young),  the  cellular  and  vascular 
tissues  will  become  deranged  by  the  excitement,  and  neither  roots  nor  branches 
partake  of  the  indurated  character  they  ought  to.  Added  to  this,  we  have,  gene- 
rally speaking,  more  close  pruning  practised  not  only  in  winter  cutting,  but  sum- 
mer shortening,  also,  on  this  fast  growing  vine  than  any  other  fruit-bearing  plant. 
Recapitulate  the  circumstances,  and  in  the  first  place  we  force  a  plethoric  growth 
by  stimulating  manures,  and  afterwards  the  plant  is  prevented  from  performing 
its  proper  functions  by  being  permanently  cramped  into  a  comparatively  very 
small  superficial  surface.  How,  we  may  ask,  is  such  a  being  to  form  an  increase 
of  hardened  woody  fibre  in  the  roots,  or  how  is  it  possible  that  they  can  continue 
to  have  strength  enough  to  be  vigorous  absorbents  of  the  fluids  around  them  ? 
The  finale  speaks  for  itself.  A  premature  imbecility,  with  the  consequent  ten- 
dency to  mildew,  shank,  dry  rot,  decayed  roots,  and  all  the  other  known  and 
unknown  diseases  we  have  to  complain  of. 

To  come  more  practically  to  the  point :  Either  in  the  grapery  border  or  out- 
door culture,  it  is  indispensable  to  secure  a  free  passage  for  the  surplus  water 
from  the  subsoil  by  good  drainage.  Make  choice  of  good,  friable  soil  enriched 
sufficiently  with  decayed  barnyard  manure  and  vegetable  mould,  and  if  crushed 
bones  are  to  be  obtained  readily,  add  a  portion.  No  harm  will  be  done  by  these 
latter,  and  no  proportions  need  be  given.  If  the  flesh  is  not  on  them,  they  will 
give  out  very  slowly,  and  prove  permanent.  Much  as  has  been  written,  and  many 
as  have  been  the  arguments  respecting  the  composts  for  grapery  borders,  I  speak 
with  confidence  and  from  experience  in  stating  that  better  grapes  may  be  grown 
by  simple  double  trenching,  with  good  drainage,  and  the  addition  of  a  reasonable 
quantity  of  the  above-mentioned  material  than  are  frequently  obtained  by  the 
most  fastidiously  formed  and  rninously  expensive  beds  that  are  too  often  com- 
pounded. The  following  will  prove  a  most  efficient  bed  when  the  best  results 
are  desired : — 

Dig  the  border  clear  out  from  fifteen  to  twenty  feet  in  width,  from  the  base 
front  of  the  house,  and  two  feet  six  inches  deep.  Let  the  bottom  level  slope 
somewhat  towards  the  outside  line,  along  which  excavate  another  foot  deeper, 
and  the  same  wide.  Fill  this  drain  with  rough  stones  or  other  such  material,  and 
cover  six  inches  of  the  same  over  the  whole  base.  If  the  soil  taken  out,  or  any 
portion  of  it,  be  of  good  quality,  reserve  it,  and  mix  one-fourth  in  quantity  of 
barnyard  manure  and  decomposed  vegetable  matter  with  one  bushel  of  crushed 
bones  to  every  cubic  yard  in  bulk.  Whatever  quantity  of  earth  may  be  required 
besides  that  taken  out,  procure  it  from  a  pasture  of  friable  loam,  and  use  only 
the  upper  turf  sod.  Cover  the  drainage  base  with  these  sods,  also,  and  fill  in  the 
prepared  compost  to  one  foot  above  the  ground  level. 

Planting,  Training,  Sfc. — Choose  for  all  purposes  healthy  vines  of  one  or  (at 
most)  two  years'  growth  from  the  cutting  or  bud.  For  outside,  make  a  hole 
three  inches  deep,  and  level  on  the  bottom  ;  spread  out  the  roots  carefully,  and 
fill  up  with  well  broken  soil.  In  the  grapery,  smooth  the  surface,  and  cover  over 
the  roots  so  as  to  form  a  small  mound  around  each  stem,  which  may  afterwards 
be  shortened  down  to  two  or  three  buds.  When  these  buds  have  grown  some 
two  or  three  inches,  take  out  all  but  the  strongest.  Train  this  carefully  to  the 
wires  or  poles  as  it  advances  in  growth,  and  pinch  out  the  laterals  or  side  shoots 


THE  GRAPE  AND  ITS  CULTURE — IN-DOORS  AND  OUT, 


to  the  finst  leaf  as  they  continue  to  be  produced.  If  the  weather  be  dry  and  hot 
through  the  summer  months,  mulch  the  ground  with  littery  manure,  and  give 
occasionally  a  copious  supply  of  water  to  the  roots.  Do  not  stop  the  leader 
until  the  wood  begins  to  turn  brown  in  the  fall. 

One  of  the  best  methods  for  future  training,  outside,  is  to  conduct  two  shoots 
horizontally,  one  on  each  side  of  the  main  stem,  and  eighteen  inches  from  the 
ground  level.  This  may  be  secured  for  the  present  by  cutting  down  to  two  buds 
above  that  height.  These,  in  the  spring,  will  push  out  the  desired  branches,  which 
may  be  allowed  to  grow  as  the  single  one  did  last  year.  Next  fall,  cut  them  in, 
to  four  or  six  feet,  according  as  they  have  grown  strong,  or  the  reverse.  The 
third  year  from  commencement  they  will  develop  side  shoots,  which  are  to  be 
trained  up  perpendicularly  to  the  trellis  at  the  distance  of  eighteen  inches  apart. 
More  than  enough  will  be  produced,  the  surplus  of  which  should  be  rubbed  off  as 
soon  as  it  can  be  seen  which  are  the  most  suitable  to  leave.  One  bunch  of  fruit 
may  now  be  allowed  on  each  of  these  uprights  without  injury.  The  following 
fall,  every  alternate  cane  is  to  be  cut  down  to  one  bud,  the  others  being  shortened 
in  to  five  or  six  feet,  and  left  to  bear.  And  now  begins  a  regular  course  of  prun- 
ing. Thooe  that  have  borne  the  last  year  are  to  be  cut  down  to  an  eye,  and  the 
others  that  have  emanated  from  the  previous  single  bud  left  for  fruiting  next  year. 
It  may  also  be  mentioned  that  a  greater  longitudinal  surface  can  be  gained  in 
after  years  by  extending  the  horizontal  branches  in  like  manner. 

For  the  Grapery. — In  the  -fall  of  the  first  year,  cut  down  to  five  or  six  feet,  and 
in  the  spring  following,  keep  the  heads  curved  downwards  until  the  buds  have 
burst.  The  object  now  is  to  form  a  future  handsome  plant.  Leave  each  side 
shoot  eighteen  inches  asunder,  and  rub  out  all  the  others.  Train  the  uppermost 
perpendicularly,  to  be  practised  on  the  next  season  in  like  manner.  It  is  ex- 
pected, in  this  case,  that  the  vines  are  some  three  feet  asunder,  and  as  we  want 
to  extend  our  lateral  surface  individually,  they  will,  after  a  time,  be  too  near  each 
other.  Let  the  alternate  ones  bear  a  good  crop,  and  after  the  fruit  is  removed, 
take  them  out.  Prune  the  side  shoots  of  those  left  to  six  or  eight  buds  ;  lay  these 
in  horizontally,  and  cut  their  side  spurs  to  two  buds  from  year  to  year,  and  so 
proceed  and  extend,  reducing  the  number  of  plants,  but  increasing  in  surface 
those  intended  to  be  permanent. 

Many  persons  set  out  upon  the  principle  of  caring  little  how  a  grape-vine  gets 
along  for  the  first  two  or  three  years,  believing  that  it  must  arrive  at  a  certain 
age  before  being  allowed  to  bear  fruit.  It  is  high  time  for  such  doctrine  to  be 
repudiated.  Commence  at  the  beginning  with  good  treatment,  and  no  fear  of  after 
results,  if  the  same  liberality  be  continued.  While  I  would  not,  by  any  means, 
advocate  the  over-cropping  of  a  grape-vine,  we  certainly  must  contend  that  it 
will  give  us  a  taste  of  its  sweets,  without  injury,  after  the  first  season,  providing 
it  has  had  justice  done  to  its  accommodating  disposition.  Not  so,  however,  if 
otherwise  ;  and  at  no  time  is  there  anything  to  be  gained  by  over-cropping.  Be 
guided  in  this  particular  by  vigor  and  well  ripened  wood,  and  let  no  temporary 
greediness  lead  you  to  depauperate  a  healthy  constitution.  Increase  the  weight 
of  fruit  rather  according  to  judiciously  gained  extent  of  surface  than  the  age  of 
a  limited  stump. 

Inside  of  glass  houses,  we  have  great  control  over  the  injurious  effects  of  our 
sometimes  perverse  climate,  and  owing  to  which  we  have  to  grow  the  foreign 
varieties  in  such  structures.  Here  we  can  imitate  an  atmosphere  congenial  to 
their  well-being  by  gradually  raising  the  temperature,  as  development  proceeds, 
from  50°  to  100°  (which  is  none  too  high  at  midsummer),  in  the  daytime,  with 
sunshine,  increasing  the  moisture  in  accordance  with  the  heat,  and,  afterwar " 


as  ripening  progresses,  dry  off  and  lower  down  again  to  our  wishes.  But,  out  of 
doors,  we  have  not  such  protection  ;  and,  notwithstanding  our  natives  have  a 
hardier  habit,  we  ought  to  do  what  we  can  to  assist  the  grateful  plant,  and  enable 
it  to  repay  us  for  kindness  administered.  Instead  of  allowing  the  branches  to 
grow  at  random,  thin  out  through  the  summer  all  superfluous  and  over-crowding 
growth.  Do  not  take  off  the  leaves,  but  remove  entirely  those  branches  that  are 
not  wanted  for  the  future,  and  stop  the  ends  of  all  laterals  from  time  to  time,  as 
they  push  forth  anew.  In  dry  and  sultry  weather. — at  the  beginning  of  summer 
— a  washing  with  the  syringe,  of  an  evening,  will  be  serviceable,  and  encourage 
a  free  circulation  of  the  juices,  besides  assisting  to  keep  clear  of  insects ;  and  a 
good  drenching  at  the  roots  will  also  do  good  under  the  same  circumstances. 
Always  bear  in  mind  that  a  grape-vine  flourishes  best  in  a  climate  where  the  fore- 
part of  the  season  gradually  rises  in  temperature  and  moisture  to  a  tropical  bear- 
ing, and  an  after  dry  and  warm  fall.  Imitate  this  as  near  as  you  can,  and  if  the 
roots  are  in  a  right  base,  with  proper  fertilizing  material,  there  need  not  be  any 
fear  of  failure. 

As  these  few  remarks  are  more  particularly  penned  for  the  guidance  of  the 
amateur  and  those  who  wish  to  be  their  own  grape  growers,  there  is  no  use  in 
giving  a  long  list  of  varieties.  The  following  are  of  the  best  quality,  and  the  most 
profitable  : — 

Foreign  Yarieties. — Black. — Black  Hamburgh,  BlackPrince.Zinfindal,  Prince 
Albert,  or  Black  Barbarossa.  This  last  will  not  fruit  freely  if  pruned  in  close. 
Let  it  extend  the  growth  each  year,  and  it  will  prove  the  best  late  keeping  grape 
we  have. 

White,  S)-c. — Chasselas  Fontainbleau,  "White  Frontignan,  Royal  Muscadine  ;  and 
where  fire-heat  is  used,  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  and  Cannon  Hall  Muscat. 

Natives. — Black. — Isabella,  Concord.  Greenish- Amher. — Rebecca,  Diana. 
Chocolate. — Delaware. 


THE  TRENTHAM  BLACK  GRAPE. 

The  difficulty  of  keeping  grapes  with  a  good  bloom  on  the  berries,  and  free 
from  shrivelling,  through  January,  February,  and  March,  is  well  known.  The 
common  Black  Hamburgh,  under  particular  circumstances,  may  be  obtained  in 
fair  condition  up  to  the  middle  of  February ;  but,  generally  speaking,  the  berries 
get  mouldy,  and  begin  to  decay  in  December,  and  even  earlier  than  that,  if  the 
least  damp  is  allowed  in  the  house.  The  St.  Peter's  is  a  valuable  keeping  grape, 
vinous,  but  with  more  acidity  than  the  Hamburgh,  and  with  a  better  color  and 
finer  bloom  than  this  latter  grape  usually  attains ;  but  even  this  requires  great 
care,  or  it  will  crack,  and  become  mouldy  in  damp  weather,  and  the  least  over- 
firing  causes  it  to  shrivel.  The  Barbarossa  is  a  fine  looking  grape,  but  takes 
somewhere  about  twelve  months  to  ripen  it  properly,  and  then,  besides  being  a 
fickle  bearer,  it  is  only  second-rate  in  quality.  Having  seen  and  tasted  Mr.  Flem- 
ing's grape,  we  are  of  opinion  that  it  supplies  a  desideratum  wanting  in  this  class 
of  grapes,  or,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  it  will  form  a  very  useful  addition.  The 
quality  of  the  variety  is  very  rich  and  vinous,  with  a  full,  syrupy  flavor.  It  is, 
we  understand,  a  most  productive  bearer,  and,  as  Mr.  Fleming  observes,  appears 
as  hardy  as  a  currant ;  and  that  it  may  be  kept  for  a  very  long  period  after  being 
ripe,  we  have  ample  testimony.  The  footstalks  of  this  grape  appear  to  retain 
their  vitality  long  after  the  berries  are  ripe,  and  no  doubt  it  is  owing  to  this  pro- 
perty that  the  Trentham  Black  keeps  fresh  and  plump  long  after  other  grapes  with 
less  vitality  decay  or  shrivel. — S.,  in  London  Florist. 


N.  S. :  YoL.  YIII.— May,  1858.  15 


LISTS  OF  THE  BEST  CINERARIAS  AND  LANTANAS. 


DESCRIPTIVE    LISTS    OF    THE    BEST    CINERARIAS 
AND    LANTANAS    IN    CULTIVATION. 

BY  DANIEL  BARKER,  SPRINGFIELD,  MASS. 

S  the  collection  at  this  establishment  (Mr.  Bliss's)  is  now 
in  fine  bloom,  and  being  the  best  time  to  notice  them, 
without  trusting  to  memory,  I  will  describe  a  few  of  the 
new  with  some  of  the  older  varieties,  such  as  should  be 
grown  in  all  select  collections  : — 

Cinerarias.  Sir  Charles  Napier. — This  is  decidedly  the 
best  blue  which  has  come  under  my  observation.  Shape 
of  flower,  and  habit  of  plant,  first-rate  ;  a  splendid  variety. 
Lady  Paxton. — White,  with  beautiful  lilac-purple 
margin,  with  dark  disk  petals,  well  formed,  and  producing 
large,  compact  heads  of  bloom  ;  one  of  the  best  in  cul- 
tivation. 

Admiral  Dundas. — A  very  beautiful  variety ;   white, 
with  pale  blue-purple  margin,  and  of  excellent  habit. 

Optima  (Hopwood's). — A  charming  variety  in  color ;  it  is  clear  white,  with 
broad,  crimson  margin,  dwarf  and  beautiful  habit.  An  excellent  exhibition  variety, 
and  should  be  grown  in  every  select  collection. 

Rosy  Queen  (Bliss's),  is  a  Very  attractive  variety.  Color,  white,  with  a  broad, 
rosy-crimson  margin.     Habit,  very  dwarf. 

Magnum  Bonum. — A  splendid  variety.  Color,  a  rich  purple-crimson,  with  a 
small,  clear  white  ring  around  a  black  disk.  Habit,  first-rate,  and,  for  exhibition 
purposes,  unsurpassed. 

Lahlache. — A  good  variety  for  exhibition.  Color,  light  blue.  Habit,  dwarf, 
and  first-rate. 

Queen  of  England. — A  fine  and  beautiful  variety.  Color,  clear  white,  with  a 
beautiful,  bright,  rosy-crimson  margin,  and  a  dark  disk.  Excellent  form  and 
habit. 

Fair  America,  is  a  rich  violet-purple  and  crimson,  with  a  beautiful,  clear  white 
ring  round  a  black  disk.     Good  form  and  habit. 

Emperor  of  France. — A  first-class  flower.  Color,  a  bright,  rosy  crimson,  with 
a  clear,  broad,  white  ring  round  a  dark  disk.  A  beautiful  and  very  attractive 
flower. 

Several  other  new  kinds,  just  received  from  Europe,  shall  be  reported  on  when 
sufficiently  in  flower, 

A  Descriptive  List  of  a  few  of  the  best  Lantanas. — This  is  a  most  beau- 
tiful genus,  eminently  worthy  the  attention  of  all  who  desire  first-rate  summer  bed- 
ding plants;  as  such  they  are  unsurpassed,  and  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when 
they  will  become  great  favorites  with  every  lover  of  bedding  plants ;  and  no 
flower  garden  will  be  considered  complete  without  a  bed  or  single  specimens  of 
some  of  the  many  beautiful  varieties  now  in  cultivation. 

Lantana  Doris. — A  fine,  bright  yellow  and  orange ;  a  very  fine  and  beautiful 
variety. 

L.  Ahhe  Touvre. — Orange  and  carmine,  fine  habit,  and  one  of  the  most  attrac- 
tive in  cultivation. 

L.  Speciosa. — Color,  deep  orange  and  scarlet.     One  of  the  most  beautiful 
cultivation. 


PINUS  LAMBERTIANA. 


L.  Fesonit. — Rosy  crimson  and  orange.  The  beautiful  contrast  in  the  colors 
of  this  variety,  makes  it  one  of  the  most  desirable. 

L.  Abbe  Grandifiora. — Clear  white,  with  bright  yellow  centre.  One  of  the 
very  best  varieties  in  cultivation. 

L.  Bicolor  Formosa. — Beautiful  light  yellow,  shading  off  to  rose.     Fine  habit. 

L.  Lutea  Superba. — Bright  yellow.     Fine  habit. 

L.  Picta  Superba.— Large  flower  ;  a  beautiful  bright  yellow,  shading  off  to  rose, 
A  beautiful  variety,  of  great  excellence. 

L.  Rhodoneana. — A  very  attractive  variety.  Color,  yellow,  shading  to  rosy 
crimson.     Habit,  free  and  fine. 

L.  Souvenir  d'' Alexandra. — Color,  a  beautiful  combination  of  yellow,  rose,  and 
carmine.     A  striking  and  very  beautiful  variety. 

L.  Americana,  L.  Camera,  L.  Aurantiaca,  L.  Flavicoma,  and  L.  Crocea  Su- 
perba, are  older,  but  beautiful  varieties,  and  well  worthy  a  prominent  place  in 
every  flower  garden. 


PINUS    LAMBERTIANA.* 

Gigantic  Pine. 

This  fine  tree  is  pronounced  perfectly  hardy,  even  after  the  two  severest  winters 
we  have  experienced.  Mr.  H.  W.  Sargent,  of  Wodenethe,  on  the  North  River,  so 
pronounces  it.  As  yet,  we  have  few  specimens  in  this  section  of  country  of  much 
size  to  refer  to,  but  large  numbers  have  been  planted,  and  it  will  interest  all  to 
have  Mr.  Nuttall's  account  of  the  tree,  from  the  N'orth  American  Sylva,  and  it  is 
appended : — 

"  This  majestic  Pine  (according  to  Mr.  Douglas,  its  discoverer)  covers  large 
districts  about  one  hundred  miles  from  the  borders  of  the  Pacific,  in  latitude  43° 
north,  and  continues  to  the  south  as  far  as  40°.  It  attained  its  greatest  magni- 
tude in  a  sandy  soil  apparently  incapable  of  supporting  any  vegetation.  The 
trees  did  not  form  dense  forests,  but  were  scattered  singly  over  the  plains. 

"  This  stately  species  attains  a  height  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred 
feet,  and  varies  in  circumference  from  twenty  to  sixty  feet.  A  specimen  over- 
turned by  the  winds  was  in  length  two  hundred  and  fifteen  feet ;  its  circumference 
at  three  feet  from  the  ground  was  fifty-seven  feet  nine  inches,  and  at  one  hundred 
and  thirty-four  feet  from  the  ground,  seventeen  feet  five  inches.  The  trunk  pre- 
sents an  erect  shaft  devoid  of  branches,  of  from  one  hundred  to  one  hundred  and 
seventy  feet  elevation,  covered  with  a  very  smooth  light-brown  bark.  The  pen- 
dulous branches  form  an  open  pyramidal  head  like  that  of  a  fir-tree.  The  leaves 
are  between  four  and  five  inches  long,  and  grow  together,  like  the  strobus,  in  clus- 
ters of  five,  with  similar  short,  deciduous  sheaths  ;  they  are  rigid,  of  a  bright  green 
color,  but  not  shining,  with  the  margin  slightly  scabrous  to  the  touch.  The  cones 
hang  pendulous  from  the  ends  of  the  branches,  and  are  two  years  in  acquiring 
their  full  growth  ;  they  are  at  first  erect,  and  do  not  droop  until  the  second  year. 
When  ripe,  they  are  about  eleven  inches  in  circumference  at  the  thickest  part,  and 
vary  from  twelve  to  sixteen  inches  in  length  1  The  scales  are  loosely  imbricated, 
dilated,  and  round  above,  and  perfectly  destitute  of  armature.  The  seeds  are 
eight  lines  long,  and  four  broad,  oval,  and,  like  those  of  the  Stone  Pine,  the 
kernels  are  sweet  and  pleasant  to  the  taste ;  the  wing  is  about  twice  the  length  of 
the  seed,  and  the  seed  leaves  are  from  twelve  to  thirteen.  The  whole  tree  pro- 
duces an  abundance  of  pure,  amber-colored  resin,  which,  when  it  exudes  from  the 

*  See  Frontispiece,  the  cone  reduced  in  size. 


PURCHASING  FRTJIT  AND  ORNAMENTAL  TREES. — NEW  PEARS. 

trees  which  are  partly  burnt,  by  some  chemical  change  loses  its  flavor,  and  acquires 
a  sweet  taste,  in  which  state  it  is  used  by  the  natives  as  sugar  to  flavor  their  food. 
The  seeds  (like  those  of  the  Cembra  in  Siberia)  are  eaten  roasted,  or  pounded 
into  coarse  cakes  for  winter  food.  Timber,  white,  soft,  and  light.  It  is  allied  to 
P.  strobus,  from  which,  however,  it  is  entirely  distinct,  but  almost  equally  hardy 
in  cultivation." 


PURCHASING  FRUIT  AND  ORNAMENTAL  TREES. 

How  few  understand,  when  selecting  fruit  or  ornamental  trees,  that  there  are 
very  material  points  to  observe  to  secure  trees  that  will  thrive  and  do  well.  Every 
person  who  wishes  to  improve  his  grounds  should  become  thoroughly  acquainted 
with  the  value  of  his  soil  and  all  its  leading  features;  wet  or  dry,  deep  or  shallow, 
heavy  or  light;  how  the  exposure,  whether  east,  west,  north,  or  south;  clayey, 
rocky,  sandy,  or  rich  loam  ;  and  hilly  or  level.  These  are  very  important  con- 
siderations, and  without  these  being  well  understood,  the  highest  degree  of  success 
cannot  be  attained.  "Want  of,  attention  to  these  matters  has  been  the  cause  very 
frequently  of  great  disappointment. 

People  order  fruit  and  ornamental  trees  of  nurserymen,  and  without  ever  giving 
any  of  these  points  a  single  thought,  they  plant  them  in  places  the  very  opposite 
of  those  they  have  been  raised  in,  and  the  consequences  are,  very  many  die  almost 
immediately,  some  linger  a  few  months  or  years,  and  a  few  may  manage  to  succeed 
partially.  Now,  cases  of  this  kind  are  of  very  frequent  occurrence ;  and  when 
they  do  occur,  they  cause  disappointment,  and  the  nurseryman  is  unjustly  blamed 
for  people's  own  inattention  to  the  above  points.  Almost  every  variety  requires 
different  soil,  different  exposure,  and  different  treatment.  Where  the  pear,  plum, 
or  cherry,  will  thrive  admirably,  the  peach  will  grow  indifferently,  or  not  at  all. 
And  so  with  ornamental  trees.  Many  tribes  will  thrive  where  others  will  not 
grow,  and  vice  versa. 

One  important  consideration  in  regard  to  the  beauty  of  a  garden,  is  the  appro- 
priateness of  the  trees  planted.  Too  often  we  see  a  great  want  of  judgment  or 
taste  in  the  selection  of  trees — large  growing  trees  and  plants  in  small  places, 
and  small  trees  or  shrubs  in  large,  extensive  grounds.  All  this  is  evidence  of  a 
want  of  knowledge  upon  the  subject,  and  can  always  be  remedied  by  inquiry,  so 
as  to  have  trees  conform  to  the  size,  exposure,  soil,  and  situation,  of  the  place 
where  planted.  Ii\  selecting  trees,  care  must  be  had  to  select  those  that  have 
clean,  free-growing  wood,  well  furnished  with  full,  fibrous  roots,  good  shaped 
heads,  and  well  furnished  branches. 

Too  much  thought  is  too  frequently  given  to  the  cost  of  a  tree  rather  than  to 
the  condition  of  the  tree  itself;  better  to  give  a  fair,  reasonable  sum  to  a  reliable 
nurseryman  for  a  good  article  than  to  get  it  for  little  or  nothing  from  a  huckster 
or  puffer,  who  deals  in  cheap  goods.  Always  buy  of  respectable  men,  pay  full 
prices,  get  the  best,  and  you  will  not  regret  it. 


NEW   PEARS. 

BY  CHARLES  DOWNING,  NEWBURG,  N.  Y. 

Through  the  kindness  of  John  G.  Bergen,  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  we  are  indebted 
for  specimens  and  history  of  the  following  new  pears,  from  which  the  inclosed 
outlines  and  descriptions  have  been  made  ;  and,  if  acceptable,  please  insert  in  the 
Horticulturist.  Chas.  Downing 


NEW  PEARS. 


Bergen. — The  parent 
tree  of  the  Bergen  is  a 
chance  seedling,  found  in  a 
hedge  on  lands  now  owned 
by  John  B.  Bitching,  at 
Bay  Ridge,  New  Utrecht, 
L.  I.,  formerly  Simeon  Ber- 
gen, and  from  appearance 
about  thirty  years  old. 
Tree,  moderately  vigorous, 
upright;  young  wood,  red- 
dish. An  early  and  good 
bearer,  but  not  profuse. 
Mr.  Bergen  thinks  it  will 
prove  a  valuable  market 
fruit,  selling  readily  at  the 
same  price  as  Bartletts. 

Fruit,  large,  elongated, 
truncate-conic,  inclining  to 
pyriform,  often  with  sides 
not  symmetric,  angular. 
Skin,  waxen,  lemon-yel- 
low, finely  shaded  with 
crimson  and  fawn  on  the 
sunny    side,    and    thickly 


Bergen  Pear. 

sprinkled  with  brown  and  crimson 
dots.  Stalk,  long,  rather  stout, 
curved,  inserted  in  a  moderate  de- 
pression by  a  fleshy  ring.  Calyx, 
small,  open.  Segments,  stiff.  Basin, 
small,  surrounded  by  a  wavy  border. 
Flesh,  whitish,  veined  with  yellow,  a 
little  coarse  and  gritty,  buttery,  juicy, 
melting,  with  a  sweet,  ai'omatic  fla- 
vor, delicately  perfumed.  Ripe  last 
of  September  and  first  of  October. 

Island. — The  Island  Pear  origi- 
nated with  Cornelius  Bergen,  Flat 
Lands  on  Bergen  Island  (adjoining 
Long  Island),  some  ten  years  since. 

Tree,  a  strong,  free  grower.     Young  wood,  yellowish-brown, 
very  productive. 


Fruit,  medium  size,  short,  pyriform,  inclining  to  turbinate ;  often  turbinate  or 
Bergamot-sliaped.  Skin,  pale  yellow,  netted,  sprinkled,  and  patched  with  russet, 
and  thickly  covered  with  small  brown  dots,  and  slightly  shaded  with  crimson  where 
exposed  to  the  sun.  Stalk,  very  short,  rather  stout,  inserted  in  a  moderate  de- 
pression by  a  ring  or  lip,  surrounded  by  russet.  Calyx,  closed,  or  partially  open. 
Segments,  recurved,  set  in  an  abrupt,  uneven  basin,  russeted.  Flesh,  white,  a 
little  granular,  juicy,  melting,  with  a  sweet,  sprightly,  perfumed,  somewhat  aro- 
matic flavor;  "very  good."     Ripe,  September  to  October. 


< »  »  » > — 


GARDEN   VEGETABLES   NO.    14.  — THE   ONION. 

BY  WM.  CHORLTON. 

It  appears  somewhat  singular  that  the  improvement  from  an  original  state  of 
many  of  our  best  kitchen  esculents,  has,  or  would  seem  to  have  had  its  beginning 
during  the  time  which  is  generally  known  as  the  Dark  Ages  ;  and,  in  consequence, 
we  are  in  the-habit  of  saying  that  they  have  been  in  use  from  time  immemorial. 
If  we  consider,  however,  that  the  teachers  of  theology,  in  those  days,  held  almost 
despotic  power ;  that  they  kept  their  knowledge  amongst  the  privileged  few  ; 
also,  that  the  monastery  was  nearly  the  only  school  for  gardening  ;  and  still 
further,  that  this  individuality  was  well  understood  and  much  cultivated  by  these 
exclusives,  the  deficiency  of  many  historical  facts  in  horticulture  is  clearly  seen. 
As  we  possess  the  result  of  their  labors,  which  has,  in  many  examples,  been  the 
forerunner  of  our  present  excellence,  we  may  content  ourselves  with  conjecture, 
and  judge  of  physiological  truth  from  our  now  more  developed  intelligence. 

It  is  supposed  that  the  onion  was  originally  from  Spain,  but  is  just  as  likely 
that  the  knapsacks  of  the  Crusaders  were  the  receptacles  of  conveyance  from  the 
Asiatic  continent.  Whatever  have  been  the  means  of  introduction  matters  not 
in  a  practical  point  of  view,  as  long  as  we  have  got  so  universally  esteemed  a 
vegetable. 

The  medical  properties  of  the  whole  genus  Allium,  to  which  the  onion  belongs, 
are  more  or  less  stimulant  and  diuretic.  In  addition  to  these,  the  juice  of  our 
present  subject  is  made  into  a  syrup  with  sugar,  and  often  administered  to  advan- 
tage in  infantile  croup  and  catarrh,  when  there  is  not  much  inflammatory  action. 
It  is  also  recommended  in  dropsy  and  calculous  disorders ;  and  when  roasted, 
applied  as  a  poultice  to  foul  tumors.  Notwithstanding  these  good  qualities, 
there  are  many  persons  whose  digestive  organs  are  weakly,  and  which  become 
deranged  by  the  use  of  onions,  when  nausea  and  headache  are  the  result.  It  is 
not  advisable,  in  any  case,  to  eat  them  either  fried  or  in  a  raw  state  ;  for  in  the 
former,  they  pass  the  stomach  comparatively  by  mechanical  action,  and  in  the 
latter,  they  often  produce  giddiness,  and  an  affection  similar  to  a  "cold  in  the 
head  ;"  while,  properly  boiled  or  roasted,  they  are  nutritive  and  wholesome. 

The  onion  thrives  best  in  an  open  situation,  having  a  free  exposure  to  the  sun, 
and  a  deep,  rich,  and  mellow  soil,  that  is  not  over  sandy  in  its  base,  or  wet  in 
the  subsoil.  There  is  no  danger  of  over  manuring,  provided  the  material  is 
thoroughly  rotted,  or  incorporated  with  the  earth.  Barnyard  manure  is  the  best 
fertilizer,  but  soot,  guano,  poudrette,  urine,  and  soapsuds  are  all  useful  auxiliaries, 
and  which  ought  to  be  applied  in  the  fall,  previous  to  planting.  There  is  also  a 
singular  exception  in  this  vegetable ;  while  most  others  do  better  by  rotation, 
the  onion  will  continue  to  produce  equally  good  crops  on  the  same  spot  for  many 
years  in  succession,  if  the  fertilizing  material  is  judiciously  renewed.     Many  cul- 

p^ — 


tivators  have  testifled  to  this  fact,  and  my  own  experience  verifies  the  same,  as  I 
have  grown  prize  onions  on  the  same  bed  for  ten  consecutive  years  ;  consequently, 
a  little  expense  at  first  commencement  will  lead  to  after  profit.  To  accomplish 
this,  proceed  as  follows  :  Choose  a  plot  of  suitable  size,  and  as  near  to  the  above- 
mentioned  character  as  the  limits  of  the'  place  will  admit  of,  prepare  in  the  same 
way  as  recommended  for  rhubarb  in  the  January  No.,  page  lY.  This  will  make 
a  good  base  to  commence  operations,  when  it  is  desirable  to  have  the  very  finest 
prize  quality,  and  an  annual  trenching  and  manuring  will  keep  it  up.  Those 
who  are  satisfied  vrith  ordinary  size  and  flavor  will  obtain  such  by  simply  plough- 
ing, or  trenching,  and  manuring,  as  for  a  crop  of  cabbages. 

There  are  two  methods  by  which  a  crop  may  be  procured,  viz  :  by  sowing  the 
seed  the  same  season,  or  planting  small  bulbs  of  the  previous  year.  The  first  is 
the  best  and  least  expensive,  if  rightly  performed,  excepting  in  those  regions  of 
country  where  the  weather  is  extremely  cool  and  wet,  or  subject  to  become  dry 
and  hot  soon  after  the  growing  season  commences. 

Sowing  the  Seed. — Immediately  when  the  ground  is  in  working  order  after  the 
breaking  up  of  frost,  fork  over  and  loosen  the  soil  well  if  previously  prepared  in 
the  fall ;  and  if  not,  treneh  and  manure.  Make  all  level  with  the  fork  or  spade 
as  the  work  proceeds ;  draw  out  drills  with  the  corner  of  the  hoe,  one  inch  deep, 
and  twelve  inches  apart.  Sow  the  seed  thinly,  say  one  inch  asunder ;  cover  by 
treading  in  the  sides  with  the  feet.  When  the  young  plants  are  some  three  inches 
high,  thin  out  to  four  inches  apart,  and  at  the  same  time  take  out  all  the  weeds 
in  the  rows,  when  the  scuffle  hoe  may  be  afterwards  run  between  them,  and  all 
will  be  clean.  And  here  I  would  take  the  opportunity  of  drawing  attention  to 
the  desirableness  and  advantages  to  be  gained  by  using  this  implement  at  all 
times  while  the  weeds  are  small.  In  many  places  we  see  them  allowed  to  grow 
until  they  entirely  smother  the  young  crops.  When  the  mischief  is  done,  and 
the  expected  produce  has  become  considerably  deteriorated,  in  fact,  almost  ruined, 
it  is  then  thought  to  be  about  soon  enough  to  eradicate  them  ;  the  doing  of  which 
will  occupy  ten  times  more  time  than  would  have  been  required  by  an  early 
application.  Attention  to  this  item  will  reduce  the  labor  in  a  vegetable  garden 
more  than  one-half,  besides  the  advantage  of  an  equal  ratio  of  profit  in  crop. 
Xothing  further  is  now  required  but  an  occasional  clearing  of  weeds  with  the  hoe, 
until  the  bulbs  are  ripe. 

Planting  Small  Bulbs. — The  object  here  is  the  obtaining  of  larger  and  better 
ripened  bulbs,  and  is  often  resorted  to  in  cool  and  wet  climates  where  there  is 
not  enough  solar  influence  to  centralize  the  growth  ;  and  also  in  those  countries 
where  the  commencement  of  summer  is  subject  to  regular  droughts,  and,  conse- 
quently, the  ripening  is  premature.  In  both  cases  the  method  is  to  be  recom- 
mended, as  the  plant  is  partly  developed  to  begin  with,  and  only  requires  to 
finish  out  that  extension,  which,  under  more  favorable  circumstances,  would  be 
accomplished  in  one  season.  In  most  of  our  Northern  States  we  have  growing 
weather  sufficient  for  healthy  maturity,  which  renders  this  process  unnecessary  if 
the  seed  be  sown  early  enough.  To  procure  these  small  bulbs  the  seed  should 
be  sowed  thickly  on  poor  soil  about  the  last  week  in  Api'il,  and  the  plants  allowed 
to  remain  somewhat  crowded,  by  which  minute  size  and  early  maturity  is  gained. 
When  ripe,  pull  the  whole  up,  lay  them  on  the  ground  exposed  to  the  sun  for  a 
few  days,  and  afterwards  remove  to  a  dry  but  cool  room  till  planting  time.  This 
will  be  in  the  following  spring,  as  soon  as  the  soil  is  in  good  state  for  working. 
Prepare  the  same  as  for  seed  ;  draw  drills  not  more  than  an  inch  deep,  and  one 
foot  apart ;  place  the  bulbs  therein,  and  level  the  soil  as  the  work  proceeds.  Do 
not  cover  more  than  is  sufficient  to  retain  the  set  in  its  place,  for  nothing  dete- 


riorates  the  form,  size,  and  particularly  the  keeping  qualities,  more  than  covering 
up  daring  growth. 

There  are  many  varieties  of  the  class  that  is  suited  for  general  kitchen  and 
market  purposes,  but  nothing  is  to  be  gained  by  an  extended  list.  The  following, 
therefore,  will  be  found  to  be  the  best,  and  give  satisfaction  : — 

Strasburg. — Tawny,  red,  tinged  with  green  ;  hardy  ;  a  good  keeper,  with 
strong  flavor. 

Globe. — Pale  brown,  globular,  large  ;  keeps  well  ;  mild  flavor. 

Deptford. — Pale  brown,  somewhat  globular,  solid  ;  a  good  keeper  ;  rather 
strong  flavor. 

Blood  Red. — Middle  size,  flat,  dark  red  ;  the  best  keeper ;  strong  flavor. 

White  Portugal. — Medium  size,  white,  rather  flat;  an  early  sort,  with  mild 
flavor;  does  not  keep  very  long. 

Silver  Skin. — Pearly,  whitish-green,  below  medium  size  ;  should  be  sowed 
thick,  as  it  is  best  adapted  for  pickling. 

Large  Globe  Tripoli. — The  largest  onion  grown  ;  globe-shaped,  inclining  to 
oval,  light- reddish  green  ;  does  not  keep  well  ;  flavor  very  mild.  This  is  the  best 
variety  for  roasting  ;  and,  when  properly  cooked,  makes  a  most  savory  dish.  In 
such  state,  it  is  entirely  free  from  the  smell  or  taste  which  belongs  to  the  other 
kinds,  and  may  be  eaten  in  reasonable  quantity  with  impunity,  by  those  who  may 
have  the  most  delicate  digestion.  In  Portugal  this  sort  is  grown  very  extensively, 
and  often,  with  a  piece  of  wheaten  bread,  furnishes  the  breakfast  of  many  of  the 
rural  peasantry.  The  Tripoli  onion  requires  some  little  difference  in  the  practical 
treatment,  from  what  is  hitherto  mentioned.  If  possible,  obtain  the  seeds  im- 
ported from  southern  Europe,  as  they  invariably  produce  the  finest  bulbs.  Sow 
about  the  middle  of  September,  and  in  those  latitudes  which  are  subject  to  severe 
frost,  protect  the  young  plants  with  glass  frames  during  winter,  in  the  same  way 
as  for  cauliflower  plants.  When  the  severe  weather  is  past,  lift  carefully,  and 
plant  singly  six  inches  asunder,  in  rows  twelve  inches  apart.  Be  careful  to  make 
the  holes  deep  enough  to  admit  the  roots  down  perpendicularly,  and  do  not  bury 
the  collar  below  the  soil,  but  place  it  even  with  the  surface.  If  the  weather 
prove  dry  at  the  time  of  planting,  or  even  afterwards  up  to  the  middle  of  summer, 
copious  watering  will  make  success  more  certain,  and  add  very  much  to  size  and 
mildness  of  flavor.  Generally  speaking,  with  the  ordinary  modes  of  cultivation, 
this  sort  produces  only  "thick  necks;"  that  is,  a  preponderance  of  stalk  and 
leaves,  without  a  corresponding  ripening  of  bulb.  If,  however,  the  advice  here 
laid  down  be  followed,  there  need  be  no  cause  for  complaint  on  this  account. 
During  wet  and  cool  seasons,  this  deficiency  of  ripening  is  occasionally  prevalent 
in  all  the  kinds  ;  the  which  may  be  remedied  by  bending  over  the  tops  a  week  or  two 
previous  to  usual  maturity,  so  as  to  partially  break  the  lower  base,  by  which  the 
developing  action  is  arrested,  and  the  bulbs  assisted  in  their  lateral  swelling. 

When  the  tops  of  any  or  all  of  the  kinds  begin  to  ripen  off,  the  bulbs  should 
be  immediately  loosened  from  the  soil ;  leave  them  exposed  for  a  few  days  to  dry, 
and  afterwards  tie  them  in  "ropes,"  or  spread  on  the  floor  of  a  dry  and  cool 
room.  As  they  will  bear  almost  any  amount  of  frost  without  injury,  there  need 
be  no  care  taken  on  this  account. 

Potato  Onion. — This  variety  is  distinct  in  habit  from  the  other  kinds.  It  dif- 
fers in  the  producing  of  a  number  of  offsets,  or  side  bulbs,  each  of  which,  with 
good  culture,  is  like  to  the  one  planted.  The  distance  apart  may  be  nine  inches 
by  fifteen  inches,  and  the  bulbs  require  to  be  planted  deeper  in  the  ground.  The 
is  also  improved  by  covering  up  with  the  hoe  some  three  inches  during 
th,  from  which  peculiarity  it  is  sometimes  called  the  Underground  Onion. 


THE  ROSE,  AND  ITS  CULTURE. 

Welsh  and  Tree  Onions  are  also  distinct,  but  are  only  of  use  in  very  cold 
countries,  and,  consequently,  not  worthy  of  more  than  a  passing  notice. 

To  save  seed,  choose  the  handsomest  bulbs  that  are  true  to  character,  plant 
one  foot  apart,  and  four  inches  deep,  early  in  spring.  When  the  flower  heads 
are  fully  developed,  tie  up  to  small  stakes,  or  fix  a  few  low  branches  amongst  the 
plants,  which  will  prevent  the  wind  or  rain  storms  from  breaking  them.  When 
the  seeds  begin  to  turn  black,  cut  off  the  heads,  lay  them  in  a  dry  room  for  a 
time,  when  they  may  be  rubbed  out,  and  packed  away  in  paper  bags. 


THE   ROSE,  AND   ITS  CULTURE. 

BY  JAMES  S.  NEGLEY,  HORTICULTURIST,  PITTSBURG,  PA. 

"  While  spring  with  lavish  flow'rets  glows, 
From  the  gay  wreath  I  pluck  the  rose." 

The  exquisite  beauty  and  delicious  fragrance  of  the  Rose  has  earned  for  it  the 
title  of  "  Queen  of  Flowers,"  and  encouraged  its  culture  since  time  immemorial. 
The  old  Emperors  of  Rome  soothed  their  slumbers  by  its  odors,  and  strewed  its 
leaves  beneath  the  feet  of  their  honored  guests.  Anacreon  and  Virgil  wove  its 
charms  into  their  love  ballads,  and  dedicated  its  origin  to  the  gods.  It  was  an 
ancient  custom  to  bind  a  chaplet  of  its  chaste  buds  on  the  fair  brow  of  the  bride 
at  the  altar,  as  an  emblem  of  her  innocence  and  devotion.  Neither  were  its 
flowers  forgotten  in  affection's  offering  at  the  slumbering  place  of  the  cherished 
dead.  Who  is  there  of  the  readers  of  the  Horticulturist  who  does  not  mingle  the 
Rose  amongst  the  associations  of  youthful  days.  By  common  consent,  no  home 
or  pleasure  ground  is  complete  without  it.  It  is  not  even  excluded  from  the 
natural  flora  of  any  of  the  earth's  divisions.  I  have  often  stopped  to  admire  its 
wild  simplicity  amidst  the  gorgeous  splendor  of  the  tropics,  and  brought  home  its 
yellow-eyed  blossoms  as  souvenirs  of  the  far  West. 

Within  the  last  few  years,  the  florist's  skill  has  been  well  rewarded  by  many 
remarkable  varieties.  The  flowers  are  more  'double  and  perfect ;  the  shades  of 
crimson  deeper  and  more  vivid  ;  white  is  blended  with  orange,  and  the  habit  of 
the  plant  much  more  elegant.  To  choose  the  best  from  the  long  lists  offered,  is 
no  easy  task,  without  attempting  to  disparage  the  old  favorites.  I  shall  only 
give  a  list  of  the  best  new  sorts,  and  refer  briefly  to  their  proper  culture. 

Hybrid  Perpetuals. — This  class  is  the  most  desirable  and  magnificent  of 
Roses — perfectly  hardy,  flowering  freely  from  June  to  the  end  of  October.  Plant 
in  strong  clay  loam,  enriched  with  well-rotted  manure  ;  prune  last  year's  wood 
back  one-half;  thin  out  weak  shoots,  and  remove  the  flowers  when  they  fade. 

Adelaide  Fontaine — deep  pink  ;  large  and  beautiful. 

Alexandrine  Beechneteff. — bright  rose  ;  very  full. 

Agustie  Mie — light  rosy  pink  ;  very  fine. 

Arthur  de  Sansals — dark  velvet  crimson  ;  superb. 

Bacchus — crimson  scarlet ;  fine. 

Baronne  Heecheren — bright  pink  ;  very  large  and  beautiful. 

Colonel  de  Roiigemont — deep  rose  color  ;  splendid. 

Chipetowzikof. — deep  crimson. 

Comte  de  Nantieid — deep  rose  ;  fine  shape. 

Duchess  of  Norfolk — vivid  crimson  ;  profuse  bloomer. 

Duchess  de  Camhaceres — bright  rose  ;  flowers  late. 
neral  Brea — fine,  deep  crimson. 


General  Bedeau — bright  red  ;  compact  and  double. 

"       Castellane — bright  carmine  ;  superb. 

"       Jacquiminot — brilliant  crimson  scarlet;  a  first-rate  new  rose. 

"       Simpson — bright  carmine ;  fall  and  large. 

"       PeUisier — pale  rose  ;  fine. 
Graziella — brilliant  pink  ;  exquisite  form. 
Iviperatrice  des  Frangais — pale  flesh  ;  very  double  and  fine. 
Jides  Margottin — bright  deep  rose  ;  highly  perfumed,  and  one  of  the  best  roses 

in  cultivation. 
Lord  Raglan — deep  velvet  crimson  ;  splendid. 
Louis  Peyronny — bright  pink  ;  very  fine. 
Madame  Domge — deep,  rosy  pink  ;  superb. 

"  Guinnoisseau — deep  lilac  rose  ;  very  double. 

"         Knorr — pink,  with  rosy  centre  ;  fine. 

"         Masson — shaded  crimson  ;  large  and  double. 

"  Vidot — light  pink  ;  beautifully  cupped. 

"         Theodore  Martell — deep  flesh  ;  fine  shaped. 
Maihurine  Regnier — pale  rose  ;  remarkably  fine. 
3Iere  de  St.  Louis — delicate  flesh ;  showy. 
Noemi — rosy  pink  ;  fine. 

Prince  Leon — vivid  crimson  ;  a  superb  new  rose. 
Paul  Dupiiy — velvet  crimson  ;  very  fine. 
Souvenir  de  la  Reine  d'' Angleterre — large,  bright  rose  ;  splendid. 

"         de  Levison  Goxoer — deep  crimson  ;  large  and  fine. 
Triumphe  de  V Exposition — beautiful,  deep  carmine.  {To  he  continued.) 


FRUIT    AT    THE    SOUTH. 

BY  J.  VAN  BUREN,  CLARKSVILLE,  GA. 

It  is  but  a  few  years  since  our  people  became  disabused  of  the  idea  that  the 
pear,  apple,  and  some  other  fruits,  could  not  be  successfully  raised  in  the  more 
southei'n  States;  yet,  notwithstanding  this  once  prevalent  opinion,  few  of  the 
Northern  States  can  boast  of  a  better  or  larger  variety  than  Georgia.  We  now 
have  over  one  hundred  varieties  of  choice,  and  some  of  them  superb,  Southern 
seedling  apples,  whose  character  has  become  established  and  well  known.  Many 
of  these  were  originated  by  the  Cherokee  and  Creek  Indians,  who,  it  appears, 
were  entirely  ignorant  of  the  process  of  propagating  by  grafting,  but  dejiended 
upon  the  sowing  of  seeds,  which  were  collected  in  their  intercourse  with  the  whites. 
When  the  Indians  left  the  country,  their  lands  were  occupied  by  our  citizens,  and 
since  the  enthusiasm  for  cultivating  fruit  has  become  awakened  within  the  past 
ten  years,  these  desirable  varieties  have  been  made  public. 

Amongst  our  best  winter  apples  are  the  Equinetely,  Tillaquah,  or  Big  Fruit, 
Chestoa,  or  Rabbit's  Head,  Elarkee,  and  Cullawhee,  all  of  Indian  origin — the 
latter  the  largest  apple  known.  Then  we  have  Nickajack,  Camak's  Winter  Sweet, 
Hoover,  and  Yahoola,  with  a  host  of  quite  modern  date.  Equinetely,  Tillaquah, 
Nickajack,  and  Camak's  Sweet,  stand  unrivalled  in  size,  beauty,  flavor,  and  keep- 
ing qualities.  Being  familiar  with  the  best  Northern  varieties,  such  as  Esopus, 
Spitzenberg,  Newtown  Pippin,  Baldwin's  Vandervere,  and  others,  we  do  not 
hesitate  in  placing  the  before-mentioned  Southern  varieties  superior  to  them  in 
all  respects.  Amongst  our  summer  and  autumn  varieties,  the  Julien,  Batchell 
and  Dichasoon,  stand  pre-eminent. 


Pears,  so  far  as  tested,  maintain  as  hip:h  a  character  for  excellence  here  as  in 
any  of  the  Northern  States  or  Europe.  We  have  a  number  of  Southern  seedling 
varieties  with  excellent  characters,  but  not  having  fruited  them  myself,  will  forbear 
giving  an  opinion  until  I  have  done  so. 

The  peach  is  almost  indigenous  to  our  country,  springing  up  by  thousands  in 
fence  corners  and  hedgerows,  and  having  no  diseases  here  except  the  attacks  of 
the  borer,  who,  however,  does  but  little  injury,  as  the  trees  generally  grow  so 
vigorously  that  he  cannot  kill  them  ;  for  while  he  is  eating  on  one  side,  the  tree 
is  gaining  on  him  on  the  other. 

The  "  yellows"  is  unknown  in  the  Southern  States.  I  have  been  a  resident  of 
Georgia  some  eighteen  years,  and  never  saw  a  single  case  of  it,  and  presume  it 
does  not  exist  here  at  all. 

Your  Northern  peaches  will  not  compare  favorably  with  the  same  kinds  grown 
here ;  besides,  we  have  many  excellent  native  varieties  unknown  at  the  North  and 
West.  Our  negroes,  I  think,  would  hardly  eat  your  peaches,  for  they  eat  none 
poorer  than  Early  Crawfords  or  Late  Admirables.  I  have  little  doubt  it  would 
be  to  the  interest  of  your  large  cultivators  of  this  fruit  to  procure  their  trees  from 
the  South,  as  they  would  prove  to  be  more  durable  and  healthy  than  those  raised 
at  the  North. 

So  far  as  we  have  learned  from  our  correspondents,  there  appears  to  be  a  pecu- 
liarity attaching  to  our  Southern  apple-trees  which  we  were  not  prepared  to  ex- 
pect, which  is,  that  they  withstand  the  severe  cold  of  the  North  better  than  the 
Northern  varieties.  This  fact  has  been  communicated  to  us  from  the  northern 
portions  of  Indiana  and  Kentucky  :  that  while  the  Southern  varieties  escaped 
injury  by  freezing.  Northern  trees  were  cut  down  by  it.  Should  this  property 
prove  uniform  under  further  experience,  it  will  be  a  somewhat  difficult  pheno- 
menon to  account  for. 

With  all  our  advantages  of  climate  and  soil  to  the  successful  cultivation  of  all 
the  fruits,  we  have  a  serious  drawback,  which  is  the  universal  prevalence  of  insects 
which  prey  upon  them.  We  have  ten  where  you  have  one.  Curculio,  corpocapsi, 
and  other  fruit  eaters,  swarm  here,  and  from  whose  ravages  it  is  difficult  to  rid 
ourselves ;  not  these  alone,  but,  in  years  when  peaches  are  abundant,  the  honey- 
bees take  to  eating  them  by  thousands,  on  the  juice  of  which  they  get  drunk,  and, 
like  human  rowdies,  do  no  work  as  long  as  their  spree  lasts,  which  is  as  long  as 
they  can  find  peaches  to  eat.  Whether  this  is  caused  by  the  prussic  acid  they 
contain,  or  by  alcohol,  I  do  not  know;  probably,  however,  by  the  latter,  for  so 
soon  as  they  have  eaten  a  hole  in  a  peach,  fermentation  commences.  The  conse- 
quence is,  that  when  we  have  an  abundant  peach  crop,  we  get  but  little  honey, 
for  drunken  bees  are  like  drunken  men  ;  they  stagger  about,  make  a  great  fuss, 
and  do  nothing. 

Peaches  and  pears  now  in  full  bloom,  with  the  prospect  of  a  good  fruit  crop, 
although  we  may  have  subsequent  frosts,  and  disappoint  our  hopes. 


JAMES  MATHEWS'  CURCULIO  REMEDY. 

A  COMMUNICATION  from  Mr.  James  Mathews  (now  of  Knoxville,  Iowa),  relating 
to  his  remedy  for  the  Curculio,  is  too  lengthy  for  our  limited  pages,  and  as  it  still 
does  not  reveal  entirely  what  the  secret  is,  we  must  be  excused  for  giving  only  the 
substance  of  what  he  now  relates.  Reasons  of  his  own  induce  him  still  to  decli"~ 
to  make  his  "discovery"  public.     The  committees  to  whom  it  was  confided 


JAMES  MATHEWS'  CURCULIO  REMEDY, 


unable  to  agree,  and  never  formally  reported.     A  new  field  of  cultivation  in  Iowa 
will  afford  him  opportunity  for  further  experiments. 

A  Mr.  Hobbs  assures  him  he  has  been  successful,  and  is  willing  so  to  state  it 
to  inquirers  ;  residence,  Randolph,  Crawford  County,  Penn.  He  thinks  improve- 
ments may  be  made. 

Mr.  M.  has  studied  the  "  Turk's"  habits,  and  he  is  satisfied  that  "the  Curculio 
does  not  migrate  during  its  depredating  seasoii.  It  fixes  its  abode  under  the  tree  ; 
it  rises  from  thence  by  the  aid  of  its  wings  (which  cannot  be  seen  by  the  naked  eye 
except  when  they  are  protruded  for  this  purpose)  perpendicularly  to  the  branches 
holding  the  fruit.  When  the  eggs  are  deposited,  it  descends  again  to  its  lodg- 
ment or  burrow,  and  so  on  from  day  to  day.  That  it  cannot  fly  horizontally,  I 
do  not  maintain  ;  I  only  allege  that,  during  its  laying  season,  it  remains  stationary, 
except  as  previously  stated.  It  does  not  eat  the  fruit,  the  deposit  of  the  eggs 
being  its  object ;"  and  all  theories,  he  thinks,  point  to  this  fact. 

A  pavement  as  extensive  as  the  limbs  is  a  remedy,  as  it  leaves  no  burrow.  This 
does  not  prevent  the  insect  from  flying  from  a  contiguous  tree,  and  depredating, 
if  such  were  its  habits.  Let  a  pig-pen  be  built  around  as  large  as  the  pavement 
would  be,  and  a  single  hog  will  save  the  crop  ;  not  because  the  hog  could  prevent 
the  insect  from  flying  from  an  adjacent  tree  to  the  one  inclosed,  but  because  his 
habitation  would  be  destroyed  by  the  rooting.  Again  :  on  a  given  tree  over- 
hanging a  pond  or  stream,  the  result  is  the  same. 

In  the  Horticidturist  for  November,  1856,  Mr.  Gardener,  of  Virginia,  gave  a 
remedy  which,  Mr.  M.  thinks,  assists  his  theory.  It  was  to  remove  the  soil  from 
around  the  tree  as  soon  as  the  insect  is  noticed  or  begins  to  work ;  taking  the 
earth  five  inches  deep,  it  was  wheeled  away  and  scattered  about,  thus  destroying 
(says  Mr.  G.)  the  enemy.  But  Mr.  Mathews  thinks  he  gives  an  erroneous  reason 
for  a  veritable  remedy,  and  protests  against  the  conclusion  ;  for  a  wheelbarrow 
load  of  young  tortoises,  whose  shells  had  become  perfectly  hardened  by  age,  could 
be  as  easily  destroyed  in  the  same  way.  The  enemy  was  only  removed  from 
their  rendezvous,  and  their  habitation  destroyed,  the  quarters  from  whence  alone 
their  work  is  carried  on  ;  they  were  not  destroyed,  and  if  they  could  fly,  they  would 
have  returned.  A  plank  floor,  cement  floor,  and  shaking  into  sheets  for  small 
trees — all  these  answer  to  a  limited  extent,  but  these  are  too  troublesome  and 
expensive,  and  a  hog  is  offensive  ;  but  Mr.  Gardner's  is,  according  to  our  corre- 
spondent, the  best  plan,  and  will  succeed.  Apply  it  to  alternate  trees,  and  the 
great  question  will  be  in  a  better  stage  for  decision,  and  the  insect,  if  it  does  not 
fly  from  tree  to  tree,  may  be  destroyed  in  many  ways. 

Here  Mr.  Mathews  leaves  us  still  in  the  dark  as  to  what  he  really  proposes. 
He  wishes,  however,  to  suggest  to  those  who  have  been  informed  of  his  plan,  that 
where  the  depredators  are  very  numerous,  it  has  been  found  necessary  to  make 
the  application  (whatever  it  may  be  !)  a  second  time. 

We  abridge  Mr.  M.'s  remarks  to  keep  the  subject  alive,  and  add  our  regret 
that  the  public  are  not  yet  made  acquainted  with  ''the  remedy."  Let  us  hope; 
and,  meantime,  let  experimenters  follow  this  hint  (all  we  can  get),  and  remove 
the  earth  five  inches  deep. 

A  new  light,  however,  may  be  thrown  upon  this  subject  by  the  researches  of 
Dr.  Fitch,  published  in  the  recent  volume  of  the  Transactions  of  the  New  York 
Agricultural  Society.  He  says:  "Although  this  insect  and  its  destructive  habits 
have  been  so  long  known,  we  to  this  day  remain  in  ignorance  of  its  abode  and 
condition  during  half  the  year.  Most  persons  have  supposed  that  some  of  the 
worms  were  so  late  in  leaving  the  fruit  that  they  remained  in  the  ground  d 
the  winter,  and  from  these  come  the  beetles  which  appear  in  the  spring 


several  of  the  remedies  have  been  based  upon  this  theory.  But  that  a  whole 
generation  should  be  brought  forth  abortively  each  summer,  to  perish  without 
making  provision  for  a  continuance  of  their  species,  and  that  their  perpetuity 
should  be  left  to  such  a  mere  accident  as  a  few  individuals  casually  belated  in 
coming  to  maturity,  would  be  an  anomaly  wholly  unlike  anything  which  we  meet 
with  elsewhere." 

Dr.  Sanborn  has  asserted  that  at  no  season  do  they  remain  longer  than  six 
weeks  in  the  ground,  and  that  neither  they  nor  the  perfect  insects  lie  under  the 
ground  during  the  winter.  Dr.  Harris  thence  inferred  that  those  beetles  which 
come  out  the  latter  part  of  summer  lurk  in  some  place  not  yet  discovered  during 
winter,  to  come  abroad  again  in  the  spring,  and  deposit  their  eggs  in  the  fruit. 
Dr.  Fitch  thinks  their  lurking-place  is  ascertained.  On  a  small  branch  of  a  pear- 
tree  were  found,  in  1856,  about  thirty  short,  curved,  or  crescent-shaped  incisions 
in  the  bark,  similar  to  those  made  by  the  curculio  upon  fruit.  On  raising  the 
bark,  several  little  worms  (commonly  six  in  number)  were  found  torpid,  and  lying 
in  a  row,  side  by  side,  with  their  tails  toward  the  crescent,  and  their  mouths  in 
contact  with  the  soft,  green  pulp  of  the  middle  layer  of  the  bark,  ready  to  eat 
their  way  onwards  as  soon  as  the  warmth  of  spring  awakened  them  again  to  ac- 
tivity. They  had  evidently  come  from  eggs  which  had  been  dropped  into  the 
curved  incision,  were  without  feet,  transparent,  and  pale  yellowish,  resembling 
little  specks  of  gum  or  turpentine.  It  would  seem  that  those  insects  hatched  the 
latter  part  of  the  season,  finding  no  fruit  in  which  they  can  deposit  their  eggs, 
are  obliged  to  resort  to  the  smooth,  tender  bark  of  the  branches  of  fruit-trees, 
and  the  worms  in  these  eggs  repose  in,  not  under,  the  bark  through  the  winter, 
and  produce  the  spring  beetles  which  annoy  the  cultivator  so  sadly. 

If  this  opinion  (says  the  doctor)  as  to  the  winter  quarters  of  the  curculio  proves 
to  be  correct,  it  may  lead  to  most  important  results,  as  he  thinks  that,  allowing 
for  all  casualties,  it  is  probable  that  a  hundred  beetles  might  have  been  matured 
from  the  short  piece  of  limb  examined,  and  which  was  only  four  and  a  half  inches 
long,  and  less  than  half  an  inch  thick.  The  worms  were  only  covered  by  the 
epidermis  and  thin  outermost  layer  of  the  bark  ;  so  that  soft  soap,  or  some  other 
alkaline  substance,  applied  externally  there  is  little  doubt  would  penetrate  through 
this  covering,  and  destroy  the  tender  brood. 

If  the  winter  retreat  of  this  enemy  can  be  thus  discovered  on  trees  whose  fruit 
has  been  destroyed,  by  the  mark  he  places  upon  the  bark,  an  effectual  remedy  may 
be  applied  with  greater  ease.  Dr.  Harris  propounded  this  theory  in  his  first 
edition,  but  abandoned  it.  Dr.  Fitch  now  resuscitates  it,  and  we  give  it  in  the 
hope  that  it  may  be  verified  by  careful  observers  the  coming  plum  season. 


THE    PRACTICE    OF    PRUNING. 

The  practice  of  pruning  receives  the  Increased  attention  of  Dr.  Lindley  in  his 
new  edition  of  the  Theory  of  Horticulture ;  some  of  this,  as  it  illustrates  princi- 
ples, we  shall  copy.  Though,  in  this  country,  we  are  not  given  to  training  the 
pear  against  walls,  the  author  thinks  the  horizontal  mode  answers  well  for  this 
fruit.  "  When  the  young  tree  is  planted,  head  down  the  shoot  to  a  foot  or  four 
courses  of  bricks  above  the  level  of  the  ground.  Train  a  shoot  upright,  and  one 
right,  another  left,  at  an  angle  of  45° ;  if  these  prove  unequal,  in  point  of  vigor, 
depress  the  strong,  and  elevate  the  weak.  Lower  them  both,  about  the  middle  of 
September,  to  the  horizontal  line  represented  by  the  joint  between  the  fourth  and 
fifth  course  of  bricks.     Their  origin  on  the  stem  was  somewhat  below  this  line,    i 


and  therefore  they  must  ascend  a  little  to  reach  it.  This,  as  regards  the  lower 
branches,  is  an  advantage ;  for  the  sap  flows  more  freely  into  limbs  thus  diverging 
than  it  does  when  constrained  to  proceed  from  the  stem  directly  at  right  angles. 
The  lower  branches  being  apt  to  become  the  weakest,  may  be  afforded  this  advan- 
tage, whilst,  towards  the  top  of  the 
wall,  the  branches  may  be  made  to 
proceed  horizontally  immediately  from 
the  stem. 

"  The  tree  having  now  a  central 
upright  shoot,  and  two  horizontal  side 
shoots,  shorten  the  latter  at  the  winter 
pruning  according  to  their  strength  ; 
if  weak,  nearly  to  their  bases  ;  the  up- 
right one  to  the  fourth  course  of  bricks 
above  that  to  which  the  first  shoot  was 
cut.  Train  the  shoot  from  the  upper- 
most bud,  in  a  perpendicular  direction, 
and  one  on  each  side  as  before.  Pro- 
ceed thus  to  obtain  an  upright  and  two 
horizontal  branches,  every  year,  till  the 
tree  reach  the  top  of  the  wall.  When 
the  horizontal  branches  are  suflBciently 
strong,  they  may  be  trained  along  the 
courses  of  bricks  without  shortening. 

"  If  properly  managed  in  summer, 

fruit   spurs  will  begin  to  form  along 

these   branches.      The   accompanying 

cut  represents  a  spur  in  which  a  is 

progressing   to  form   a   blossom-bud, 

whilst  h  h  are  already  blossom-buds, 

known  by  their  plumpness ;  and  from 

this  period  of  the  season  such  buds 

exhibit  signs  of  active  vegetation  ;  but 

in   a  the   surrounding   scales   remain 

undisturbed  till  late  in  spring.     The 

scar  at  c  is  where  a  portion  of  spur 

that  has  borne  fruit  has  been  cut  back;  and,  at  the  winter  pruning,  after  h  b,  have 

produced  fruit,  they  must  likewise  be  cut  back  to  others  likely  to  form  at  their 

bases  as  they  did  at  the  base  of  c." 

The  pruning  of  the  pear-tree  trained  against  an  espalier  differs  in  nothing  from 
that  which  it  requires  when  trained  against  a  wall,  except  that  the  spurs  of  espa- 
lier trees  need  not  be  so  much  shortened. 

Next  month  we  shall  give  Dr.  Lindley's  mode  of  pruning  the  peach. 


Spur  of  tlie  Pear-Tree. 


ANOTHER  WORD  FOR  EVERGREENS. 

BY  H.  W.  SARGENT,  WODENETHE,  FISHKILL  LANDING,  NEW  YORK. 

I  CANNOT  allow  the  excellent  article  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gridley,  in  the  April  num- 
ber of  the  Horticulturist  (entitled  "  A  Word  for  Evergreens")  to  go  down  to 
rity  without  adding  another  word  on  this  subject. 
Gridley  lets  us  off  with  only  nine  or  ten  varieties ;  and  although  he  is 


ANOTHER  WORD  FOR  EVERGREENS. 

ing  to  allow  that  "  by  dint  of  draining  and  blanketing"  a  few  shivering  adopted 
citizens  may  be  carried  through  several  winters,  yet  the  conclusion  one  comes  to 
from  his  article  is,  that  we  had  better  let  these  foreigners  alone,  and  fall  back 
upon  the  few  varieties  he  enumerates.  I  am  willing  to  grant  that  many  varieties 
which,  a  few  years  ago,  we  were  in  hopes  to  domesticate  here,  have  disappointed 
us,  and  can  only  be  grown  in  certain  situations,  and,  even  then,  with  but  indifferent 
success. 

The  Deodar  Cedar,  Cedar  of  Lebanon,  Cryptomeria  Japonica,  Araucaria  Cun- 
ninghamia,  and  a  few  others,  can  only  be  grown  in  the  shade  of  an  Evergreen 
wood  ;  they  certainly  do  not  thrive  in  an  open,  exposed  lawn.  But  Mr.  Gridley 
must  not  cut  us  off  from  a  great  many  varieties  which  I  pronounce  unqualifiedly 
perfectly  hardy  in  this  latitude,  viz  : — 

Pinus  ponderosa. — I  have  had  this  out,  unprotected,  eight  years  ;  it  passed 
through  those  trying  winters,  1855-6,  when  the  common  road-side  Cedars  were 
destroyed,  and  White  Pines  and  Hemlocks  badly  injured  ;  and  yet  this  was  un- 
touched. 

Pinus  Cemhra,  P.  Laricio,  P.  Montecola,  P.  Pyrenaica,  P.  Pumilo,  P.  Lam- 
bertiana,  P.  Excelsa. — What  can  be  more  hardy  than  these  Pines  ?  I  have  never 
seen  them  injured  by  cold,  though  the  excelsa  is  sometimes, disabled  from  excessive 
growth. 

Picea  Frazerii,  P.  Nohilis,  P.  Nordmaniana,  P.  Pichta.'^ — These  four  are  every 
bit  as  hardy  as  anything  Mr.  Gridley  mentions,  and  certainly  nothing  can  be  finer 
than  any  of  thera.  P.  nobilis  is,  in  England,  all  that  Mr.  Buist  says  of  it  in  his 
article,  last  spring,  on  Elvaston  Castle.  We  only  want  time  to  make  it  as  fine 
here. 

P.  Nordmaniana  is  a  superb  tree ;  in  my  judgment,  by  far  the  finest  of  the 
Silver  Firs,  so  far. 

Abies  Clanbrasiliana,  A.  Ehgans,  A.  Pumila,  A.  Compacta,  A.  Pygmea,  A.  Hud- 
sonii,  A.  Orientalis,  A.  Cephalonica,  A.  Pinsapo. — These  nine,  with  me,  never 
suffer,  and  I  am  sure  the  years  1855-6  were  tests  of  their  endurance  as  well  as 
mine;  for  I  lost  many  things  which  had  done  perfectly  well  for  many  previous 
years. 

Cephalotaxus  Fortunii,  Taxiis  Japonica,  Torreya  Taxifolia,  a  dozen  of  the 
Junipers,  nearly  as  many  Arbor- Vittes,  it  strikes  me,  are,  beyond  doubt,  hardy. 
I  never  "drain  or  blanket"  these,  and  yet  they  pass  unscathed  through  our  hardest 
winters.  The  Torreya  gets  its  last  buds  a  little  whitened,  but  not  more  than  the 
Red  Cedar  often  does. 

I  don't  know  anything  prettier  or  hardier  than  Thujeopsis  Borealis — a  variety 
of  Thuja  from  Baffin's  Bay — or  the  variegated  Thuja  or  Thuja  filiformis  (the  Weep- 
ing Thuja)  ;  and  yet  all  these  are  perfectly  hardy. 

Mr.  Gridley  says  Providence  wisely  limits  the  growth  of  the  Rhododendron, 
Holly,  and  Laurel,  of  England,  to  countries  where  little  snow  falls.  But  let  me 
ask  him,  where  do  (or  where  did,  rather)  the  English  get  these  plants  ?  One 
Laurel  from  Portugal,  the  other  (Laurus  nobilis)  from  Italy,  and  the  Rhododen- 
dron from  America !  I  have  had  large  masses  of  Rhododendrons  many  years, 
and  they  have  never  yet  suffered  from  snow,  though  I  have  seen  my  beds  covered 
two  feet  deep ;  it  is  the  sun,  not  the  snow,  which  is  the  enemy  of  the  broad-leaf 
Evergreens. 

Avid  finally,  do  NOT  "feed  your  plants"  (your  Evergreen  plants)  "welV^  On 
the  contrary,  if  you  have  any  doubt  of  the  hardihood  of  a  plant,  starve  it ;  let  it 

Gridley  is  in  error  in  calling  this  tlie  Cracovian  Juniper.    It  is  the  Siberian  Silver  Fir 


make  little  growth,  but  well  ripened  wood,  and  it  will  withstand  many  more  de- 
grees of  frost  than  the  same  tree  with  a  luxuriant  growth  ;  beside  which,  the  tree 
will  be  handsomer  and  better  furnished.  The  fault  of  Pinus  ponderosa  is  a  too 
luxuriant  growth  of  three  or  four  feet ;  consequently,  the  tiers  of  branches,  being 
separated  to  this  extent,  have  a  naked,  illy-furnished  look  ;  while  an  upright  growth 
of  twelve  to  twenty  inches,  produces  a  thicker  and  more  condensed  tree,  with  less 
daylight  and  nakedness  through  it. 

The  reason  why  the  Cryptomeria  and  Deodar  Cedar  are  not  more  hardy,  is 
because  of  their  luxuriant  and  late  growth,  growing  quite  late  into  the  autumn — 
their  wood  being  consequently  immature,  and  not  ripened  ;  when  frost  comes,  they 
suffer  as  a  natural  result.  Plant  these  trees  in  poor,  thin  soil,  and  they  will  stand 
much  better;  give  them  the  additional  advantage  of  a  wood  over  them,  and  (with 
me)  they  stand  perfectly,  I  have  a  Cryptomeria  six  or  seven  years  planted  which 
never  even  browns  ;  but  it  is  in  a  poor,  slate  soil,  and  has  never  been  stimulated, 
and  never  grows  over  three  or  four  inches  in  the  season  ;  consequently,  the  wood 
being  well  ripened,  the  tree  is  in  a  condition  to  resist  a  very  low  temperature. 

In  conclusion,  I  would  add  that  the  trees  I  enumerate  above  are,  with  me,  as 
hardy  as  the  Norway  Spruce.  There  are  many  more  I  would  advise  the  amateur 
to  plant,  that,  in  proper  situations,  do  admirably  well ;  but  I  do  not  wish  to 
alarm  Mr.  Gridley  too  much  with  too  many  varieties.  I  think  the  tendency  of 
his  article  would  be,  to  make  planters  begin  where  their  fathers  stopped  many 
years  ago.  I  may  err  the  other  way,  but  I  honestly  believe  that  everything  I 
have  mentioned  may  be  safely  planted  as  far  north  as  my  latitude. 


EUGENIA    LUMA 

Is  tlie  name  of  a  most  superb  plant  figured  in  the  last  number  of  Curtis's 
Botanical  Magazine,  conducted  by  Sir  William  Hooker,  who  says  of  it:  "A 
charming  shrub,  from  the  open  border  of  the  nursery  of  Yeitch  &  Sons,  who  in- 
troduced the  species  from  Chili.  It  is  quite  equal  in  beauty  to  our  common  Myrtle, 
and  no  more  need  be  said  to  recommend  it  as  an  ornamental  evergreen  shrub  for 
our  gardens.  It  blossoms  in  the  summer  months,  when  the  branches  are  literally 
loaded  with  the  white  blossoms,  almost  concealing  the  copious  foliage  ;  the  leaves, 
indeed,  are  not  much  unlike  those  of  the  common  Myrtle,  but  broader,  and  sud- 
denly and  sharply  apiculated.  It  inhabits  the  colder  parts  of  Chili,  from  Con- 
ception to  the  island  of  Chiloe,  and  Yaldivia,  and  hence  its  hardiness  may  be 
accounted  for.     It  is  called  the  '  Arroyan'  by  the  natives." 


DioscoREA  Batatas. — If  jou  could  conveniently  call  on  us,  we  shall  feel  pleasure  in  show- 
ing you  a  tuber  that  at  the  present  time  weighs  five  pounds,  and  measures  two  feet  four, 
and  one-half  inches  in  length ;  its  growth  in  that  direction  was  to  some  degree  checked  by 
its  reaching  a  bed  of  gravel.  We  must  observe,  however,  that  this  one  has  been  three 
years  in  attaining  the  size  just  mentioned,  but  we  have  others  of  one  year's  growth,  four 
of  which,  out  of  the  few  we  have  left,  weigh  twenty-four  ounces.  With  regard  to  its 
quality  as  a  table  vegetable,  we  think  that  if  it  was  mashed,  after  being  properly  cooked 
it  would  be  difficult  to  tell  the  difference  between  it  and  the  potato,  except  by  the  color 
which,  in  the  Dioscorea,  is  whiter.  We  intend  growing  a  few  during  the  forthcoming 
season,  and  have  made  a  memorandum  to  send  you  the  result  of  our  experience. — A 
DEKER  in  London  Chronicle, 


editor's  table. 


Card. — The  Proprietor  of  the  Horticvlturist  resigns,  with  this  number,  his  con- 
nection with  the  work,  passing  it  to  C.  M.  Saxton,  of  New  York  (the  well  known 
publisher),  who  will  bring  to  the  work  the  advantages  of  twenty-six  years'  expe- 
rience in  publishing,  lie  will  be  able  to  devote  to  it  an  amount  of  time  and 
personal  attention  that  the  undersigned  found  impossible,  in  consequence  of  en- 
gagements in  a  different  line. 

The  Horticulturist  w\]\  be  hereafter  issued  in  New  York,  under  the  best  auspices 
for  the  subscribers.  The  same  Editor  will  continue  to  give  it  undivided  attention. 
I  ask  for  my  successor  in  the  publication  a  continuance  of  that  patronage  and 
confidence  which  have  been  so  kindly  and  uniformly  extended  to  the  work. 

ROBERT  PEARSALL  SMITH. 


PUBLISHER'S    CARD. 

A  LONG  connection  with  the  public  as  a  publisher,  and  especially  of  agricultural 
and  horticultural  works  as  well  as  an  innate  and  fostered  love  of  these  topics,  has 
induced  me  to  become  the  proprietor  and  publisher  of  the  Horticulturist — a  work 
which  has  long  maintained  a  prominent  place  in  the  affections  of  a  large  circle  of 
patrons  distribued  throughout  the  Union,  and  extended  beyond  its  boundaries. 
It  is  my  confident  belief,  that  by  devoting  almost  exclusive  attention  to  the  inte- 
rests of  this  publication,  its  influence  for  good  may  be  greatly  extended,  and  I 
enter  upon  this  career  with  confident  hopes  of  success. 

The  interest  in  horticulture  having  greatly  increased  during  the  publication  of 
this  periodical  under  the  successive  editorial  management  of  A.  J.  Downing,  B. 
Muun,  P.  Barry,  and  its  present  Editor,  J.  Jay  Smith  (who  has  carried  the  work 
through  three  prosperous  years  of  its  history,  and  will  retain  his  connection  with 
it),  we  hope  that  this  popular  journal  will  now  enter  upon  an  enlarged  sphere  of 
usefulness. 

Subscriptions  and  all  other  business  communications  should  be  addressed  to 

C.  M.   SAXTON,  Publisher, 

25  Park  Row,  Neiv  York. 

N.  B. — All  outstanding  debts  to  be  settled  with  the  former  proprietor. 


TO  CONTRIBUTORS  AND  EXCHANGES,  ETC.  ETC. 

Communications,  letters,  catalogues,  periodicals,  &c.  &c.,  intended  for  the 
perusal  of  the  Editor,  should  be  uniformly  directed  to  the  Horticulturist,  Ger- 
mantown  (^Philadelphia),  Pa. 


N.  S. :  YoL.  YIII.— May,  1858. 


16 


Ageicultheal  Editoes. — It  is  proposed  that  a  convention  of  Agricultural  Editors  shall  be 
held  some  time  in  June  next,  and  New  York  is  suggested  as  a  suitable  point  of  meeting. 
Good  may  very  probably  result  from  such  meeting. 


Spring. — If  our  readers  enjoy  spring  as  we  do,  they  will  now  be  looking  out  for  its  approach, 
though  early  May,  in  this  latitude,  is  scarcely  the  month  the  English  poets  have  described. 
We  do  have  fine  glimpses  of  progress,  however,  and  must  be  content  with  what  we  get 
for  a  week  or  two. 

"  And  see  where  surly  Winter  passes  off 
Far  to  the  north,  and  calls  her  ruffian  blasts  ; 
His  blasts  obey,  and  quit  the  howling  hill, 
The  shattered  forest,  and  the  ravag'd  vale; 
While  softer  gales  succeed,  at  whose  kind  touch 
Dissolving  snows  in  livid  torrents  lost, 
The  mountains  lift  their  green  heads  to  the  sky. 
As  yet  the  trembling  year  is  unconfirmed, 
And  Winter  oft  at  eve  resumes  the  breeze, 
Chills  the  pale  morn,  and  bids  his  driving  sleets 
Deform  the  day  delightless." 

But  the  insects  that  people  the  sun's  beams,  the  honey  bees  extracting  liquid  sweets  from 
opening  buds,  the  butterfly  expanding  its  wings  to  the  idle  air,  the  thistle's  silver  down 
wafted  over  summer  seas,  airy  voyagers  on  life's  stream — all,  all,  are  soon  to  awake  to  life, 
inhaling  the  fragrance  of  a  thousand  flowers,  and  drinking  pleasures  under  halcyon  skies. 

"Around  us  the  bees  in  play  flutter  and  cluster, 
And  gaudy  butterflies  will  frolic  around." 


Pear  Culture. — Tlie  question  of  profit  in  the  cultivation  of  any  article,  whether  it  be 
grain  or  fruit,  is  the  one  to  which  interest  mostly  attaches.  In  the  present  number,  our 
friend,  Lewis  F.  Allen,  in  his  peculiarly  forcible  way,  and  with  an  array  of  strong  argu- 
ments, attempts  the  solution  of  the  pear  problem  in  a  mode  which  will  be  received  by  some 
as  truth,  by  others  with  grains  of  allowance.  If  pear  culture  on  a  large  scale,  as  a  depend- 
able crop  for  the  support  of  a  family,  is  not  to  be  recommended,  this  fruit  is  too  popular 
and  too  excellent  to  be  allowed  to  be  neglected ;  it  is  a  very  good  and  sometimes  very 
profitable  addition  to  market  farming.  A  few  trees,  in  situations  where  they  are  in  the 
way  of  nothing  else,  will  often  give  clever  returns  in  money.  They  ought  to  be  of  good 
looking  kinds,  and  the  fruit  should  be  exhibited  in  its  best  state  to  the  purchaser  at  the 
moment  almost  that  it  is  fit  for  consumption.  In  gardens  of  even  small  extent  room  can 
be  found  for  a  few  pear-trees,  which  may  be  so  planted  as  to  cast  little  or  no  shade  on 
vegetable  beds,  or  in  corners  where  they  can  receive  proper  attention.  No  garden  is  com- 
plete without  them ;  no  family  in  the  country  or  a  village  should  be  contented  unless  they 
can  have  a  share  of  this  fine  fruit,  just  as  everybody  has  a  grape-vine.  In  situations 
where  the  raiser  can  retail  his  product,  we  can  believe  in  any  amount  of  profit  which  has 
been  received  by  successful  cultivators  around  Boston,  in  which  latitude  Mr.  Allen  admits 
with  perfect  candor  that  large  profits,  the  result  of  great  success,  have  been  realized. 

We  think  that  one  or  two  elements  in  this  controverted  matter  have  been  too  little  taken 
iinto  the  account,  and  may  be  referred  to  as  points  that  are  yet  to  be  more  fully  understood. 
In  the  Report  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society,  which  we  abridged  in  February, 
j)age  89,  it  is  stated  that  a  grower  has  ready  sale  for  those  pears  having  a  russety  skin, 
\while  'those  of  green  skin  could  not  be  disposed  of ;  to  this  end  he  has  to  prepare  them 
for  the  .customer's  eye  by  a  sweating  process  there  described  ;  "  while  Mr.  Gordon's  Bart- 
letts  were  yielding  him  ten  dollars  a  bushel,  other  wagons,  by  the  side  of  his,  had  pears  of 


editor's  table. 

the  same  variety,  equally  as  large,  but,  in  consequence  of  retaining  a  green  skin,  were 
offered  at  three  dollars  a  bushel."  Here  is  testimony  that  is  sufficient  to  account  for  all  the 
differences  of  opinion  as  to  profit.  If  one  man  can  get  ten  dollars  a  bushel,  and  his 
neighbor  only  three,  while  the  difference  of  the  cost  is  so  small  as  in  this  sweating  process, 
the  whole  question  of  profit  turns  upon  one  circumstance.  Testimony  delivered  before  a 
jury,  as  it  would  be  given  by  one  vender,  would  create  a  verdict  of  profitable,  while  the 
whole  would  be  overset  by  the  sworn  to  words  of  the  next  neighbor  with  the  very  same 
fruit,  and  the  jury  might  say  unprofitable.  Our  readers  must  take  these  things  into  con- 
sideration ;  pear  culture  is  advancing  ;  better  kinds,  better  understood  trimming,  keeping, 
and  now  by  sweating,  will  give  to  many  new  cause  for  perseverance,  notwithstanding  the 
discouragements  of  others,  whose  opinions,  recorded  in  our  columns,  it  is  equally  the  duty 
of  an  impartial  journal  to  promulgate,  with  the  results  obtained  by  others  more  favorably 
situated.  Colonel  Wilder  assures  us  that  in  his  neighborhood  nine  hundred  dollars  have 
been  received  from  the  produce  of  an  acre  and  a  quarter  of  pears.  This  extraordinary 
result  it  should  be  the  duty,  the  pleasure,  and  the  amusement  of  others  to  emulate.  The 
secret,  if  there  were  any,  is  as  well  known,  thanks  to  our  pomologists,  as  the  best  mode  of 
cultivating  any  other  fruit ;  trees  in  millions  have  been  set  out  in  every  direction,  but  we 
hear  of  no  similar  profits  except  near  Boston.  Have  the  Bostonians  been  educated  to  love 
pears  better  than  any  other  citizens,  so  that  they  will  give  higher  prices  than  are  to  be  had 
in  other  places  ?  Is  it  the  sweating?  It  would  appear  that  this  is  the  matter,  for  the  dif- 
ference in  Boston  between  a  bushel  of  sweated  pears  and  a  bushel  of  green  skinned  fellows, 
is  so  great  as  to  be  quite  amazing.  We  can  see,  in  imagination,  the  torture  of  the  owner  of 
the  green-skinned  Bartletts  as  he  counted  his  three  dollars  against  his  neighbor's  ten,  the 
name  of  the  latter  Mr.  John  Gordon,  of  Brighton ;  that  of  the  owner  of  the  unsweated  article 
not  given. 

Time  enough  has  elapsed,  trees  enough  have  been  planted,  exhibitions  enough  have  been 
made,  and  our  parish  is  yet  as  a  whole  unpeared.  The  amateur  and  small  gardener  can 
generally  enjoy  this  fruit  in  moderation,  but  for  profitable  culture,  in  our  own  neighborhood 
at  least,  we  have  yet  to  see  it.  In  Dr.  Warder's  book  he  asserts  that  the  Osage  orange  does 
not  sucker ;  here  it  does  ;  in  Ohio  it  does  not  exhaust  the  neighboring  land  ;  here  it  does  ; 
perhaps  in  Ohio  the  soil  is  so  deep  that  the  roots  go  downwards,  while  here  they  seek  pas- 
ture near  the  surface.  Such  differences  may  and  do  exist ;  let  us  therefore  cultivate  in 
each  climate  what  that  climate  is  adapted  to,  and  above  all,  let  Boston  send  this  way  some 
of  her  fine  pears,  for  Philadelphians,  as  a  people,  have  yet  to  know  how  a  good  pear  tastes. 
They  will  be  contented  with  the  three  dollar  Bartletts,  as  ten  dollars  is  high,  and  the 
freight  is  to  be  added. 

In  allowing  both  sides  of  this  interesting  question  to  be  discussed  in  our  pages,  we  can 
have  no  object  but  the  elucidation  of  the  truth.  Whatever  may  be  found  regarding  the 
profitable  culture  of  the  pear,  one  fact  is  very  conspicuously  obvious,  and  that  is,  the  ama- 
teur and  the  gardener  and  farmer  are  materially  benefited  by  the  knowledge  of  and  the 
Introduction  of  the  best  kinds,  and  how  to  cultivate  them.  The  mania  which  has  raged 
on  the  subject  has  thus  had  its  advantages,  and  it  will  not  be  laid  till  we  know  all  about  it 
and  the  climates  which  are  to  supply  the  more  unproductive  districts. 

We  shall  insert  next  month  an  essay  on  Dwarf  Pear  Culture  from  an  English  point  of 
view,  by  our  correspondent  T.  Rivers,  of  Sawbridgeworth,  Herts,  highly  eulogizing  the 
quince  stock  for  garden  culture. 


Luck. — There  are  believers,  even  among  gardeners,  in  luck.     "Oh!"  says  one,  "he  had 
a  good  chance  ;"  another  declares  his  successful  friend  was  "  a  lucky  fellow."     The  "  luck 
which  has  made  the  fortune  of  the  best  gardeners  is  no  luck  at  all.     It  is  knowledge  ac 


quired  by  hard  study  and  hard  labor ;  by  reading,  and  avoiding  the  dram  bottle  ;  by  keeping 
a  steady  eye  on  the  results  of  experiments  aided  by  the  knowledge  of  written  materials. 
What  "  luck"  can  a  gardener  have  who  prefers  idleness  to  botany ;  what  hope  can  he  ever 
entertain  of  rising  to  independence,  if  he  cannot  distinguish  one  species  of  plants  from 
another  ?  He  must  always  be  at  fault,  unless  he  knows  something  more  than  routine  cul- 
tivation, and  can  adapt  his  tactics  to  new  circumstances,  or  give  himself  a  reason  for  his 
acts.  "  Luck"  is  a  term  to  be  expunged  from  every  vocabulary  except  that  of  the  gaming- 
table or  the  turf.  In  the  language  of  Dr.  Lindley  :  "  Our  personal  experience  in  this  mat- 
ter now  extends  over  the  best  part  of  half  a  century,  during  which  time  circumstances  have 
brought  within  our  knowledge  the  private  history  of  most  of  the  successes  and  failures 
which  in  that  period  have  deserved  notice  among  gardeners,  and  we  feel  entirely  justified 
in  saying  that  those  who  have  risen  have  had  to  thank  their  own  superior  knowledge,  the 
fruit  of  superior  industry  ;  while  those  who  have  fallen  can  only  blame  themselves  for  that 
want  of  knowledge  and  determination  to  succeed,  which,  in  this  world,  are  indispensable 
in  all  classes  where  mental  power  is  necessary,  and  from  which  political  influence  is  with- 
held." 

Were  any  proof  of  the  justice  of  this  opinion  needed,  it  would  be  found  in  the  skill  of 
those  eminent  men  in  the  horticultural  world  who,  by  diligent  study,  have  privately,  and 
in  spite  of  difficulties,  acquired  what,  in  the  absence  of  such  energy,  would  have  been  denied 
to  them. 


The  Gakden  AQUARinM. — There  are  thousands  of  situations  where  a  supply  of  water, 
either  from  a  spring  or  a  running  brook,  may  be  introduced  into  a  garden  or  grounds  with 

great  effect. 

"  Mildly  and  soft  the  western  breeze 
Just  kissed  the  lake,  just  stirred  the  trees, 
And  the  pleased  lake,  like  maiden  coy, 
Trembled,  but  dimpled  not  for  joy  ; 
The  water-lily  to  the  light, 
Her  chalice  reared  of  silver  bright." 

In  most  suburban  gardens  there  is  sufficient  space  for  a  small  aquarium  ;  we  know  of 
several  that  are  supplied  from  the  village  water-works,  where  a  tiny  jet  is  constantly  play- 
ing, and  refreshing  the  ferns  and  other  moisture-loving  plants  dispersed  among  rocks  and 
stones,  goldfish  disporting  in  a  rustic  basin  below.  If  a  space  of  only  eight  or  ten  feet 
diameter  can  be  spared  for  the  purpose,  it  will  greatly  add  to  the  gayety  of  the  scene  from 
the  windows.  A  circular  pond  of  five  feet  in  diameter  may  be  surrounded  by  a  border  of 
rock-work  of  twelve  or  fourteen  inches,  the  dark  stones  being  merely  loosely  laid  on  an 
even  surface,  and  beyond  this  a  rim  of  turf  two  feet  wide.  The  pond  should  be  well  pud- 
dled with  clay,  and  over  the  clay  a  stratum  of  loam  and  sand  ;  the  rock-work  should  be 
formed  of  dark  stones  of  small  size  ;  a  light  fence  of  iron-work  or  thick  wire  surrounds  the 
whole,  and  on  the  turf  about  eight  or  ten  standard  roses  should  be  planted  so  as  to  form  a 
ring,  the  little  fountain  throwing  its  jet  from  the  apex  of  the  central  rocks  (stones).  The 
stones  should  be  planted  with  one  or  two  bushes  of  recumbent  juniper;  periwinkle,  lyco- 
podium,  stone  crop,  ftrns,  and  some  showy  perennials,  may  be  set  in  the  crevices.  The 
beauty  of  this  little  collection  far  excels  a  parterre,  and  stands  out  brightly  against  the 
evergreens  beyond. 

A  more  extensive  garden  aquarium  may  be  introduced  at  the  base  of  a  sloping  bank, 
beyond  which  a  mass  of  shrubs  and  trees  secures  shade  and  coolness  to  the  lounger,  and 
completes  the  picturesque  character  of  the  scene  ;  it  must  be  removed  some  distance  from 
the  house,  deriving  its  chief  beauty  from  repose,  and  the  apparent  absence  of  human  dwell- 
ings.    In  such  a  scene,  rustic  arbors  and  seats,  old  tree  stumps,  crowded  with  mosses  and 


ferns,  are  suitable  ornaments,  while  the  rockery  itself  may  be  converted  into  a  garden  for 
Alpine  plants  and  ferns, 
the  portions  sloping  to- 
wards the  water  being 
planted  with  marshy  and 
aquatic  plants,  revelling 
in  moisture  under  the  sha- 
dow of  alders  and  willows. 
An  island  and  peninsula 
should  not  be  attempted, 
unless  the  water  covers  a 
large   space,  and   has   its 

dimensions  somewhat  concealed  by  trees.  It  must  be  constructed  according  to  correct 
principles  to  insure  success  ;  a  concave  hollow  must  be  dug,  of  the  needful  dimensions, 
sloping  steadily  from  the  outer  rim  to  a  depth  of  not  less  than  six  feet  in  the  middle.  Over 
the  bottom  must  be  placed  a  layer  of  puddled  clay,  six  to  twelve  inches  in  thickness ; 
above  the  clay,  a  layer  of  rich,  sandy  loam,  or  well-tempered  soil  from  the  bottom  of  a 
pond,  must  be  arranged  in  circular  terraces,  like  the  seats  in  an  amphitheatre,  so  as  to 
form  a  series  of  shelves  of  various  depths,  from  the  margin  to  near  the  centre.  On  these 
shelves  may  be  planted  the  aquatics,  which  are  intended  to  be  grown  in  the  water.  Thus 
you  can  place  roots  at  various  depths,  so  as  to  submerge  each  sufficiently,  which  you  could 
not  do  on  a  slope,  the  pots  being  of  course  removable  for  renewal  or  change  of  plants,  or 
during  severe  weather.  In  any  case,  tbe  bottom  must  be  of  well  puddled  clay,  and  the 
moiild  above  it  a  strong  loam,  with  a  surface  of  sand  and  pebbles.  No  one  should  undertake 
such  a  work  unless  thoroughly  persuaded  that  he  has  force  enough  in  himself  or  his  assist- 
ants to  keep  it  always  in  the  best  condition.  Our  engraving  gives  a  sectional  view  of  such 
a  construction. 


Gkapes. — A  letter  from  Dr.  C.  W.  Grant  says :  "  We  have  now  five  varieties  of  grapes 
that  are  fully  equal  to  the  best  five  that  are  grown  in  the  open  air  in  the  vicinity  of  Paris  ; 
to  develop  their  excellence  fully,  they  require  the  care  and  skill  which  those  of  Paris  re- 
ceive. Rebecca,  treated  on  the  '  Thomery'  plan,  would  not  be  inferior  to  the  Chasselas  in 
any  respect,  and  Delaware  would  equal  the  Frontignans  in  all  respects  except  size,  which, 
to  my  judgment,  is  saying  as  much  as  we  know  how  to  say  in  praise  of  a  table  grape.  The 
Black  Hamburghs,  for  size  and  productiveness,  and  as  a  market  fruit,  deserve  the  eminence 
generally  awarded,  but,  measured  by  excellence  of  fiavor,  they  must  fall  below  the  Grizzly 
Frontignan. 

"  The  great  excellence  of  the  Herbemont  is  known  to  but  few,  and  the  Lenoir  is  scarcely 
inferior,  and  is  two  weeks  earlier  in  ripening.  Of  the  Diana,  it  is  superfluous  to  speak  ; 
when  badly  treated,  it  exhibits  but  little  of  its  high  character,  which,  under  favorable  cir- 
cumstances, leaves  little  to  be  desired  in  a  hardy  out-of-door  grape." 

"  The  doctor  adds  :  "  In  January,  my  propagating  houses  were  burned,  and  nearly  all 
the  cuttings  of  grapes  destroyed  ;  so  I  shall  be  delayed  in  giving  a  full  supply  of  vines  to 
the  country,  which  is  a  disappointment  to  me.  One  of  the  houses  was  a  new  one — one 
hundred  feet  by  twenty-six  ;  it  stood  but  twenty-four  hours  after  completion."  The  doctor 
still  advertises  a  fair  stock,  however. 


New  York  State  Agricultural  Transactions. — Mr.  B.  P.  Johnson  (the  able  Secretary) 
aced  us  under  obligations  for  a  copy  of  these  valuable  Transactions. 
the  first  article  of  this  number  will  be  found  some  of  the  reasons  why  books  were  for 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 

merly  scoiited  by  farmers.  "  Book  farming"  was  a  term  of  reproach  in  former  days.  Now 
how  stands  the  case  ?  The  books  are  the  choice  receptacles  of  the  experience  of  science 
and  labor.  The  man  of  science  and  the  practical  workingman  associate  for  mutual  benefit. 
The  results  are,  drainage  is  practised ;  improved  implements  are  introduced  ;  insects  are 
studied  and  destroyed  ;  colleges  are  founded,  and  chemistry,  &c.,  taught;  educated  labor 
stands  pre-eminent  among  the  arts  ;  the  farmer  values  the  library  ;  new  and  better  grains  are 
sought  for ;  our  people  test  the  every  form  and  combination  of  the  mechanical  powers  to 
till,  reap,  harvest,  or  fell  the  forest.  Contrast  this  with  the  idle  dozing  of  the  Spanish  race, 
where  the  plough  in  use  might  be  recognized  by  Adam,  if  he  should  revisit  Spain  or  Cuba, 
as  the  one  invented  by  him  ! 

New  York  is  a  great  State.  She  has  excellent  men  on  her  soil,  and  her  Transactions  are 
very  choice  reading.  Dr.  Fitch  continues  his  contributions  on  insects,  which  are  now 
indorsed  by  the  approbation  of  the  scientific  men  abroad. 


Concord  Gkape. — Mr.  Samuel  Miller  suggests  that  the  only  way  to  reconcile  conflicting 
opinions  regarding  the  Concord  Grape,  is  to  suppose  there  are  two  kinds  called  by  that  name. 
It  is  possible  ;  and  those  having  information  on  the  subject  will  do  a  public  favor  by  com- 
municating the  same. 


Patent  Tree  Protector. — The  agent  of  this  tree  protector  has  exhibited  a  model  of  the 
apparatus  intended  to  prevent  the  ascent,  on  the  body  of  the  tree,  of  the  caterpillar.  It 
consists  of  a  varnished  cotton  cloth  shield,  in  the  shape  of  an  umbrella,  divided  into  two 
parts,  to  enable  the  operator  to  fasten  it  round  the  body  of  the  stem  ;  these  two  parts  are 
joined  by  a  tin  catch  and  a  rim,  which  go  round  the  whole  apparatus.  Inside  of  the  rim, 
and  on  the  edge,  is  a  tin  trovigh,  to  be  kept  filled,  or  nearly  so,  with  oil  or  turpentine.  The 
insects  ascend  the  body  of  the  tree,  are  stopped  by  the  projecting  umbrella,  when  they 
retreat  down  to  the  oil  reservoir,  and  are  caught  in  it.  The  apparatus  is  simple  and 
effective  for  insects  that  invade  trees  by  ascending  the  stem.  The  patentee  is  Josiah  Foster, 
Sandwich,  Mass.  Agent  in  Philadelphia,  Wm.  Denslow,  221  S.  5th  St.  ;  and  he  has  the 
town  and  county  patents  for  sale. 


Mahonia  Japonica. — This  is  one  of  the  loveliest  new  plants,  perfectly  hardy,  and  recently 
introduced  from  Japan.  It  has  a  large  leaf,  and  fine  flower.  It  may  be  seen  both  at  Mr. 
T.  Meehan's,  Germantown,  and  Mr.  Buist's.  A  valued  correspondent  (Mr.  W.  N.  White, 
of  Georgia)  writes  us  :  "  Just  now,  my  great  favorite  is  the  Mahonia  Japonica.  My  best  is 
some  three  feet  high,  covered  by  thousands  of  small,  golden  bells,  springing  out  from  the 
evergreen  foliage,  and  what  a  lovely,  cheerful  green  it  is  ! — a  most  attractive  sight.  What 
an  improvement  on  the  aquifolia  !"     It  is,  indeed. 


New  Pole  Bean. — Mr.  White  forwards  us  a  new  pole  bean.  He  says :  "  I  call  it  the 
White  Prolific  (not  White's).  Our  country  people  call  it  the  'Flat  Horse  Bean.'  It  will 
furnish  you  with  string  beans  as  abundantly  as  the  Lima  will  with  those  to  shell ;  stands 
the  heat  perfectly  well,  and  the  pods  are  as  tender  and  brittle  as  could  be  wished.  It  agrees 
perfectly  with  our  dry,  warm  summers,  and  will  succeed  admirably  at  the  North.  It  resem- 
bles the  Dwarf  Bean,  or  Royal  Kidney,  and  when  ripe  the  fruit  is  excellent  for  winter  use." 
Mr.  White  adds,  judiciously  :  "  The  Lima  Beans  do  not  succeed  in  many  gardens,  because 
planted  too  thickly  ;  they  do  best  in  single  rows,  and  where  otherwise,  five  feet  by  two  and 
a  half  is  near  enough  to  bear  freely,  and  the  space  between  can  have  a  crop  of  early  pota 
&c.,  taken  ofi"  from  it  " 


Delights  of  the  Garden  and  Lawn. — A  valued  correspondent  writes  thus  of  his  enjoy- 
ments, and,  we  have  no  doubt,  very  truthfully  expresses  his  pleasures  :  "  I  and  my  man, 
Jeemes  (the  latter,  especially),  are  at  work,  this  fine  spring  morning,  draining  wet  spots, 
feeding  trees,  relaying  sods  on  the  lawn,  and  preparing  holes  for  transplanting.  Can  there 
be  anything  more  delightful  under  the  sun  than  this  working  (moderately !)  in  the  dirt  ? 
How  pleasant  to  wander  through  your  grounds  in  spring,  and  find  your  old  friends  alive, 
and  coming  out  to  greet  you  !  Then,  what  a  glorious,  healthy  appetite  it  gives  a  sedentary 
man  !  !  It  makes  him  almost  believe  he  had  overrated  his  books  and  his  intellectual  plea- 
sures. Beef-steak,  and  a  cup  of  coffee,  are  things  not  to  be  despised  even  at  Athens  !  A 
saucy  young  lady  looking  over  my  shoulder,  requests  me  to  add :  '  I  wonder  if  mamma  will 
ever  be  able  to  teach  me  that  there  can  be  any  pleasure  in  house  cleaning  like  you  describe 
in  your  planting  V  To  which  I  reply  :  '  Certainly,  my  young  friend  ;  you  will  find  pleasure 
in  performing  every  duty;^  but  she  don't  seem  to  understand  me.  The  said  lady  was  much 
amused  with  the  Boston  account  of  the  female  skaters,  and  as  a  supplement  thereto  I  beg  to 
add  the  following  stray  paragraph :  '  The  man  who  stoutly  objected  to  his  wife's  learning  to 
skate,  a  month  ago,  has  at  length  come  to  the  conclusion  that  he  is  perfectly  willing  to  let 
her  slide.' " 


New  Thuja. — At  Mr.  Buist's  establishment,  near  Philadelphia,  may  be  seen  the  new 
Thuja  Borealis,  which  promises  to  be  an  important  addition  to  our  list,  and  is  hardy. 
There  has  been  some  error  in  naming  the  Thuja  gigantea  ;  the  decurrens  has  been  sold  for 
the  gigantea,  and  vice  versa.  Now  the  real  gigantea  of  Rivers  (heretofore  called  decurrens) 
is  hardy,  but  decurrens  (sold  for  gigantea)  is  tender  here.  It  will  be  well  to  remember 
this. 


Drac^na  speciosa  variegata  is  an  improvement  on  terminalis  ;  this  and  nobilis  will  hold 
a  superior  rank  to  all  others  yet  introduced. 

Evergreens. — In  looking  over  the  evergreens  in  this  vicinity,  we  find  Abies  Frazerii  doing 
remarkably  well;  Menzesii,  the  same  ;  Webbiana  and  Smithiana,  poor,  and  much  cut  up. 


Landscape  Gardening  on  a  Large  Scale, — If  one  of  the  best  eflTorts  of  the  landscape  gar- 
dener is  exhibited  in  gracefully  appropriating  the  grounds,  &c,,  of  one's  neighbor,  a  corre- 
spondent who  has  achieved  the  following,  deserves  to  be  considered  a  master :  "  But  my 
great  work,  this  winter  (concluded  yesterday),  is  an  all^e,  or  aisle,  six  feet  wide,  and  three 
miles  long,  through  my  cedar  wood,  and  through  three  or  four  of  my  neighbors'  woods, 

striking  the  river  half-way  over,  and  terminating  in  a  factory  at ,  which  at  night 

looks  like  Aladdin's  palace ;  and  arched  over,  apparently,  the  whole  distance,  it  is  entirely 
sui  generis  for  this  country,  and  like  the  pleached  alley  of  Shakspeare." 


The  Pure  Juice  op  the  Grape, — J.  J.  Smith,  Esq. — Dear  Sir:  The  following  anecdote 
(which  I  picked  up  lately)  may  amuse  some  of  your  temperance  readers.  My  friend,  Dr. 
S.,  told  me  that  about  thirty  years  ago — when  our  native  wines  were  much  talked  of,  but 
scarcely  known — he  was  invited  by  a  hospitable  farmer  of  a  neighboring  State,  to  dine  with 
him,  and,  amongst  other  inducements,  was  promised  a  glass  of  native  wine — the  "  pure  juice 
of  the  grape."  At  dinner,  the  wine  was  produced  ;  it  was  of  a  fine  red  color,  like  claret  or 
Burgundy.  "  There,"  said  his  host,  "  is  something  that  I  am  proud  of,  for  I  made  it  myself, 
and  know  it  to  be  a  pure  article — none  of  your  foreign,  mixed  stuflf."  The  doctor  took  a 
good  taste  of  it,  made  a  wry  face,  and  set  his  glass  down,  remarking  "  that  it  was  unlike 
any  wine  he  had  ever  tasted,"  "  I  fear,"  said  his  friend,  "  you  don't  like  it ;  but  you  need 
not  be  afraid  to  drink  it,  for  it  is  a  genuine  native  wine,  and  I  pledge  you  my  word  it 


editor's  table. 

'  pure  juice  of  the  grape,'  •without  a  particle  of  sugar,  or  a  drop  of  water  in  it.  I  assisted 
myself  to  gather  the  grapes  of  the  best  varieties  from  the  woods,  had  the  bunches  packed 
carefully  in  a  new,  clean  barrel,  undjilled  it  up  with  whiskey — the  best  old  Bourbon  I  could 
find — to  extract  the  grape  juice.  If  that  is  not  the  pure  native,  I  don't  know  what  is." 
The  doctor  suggested  that  "it  might  be  native  enough,  but  was  not  wine."  "Nonsense," 
said  his  friend  ;  "  have  I  not  made  '  peach  liquor'  that  way  many  a  time,  and  why  not 
wine  ?"  It  was  a  long  time  before  the  doctor  ventured  to  taste  another  glass  of  native  wine 
made  in  that  neighborhood.  But  they  make  excellent  wine  in  that  State  now,  since  the  intro- 
duction of  the  Catawba  Grape.  R.  Buchanan. 
Cincinnati,  15th  of  April,  1858. 


Alton,  III.,  Feb.  2,  1858. 

Mk.  Editor  :  I  am  a  young  man  yet,  although  I  consider  that  I  have  learned  a  great  deal 
from  your  most  valuable  journal,  and  can  with  pleasure  say  that  there  is  as  yet  no  maga- 
zine printed  in  this  Union  that  can  compete  in  rural  art,  taste,  or  cheapness,  with  it ;  and 
I  look  forward  with  pleasure  when  it  will  be  found  in  the  possession  of  every  young  amateur 
in  the  West.  There  are  now  three  young  men  in  this  city  who  are  your  best  friends,  viz  : 
Miller,  Morgan,  Barry  ;  none  of  us  are  over  nineteen  years  of  age.  It  is  also  held  in  the 
highest  estimation  by  many  older  amateurs  in  this  vicinity. 

I  have  in  my  fruit  garden  some  very  rare  fruits,  and  I  will  tell  you  in  the  future  if  they 
are  successful  or  not.  Yours,  truly,  Addison  Smith  Miller. 


Humbugs. — A  correspondent  in  the  West  writes  us  very  naively  thus  :  "  On  the  subject 
of  humbugs,  I  must  confess  I  rather  like  them  ;  they  give  employment  to  a  large  class  of 
ingenious  persons  denominated  quacks,  who  are  fit  for  no  other  occupation  ;  and  it  is  a  bene- 
ficent provision  of  nature  that  has  constituted  the  inside  of  the  skulls  of  a  certain  portion 
of  the  human  family  to  be  preyed  on  by  these  parasites."  A  very  benevolent  view,  indeed, 
but  it  might  be  wished  there  were  not  quite  so  many.  When,  however,  hundreds  of  dollars 
are  daily  expended  in  America  by  advertising  astrologists,  one  can  hardly  say  that  all  the 
gulled  are  dead  yet. 


Roses,  etc.,  from  Pittsburg,  Pa. — Mr.  J.  S.  Negley,  of  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  has  backed  our 
recommendation  of  his  nursery  by  an  elegantly  packed  box  of  novelties  of  superior  excel- 
lence, and  as  an  evidence  of  the  advance  of  horticulture  in  that  section  of  the  West,  we 
append  a  list  of  the  newer  articles  : — 

Eoses. — Jules  Margottin,  General  Castellan,  William  Masson,  Souvenir  de  la  Reine  D'An- 
gleterre.  General  Jacqueminot,  and  Madame  de  Cambaceres — all  hybrid  perpetuals  in  the 
best  condition,  with  the  celebrated  tea-rose,  Gloire  de  Dijon. 

Verbenas. — Evening  Star,  Geant  de  Bataille,  Celestial,  Admiral  Dundas,  Mrs.  Holford,  Pet, 
Odorata  Perfection,  Joshua,  Sarah,  Ellen  Murdoch,  Elizabeth  Strange,  and  Glory  of  America. 

Petunias. — Striata  Magnifica  and  Imperialis. 

Veronica. — Meldensis. 

Heliotrope. — Splendidum. 

Lantanas. — Alba  Grandiflora,  Souvenir  d' Alexander,  and  Crocea  superba. 

Geraniums. — President,  and  James  Hardrop— on  all  which  we  shall  report  in  due  season. 


Fuchsias  and  Verbenas. — To  Mr.  W.  C.  Strong,  of  Brighton,  Mass.,  we  are  indebted  for 
the  following  new  plants  : — 

hsias. — Fair  Oriana,  Little  Treasure,  Etoile  du  Nord,  Souvenir  de  Chiswick,  Star  of 
ght,  and  Venus  de  Medici. 

'^^^ 


Verbenas. — Yennadesse,  Metropolitan,  Radiant,  Rubens,  Mrs.  French,  and  Geant  de  Ba- 
taille. 


Roses  from  Mr.  Rivers. — From  Mr.  Rivers,  of  Sawbridge worth,  Herts,  England,  we  ac- 
knowledge a  noble  present  of  fifty  of  the  finest  and  newest  standard  and  dwarf  standard 
Roses,  by  steamship  via  Southampton. 


Value  of  the  Eakth-Worm. — The  ground  is  almost  alive  with  the  common  earth-worm. 
Wherever  mould  is  turned  up,  there  these  sappers  and  miners  are  turned  up  with  it.  They 
are  nature's  ploughmen.  They  bore  the  stubborn  soil  in  every  direction,  and  render  it 
pervious  to  air,  rain,  and  the  fibres  of  plants.  Without  these  auxiliaries,  "the  farmer," 
says  Gilbert  White,  "  would  find  that  his  land  would  become  cold,  hard-boned  and  sterile." 
The  green  mantle  of  vegetation  which  covers  the  earth  is  dependent  upon  the  worms  which 
burrow  in  the  bowels  of  it.  What  conveys  a  more  definite  idea  of  the  magnitude  of  their 
operatrons,  they  are  perpetually  replenishing  the  upper  soil,  and  covering  with  soft  and 
fine  material  a  crust  which  before  was  close  and  ungenial.  They  swallow  a  quantity  of 
earth  with  their  food,  and  having  extracted  the  nutriment  they  eject  the  remainder  at  the 
outlet  of  their  holes.  This  refuse  forms  the  worm-crusts  which  are  the  annoyance  of  the 
gardener,  who  might  be  reconciled  to  them  if  he  were  aware  that  the  depositors  save  him  a 
hundred  times  more  labor  than  they  cause.  Tliey  play  a  most  important  part  in  the 
economy  of  vegetation,  and  we  see  why  they  teem  throughout  the  surface  of  the  globe. 
Mr.  Charles  Darwin  has  shown  that  in  thirteen  years  a  field  of  pasture  was  covered  to  a 
depth  of  three  inches  and  a  half  with  the  mould  discharged  from  their  intestines,  and  in 
another  case  the  layer  they  had  accumulated  in  eighty  years  was  from  twelve  to  fourteen 
inches  thick. —  Quarterly  Review. 


Answers  to  Correspondents. — (Mango.)  It  was  Washington  Irving,  in  Salmagundi,  who 
gave  the  derivation  of  "  mango :"  "  My  cousin,  Cockloft,  was  once  nearly  annihilated  with 
astonishment  on  hearing  Jeremy  trace  the  derivation  of  mango  from  Jeremiah  King ;  as 
Jeremiah  King,  Jerry  King,  Jerkin,  gherkin,  cucumber,  mango." 

Frigi  Domo  is  a  canvas  made  of  patent  prepared  hair  and  wool — a  perfect  non-conductor 
of  heat  and  cold,  thus  keeping  a  fixed  temperature.  Its  cost  in  London  is  Is.  ^d.  per  yard 
run,  and  two  yards  wide  ;  and  to  give  our  inquirer  a  clue  to  import  it,  Elisha  Thomas  Archer, 
7  Trinity  Lane,  Cannon  St.,  city  of  London,  is  the  vendor.  In  England,  it  is  used  without 
glass.     We  trust  some  one  will  introduce  it  here. 

(John  A.  Townlet.)  The  Taxus  Canadensis  makes  a  beautiful  spreading  shrub,  and  bears 
the  shears  well ;  but  it  will  never  rise  to  more  than  four  or  six  feet  high. 

(J.  B.  RoE.)  If  you  will  observe  the  growth  of  a  tree  for  one  season,  you  will  find  the 
answer  to  your  question  will  be  "No!" 

(H.  A.  Terry,  Crescent  City,  Iowa.)  Your  plant  is  the  Clematis  Virginiana.  We  are 
glad  to  find  this  beautiful  native  vine  attracting  such  general  attention. 

Margaret. — We  scarcely  can  name  a  single  plant  that  is  more  useful  in  ornamenting  a. 
garden  than  the  Canna  major  ;  the  leaf  has  an  oriental  appearance,  shall  we  say  more  palm- 
like than  anything  else  so  easily  obtained  ?  Its  bulbs  increase  much  every  season  ;  before 
frost  they  should  be  taken  up,  and  kept  rather  dry  under  the  stage  of  a  greenhouse  ;  they 
will  grow  larger  if  started  in  a  hot-bed  in  the  spring,  and  then  plant  them  out  in  a  bed 
that  has  been  dug  out  to  the  depth  of  two  feet,  with  some  manure  to  give  them  a  little 
warmth  to  start  with,  and  the  bed  filled  up  with  refuse  potting  soil,  or  the  richer  soil  of  the 
garden.     Grouped,  or  in  a  circle,  they  are  very  ornamental ;  the  same  of  Canna  Indica, 


editor's  table. 

whicli  bears  flowers  ;  another  circle  may  consist  of  Canna  discolor.  They  all  love  water. 
The  Chinese  Pseonies  require  a  rich  light  soil ;  good  sandy  loam  suits  them  well,  and  they 
are  readily  propagated  by  dividing  the  roots  in  April  or  May,  when  the  young  shoots  are  a 
finger  long. 

"  If  after  a  decoction  of  herbs  in  a  winter  night,"  says  an  old  author,  "  we  expose  the 
liquor  to  the  frigid  air,  we  may  observe  in  the  morning  under  a  crust  of  ice,  the  perfect 
appearance,  both  in  figure  and  color,  of  the  plants  that  were  taken  from  it."  Peter.  (Just 
so  ;  and  if  you  think  of  your  lady  love  before  a  refracting  telescope,  you  will  see  her  next 
morning  ironing  your  collars  before  breakfast ;  after  which  she  will  inspect  the  state  of 
your  wristband  buttons,  and  before  night  comb  your  head.     Try  it.) 

A  correspondent  writes  for  a  list  of  the  best  continuous-blooming  Roses — will  find  a  capital 
list  in  our  volume  for  1856,  page  224.  The  following  is  from  Glenny''s  (London)  Garden 
Almanack :  Constant  Bloomers. — Cymedor,  crimson,  tinged  with  purple  ;  Duchesse  de 
Montpensier,  delicate  pink,  satin-like ;  Duchess  of  Sutherland,  pink,  of  beautiful  form  ; 
Prince  of  Wales,  rosy  lilac,  shaded  ;  Armosa,  delicate  pink,  small ;  Pompone  Parfait,  purple  ; 
Comice  de  Seine  et  Marne,  cherry  red,  shaded  ;  Leveson  Gower,  rose  color,  large  ;  Madame 
Angelina,  cream  color  ;  Queen  of  Bourbons,  most  beautiful  fawn  ;  Aimee  Vibert,  pure  white ; 
Fellenberg,  bright  crimson  ;  Miss  Glegg,  pure  white,  centre  tinged  ;  Goubault,  brilliant  rose 
color,  large ;  Maria  Leonida,  white,  tinged  with  pink  ;  Blairii  No.  2,  pale  blush ;  Paul  Ricaut, 
bright  crimson.  Constant  Bloomers,  Show  Flowers. — Baronne  Prevost,  bright  rose  color,  large  ; 
Geant  des  Batailles,  most  vivid  scarlety  crimson  ;  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison,  creamy  flesh 
blush  ;  Comte  de  Paris,  deep  flesh-colored  blush ;  Devoniensis,  creamy  white  and  straw. 
Continuous-blooming  Roses  of  Peculiar  Character. — Celemine,  pink  rose,  fine  form  ;  Jaune 
Desprez,  rich  fawn,  yellow  centre  ;  Archduke  Charles,  or  the  Changeable  Rose,  pink  to  crim- 
son ;  Cramoisie  superieure,  brilliant  velvety  scarlet ;  Buret,  carmine,  shaded ;  Safrano, 
bright  apricot  color.  Climbing  Roses  of  Peculiar  Character. — Gloire  de  Rosamene,  scarlety 
crimson,  brilliant.  Continuous-blooming  Climbing  Roses  of  Peculiar  Character. — Prudence 
Roeser,  pink,  with  fawn  centre  ;  Aimee  Vibert  scandens,  similar,  but  a  climber ;  La  Biche, 
white,  centre  flesh.     Noisettes. — Madame  Masset  and  Madame  Schultz. 

Evergreens  on  the  Sea.-Shore. — (W.)  Where  the  soil  is  of  fair  average  quality,  Arau- 
caria  imbricata,  Pinus  insignis,  P.  laricio,  P.  Austriaca,  P.  pinaster,  Cryptomeria  Japonica, 
Cupressus  macrocarpa,  and  Abies  Cephalonica,  do  well  if  not  too  cold.  Cedrus  deodara 
thrives  just  so  long  as  shelter  is  provided  ;  but  no  sooner  does  it  outgrow  its  nurses  or  other 
protection  than  the  leading  shoot  becomes  blighted,  and  the  habit  of  a  shrub  supersedes 
that  of  a  tree.  Where  shelter  has  been  provided  and  continued,  mere  proximity  to  the 
sea  has  not  been  prejudicial. 

Apple-Pie  Melon. — However  this  may  taste  in  California  (where  it  has  been  greatly 
puffed),  it  has  not  done  well  here.  A  pie  of  it  looks  like  the  apple-pie,  but  the  taste  is 
perfectly  neutral;  all  the  acid  and  flavor  you  will  have  to  put  in  from  some  other  source. 


Catalogues,  etc.,  Received. — Bridgeman's  Descriptive  Catalogue,  No.  4.  Fruit  and  Or- 
namental Trees,  Shrubs,  Vines,  &c.,  for  sale  at  Nos.  876  and  878  Broadway,  New  York. 
Nursery  and  Greenhouses,  Astoria,  N.  Y.  This  is  a  very  carefully  prepared  and  accurate 
list  of  the  best  ornamental  and  fruit-trees,  well  deserving  the  attention  of  planters,  garden- 
ers, &c.  At  the  establishment  of  the  Messrs.  Bridgeman,  every  desirable  article  in  their 
line  may  be  obtained. 

A.  Frost  &  Co.'s  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruits,  cultivated  and  sold  at  the  Genesee  Val- 
ley Nurseries,  Rochester,  N.  Y.  An  ample  list  of  a  great  assortment,  every  way  worthy  of 
attention.     We  are  pleased  to  see  these  gentlemen's  remarks  on  dwarf  pear-trees,  which 


editor's  table. 


they  recommend  for  the  garden  and  for  amateurs  only.  They  admit  that  much  dissatisfac- 
tion has  arisen  from  want  of  care  in  their  cultivation,  and  a  selection  of  varieties  not  suited 
to  the  quince  stock.  When  the  mania  raged  the  most,  too  little  attention  was  paid  to  this 
matter,  and  of  the  millions  of  trees  planted,  a  large  portion  have  been  abandoned.  Better 
information  now  exists,  and  amateurs  may  put  their  orders  into  safe  hands  like  Messrs. 
Frost  &  Co,  whose  large  octavo  catalogue  should  be  one  to  keep  and  refer  to.  A  volume 
of  bound  catalogues  is  an  excellent  thing  to  preserve,  and  we  are  glad  to  see  our  best  nur- 
serymen adopting  a  uniform  size,  which  suits  them  for  such  a  purpose. 

Sherwood's  Self-Acting  Lawn  and  Farm  Gate,  patented  by  W.  Sherwood,  Beloit,  "Wis.  A 
circular  with  an  engraving  exhibiting  a  very  good  contrivance,  with  the  apparatus  above 
ground. 

Supplementary  List  of  New  Koses,  Bedding  Plants,  &c.  Negley  &  Co.,  Pittsburg,  Pa.  All 
that  is  new  and  excellent  is  here  offered  for  sale. 

Supplement  et  Extrait  du  Catalogue  des  Plantes  Exotfques  cultivees  dans  les  serres  de 
J.  Linden,  k,  Bruxelles,  1858. 

List  of  Plants  cultivated  and  sold  by  Geo.  C.  Thorbum,  Newark,  N.  J.  A  most  choice 
collection,  including  Dahlias,  &c.  &c.  &c. 

Thirty-Fifth  Annual  Report  of  the  Mercantile  Library  Company  of  Philadelphia,  .Jan.  7, 
1858.  An  excellent  institution,  which  is  moulding  the  mind  of  a  large  class  of  our  fellow- 
citizens. 

Report  of  the  State  Agricultural  Society  of  California.  This  arrived  too  late  for  notice ;  it 
is  a  very  interesting  volume,  and  relates  so  many  marvels  of  horticulture  that  we  shall 
make  an  abstract  for  the  ensuing  number. 

Biddy  and  the  "  Old  Dominion,"  is  a  pamphlet  giving  an  account  of  Arthur's  "  Old  Do- 
minion Coffee-Pot,"  of  which  many  cooks  give  a  good  account. 

B.  K.  Bliss'  Seed  List.  A  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  all  select  varieties.  Springfield,  Mass. 
The  same  of  Dahlias,  Verbenas,  Hollyhocks,  Carnation,  and  Picotee  Pinks,  &c. 


aossii*. 

The  cobweb-like  spawn  frequently  observed  about  the  roots  of  trees,  especially  of 

evergreens  recently  set  out,  should  receive  immediate  attention  whenever  detected.  The 
remedy  to  adopt  if  a  plant  appears  in  an  unhealthy  state  (if  in  pots  or  planted  out),  is  to 
take  it  up,  being  careful  to  preserve  all  the  roots,  and  shake  off  every  particle  of  soil  from 
them,  wash  the  roots,  shaking  and  dipping  them  in  water  several  times  until  they  appear 
quite  clean.  Transplant  either  into  the  open  ground,  or  into  a  wide,  flat  basket,  have  the 
roots  disentangled,  and  laid  out  regularly.  In  spring,  or  early  in  the  autumn,  is  the  best 
time  for  performing  this  operation.  In  many  cases  in  which  Coniferae  are  grown,  and  an- 
nually shifted  into  larger  pots,  probably  for  some  four  or  five  years,  the  roots  become  en- 
tangled and  twisted  into  each  other,  and  they  are  often  planted  out  in  that  state,  only 
loosening  a  few  of  the  bottom  ones  ;  this  kind  of  treatment,  in  a  few  years,  must  prove 
injurious,  if  it  does  not  in  time  kill  the  plant.  Coniferse  are  often  raised  and  grown  in 
pots  for  a  long  time,  sent  to  America,  and  afterwards  planted  out  in  the  open  ground  with 
the  roots  matted  together,  and  the  ball  entire.  In  such  cases,  the  soil  should  be  shaken 
from  the  roots,  and  untwisted  up  to  the  stem,  and  regularly  laid  out.  A  stake  is  necessary 
for  a  year  or  two,  to  keep  the  plant  steady. 

Frasenius,  a  German  chemist,  has  made  experiments  on  various  fruits,  demonstrating 

which  are  best,  and  why.  The  more  a  fruit  contains  of  soluble  matter,  the  more  it  is  esteemed 
— such  as  the  peach  and  greengage.     And  the  more  a  fruit  is  cultivated,  the  more  does  it 


contain  of  sugar,  and  the  less  of  free  acid  and  soluble  matter.  These  facts  may  serve  for 
household  hints. 

Rudolph  Wagner  has  recently  shown  that  a  solution  of  decomposed  salicilate  of 

potash  yields  a  liquor  strongly  charged  with  the  scent  of  roses  ;  and  if  this  be  distilled,  it 
becomes  an  excellent  artificial  rose-water.  Out  of  this  a  new  branch  of  industry  may  be 
created,  for  the  substance  is  comparatively  cheap,  and  rose-water  is  much  in  request  as  a 
luxury  for  the  toilet,  &c. 

A  new  kind  of  gutta  percha,  and,  it  is  said,  the  best,  has  been  imported  into  Holland 

from  Surinam.  It  is  a  product  of  a  species  of  sapodilla,  which  grows  in  such  abundance, 
that,  for  years  to  come,  the  supply  will  be  equal  to  the  demand. 

We  shall  shortly  give  a  drawing  of  a  stove  for  heating  greenhouses  by  gas  ;  it  is 

now  used  abroad  with  manifest  advantage,  as  it  admits  of  regulation  with  nicety  to  any 
degree  of  temperature.  Gas  is  now  stated  to  be  a  preventive  of  contagion  ;  for,  according 
to  accounts  from  Lisbon,  the  yellow  fever  did  not  visit  the  houses  in  that  city  which  are 
lighted  with  gas. 

Professor  Cook  stated,  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  American  Association  for  the  Ad- 
vancement of  Science,  that  a  subsidence  is  going  on  all  along  the  coast  from  Delaware  Bay 
to  Boston.  In  New  Jersey  and  Long  Island,  the  effects  are  especially  observable.  Hundreds 
of  thousands  of  acres  of  submerged  forest  lie  a  few  feet  below  the  swampy  surface,  and 
many  farms  have  diminished  within  the  memory  of  man.  The  Professor  estimates  the 
subsidence  at  two  feet  in  a  century.     Two  thousand  years  ago,  Ovid  sang : — 

"  The  face  of  places  and  their  forms  decay, 
And  that  is  solid  earth  which  once  was  sea  ; 
Seas,  in  their  turn,  retreating  from  the  shore, 
Make  solid  land  what  ocean  was  before ; 
And  far  from  strands  are  shells  of  fishes  found, 
And  rusty  anchors  fixed  on  mountain  ground  ; 
And  what  were  fields  before,  now  washed  and  worn 
By  falling  floods,  from  heights  to  valleys  turn." 

Pampas  Grass. — On  a  former  page  will  be  found  an  engraving  of  this  new  favorite. 

The  London  Florist  says  :  "  For  the  decoration  of  gardens,  the  shrubbery,  and  rock-work, 
it  is  one  of  the  most  useful  plants  that  have  been  introduced  for  some  time.  In  appear- 
ance and  height  it  rivals  the  Bamboo,  and  we  can  imagine  few  things  that  look  better  by 
the  side  of  a  piece  of  water,  backed  by  clumps  of  dark  Evergreens,  Portugal  Laurels,  etc. 
Gynerium  argenteum  covers  vast  plains,  the  resort  of  immense  herds  of  the  quagga  and 
wild  horse,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Buenos  Ayres  and  the  northern  parts  of  Patagonia." 

Cure  for  the  Potato  Disease. — Mr.  John  Kyle,  to  whom  the  French  Government,  in 

conjunction  with  the  Agricultural  Society  of  France,  lately  awarded  a  gold  medal,  besides 
a  handsome  prize  in  money,  for  his  discovery  of  the  cure  of  the  vine  disease,  has  found 
that  the  disease  which  has  for  so  many  years  attacked  the  potato,  is  in  reality  the  same 
distemper.  The  application  of  sulphur  was  Mr.  Kyle's  remedy ;  but  as  that  material  is 
expensive,  he  substituted  quick-lime,  and  the  result  has  been  successful.  Like  the  grape 
disease,  the  first  manifestation  of  the  potato  distemper  must  be  watched,  as  it  is  in  its 
earliest  stage  that  the  application  of  the  throwing  the  lime  lightly  on  the  "  shaws"  when 
the  disease  first  appears. 

Mr.  Kidd,  a  famous  English  gardener,  says  :  "  The  easiest,  the  quickest,  and,  above 

all,  the  most  successful  way  of  propagating  verbenas,  lobelias,  and  such  like,  is  to  fill  flower- 
pot saucers  with  sand  only,  and  to  put  in  the  cuttings  as  thick  as  they  will  stand,  and 
place  the  saucers  in  a  greenhouse  or  a  parlor,  or  any  close  room  where  the  heat  is  not  lower 
than  50°  ;  and  I  vouch  for  it,  that  nine  hundred  and  ninety-nine  out  of  a  thousand  will 
strike  roots  in  a  few  days.     Then  let  them  be  put  into  pots,  boxes,  handlights,  or  frames, 


&c.  Only  try  the  experiment,  and  you  will  be  surprised.  What  would  you  say  to  this 
Ne  Plus  Ultra  twenty  years  ago  ?"     This  is  the  much  talked  of  "  new  mode." 

This  subject  of  rapidity  in  striking  is  attracting  much  attention.     D.  Beaton,  in 

the  next  Cottage  Gardener,  says :  "  Watercress  will  come  from  cuttings  on  the  dining-table, 
if  you  throw  pieces  of  it  in  a  basin  of  water  ;  and  so  will  Mimulus.  It  is  therefore  evident 
that  some  cuttings  will  grow  in  sand  in  the  sun,  and  other  cuttings  will  grow  in  water  out 
of  the  sun.  Now  mix  the  two  systems,  and  you  have  Mr.  Kidd's  mode.  He  has  tried  it, 
proved  it,  and  he  is  quite  certain  it  is  better  and  more  safe,  with  much  less  care,  than  any 
other  mode  whatever,  for  Verbenas,  Calceolarias,  Lobelias,  and  a  host  of  similar  plants. 
Also,  that  one  boy  can  put  in  as  many  cuttings  as  five  men  can  make  in  the  time.  He  fills 
a  saucer  one-half  with  white  sand,  and  one-half  with  water,  or  makes  the  sandy,  watery 
compound  thick  enough  to  hold  up  the  cutting.  If  it  was  all  water,  the  cuttings  would 
fall  over  on  one  side,  but  it  is  held  upright ;  it  wants  the  water  kept  up,  and  the  cut- 
tings will  root  rather  faster  than  in  the  usual  way,  under  the  same  degree  of  heat.  For  a 
kitchen  window,  this  is  the  best  way  in  the  world  for  cuttings." 

A  tell-tale  flower-pot,  which  will  tell  when  a  plant  in  it  is  in  want  of  water,  is  a 

recent  invention.  No  more  queries  about  how  often  or  how  much  water  to  give  to  a  plant. 
They  are  sold  by  Mr.  Smith,  3  Queen's  Road,  Chelsea,  who  says :  "  A  very  important  ad- 
vantage in  these  pots  is,  that  on  account  of  their  becoming  a  deeper  color  in  proportion  to 
their  dampness,  they  give  a  clear  indication  of  the  state  of  the  roots,  which  enables  the 
attendant  to  regulate  the  watering  with  the  greatest  nicety."  This  "  clear  indication"  was 
shown  to  us  by  one  of  the  pots  half  full  of  water,  and  another  empty ;  the  dry  one  is  of  a 
light  stone  color ;  but  the  moment  the  water  runs  into  its  porous  sides,  it  becomes  a  dark, 
shaded  color.     They  are  certainly  handsome  and  well-made. 

The  following  wash  destroys  both  green  and  black  aphis  on  flowers  and  fruit-trees  : 

Four  pounds  rosin,  one  pound  soda  ash,  or  five  pounds  rosin,  one  pound  caustic  potash ; 
three  and  one-half  gallons  water.  Boil  them  together  in  an  old  iron  pot  until  the  rosin 
is  dissolved.  If  caustic  soda  is  used,  allow  the  dissolved  rosin  to  settle  to  the  bottom  of 
the  vessel ;  throw  the  supernatant  mother  liquor  away,  otherwise  the  rosin  will  not  com- 
bine with  an  additional  quantity  of  water.  Add  one  quart  of  the  dissolved  rosin  to  three 
gallons  of  water,  and  syringe  your  trees  or  flowers  with  the  solution,  which  is  a  rosin  soup, 
and  the  eifect  is  seen  in  a  very  short  time  by  the  disappearance  of  the  aphis ;  care,  how- 
ever, should  be  taken  that  the  solution  is  not  too  strong,  otherwise  the  blossom  buds  may 
be  destroyed  as  well  as  the  aphides.  The  discoverer  of  this  has  successfully  employed  it 
both  in  his  hothouses  and  in  the  open  air,  for  several  years.  Let  any  trying  the  experi- 
ment for  the  first  time,  use  it  rather  too  weak  than  too  strong.  It  is  well  known  that  first 
crop  of  aphides  hatch  from  the  ova  with  just  such  a  temperature  as  sets  the  sap  in  motion, 
and  swells  the  buds  ;  therefore,  syringe  as  soon  the  buds  expand,  and  catch  the  aphides 
without  their  top  coats — in  other  words,  before  the  leaves  have  unfolded  themselves,  and 
the  insects  have  of  course  not  had  time  to  roll  themselves  up  by  their  incessant  punctures 
of  the  leaves.  By  thus  syringing  the  trees,  the  whole  crop  of  aphides  is  killed,  and  the 
gardener  then  waits  until  the  trees  have  blossomed,  and  the  fruit  is  well  set ;  he  then  gives 
another  syringing  of  the  trees,  which  keeps  them  in  a  clean  condition.  Adopt  the  same 
plan  with  roses,  asters,  chrysanthemums,  &c.,  as  well  as  plums  and  cherries. 


The  soil  of  old  vineyards  is  found  to  be  deficient  in  potash.     To  remedy  this,  it  has  been 
suggested  that  granite  should  be  heated  to  redness,  plunged  in  water,  and  ground  to  powder 

=  g^ 


EDITOR'S  TABLE. 


Mix  this  with  about  half  its  weight  of  lime,  and  expose  the  mass  to  the  action  of  the  atmo- 
sphere ;  this  compost  may  then  be  applied  as  a  manure  to  the  vines,  with  a  probable  hope 
that  it  will  remove  the  disease  now  so  prevalent. 


Gas  Tar. — This  should  never  be  used  in  the  inside  of  plant-houses.  Its  fumes  are  destruc- 
tive to  vegetation.  Even  when  used  out  of  doors,  it  is  sometimes  mischievous  if  very  near 
plants,  until,  with  time,  its  volatile  matter  becomes  exhausted. 


Roses  for  Bedding. — The  following  make  beaiatiful  beds  :  Devoniensis,  Mrs.  Bosanquet, 
and  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison.  The  most  striking  bed  that  I  have  ever  seen,  however, 
was  made  with  dwarfs  of  Geant  de  Bataille,  with  the  Noisette  Aimee  Vibert  planted 
between,  and  pegged  down  over  the  bed  in  autumn  ;  the  white  blossoms  and  glossy-green 
leaves  of  the  latter  make  a  fine  contrast  with  the  vivid  crimson  of  the  former. — D.  K. 


The  Plpji,  like  other  fruit-trees,  flourishes  best  in  well-drained,  retentive,  clay  subsoil ; 
although  it  luxuriates  in  a  strong,  clayey  loam,  thorough  drainage  is  requisite  to  prevent 
the  trees  being  covered  with  moss,  which  often  infests  them  in  damp  situations,  and  in 
which  state  it  does  not  exactly  render  the  trees  unfruitful,  but  fine  fruit  cannot  be  looked 
for  till  they  are  cleaned  from  this  parasitical  pest,  which  can  be  done  by  dressing  the  branches 
with  strong  lime-water,  or  a  mixture  of  soft-soap,  salt,  and  urine.  However,  it  is  well  to  bear 
in  mind  the  old  adage,  that  "A  preventive  is  better  than  a  cure;"  therefore  guard  against 
the  evil,  if  possible,  by  proper  drainage,  and  by  top-dressing  with  manure,  either  liquid  or 
solid,  should  they  manifest  any  sign  of  feebleness. 


The  Rose. — The  Rose,  with  all  her  beauty,  has  only  of  late  years  become  a  "  florist's 
flower."  With  all  her  glowing  colors  and  her  rich  perfume,  she  has  been  wofully  wanting 
in  shape  ;  and  we  have  only  to  recall,  in  proof,  a  pan  of  Roses,  as  exhibited  some  ten  or 
dozen  years  ago.  Blooms, large  and  beautiful  (if  you  did  not  mind  the  green  "eye"),  were 
plenteous  ;  but  blooms  like  Paul  Ricaut,  Madame  Rivers,  Louise  Peyronney,  and  many 
others,  which  we  shall  see  in  July,  were  indeed  few  and  precious. 


Great  Results. — The  Report  of  the  California  State  Agricultural  Society  contains  the 
following  statement :  "  We  visited  the  garden  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kroh.  His  lot  of  fifty  by  one 
hundred  feet,  contains  two  hundred  and  forty-five  grape-vines  of  difi"erent  ages,  sixty-nine 
of  which  are  in  full  bearing.  He  has  twenty-seven  apple-trees,  eleven  plum-trees,  seventy- 
nine  peach-trees,  seventy-three  nectarines,  four  pear-trees,  thirty-seven  apricots  ;  also  cher- 
ries, quinces,  &c.  Whole  number  of  trees  and  vines,  one  thousand  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
one,  besides  considerable  shrubbery  and  vegetables."  That  is  the  man  to  preach  to  the 
people. 


gfltes  f0r  tilt  Uont^. 

MAY. 
yiNEYARD  CALENDAR. 

BY  R.  BUCHANAN,  CINCINNATI,  OHIO. 

This  is  said  to  be  an  idle  month  for  the  vine-dresser  ;  but  that  is  a  sad  mistake.     Much 
be  done,  and  at  the  right  time,  too.     Tying  the  vines  to  the  stakes  will  of  course 
been  finished  by  the  middle  of  last  month,  and  probably  hoeing  or  ploughing  by  the 


\ 


editor's  table. 

latter  end  of  it.  Many  cultivators  prefer  not  to  work  tlieir  vineyards  until  the  first  week 
in  May,  to  prevent  the  buds  from  pushing  out  too  early,  and  being  exposed  to  injury  from 
late  spring  frosts.     My  own  observation  favors  this  recommendation. 

With  the  first  warm  weather  in  this  month,  the  young  shoots  will  grow  rapidly.  Super- 
fluous ones  should  be  rubbed  oflF,  especially  those  from  the  main  stock  near  the  ground, 
leaving  07ie  on  stalks  that  are  too  long,  that  it  may  make  a  shoot  in  two  or  three  years 
strong  enough  to  cut  down  to,  and  form  a  new  head  for  the  vine.  By  this  means,  the  vine 
is  kept  down  to  a  proper  height,  and  within  reach  and  control.  When  the  blossom  or  fruit 
buds  are  fairly  developed,  and  just  before  they  expand,  the  top  end  of  the  tender  branch 
is  pinched  off  within  two  or  three  joints  of  the  last  or  upper  bud.  The  canes  or  branches 
intended  for  bearing  wood  next  year  (two  or  three),  are  never  pinched  in. 

Towards  the  latter  end  of  this  month — if  the  season  is  early — many  lateral  shoots  will 
require  pinching  or  cutting  out,  that  the  strength  of  the  vine  may  go  to  the  fruit,  and  not 
be  expended  in  useless  suckers.  Tying  up  the  young  fruit  branches  to  the  stakes,  may  also 
be  necessary  at  this  time.  Ties  made  of  rye  straw  are  the  cheapest  and  best.  Take  a 
handful  of  straw  ;  make  the  butts  even,  and  cut  the  heads  ofi';  wet  them,  and  take  two  or 
three  straws,  and  twist  round  the  young  vine  and  the  stake,  and  fasten  the  ends  like  the 
band  round  a  sheaf  of  wheat,  cutting  off  the  ends  if  too  long.  By  an  expett  hand,  this  is 
done  very  quick.     Wheat  straw  is  the  next  best  to  rye. 

Insects. — Keep  a  sharp  look-out  for  insects  all  this  month.  A  small,  green  worm  will  be 
found  preying  on  the  tender  blossom  buds  ;  it  may  be  picked  off  in  the  morning  or  evening. 
The  curculio  is  sometimes  found  after  the  barriers  are  formed,  and  may  be  destroyed  by 
shaking  off  into  a  bucket  of  lime-water. 

Diseases. — In  France,  last  year,  sulphur  was  used  with  eminent  success  as  a  remedy  for 
the  "oidium" — a  disease  similar  to  the  mildew  and  rot  in  this  country.  Many  of  our 
vine-dressers  intend  to  scatter  flour  of  sulphur  under  their  vines  soon  after  the  first  hoeing, 
and  again  early  in  July,  in  hopes  it  may  in  some  measure  prevent  those  diseases.  It  will 
probably  also  be  obnoxious  to  insects. 

Another  method  is,  syringing  the  vines  and  fruit  bunches  with  sulphur  and  lime-water. 
Ten  pounds  of  flour  of  sulphur,  and  half  a  bushel  of  lime,  to  forty  gallons  of  water,  mixed 
first  with  ten  gallons  of  hot  water. 

These  experiments  will  not  be  expensive,  and  may  possibly  be  found  useful. 

The  wine  may  undergo  the  second  fermentation  about  the  time  of  the  blossoming  of  the 
grape.  Loosen  the  bungs  of  the  casks.  In  a  few  days  it  will  be  over ;  then  drive  the  bung 
in  tight  again. 

Br  WILLIAM  SAUNDERS,  GERMANTOWN,  PA. 

Vegetable  Garden. — The  great  aim  of  all  good  cultivators  is  to  maintain  a  continued 
healthy  and  vigorous  growth  from  the  time  the  seed  vegetates  until  the  plant  arrives  at 
maturity.  This  is,  in  fact,  the  true  meaning  of  the  word  "cultivation."  There  is  a  wide 
distinction  between  what  is  frequently  called  a  well  kept  garden  and  a  well  cultivated  one. 
The  former  may  be  kept  perfectly  clear  of  weeds  by  the  use  of  hoe  and  rake — every  spot 
of  surface  smooth  and  highly  polished.  The  vegetables  may  have  a  starved  look  about 
them,  and  languish  and  wilter  after  a  hot  day ;  yet,  with  many  persons,  such  gardening 
would  be  considered  perfection.  This  is  not  cultivation.  Hoeing,  as  understood  by  the 
really  successful  gardeners,  means  something  more  than  killing  weeds,  although  it  also  neces- 
sarily involves  their  destruction.  His  crops  are  so  arranged  on  the  drill  system  as  to  admit 
of  deep  working  between  the  rows.  This  is  performed  with  a  strong  scufile-hoe,  or  a  suit- 
able broad-tined  digging  fork  ;  in  either  case,  the  soil  is  deeply  and  thoroughly  broken  up, 
and  left  rough,  loose,  and  not  trampled  upon.  This  is  his  criterion  of  beauty  in  a  vegetable 
garden.     He  sees  no  beauty  in  a  smooth  and  finely  raked  surface. 

Seeds  of  the  cabbage  family  should  now  be  sown  for  a  winter  supply  of  vegetables  ;  the 
savoy,  broccoli,  and  Brussels'  sprouts,  are  useful  sorts,  and  should  not  be  overlooked. 
Cauliflower  sown  now,  and  the  plants  set  out,  when  large  enough,  in  a  good  soil,  will  per- 
haps form  heads  in  the  fall,  before  frost,  if  the  weather  proves  favorable  ;  and  if  they  do 
not  exhibit  any  symptoms  of  heading  before  frost,  they  can  be  lifted  and  laid  in  a  cool 
cellar,  or  planted  thickly  in  a  trench,  and  covered  with  soil  and  litter ;  they  will  form  heads 
tolerably  well  either  way,  and  be  available  when  such  vegetables  are  scarce. 

Grapery. — There  is  this  evil  attending  the  management  of  a  cold  grapery :  that  should 
days  of  unusually  cold  or  damp  weather  occur  after  growth  has  commenced,  there  is 

way  of  guarding  against  a  sudden  check  to  the  young  and  tender  growths.     Such  checks 


editor's  table. 


are  the  most  of  all  things  likely  to  produce  disease,  which  will  be  observed  by  the  parts 
becoming  mildewed  ;  and  the  more  tender  and  succulent  the  growths,  the  greater  the  danger 
in  this  respect.  Therefore  I  have  advised  what  I  invariably  practice :  that  the  vines  should, 
from  their  first  starting  into  growth,  be  inured  to  fluctuations  similar  to  what  takes  place 
in  the  open  air,  although  it  will  not,  of  course,  be  so  sudden,  nor  to  so  great  an  extent  as 
the  oiitside  temperature,  on  account  of  the  intervention  of  the  glass.  In  alluding  to  fluc- 
tuations of  temperature  in  connection  with  plant-houses,  it  is  with  reference  to  the  varia- 
tions of  night  and  day,  as  opposed  to  a  uniform  degree  during  these  periods.  The  usual 
advice  of  books  allows  a  decrease  of  8°  or  lOO  during  night.  What  I  contend  for,  is  a 
lowering  of  from  20°  to  25°  during  the  absence  of  light ;  so  that  growth  will  not  be  excited 
at  that  time.  In  very  warm,  sunny  weather,  the  day  temperature  may  be  allowed  to  exceed 
the  night  by  30°  or  35°.  It  is  a  practice  quite  common  to  close  the  house  early  in  the  after- 
noon, and  open  in  the  morning.  If  this  method  of  ventilating  be  closely  observed,  it  will 
be  found  that  the  inside  temperature  will  rise  after  the  house  is  closed  (when  it  ought  to 
be  gradually  cooling),  and,  in  the  morning,  the  thermometer  will  suddenly  drop  5^  or  8° 
after  opening  the  ventilators,  when  a  gradual  rise  would  be  more  natural.  I  do  not  recom- 
mend such  minor  fluctuations  as  these. 

It  is  also  paii  of  the  above  system  of  management  to  allow  air  at  night  when  the  fruit  is 
commencing  to  color.  The  sudden  change  of  treatment  checks  the  plant,  and  retards,  in- 
stead of  hastening,  the  coloring  process.  During  the  month  of  August,  1856,  I  visited  over 
thirty  graperies  in  the  States  of  Pennsylvania,  New  York,  Connecticut,  and  Massachusetts, 
and  the  two  finest  crops  were  in  houses  that  had  never  been  completely  closed  during  night 
from  the  time  the  fruit  was  set,  although,  when  the  days  were  cloudy  and  cool,  the  venti- 
lators would  be  kept  shut,  and  opened  a  little  during  night.  This  being  in  accordance  with 
my  own  experience,  it  was  gratifying  to  find  it  corroborated  by  others. 

In  the  August  number  of  the  Horticulturist  for  that  year,  Mr.  Huidekoper  suggests  that  if 
I  were  to  observe  more  closely,  I  would  come  to  a  di3"erent  conclusion.  His  remarks  only 
prove  what,  indeed,  we  all  know  :  that  it  is  oftentimes  easie*  to  throw  doubts  and  surmises 
around  a  question  than  demonstrate  its  error.  My  advice  is  based  upon  experience,  and 
not,  as  he  supposes,  upon  analogy. 

Rock- Work. — A  rockery  is  a  very  interesting  feature  in  gardens.  We  do  not  mean  a  pile 
of  rocks  fantastically  heaped  in  mounds  in  the  midst  of  highly  kept  flower  beds,  or  those 
perpendicular  walls  of  boulders  occasionally  met  with,  set  in  conspicuous  parts  of  a  lawn, 
having  the  appearance  of  miniature  forts.  Rockeries,  we  have  often  been  told,  are  danger- 
ous features  in  ornamental  grounds.  This  is  true,  so  far  as  attempting  to  imitate  natural 
rocky  scenery  is  concerned  ;  but  it  is  no  reason  why  we  should  abandon  the  cultivation  of 
alpine  and  other  plants  which  thrive  best  in  such  places,  because  such  features  have  been 
misplaced.  A  small  aS'air  of  this  kind — built  in  a  perfectly  secluded  and  concealed  spot, 
shut  in  on  all  sides  by  evergreens,  and  approached  by  a  small  winding  walk  or  path — does 
not,  we  conceive,  violate  any  principles  of  good  taste.  A  simple  mound  of  soil,  held  together 
by  a  few  pieces  of  rocks,  may  be  made  very  interesting.  More  elaborate  outlines  may  be 
made  by  the  use  of  cement,  leaving  spaces  for  setting  the  plants.  For  the  cultivation  of 
native  wild  plants,  such  a  place  is  very  appropriate.  Ferns  may  be  largely  planted.  It  is 
by  the  introduction  of  these  and  similar  ornaments,  that  small  and  limited  grounds  are 
frequently  more  interesting  than  those  large  pleasure  parks  and  shrubberies  more  expen- 
sively constructed,  but  without  appropriate  display  of  taste. 

Planting  Evergreens. — We  are  more  than  ever  convinced  that  the  first  week  of  this 
month, ybr  this  locality,  is  the  safest  time  to  plant  all  evergreen  trees  and  shrubs.  Further 
north,  a  week  or  so  later  will  be  equally  suitable.  If  the  soil  is  in  proper  condition,  and 
the  roots  carefully  spread  out  and  imbedded  in  it,  and  the  plant  secured  from  being  swayed 
to  and  fro  by  wind,  there  is  every  likelihood  of  success,  so  far  as  planting  can  eflect  it.  No 
planter  can  set  a  tree  to  grow  that  has  been  severely  mutilated  in  lifting,  and  only  a  mere 
apology  of  a  root  left.  Immediately  after  planting,  or  within  a  few  days,  unless  it  rains, 
they  should  receive  a  thorough  watering,  if  at  all  practicable.  Growth  will  speedily  com- 
mence, and  a  mulching  over  the  roots  will  insure  its  continuation.  If  a  few  of  the  terminal 
points  of  the  branches  can  be  removed  without  interfering  with  the  form  of  the  plant,  it 
will  further  tend  to  induce  a  speedy  and  healthy  action  of  root  growth. 


wi^;terja  zriite::(:e¥;;-;  MAGEfif'i(:A 


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CULTURE   OF   THE   PEAE — AN  ENGLISHMAN'S   VIEWS. 


but  in  ordinary  or  poor  soils,  a  surface  dressing  of  manure  should  be  given 
annually  in  October,  round  each  tree  in  a  circle  from  three  to  four  feet  in 
diameter.  The  ground  should  not  be  dug,  but  kept  clean  with  a  horse  hoe 
between  the  rows,  and  with  the  hand  hoe  round  the  trees.  When  the  ground 
is  dug  or  ploughed,  the  surface  roots  are  destroyed,  but  if  only  hoed  they 
soon  form  a  network  near  the  surface  and  feed  on  the  manure,  and  the  trees 
are  benefited  by  the  roots  being  exposed  to  the  influence  of  the  sun  and  air. 

I  should  form  my  pear  garden  thus  :  rows  ten  feet  apart,  from  north-east 
to  south-west,  so  that  the  sun  during  the  heat  of  the  day  shines  in  the  spaces 
between  them  ;  trees,  five  feet  apart  in  the  rows  ;  they  may  stand  this  dis- 
tance in  the  rows  from  ten  to  twelve  years  ;  and  then,  if  at  all  crowded, 
every  alternate  tree  may  be  removed,  but  I  am  not  sure  that  I  should  not 
let  them  remain  longer,  so  as  to  form  large  hedges.  My  trees,  five  feet 
apart  in  the  rows,  have  been  planted  twelve  years,  and  it  will  be  five  or  six 
years  before  they  touch  each  other  ;  they  are  pruned  once  a  year,  generally 
in  August,  and  sometimes  not  till  after  the  fruit  is  gathered  in  October ; 
they  vi^ist  be  pruned  once  a  year  :  my  trees  bear  profusely,  and  I  am  not 
over  nice  as  to  the  time  of  pruning.  I  have  seen  a  pear  hedge  in  France 
pruned  once  a  year  with  common  garden  shears,  and  was  surprised  to  find 
what  a  quantity  of  fruit  the  trees  gave.  I  mention  this  to  show  that  if 
pears  on  the  quince  have  a  good  soil  and  climate,  they  are  very  productive, 
even  under  rough  usage  ;  but  pruning  in  some  shape  seems  absolutely  neces- 
sary. The  soil  for  a  pear  garden  should  be  a  friable  sandy  loam,  resting  on 
a  wet  bottom  of  clay  or  stiff  loam  ;  if  rich,  all  the  better  ;  if  poor,  manure,  I 
repeat,  will  be  required.  In  this  country,  with  our  moist  climate,  1  have 
known  pears  on  the  quince  succeed  well  in  loam  resting  on  a  dry  stony  bot- 
tom ;  but  with  your  hot  summers,  unless  manured  heavily  on  the  surface, 
they  would  perhaps  suffer  from  drought.  The  sorts  I  should  select  for  my 
pear  garden  for  profit,  i.e.  for  market  purposes,  would  be,  1,  Louise  Bonne  ; 
2,  Beurre  d'Amanlis  ;  3,  Vicar  of  Winkfield  ;  5,  Beurre  Diel  ;  5,  Duchesse 
d'Angouleme  ;  6,  Easter  Beurre,  which  in  your  climate  must  be  valuable  ; 
for  in  the  warm  parts  of  France  it  is  unequalled.  The  Vicar,  which  in  moist 
seasons  in  this  country  is  flat  and  indifferent,  only  requires  a  bright  sun  to 
bring  out  its  qualities ;  for  last  summer,  1857,  which  was  remarkably  bright 
and  warm,  my  row  of  one  hundred  trees,  now  ten  years  old  and  pictures  of 
health  and  vigor,  gave  me  such  pears  as  had  never  before  been  seen  in 
Covent  Garden  market ;  they  were  large,  clear  and  beautiful,  and  almost 
"  best."  I  should  also  feel  inclined  to  try  Beurre  Hardy  as  a  market  pear  ; 
in  vigor,  the  tree  on  the  quince  equals  the  Vicar  ;  and  its  fruit  is  large  and 
excellent. 

The  cultivator  of  pears  for  market,  should  confine  himself  to  as  few  kinds 
as  possible  ;  and  if  in  the  course  of  a  few  j'ears  he  finds  any  one  or  two  that 
suit  the  soil  and  climate  better  than  others,  he  should  extend  their  culture  as 
much  as  possible.  I  have  found  this  the  case  with  Louise  Bonne,  (there  is 
now  no  occasion  to  add,  "  of  Jersey,"  for  the  old  sort  is  scarcely  known,)  and 
so  I  at  once  planted  two  thousand  trees  :  no  act  of  my  pomological  career 
has  given  me  more  pleasure  and  profit. 

I  have  not  mentioned  the  preparation  of  the  soil  ;  for  all  your  books  on 
fruit  tree  culture  go  into  that  fully  ;  but  there  can  be  no  harm  in  saying 
that  I  have  my  fresh  ground  forked  to  twenty-two  inches  in  depth  ;  and  I 
er  turn  the  surface  soil  to  the  bottom,  but  keep  the  surface  on  the  surface 
I  am,  dear  sir,  yours  very  truly,  Thos.  Eivers 


DOUGLAS'S    FIR.     {Abies  Douglasii.) 

70  Feet  ix  Height. 

(Feom  the  London  Flohist.) 


MAGNOLIAS. 


MAGNOLIAS 


Our  favorite  family,  the  Magnolias,  for  the  most  part,  will  strike  readily 
from  cuttings,  or  may  bo  increased  by  layering  the  branches,  which  is  the 
plan  most  generally  adopted  with  hardy  species  ;  the  tender  sorts  are  usually 
struck  from  cuttings.  The  best  time  for  layering  is  the  autumn,  but  it  may  be 
done  at  an}^  time  until  February.  The  branches  to  be  layered  must  be  slit 
close  below  a  leaf  or  joint,  pegged  down,  and  covered  with  soil  in  the  usual 
manner  ;  neither  shorten  the  branches  nor  take  off  any  of  the  leaves.  By 
the  next  autumn  they  will  make  nice  rooted  plants,  when  their  connexion 
may  be  severed,  and  the  plants  potted  and  plunged  in  the  soil,  which  is 
necessary  to  preserve  their  sensitive  young  roots  from  the  frosts  of  approach- 
ing winter  ;  it  is  also  as  well  to  shelter  them  in  severe  weather  with  mats 
over  hoops,  particularly  while  young,  as  they  are  tender  until  they  become 
established  and  have  plenty  of  good  roots.  To  obtain  a  stock  of  any  of  the 
hardy  kinds  the  best  way  is  to  plant  a  shrubby  specimen  in  a  sheltered  cor- 
ner of  the  garden,  with  room  all  round  it,  and  to  bend  down  and  layer  every 
branch  that  is  of  sufficient  length  to  reach  the  soil,  and  there  will  always  be 
a  succession  of  shoots  to  lay  down,  as  fast  as  the  others  are  taken  off.  The 
Chinese  sorts,  and  indeed  most  of  the  Asiatic  ones,  do  well  when  inarched, 
budded,  or  grafted  on  purpurea.  Inarching  is  the  quickest  way  of  making 
a  large  plant  at  once,  although  the  quantity  of  wood  made  use  of  for  inarch- 
ing would  make  several  grafts,  or  furnish  many  buds,  so  that  size  is  the  only- 
advantage  gained,  and  this  only  for  a  time.  Where  a  good  duplicate  speci- 
men is  required,  instead  of  stock,  this  is  not  of  much  consequence  however. 
The  method  of  inarching  is  known  to  every  one  who  has  the  least  preten- 
sions to  be  considered  a  gardener,  but  for  the  instruction  of  such  of  your 
readers  as  may  not  be  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the  modits  operandi,  I  will 
explain  the  way  in  which  this  can  be  performed  most  successfully.  In  the 
first  place  we  obtain  a  good  strong  stock  of  purpurea  of  the  desired  height, 
and  place  it  near  enough  the  plant  that  is  to  furnish  the  branch  to  be  in- 
arched, which  should  be  such  as  can  be  spared  without  injury  and  likely  to 
form  a  nice  plant.  The  two  should  be  tied  so  that  neither  may  suffer  any 
disturbance.  One  side  of  the  branch  must  then  be  pared  flat  for  a  length  of 
about  three  inches,  and  the  stock  also  pared  to  correspond,  so  that,  when 
fitted  together,  the  bark  of  each  may  be  in  close  contact  and  unite,  which 
in  due  course  they  will  do  after  being  firmly  bound  together.  If  the  stock 
and  branch  are  of  different  sizes  there  may  be  some  little  difficulty  in  fitting 
the  one  to  the  other,  in  which  case  it  is  not  very  material  to  make  both  sides 
fit,  provided  the  bark  of  each  is  in  contact  on  one  side.  The  season  when 
inarching  should  be  performed  is  just  before  the  plants  begin  to  make  their 
growth,  when  the  subsequent  flow  of  sap  will  ensure  a  ready  union  of  the 
two  parts. 

All  the  North  American  Magnolias  may  be  raised  from  seed,  sown  in  pots 
or  pans  rather  widely,  covered  about  half  an  inch  deep  with  soil,  and  placed 
in  a  warm  frame.  When  the  young  plants  are  of  sufficient  size,  pot  them 
off  and  return  them  to  the  frame  to  establish  them,  after  which  they  may  be 
placed  in  a  cold  pit.  In  this  state  they  are  very  susceptible  of  harm,  from 
cold  winds  particularly  ;  let  the  pit  be  shut  up  at  night  as  winter  draws 
but  give  them  as  much  air  as  they  can  have  with  safety.  They  will 
equire  repotting  as  they  progress,  and  when  in  thirty-two's  they  may 


well  be  snnk  into  the  soil  of  the  pit ;  this  will  be  a  great  security  against 
injury,  either  from  the  roots  becoming  too  dry  or  being  injured  by  frost.      B. 


-^ — »  •  »   '« 


THE   PLANT   HUNTERS; 
Or,  gtbtenturcs  nmong  i\^t  pimHiaga  Ponntains. 

BY    CAPT.    MAYNE    REID. 


THE    PLANT    HUNTERS    IN    AMERICA. 

Happy  in  its  title,  happy  in  its  recitals,  so  far  as  the  young  are  concerned, 
this  book  has  somewhat  of  the  spirited  details  of  Robinson  Crusoe.  The 
incidents  of  intercourse  among  the  natives,  the  contests  with  tigers,  and 
the  hair-breadth  escapes,  whilst  traversing  the  heights  and  chasms  of  that 
noblest  of  nature's  geological  structures,  rivet  the  attention  of  the  youthful 
mind  :  but  the  lover  of  plants  will  seek  in  vain  for  a  single  fact,  or  descrip- 
tion which  its  title  might  have  led  him  to  expect  would  be  the  burthen  of 
the  song.  Whether  its  author  had  ever  been  in  India,  does  not  appear.  He 
assumes  to  be  the  editor  and  collator  of  another's  labors,  and  introduces 
him  and  others  of  his  class  to  his  readers,  thus  :  "  My  plant-hunter  is  no 
fungus-digger.  His  occupation  is  of  a  nobler  kind  than  contributing  merely 
to  the  capricious  palate  of  the  gourmand.  To  his  labors  the  whole  civilized 
world  is  indebted.  You  owe  him  gratitude  for  many  a  bright  joy.  For  the 
varied  sheen  of  your  garden  you  are  indebted  to  him.  The  gorgeous  dahlia 
that  nods  over  the  flower-bed — the  brilliant  peony  that  sparkles  on  the  par- 
terre— the  lovely  camellia  that  greets  you  in  the  green  house — the  kalmias, 
the  azalias,  the  rhododendrons,  and  a  thousand  other  floral  beauties  are, 
one  and  all  of  them,  the  gifts  of  the  plant-hunter.  By  his  agency,  England — 
cold,  cloudy  England — has  become  a  garden  of  flowers,  more  varied  in  its 
species,  and  brighter  in  bloom,  than  those  that  blossomed  in  the  famed 
valley  of  Cashmere.  Many  of  the  noble  trees  that  lend  grace  to  our  English 
landscape — most  of  the  beautiful  shrubs  that  adorn  our  villas,  and  gladden 
the  prospect  from  cottage  windows,  are  the  produce  of  his  industry."  Karl 
Linden,  whose  exploits  and  adventures  he  proceeds  to  relate,  was  a  young 
Bavarian  botanist,  the  son  of  an  uneducated  gardener,  who  having  experi- 
enced the  disadvantages  of  that  condition,  determined  on  the  education  of 
his  son.  At  nineteen,  Karl  was  a  student  in  one  of  the  universities,  and 
had  imbibed  those  principles  of  patriotic  liberty  that  in  1848  were  strong  in 
the  German  heart,  and  was  one  of  those  brave  students  who  gave  temporary 
freedom  to  Baden  and  Bavaria.  Forced  to  flee  from  his  native  land,  an  exile 
in  London,  what  was  the  young  refugee  to  do.  He  found  English  hospitalit}^ 
cold  enough.  He  was  free  indeed — to  wander  the  streets  and  beg.  For- 
tunately he  bethought  him  of  a  resource.  He  understood  the  names  and 
natures  of  most  of  the  plants  cultivated  in  Europe.  His  early  opportunities 
in  the  garden  of  a  great  noble,  where  his  father  was  the  superintendent, 
had  given  him  this  knowledge  ;  if  he  could  do  no  better,  he  could  make  a 
hand  in  a  garden  and  nursery  ;  with  such  an  idea  in  his  mind,  the  young 
refugee  presented  himself  at  the  gate  of  one  of  the  magnificent  nurseri 
which  great  London  abounds  ;  he  told  his  story,  and  was  employed.     It 


not  long  before  the  intelligent  and  enterprising  proprietor  of  the  establish- 
ment discovered  the  botanical  knowledge  of  his  Gernxnn  protege.  He  wanted 
just  such  a  man.  He  had  plant-hunters  in  North  and  South  America,  in 
Africa,  in  Australia, — he  w^anted  a  collector  for  India.  To  India  he  was  dis- 
patched ;  a  ship  carried  the  plant-hunter  to  Calcutta,  and  his  own  good  legs 
carried  him  to  the  Himalayas.  Such  are  the  opening  chapters  ;  we  could 
have  wished  the  subsequent  ones  were  more  appropriate  to  the  title  of  the 
book  ;  but  he  who  wishes  information  on  the  botanical  treasures  of  that 
quarter  of  the  globe,  need  not  look  therein.  Let  him  consult  that  most 
interesting  work,  "Notes  of  a  Naturalist  in  Bengal — the  Sikkim  and  Nepal 
Himalayas,"  by  Doct.  Hooker,  son  of  Sir  Wm.  Hooker,  the  distinguished 
Curator  of  Kew  Gardens. 

]\Ir.  Editor,  perhaps  some  of  your  youthful  readers  (for  I  trust  you  have 
many  such,  whose  tastes  the  Hortiadhirist  is  assisting  to  mould  for  future 
usefulness  and  pleasure),  may  not  know  we  have  had  plant-hunters  among 
us  :  men  who  would  have  derived  greater  joy  from  the  discovery  of  an  unde- 
scribed  Magnolia,  or  even  an  humble  moss,  than  did  Captain  Sutler  and  his 
associates,  on  the  first  discovery  of  gold  in  California  !  Probably  the  first, 
certainly  the  most  distinguished  of  the  early  plant-hunters  of  America,  was 
Bartram,  who,  about  the  year  1130,  made  collections  of  American  plants  for 
his  English  correspondents.  He  was  perhaps  the  first  Anglo-American  who 
conceived  the  idea  of  establishing  a  Botanic  Garden,  and  determined  more 
undescribed  plants  than  any  of  his  cotemporaries  in  our  country. 

In  1773,  the  second  botanical  garden  was  established  in  this  country,  by 
Humphrey  Marshall,  another  plant-hunter,  whose  residence  was  at  the  site 
of  the  present  village  of  Marshallton,  Chester  county,  Pa.  His  example 
was  not  without  its  influence  ;  and  in  1777,  John  Jackson  commenced  a 
highly  interesting  collection  of  plants  at  his  residence  in  the  same  county. — 
Set  Darlington.  In  1785,  Humphrey  Marshall  published  "Arbustum  Ameri- 
canum,"  believed  to  be  the  first  botanical  work  written  by  an  American,  and 
published  in  this  country  ;  it  is  a  rare  book,  of  which  a  copy  is  preserved  in 
the  Philadelphia  Library.  In  1791,  Bartram  published  his  Travels  in  the 
Carolinas,  Georgia,  and  Florida — an  interesting  account  of  that  section, 
mainly  valuable  at  the  present  day  as  a  record  of  the  past.  Other  plant- 
hunters  now  appeared  in  quick  succession — some  impelled  solely  by  the  love 
of  science  ;  others,  by  the  double  purpose  of  gratifying  their  thirst  for 
knowledge,  and  gaining  bread  by  the  exportation  of  their  collections  to 
Europe.  One  of  the  most  distinguished  of  the  present  century  Avas  F.  Andre 
Michaux,  who  in  1810  published  in  France  his  "History  of  the  Forest  Trees 
of  North  America,"  and  of  which,  Mr.  Editor,  it  was  your  pleasant  lot  to 
superintend  several  American  editions.  The  interesting  biographical  sketch 
of  Michaux,  recently  published  in  the  Horticulturist,  has  happily  extended  his 
name  and  fame.  Preceding  Michaux  by  a  few  years,  was  Kin,  an  eccentric 
German,  of  whom  but  little  is  recorded.  He  traversed  on  foot  much  of  our 
then  unexplored  country,  with  bag  on  shoulder,  a  la,  chiffonnier,  gathering  as 
he  journeyed  whatever  to  his  inquisitive  eye  seemed  rare  or  beautiful.  The 
collection  of  southern  Azalias,  which  decorated  the  old  Landreth  Nurseries, 
was  made  by  him,  in  return  for  some  trivial  aid  extended  his  exchequer  in 
an  hour  of  need.  Pursh  followed,  and  for  some  time  was  gardener  to  Mr. 
Hamilton  at  the  Woodlands.  He  was  an  educated,  observant,  German 
botanist,  and  in  1814  published  in  London  "  Flora  AmericfB  Septentrional 
the  most  comprehensive  work  on  American  plants  extant,  though  perhap 


of  the  very  highest  authority.  His  name  will  pass  to  posterity  among  those 
of  the  early  plant-hunters  in  the  wilds  of  the  New  World.  To  him,  it  has 
been  said,  belongs  the  chief  credit  of  a  most  useful  practical  work,  "  The 
American  Gardener's  Calendar,"  published  in  1806  by  Bernard  McMahon, 
whose  name  it  bears.  Here  we  may  digress  to  say,  McMahon  was  in  his 
way  a  plant-hunter  and  patron  of  scieuce,  so  much  so  as  to  induce  Nuttall 
to  name  the  genus  Mahonia  in  his  honor.  I  was  pleased  to  hear,  Mr.  Editor, 
that  it  is  your  intention  to  republish  the  memoir  of  him  which  you  appended 
to  the  late  edition  of  his  work  superintended  by  yourself. 

John  Lyon,  a  Scotchman — sprung  from  that  staid  and  thrifty  class  of 
peasantry,  whose  sons  have  furnished  so  many  bright  examples  in  art,  liter- 
ature and  science — succeeded  Pursh,  as  the  superintendent  of  the  Wood- 
lands, during  its  palmy  days.  Lyon  ultimately  relinquished  the  position  to 
become  a  practical  plant-hunter,  with  a  view  to  their  exportation  to  Europe. 
In  that  pursuit  he  made  extensive  journeys,  pi'eserving  his  accumulated 
gatherings  at  my  father's  nursery,  until  they  amounted  to  a  sufficiency  to 
authorize  a  trip  ;  thus  he  made  alternate  journeys  of  collection  and  voyages 
across  the  Atlantic,  Mr.  Editor,  you  well  remember  the  Magnolias,  Halcsias, 
Stuartias,  Virgilias,  Gordonias,  Pinckneyeas,  and  other  then  rare  native  trees 
and  shrubs,  which  decorated  the  old  place — they  were  mainly  the  contribu- 
tions of  Mr.  Lyon.  In  one  of  his  tours  of  exploration,  whilst  in  Tennessee, 
he  was  overtaken  by  a  fever  incident  to  that  region,  and  died  with  stran- 
gers only  to  pay  "  the  last  sad  offices."  Such  is  the  danger  to  which  the 
plant-hunter  is  subject.  Though  then  but  a  child,  I  recollect  him  well. 
He  was,  for  years,  when  at  Philadelphia,  an  inmate  of  my  father's  family, 
and  at  one  period  acted  as  an  amateur  tutor  to  the  writer  of  this  sketch.  I 
judge  he  found  it  no  "  delightful  task"  to 

"  Teach  his  young  ideas  how  to  shoot." 

Mr.  Lyon  was  an  amiable,  well  bred,  intelligent  man,  of  most  sterling 
worth,  and  a  loyal  Briton.  Well  do  I  remember  the  contempt  and  incredul- 
ity with  which  he  was  wont  to  read  in  Poulsort's  Daily  Advertizer  the  tidiugs 
of  Buonaparte's  Peninsular  successes  and  his  joy  when  he  was  despatched 
to  Elba. 

About  this  period  came  Whitlaw,  whom  no  doubt,  Mr.  Editor,  you  dis- 
tinctly remember  ;  once  seen  and  heard,  his  image  could  never  be  obliterated. 
His  portly  person,  ruby  face,  and  broad  Scotch  accent,  with  a  to^ie  of  confi- 
dent assurance  which  told  of  perfect  self  satisfaction,  made  an  indelible 
impress  on  my  youthful  mind.  Whitlaw  delivered  a  weak  course  of  lec- 
tures on  botany,  aided  by  a  series  of  transparencies. 

Shortly  subsequent  to  Lyon  came  another  plant-hunter,  Thomas  Nuttall. 
Though  more  than  forty  years  ago,  I  distinctly  remember  the  first  time  I  saw 
him,  standing  beside  my  father,  in  the  dusk  of  a  summer's  evening  ;  a 
stranger,  of  quiet  manner  and  careless  toilet,  presented  a  letter,  which 
proved  an  introduction  from  Frazer,  a  botanist  of  some  repute,  who  had  been 
a  plant-hunter  in  America.  Nuttall  had  previously  been  in  this  country  in 
the  capacity  of  a  journeyman  printer.  What  first  directed  his  attention  tlD 
botany  is  unknown  ;  he  at  that  time  knew  nothing  of  plants  ;  in  his  own 
words,  not  even  "  a  sviilax  from  a  passion-flower,"  and  actually  mistook  the 
former  for  the  latter  1  Mr.  Nuttall  is  so  well  remembered  by  Philadelph" 
of  botanical  taste — indeed  by  all  in  every  department  of  science — at 


of  the  generation  which  is  daily  lessening,  that  any  description  of  him  would 
be  almost  superfluous. 

In  1818,  he  published  his  "  Genera  of  American  Plants,"  which  it  has  been 
said,  "  gave  a  new  impulse  to  botanical  studies  in  this  country."  Nearly 
simultaneously  therewith  he  delivered  a  highly  successful  course  of  lectures 
on  botany  at  the  old  hall  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  in  Arch  street, 
at  which  I  recollect  seeing  that  able  botanist,  the  Abbe  Correa  De  Serra,  the 
Portuguese  Ambassador  and  Perpetual  Secretary  to  the  Academy  of  Sciences 
of  Lisbon,  himself  a  plant-hunter,  and  in  whose  honor  was  named  the  genus 
Corraa.  In  1821,  Nuttall  published  "  Travels  in  Arkansas,"  being  notes  of  a 
journey  in  search  of  plants.  Though  the  bent  of  his  mind  was  to  precise 
studies,  he  had  descriptive  and  reflective  powers  of  mon;  than  ordinary 
beauty,  and  had  he  cultivated  literature  as  ardently  as  science,  he  would 
assuredly  have  reached  distinction. 

NuttalFs  perseverance  in  the  study  of  his  favorite  branch  of  science  was 
ultimately  rewarded  by  a  Professorship  at  Cambi'idge,  and  no  man  could 
have  worn  his  honors  with  greater  modesty.  He  ultimately  resigned  his 
chair,  and  returned  to  England,  having  been  made  independent  by  the  de- 
cease of  a  paternal  uncle,  who,  to  correct  what  he  no  doubt  deemed  his 
wandering  habits,  coupled  the  enjoyment  of  the  estate  with  the  condition  that 
he  should  reside  in  England  a  fixed  portion  of  each  year,  himself,  poor  man, 
innocently  unconscious  his  nephew  had  immortalized  the  name  of  Nuttall. 
He  still  resides  near  Liverpool,  and  is  just  now  devoted  to  Rhododendrons. 
These  rambling  sketches  of  plant-hunters  might  be  more  extended,  they 
are  already  too  long,  yet  I  cannot  close  without  referring  to  another,  if, 
indeed,  it  be  admissible  thus  publicly  to  mention  one, 

'*  Whose  modesty  is  only  equalled  by  his  virtues." 

Doctor  Darlington,  of  West  Chester,  author  of  "  Flora  Cestrica,"  and  who,  in 
his  own  quiet,  unobtrusive  way,  has  done  much  to  advance  botanical  taste, 
and  has  conferred  a  further  obligation  on  his  countrymen  by  his  charming 
book,  "  Memorials  of  Bartram  and  Marshall,"  to  which,  Mr.  Editor,  I  beg 
you,  once  more,  direct  the  attention  of  your  readers  ;  you  can  scarcely  do 
them  a  greater  service.  L. 


PLAN  OF  AN  ORCHIDEOUS  HOUSE. 

BY   M.    COLEMAN,    MAMARONECK,    WESTCHESTER    CO.,    NEW   YORK. 

There  are  few  tribes  of  plants  so  deserving  the  attention  of  amateurs  as 
the  Epiphytal  species  of  Orchideee  ;  they  are  rich  in  every  variety  of  color; 
some  replete  with  aromatic  perfumes,  others  emitting  the  most  refreshing 
and  delicate  odors.  Their  flowers  are  mostly  large,  showy,  and  fantastic 
but  all  are  interesting  for  their  curious  forms.  They  are  of  easy  culture, 
bearing  an  incredible  degree  of  heat  or  cold  if  applied  at  the  proper  season, 
and  with  due  care  is  there  one  that  ever  saw  those  beautiful  Cattleyas,  ele- 
gant Oncidiums,  curious  Phaleenopsis,  or  showy  Stauhopeas,  but  would  wish 
to  grace  their  collections  with  them?  yet,  strange  to  think,  notwithstanding 
their  many  commendable  qualities,  how  seldom  even  a  solitary  specimen 
met  with  ;  this  may  be  attributed  to  the  fact  that  a  specimen  once  procured 


PLAN  OF  AN   OKCHIDEOUS  HOUSE. 


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1-3 


and  submitted  to  the  treatment  of  a  general  collection,  will  soon  cease  to 
exist.  It  should  not  be  inferred  from  such  failures  that  they  are  more  diffi- 
cult to  cultivate  than  other  plants,  but  it  illustrates  the  fallacious  notion 
which  many  entertain,  that  plants  from  all  parts  of  the  globe  must  do  equally 
well  in  one  house.  To  such  an  admixture  the  subject  of  this  notice  forms  a 
grand  exception  ;  for  to  grow  Orchideaj  to  perfection,  thej^  must  have  a 
house  of  their  own,  so  arranged  as  to  imitate  as  near  as  possible  the  seasons 
and  atmosphere  of  their  natural  climate,  as  much  anxiety  and  expense  is 
obviated  by  a  proper  beginning. 

I  send  the  above  plan  and  arrangement  of  a  house  which  I  found  suited 
to  their  wants,  for  the  benefit  of  those  interested.  It  is  a  combination  on  a 
small  scale  of  the  best  houses  in  England,  by  the  author  of  "  Centuary  of 
Orchidea?,"  &c. 

A,  A,  side  shelves  for  plants,  with  tank  and  return  pipe  underneath  ;  B,  B, 
walks  ;  C,  C,  plant  stage  ;  D,  anteroom  ;  E,  fountain  and  aquarium  ;  F,  F, 
F,  F,  under  the  shelves  are  apartments  for  creepers.  The  stage  is  comprised 
of  seven  shelves,  three  on  the  sides  and  ends  and  one  in  the  centre,  sunk  in 
pans  half  an  inch  deep  in  Yorkshire  white  flags  ;  these  pans  are  filled  with 
clean  round  gravel,  on  which  the  pots  are  placed  ;  when  evaporation  is  re- 
quired, the  whole  stage  and  walks,  if  needed,  can  be  ingeniously  overflowed 
in  a  few  minutes  from  a  tank  on  the  roof  of  a  garden  shed  which  runs  at 
right  angles  to  the  house  at  the  end,  G.  This  tank  is  supplied  by  a  force- 
pump  from  a  supply  cistern,  filled  with  rain  water  from  the  surrounding- 
buildings  ;  a  pipe  is  carried  from  the  tank,  under  the  walk,  and  through  the 
vault  (under  the  arched  shelves)  to  the  fountain,  with  a  tap  at  a  convenient 
point,  which  turned  at  leisure,  throws  a  constant  stream  and  gives  a  genial 
and  pleasant  atmosphere  ;  there  is  an  overflow  carrying  the  surplus  water 
back  again  to  the  supply  cistern. 

There  is  also  a  brass  stopper,  fitted  in  the  bottom  of  the  pond,  connected 
with  a  drain  to  carry  off  the  water  when  necessary.  Another  pipe  is  brought 
from  the  tank,  and  under  the  walk  is  carried  through  the  mason  work  and 
centre  of  the  stage  at  H,  and  neatly  laid  along  the  centre  of  the  pan,  (the 
centre  of  this  pan  must  be  sufiBciently  deep  that  the  pipe  will  not  appear 
above  the  level  of  the  shelf,)  to  I,  the  stage  being  divided  by  the  pond.  The 
pipe  is  here  bent  down  and  carried  under  the  shelves,  rises  again  at  J,  and 
is  continued  to  the  end.  The  holes  in  the  pans  must  be  cemented  to  prevent 
the  escape  of  water  ;  the  pipe  is  perforated  at  twelve  or  fifteen  inches  apart, 
with  a  tap  in  a  convenient  place.  The  centre  shelf  must  be  water  level  ;  so 
must  2  and  2,  &c.,  be  on  the  same  level  ;  then  the  water  flows  equalty  to  both 
sides.  The  side  shelves  are  also  of  flag,  with  cast  iron  facing,  supported  by 
inch-thick  iron  bars,  and  made  water  tight  with  Roman  cement.  These  are 
also  covered  with  gravel,  and  can  be  M-atered  with  equal  facility  by  branch- 
pipes  from  that  which  waters  the  stage. 

At  K,  K,  is  a  brass  stopper  to  draw  off  the  water  when  needed.  Directly 
under  those  stoppei's  are  hollow  flags,  with  circular  openings  and  drains 
connecting  with  that  from  the  pond,  which  answer  the  double  purpose  of 
carrying  off  the  surplus  water  from  the  shelves  and  from  the  walks  when 
washing  is  needed.  The  walks  are  finished  with  Yorkshire  flags  ;  the  side 
walls  are  five  feet  six  inches  high,  having  no  upright  glass  ;  the  sashes  are 
single  lights,  and  are  fixed  ;  (that  is  an  objection  which  should  be  avoided, 
the  tops  should  open  in  hot  weather  ;)  the  ventilators  are  built  in  the  side 
walls,  one  under  each  sash  ;  there  is  also  a  ventilator  in  each  gable 


the  only  entrance  is  thi'ough  the  anteroom  (this  is  only  necessary  for  a  de- 
tached house)  ;  it  serves  to  prevent  a  rush  of  cold  air  as  well  as  prolong-  the 
period  of  blooming  by  changing  from  a  moist  to  a  drier  atmosphere  ;  the 
flooring  is  the  same  as  in  the  house,  and  a  shelf  around  it,  with  brass  swivels 
from  the  ceiling  for  hanging  plants ;  there  are  four  large  windows,  one  on 
each  side,  hung  in  the  ordinary  way.  The  house  has  an  east  and  west  aspect ; 
this,  I  believe,  a  great  desideratum  for  all  plant-houses,  as  the  sun  will  have 
less  power  at  noon,  they  being  naturally  shade-loving  plants.  A  steep  roof, 
fluted  glass,  and  a  judicious  selection  of  creepers,  will  obviate  much  diffi- 
culty on  this  point. 


NEW    PLANTS    OF    ISbl. 

The  year  which  has  passed  away  has  been,  as  usual,  prolific  of  novelties 
amongst  plants  cultivated  as  ornamental  objects.  It  was,  however,  specially 
recorded,  that  two  classes  of  plants,  which  appeal  to  the  senses  more  by 
their  beautiful  forms  than  by  their  gaudy  colors — by  their  elegant  rather 
than  their  gorgeous  beauty,  have  made  great  advances  in  popular  estima- 
tion. The  classes  referred  to  are  the  Ferns  and  the  Ornamental-foliaged 
Plants,  including  among  the  latter  those  with  variegated  leaves.  We  pass 
over  these,  however,  to  record  briefly  the  novelties  among  flowering  plants, 
which  have  attracted  especial  notice  during  1857. 

Among  annuals,  the  most  striking  and  useful  addition  which  we  have 
observed  is  Lupinus  Menziesi,  remarkable  for  its  crowded,  heavy  spikes  of 
deep  yellow  flowers.  The  Veronica  Syriaca,  too,  though  of  a  simpler  chai-- 
acter,  should  form  pretty  dwarf  blue  beds.  A  purple-leaved  variety  of 
Oxalis  stricta,  called  atropurpurea,  may  be  a  useful  dwarf  plant  for  special 
purposes.  Here  we  may  also  record  the  showy  biennial  Campanula  Brome- 
headiana,  a  remarkably  fine  double  Canterbury  Bell. 

Perennials  are  more  numerous.  There  is  the  Farfugium  grande.  Del- 
phinium formosum,  an  English  garden  variety,  is,  perhaps,  one  of  the  richest 
and  showiest  perennials,  producing  freely  its  large  intense  azure  flowers  ; 
producing  them  freely,  too,  the  first  year  from  the  seed,  if  sown  early  and 
planted  in  congenial  soil.  In  the  French  gardens  has  appeared  a  handsome 
double-flowered  (so-called)  varietj' of  Scabiosa  atropurpurea;  and  there  also 
has  re-appeared  a  beautiful  dwarf  Dianthus,  with  its  crest  of  crimson  white- 
eyed  flowers,  resting  on  a  compact  mass  of  deep  green  leaves  ;  it  is  called 
Dianthus  pulcherrimus.  Lobelia  texensis  is  a  vigorous  growing  species, 
with  scarlet  flowers,  numerous,  but  rather  small,  and  is  of  half-hardy  char- 
acter. This  latter  remark  applies  to  the  fine  Spanish  Salvia  candelabra,  a 
tall  sufifruticose  plant,  with  branching  panicles  of  white  and  purple  flowers. 
The  French  gardens  have  received  from  California  Tanacetum  elcgans,  with 
grejnsh  Fern-like  foliage.  Viola  pedunculata  is  a  handsome  dwarf  plant, 
with  yellow  flowers,  spotted  behind.  The  last  was  the  finest  Chrysanthemum 
season  ever  known. 

Among  greenhouse  plants,  the  finest,  without  doubt,  is  Rhododendron 
Veitchii,  a  dwarf  habited  species,  with  large  white  frilled  flowers.  Several 
good  additions  have  been  made  to  the  Indian  Azalias,  but  none  strikingly 
superior  to  those  already  known.  The  double  variety  of  Camellia  reticulata, 
duced  by  Mr.  Fortune,  has  bloomed  and  proves  to  have  a  large,  rich 
ed  flower,  moderately  filled  with  petals.     Monocha;tum  ensifei'um 


charming  little  Melastomaceoiis  shnib,  with  Chironia-colorecl  flowers,  a 
g-reeuhouse  plant,  certainly,  but  probably  requiring  a  warm  greenhouse. 
Some  very  pretty  hybrid  Bouvardias  have  been  produced.  One  of  the  best 
of  variegated  plants  is  the  new  Il^'drangea  japonica  aureo-variegata. 

Achimenes  amabilis  is  a  fine  stove  plant,  with  white  Foxglove-shaped 
flowers  ;  and  both  that  and  A.  meteor,  which  we  have  figured,  and  A.  splen- 
dens,  alias  Tapina,  a  trailer,  with  brilliant  scarlet  flowers,  are  charming  ad- 
ditions to  this  popular  family.  There  are  some  very  handsome  new  Begonias. 
B.  Griffithi  and  B.  Rex  are  dwarf  kinds,  with  a  zone  of  silvery  grey  on  the 
upper  surface  of  their  foliage  ;  B.  Heracleifolia  nigricans  and  B.  laciniata, 
larger  sorts,  with  dark  or  brown-purple  variegations.  The  curious  little  B. 
rosacea  has  nearly  circular  flowers,  and  is  altogether  a  neat  plant.  Eucharis 
Amazonica  and  E.  grandiflora,  of  which  the  first  is,  perhaps,  only  a  larger 
flowered  variety,  are  stove  herbaceous  plants  of  the  first  class,  bold  in  char- 
acter, free  blooming,  and  showy.  Gardenia  citriodora,  a  dwarf,  cool  stove 
evergreen,  bears  its  fragrant  white  blossoms  profusely.  Gesnera  cinnabarina 
is  a  fine  novelty  with  the  habit  of  zebrina,  having  richly  colored  foliage  ; 
and  G.  densiflora,  a  free  blooming  new  species,  with  the  habit  of  oblongata, 
both  highly  desirable  additions  to  our  gay  stove  plants.  Poitsea  viciaefolia  is 
a  slender,  elegant  Mimosa-like  plant,  with  vermilion-colored  long  Papilio- 
naceous flowers.  Thunbergia  Harissi  and  T.  laurifolia  are  two  noble  stove 
climbers,  producing  pendant  racemes  of  large  pale  blue  flowers,  the  efiect  of 
which  from  the  rafters  of  a  hothouse  must  be  very  fine.  Tydsea  Eeckhauti 
and  T.  Ortegiesi  are  showy  hybrids,  with  the  character  of  Achimenes  picta, 
and  of  a  rosy  red. 

There  are  but  few  important  additions  to  the  list  of  Orchids.  Aerides 
Wightianum  is  a  distinct  and  charming  plant  with  apricot-colored  flowers. 
Angrfficum  sesquipedale  is  a  superb  thing,  Vanda-like  in  habit,  with  the 
largest  flowers  known  in  the  family,  pure  white  when  expanded.  Cypri- 
pedium  Fairieanum  and  C.  hirsutissimum  are  two  distinct  and  handsome  ad- 
ditions to  the  evergreen  section  of  Lady's  Slipper.  Lfelia  Brysnia  is  very 
rich-looking  ;  and  finally  Trichopilia  crispa  is  a  charming  frilled-flowered 
dwarf  epiphyte,  near  T.  coccinea,  but  with  the  flowers  crispy  edged. — Lon- 
don Florist. 


ON   TRAINING  AND   STANDARD   HONEYSUCKLES. 

BY    CLERICUS. 

Possessed  of  such  delightful  fragrance  and  elegant  climbing  habit,  this 
plant  is  universally  admired.  Possessed  of  sterling  charms,  it  deserves  to 
be  cultivated  in  all  gardens,  and  in  every  variety  of  form  which  its  nature 
will  allow.  As  it  is  exceedingly  accommodating  with  regard  to  treatment, 
it  is  much  to  be  regretted  that,  in  most  instances,  it  is  merely  grown  in 
those  artificial  circumstances  where  a  wall  or  a  trellis,  or  something  equally 
formal,  is  afforded  for  training  it.  Supported  by  a  pole,  so  as  to  compose  a 
pillar,  it  is  hardly  ever  to  be  seen  ;  pruned  into  a  dwarf  bush,  and  thus 
making  a  fine  border  shrub,  still  seldomer ;  trailing  over  rockwork  or  a  rocky 
bank,  I  have  never  yet  observed  it ;  nor  have  I  ever  noticed  it  planted 
thickly  as  a  bush,  and  forming  entangled  beds,  nor  growing  amongst  Ivy, 
nor  planted  extensively  to  twine  round  the  stems  of  trees  in  shrubberies, 
nor  covering  bushes   of  Hawthorn  or  similar  plants  in  the  ruder  parts  of 


OK   TRAINING   AND    STA2!rt>AED    HONEYSUCKLES. 


pleasure-grounds  ;  nor,  in  more  than  two  or  three  places,  pruned  to  a  stan 
dard  of  four  or  five  feet  hig-h,  and  developing  a  large  half-drooping  head, 
which  almost  sweeps  the  lawn.  And  yet,  for  each  and  all  of  these  objects, 
it  is  peculiarly  well  adapted,  while  such  treatment,  would  in  itself  give  a 
great  and  delightful  variety  to  a  flower-garden,  A  short  sketch  of  all  these 
methods  may  not  be  unacceptable. 

Honeysuckles  are  not  generally  at  all  suitable  for  training  on  walls. 
They  are  chiefly  twining  plants,  and  require  something  to  wind  and  cling 
around.  The  Etruscan  and  yellow-flowered  kinds  (Caprifolmm  JStrusmm  and 
flavmi),  with  the  evergreen  sort  (C  semper vir ens),  are,  however,  tolerably 
fitted  for  clothing  low  walls.  But  they  will  need  much  pruning  in  such  situ- 
ations, at  first,  to  prevent  the  lower  branches  from  becoming  bare,  and  to 
induce  them  to  throw  out  laterals  freely.  For  trellises,  of  various  descrip- 
tions, Honeysuckles  are  much  more  appropriate.  They  can  be  trained  over 
these  so  as  to  have  almost  a  natural  appearance,  and  whether  the  trellis  be 
in  the  form  of  an  espalier,  or  an  arch  over  a  walk,  or  a  covering  to  an  arbor, 
or  any  small  erection,  they  will  only  need  tying  to  it  by  some  of  the  main 
branches,  while  the  other  shoots  can  be  wreathed  into  the  trellis.  Here,  as 
in  the  last-named  case,  much  pruning  will  be  wanted  for  a  time,  to  get  the 
plants  into  a  good  lateral  and  flower-bearing  condition.  A  pretty  diversity 
in  training  Honeysuckles  thus  might  be  obtained  by  the  use  of  poles,  with 
chains  or  ropes  hanging  in  a  deep  curve  between  them,  so  as  to  compose 
festoons.  By  fastening  two  or  three  main  stems  along  these  chains  or  ropes, 
and  pruning  them  to  give  an  abundance  of  laterals,  very  elegant  festoons 
might  be  formed  in  a  few  years. 

Supporting  Honeysuckles  by  poles  is  much  superior  to  the  method  of  sus- 
taining them  by  trellises,  because  more  natural  and  better  calculated  to 
sliow  the  plants  to  advantage.  Indeed,  this  is  one  of  the  best  of  all  ways 
of  managing  them.  The  poles  may  be  from  six  to  ten  feet  high,  and  either 
single,  or  in  threes  joined  together  at  the  top,  or  in  threes  kept  apart  by  cross- 
bars. Perhaps  the  single  poles  are  the  most  beautiful.  A  specimen,  planted 
at  the  base  of  one  of  these,  may  be  tied  to  it,  or  suffered  to  twine  round  it  ; 
and  as  it  rises,  the  leading  shoots  should  now  and  then  be  stopped,  in  order 
to  force  them  into  a  lateral  growth  ;  for  the  main  beauty  of  a  thing  of  this 
sort  consists  in  having  the  entire  pole  well  clothed  with  branches  and  blos- 
soms. If  the  former  are  obtained,  the  latter  are  nearly  sure  to  follow. 
Pruned  so  as  to  make  a  dwarf  border  shrub,  the  Honeysuckle  will  add  a 
very  agreeable  feature  to  a  shrubbery  border.  It  has  only  to  be  efiiciently 
cut  down  while  young,  and  it  will  soon  acquire  the  habit  of  making  nothing 
but  short  blooming  shoots  ;  or,  should  it  occasionally  send  out  a  long  ram- 
bling branch,  such  as  it  usually  climbs  with,  this  must  be  cut  ofl"  at  once, 
and  its  disposition  to  produce  such  shoots  will  in  a  very  short  time  be 
checked.  It  can  then  be  pruned  every  winter  as  an  ordinary  shrub,  taking- 
care  to  remove  straggling  shoots  in  the  summer  when  they  appear. 

For  trailing  amongst  rockwork,  or  over  a  rocky  slope.  Honeysuckles  are 
exceedingly  good  ornaments.  They  have  a  natural  pi'opensity  to  trail  ;  and 
if  the  shoots  are  here  and  there  plunged  beneath  a  small  mass  of  rock,  or 
merely  buried  m  the  soil  for  a  few  inches  of  their  length,  they  will  thereby 
gain  fresh  vigor,  and  will  not  too  much  conceal  the  bolder  outlines  of  the 
rockery.  Pruning  will  be  as  useful  in  this  case  as  in  the  others  that  we 
have  mentioned  ;  for,  by  shortening  the  lateral  shoots,  they  will  be  induced 
ow  in  clusters,  when  the  display  of  flowers  will  be  more  efi'ective 


Nothing  would  make  a  more  beautiful  bed  or  mass  on  a  lawn,  or  in  some 
retired  part  of  a  pleasure-garden,  than  a  group  of  the  late-flowering  common 
Honeysuckle.  It  should  be  planted  about  eighteen  inches  or  two  feet  apart, 
treated  like  a  low  shrub,  as  already  described  under  that  head,  and,  after 
the  plants  have  gained  some  size  and  strength,  a  few  of  the  more  spreading 
shoots  may  be  allowed  to  grow  into  the  other  plants,  and  thus  an  interwoven 
mass  will  speedily  be  created,  which  will  simply  require  a  little  pruning 
and  regulating  each  winter. 

What  I  mean  by  planting  Honeysuckles  amongst  Ivy  is,  where  Ivy  is 
used  for  mantling  a  building,  or  a  ruin,  or  rocks,  or  is  permitted  to  overrun 
a  small  tree  for  the  sake  of  picturesqueness,  a  few  Honeysuckles,  if  trained 
up  amidst  it,  would  greatlj^  improve  and  diversify  its  appearance. 

The  practice  of  letting  Honeysuckles  mount  the  stems  of  trees  in  planta- 
tions is  pursued  already  in  some  gardens.  It  deserves,  however,  to  be  more 
frequently  followed.  The  trees  chosen  for  the  purpose  should  be  principally 
round  the  outside  of  shrubberies,  because  the  Honeysuckle  will  flourish  best 
where  it  can  get  air  and  light.  A  small  number  of  trees  may  always  be 
abandoned  to  such  an  object,  even  should  the  Honeysuckle  strangle  them, 
which  it  will  not  inevitably  do.  With  care  to  keep  the  plants  from  being 
blown  away  from  their  support,  they  will  not  demand  other  attention. 

Every  one  who  has  visited  forest-like  woods,  must  have  been  pleased  with 
the  aspect  of  Honeysuckles  growing  over  bushes.  To  obtain  these  features 
in  the  rougher  portions  of  pleasure-grounds  is  surely  worth  attempting  ;  and 
this  may  be  done  by  using  bushes  as  supports.  By  planting  the  latter  at 
the  bottom  of  bushes  that  are  three  or  four  feet  in  height,  it  will,  if  left  to 
itself,  give  a  character  of  the  most  picturesque  beauty  in  three  or  four 
years. 

The  plan  of  training  it  to  a  standard  of  from  four  to  six  feet  high,  is  a 
mode  to  which  I  would  afford  some  prominence,  in  connection  with  a  very 
similar  way  of  managing  the  common  Ivy.  As  a  companion  plant  to  a  stan- 
dard Ivy,  a  standard  Honeysuckle  would  be  an  extremely  desirable  object. 
They  are  both  produced  by  the  same  means.  Pruning  to  a  single  stem, 
and  when  this  has  gained  the  required  height,  stopping  it,  and  producing  a 
head  of  branches,  is  all  the  preparation  needful  ;  and  a  trifling  subsequent 
pruning  will  carry  the  plants  forward  without  further  trouble.  To  establish 
a  Honeysuckle  as  a  standard,  it  should  have  a  stake  to  uphold  the  main 
stem  ;  and  as  it  will  be  advisable  to  continue  this  after  the  head  is  formed, 
lest  a  strong  current  of  wind  should  overset  and  break  it,  the  stake  should 
be  an  iron  one,  which  will  also  contribute  to  neatness.  The  plant  looks  best 
on  a  lawn  that  is  either  flat  or  sloping,  and  the  branches  may,  when  the 
head  is  duly  formed,  be  left  almost  to  sweep  the  grass.  If  the  plant  be  on 
a  slope,  the  longest  branches  ought  to  be  left  on  the  lowest  side,  as  this  will 
create  a  greater  elegance  from  the  valley  below.  Perhaps  the  C  jpericlyme- 
imm  scrotitmmy  or  the  late-flowering  variety  of  the  Woodbine,  is  most  to  be 
preferred  for  a  standard.  There  is  little  choice  necessary,  however,  as  most 
of  the  Caprifoliums  would  answer  the  design,  and  C.  sempervirens  would 
probably  be  especially  beautiful. 


HEATING    BY    GAS. 

The  greatest  diflSculty  experienced  by  the  residents  in  large  towns  who 
desire  to  cultivate  plants  on  their  balconies,  or,  as  some  say,  who  \yould 
wish  to  have  Hanging  Gardens,  is  to  find  some  satisfactory  manner  of  heat- 
ing them.  Common  hot-water  apparatus  is  much  too  powerful  for  such  small 
places,  to  say  nothing  of  cost,  or  the  great  difficulty  of  applying  it ;  and 
when  gas,  the  obvious  substitute,  has  been  employed  the  atmosphere  has 
been  rendered  unfit  for  the  respiration  of  plants.  This  has  been  so  notori- 
ously the  case,  notwithstanding  many  ingenious  contrivances,  some  of  which 
may  be  found  described  in  former  volumes  of  the  Gardeners^  Chronicle,  that  all 
idea  of  applying  gas  to  greenhouses  has  for  some  time  been  abandoned.  It 
appears  however  from  the  following  account,  for  which  we  have  to  thank 
our  very  intelligent  correspondent  at  Trentham.  that  the  difficulty  has  been 
wholly  overcome.  This  announcement  is  of  such  universal  interest  that  we 
feel  it  a  public  duty  to  give  the  invention  all  the  publicity  in  our  power. 

"  Having  occasion,"  he  writes,  "  to  pass  through  Edinburgh  a  short  time 
since,  I  availed  myself  of  the  opportunity  thus  aflx)rded  of  visiting  Dalkeith, 
and  among  other  things  which  particularly  interested  me  was  a  method  of 
heating  living  rooms  and  greenhouses  by  means  of  gas.  The  apparatus 
consisted  of  what  may  be  called  a  heater  or  stove  containing  water,  through 
which  the  air  heated  by  a  gas  jet  underneath  the  stove  is  carried  by  a  pipe, 
coiling  round  and  round  in  the  water  until  it  arrives  at  the  top,  from  whence 
it  is  conveyed  into  the  chimney.  The  warmth  maybe  perceived  the  moment 
the  gas  is  lighted,  and  can  easily  be  regulated  by  means  of  a  tap.  There  is 
not  the  slightest  smell  of  gas  perceptible,  and  an  entire  absence  of  dust  or 
sulphurous  smell  as  from  coals.  The  cost  of  heating  a  large  living  room 
apparently  about  sixteen  feet  square  and  propoi'tionately  lofty,  is  I  am 
informed  only  about  threepence  per  da3^  The  advantages  of  this  plan  in 
an  economical  point  of  view  are  undoubtedly  great,  and  with  regard  to 
cleanliness  I  will  merely  remark  that  the  lady  of  the  house  informed  me  it 
had  been  in  use  more  than  a  year,  and  that  she  should  feel  very  sorry  were 
she  obliged  again  to  have  recourse  to  coal  fires,  as  there  is  no  dust  or  dirt 
of  any  description  from  the  gas  apparatus,  and  when  a  room  is  not  required 
the  gas  can  be  turned  off  in  a  moment  without  any  fear  of  accident. 

"The  inventor  and  patentee,  Mr.  Thompson,  of  the  Dalkeith  Gardens,  in 
whose  house  the  trial  was  first  made  and  with  perfect  success,  explained  the 
manner  of  fitting  up  the  apparatus,  and  from  his  remarks  and  my  own 
observations  I  have  not  the  slightest  doubt  either  of  the  efficiency  of  its  heat- 
ing powers  or  its  cleanliness.  The  temperature  of  a  greenhouse  heated  in 
this  manner  was  75°  when  I  was  shown  into  it,  and  the  gas  had  then  been 
turned  off  about  half  an  hour.  The  stove  stood  on  one  side  of  the  entrance, 
and  from  it  a  flow  and  return  pipe  two  inches  in  diameter  was  carried  round 
the  house.  It  is  however  needless  to  attempt  a  further  explanation  of  a 
system  at  once  so  simple  and  so  effectual  as  to  cause  surprise  that  the  same 
kind  of  thing  has  not  been  put  in  operation  before. 

"  I  understand  that  Messrs.  Thomson  and  Sons,  plumbers,  of  Dalkeith,  are 
preparing  to  manufacture  this  apparatus  in  quantities,  and  I  feel  sure  that 
when  it  has  had  time  to  become  more  generally  known  it  cannot  fail  to  be 
properly  appreciated.  Dwelling  houses,  small  greenhouses,  offices,  ware- 
houses, &c.,  particularly  in  towns  or  their  vicinity,  where  gas  can  easily  be 
obtained,  may  thus  be  thoroughly  warmed  at  a  very  cheap  rate.     Portable 


HEATING   BY   GAS. 


265 


greenliouses  also,  in  one  of  which  I  saw  this  method  of  heating  in  operation, 
may  now  be  manufactured  either  for  exportation  or  otherwise,  with  the  gas 
stove  and  pipes  complete. 

"  In  every  other  plan  of  this  description  which  has  come  under  my  notice 
there  have  always  been  complaints  either  of  the  gas  escaping,  or  of  the  air 
of  the  place  being  burned  or  other  ways  rendered  impure  or  deleterious  ;  but 
in  this  instance,  owing  to»the  small  quantity  of  gas  used,  the  low  situation 
of  the  burners  (on  what  would  be  the  hearth  of  a  common  fire),  and  the 
effectual  but  simple  manner  of  getting  rid  of  the  heated  and  impure  air,  these 
objections  are  entirely  obviated." 


T=cSa 


Fig.  1. 


Fig.  2. 


That  some  such  contrivance  as  this  had  been  used  near  Edinburgh  we  had 
previously  heard,  but  in  the  face  of  so  many  former  failures,  we  declined 
making  any  statement  on  the  subject  until  satisfactory  horticultural  evidence 
could  be  obtained.     This  now  appears  to  be  sufficient. 

Upon  making  inquiry  concerning  the  apparatus  in  question,  we  find  that 
it  is  the  invention  of  Mr.  Thomson,  gardener  to  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  B 
clench,  Dalkeith  Park,  who  is  also  the  inventor  of  "  Thomson's  Retort 


N.S. :  Vol.  VIII.— June,  1858. 


18 


THE   VERBENA SELECT    LIST   AND    CULTUKE, 

ers,"  now  coming  into  general  use  for  heating  forcing  houses,  &c.  The 
apparatus  is  described  as  consisting  of  a  zinc  or  copper  column,  containing 
from  five  to  twenty  gallons  of  water,  having  an  inverted  copper  cone  as  a 
bottom,  on  which  the  jet  or  jets  of  gas  play,  and  from  which  the  heat  ascends 
and  exhausts  itself  in  the  water  in  a  series  of  helical  tubes,  collecting  into 
a  larger  tube  at  the  top  ;  by  which  means  all  unconsumed  gas  and  noxious 
products  of  combustion  are  carried,  either  into  a  chimney,  or  through  an 
aperture  in  the  wall  to  the  external  air.  Thus  a  large  body  of  hot  water  is 
obtained,  from  which  a  perfectly  pure  and  wholesome  heat  is  radiated. 

Another  important  point  is  that  its  management  is  as  simple  as  lighting 
a  common  gas  jet,  requiring  no  regulation  beyond  turning  down  the  gas 
when  the  temperature  is  rising  too  high. 

The  accompanying  figures  will  further  explain  the  nature  of  the  contriv- 
ance : — 

Fig.  1.  represents  the  external  appearance  of  one  of  the  handsomer  pat- 
terns ;  Fig.  2  a  section  common  to  all,  the  only  diffei-ences  among  them  con- 
sisting in  decoration  and  size.  The  letters  in  the  latter  explain  details, 
viz. — A,  exit  of  hot  air  from  gas  burner  to  vent  ;  B,  entrance  for  hot  air 
from  gas  burner  to  spiral  tubes  ;  C,  entrance  for  cold  air  to  expel  heated 
air  from  chamber  ;  E,  hot  air  chamber  ;  D,  opening  for  the  supplying  water 
to  boiler  F ;  G,  gas  burners  ;  H,  aperture  for  emptying  boiler  ;  i,  guage 
for  water  level. 

The  price  of  the  apparatus  will  necessarily  vary  with  circumstances.  A 
stove  like  Fig.  1  holding  six  gallons  of  water  is  5/.  55.  ;  this  we  suppose  is 
exclusive  of  fixing,  &c.  But  upon  such  matters  inquiry  must  be  addressed 
to  the  makers. 

The  only  probable  source  of  failure  that  occurs  to  us  at  present  is  that 
the  apparatus  may  be  imperfectly  constructed,  in  order  to  meet  the  exigen- 
cies of  the  numerous  worshippers  of  low  price,  under  the  mistaken  idea  that 
they  are  sacrificing  at  the  shrine  of  cheapness. — London  Gardeners'  Chronide. 

».     «  »  ^    .4 


THE  VERBENA.— SELECT  LIST  AND  CULTURE. 

BY   JAMES    S.    NEGLEY,    PITTSBURG,    PENN. 

The  Verbena  has  become  so  general  a  favorite,  that  a  description  of  some 
of  the  best  new  varieties  sent  out  the  present  Spring,  and  their  culture,  will 
no  doubt  prove  acceptable  to  many  of  your  readers.  Rapid  improvement 
has  been  made  upon  the  Verbena  within  the  last  two  seasons.  The  old  type 
is  entirely  changed.  We  now  possess  every  shade  of  color,  and  what  has 
been  so  anxiously  looked  for  by  the  florist,  viz.,  large  distinct  eyes  like  the 
Auricula.  The  great  difference  in  the  habits  of  the  Verbena  adapts  it  as 
well  for  exhibition  purposes  as  for  the  open  ground. 

To  those  who  have  the  convenience  and  old  plants,  we  would  say  that 
February  is  the  best  season  for  propagating  by  cuttings.  Artificial  heat  is 
absolutely  necessary  for  the  purpose.  The  old  plants  should  be  forced  into 
a  vigorous  growth  and  be  syringed  over  once  a  day  ;  this  causes  the  young 
growths  to  develop  roots  on  the  stem  below  the  leaves.  The  next  thing  to 
do  is  to  prepare  a  well  tempered  hot-bed  (if  a  regular  propagating  house  is 
not  at  hand).  Plenty  of  leaves  or  long  straw  should  be  mixed  with  the 
dung  to  make  a  lasting  heat.  When  the  fermenting  materials  are  thoroughly 
mixed,  shape  the  pile  and  put  on  it  a  one  light  frame  made  to  fit  the 


closely.  Inside  the  frame  place  six  inches  of  old  tan  or  saw  dust  on  top  of 
the  manure  ;  make  the  surface  smooth.  When  the  heat  is  about  60°,  get 
some  pans  or  shallow  boxes,  fill  them  two  inches  deep  with  light  soil,  cover 
it  with  one  inch  of  clean  white  sand,  then  make  the  cuttings  of  the  young 
shoots  on  the  old  plants.  Unlike  most  other  cuttings,  they  need  not  be  cut 
off  close  to  a  joint,  but  a  portion  of  the  stem  may  be  left  below  the  leaves. 
If  the  variety  is  scarce,  one  pair  of  leaves  to  a  cutting  is  all  that  is  neces- 
sary. Insert  the  cuttings  in  the  sand,  one  inch  apart,  press  the  sand  close 
to  the  base  of  the  cuttings  and  give  them  a  gentle  watering.  Then  plunge 
the  pans  or  boxes  into  the  tan  or  sawdust  ;  shut  up  the  frame  and  shade 
from  bright  sunshine.  Water  with  a  fine  rosed  watering-pot  whenever  the 
cuttings  appear  dry.  Examine  them  every  day,  and  remove  all  decaying 
leaves,  which,  if  left,  would  soon  destroy  all  the  cuttings.  With  proper 
care,  seven-eighths  of  the  cuttings  will  be  struck,  i.  e.,  rooted  in  twelve  or 
fifteen  days.  They  should  then  be  inured  gradually  to  the  light  and  warm 
air.  When  "  hardened  off,"  pot  them  off,  using  three-inch  pots,  water  and 
replace  in  a  warm,  close  frame.  As  soon  as  the  plants  are  established,  they 
maybe  allowed  an  abundance  of  light  and  air.  The  leading  branches  must 
be  pinched  back  occasionally  to  make  the  plants  bushy.  They  may  be 
planted  out  in  the  open  ground  towards  the  end  of  May. 

Culture  in  the  Open  Ground. — The  soil  in  the  beds  should  not  be  too  rich  ; 
if  the  plants  grow  rampant,  they  do  not  flower  so  finely  or  freely.  Good  strong 
loam,  mixed  with  a  little  sand,  and  rotted  cow  manure  is  all  that  is  required. 
The  most  pleasing  and  brilliant  effect  is  produced  by  planting  in  masses  or 
separate  beds,  using  only  one  kind  for  each  bed  ;  this  set  off  by  a  neat 
edging  of  sweet  Alyssum,  Ouphea  platycentra  (kept  trimmed  close),  or 
Lobelia  ramoicides.  An  occasional  watering  with  liquid  manure  during  the 
summer  will  prove  of  benefit. 

Varieties. — The  following  list  comprises  a  beautiful  and  distinct  selection, 
one  that  will  not  fail  to  please  the  cultivator,  especially  if  they  have  good 
taste  : 

Prince  of  Wales — bright  ruby  crimson,  large  lemon  eyes. 

Evening  Star — intense  carmine,  large  yellow  eye,  good  habit,  free  bloomer, 
unsurpassed. 

Celestial — pale,  clear  rose,  immense  truss,  flowers  freely;  superb. 

Lady  Pahnerston — delicate  blue,  large  white  eye;  extra  fine. 

Geant  des  Batailles — brilliant  scarlet  crimson,  dark  velvet  shading  ;  first 
rate  bedding  sort. 

Victory— hx\g\\i  rosy  lilac,  large  white  eye;  much  admired. 

Mrs.  Half  or  d — waxy  white,  very  large  truss  ;  positively  the  best  white 
in  cultivation. 

Brilliant  de  vaise — shaded  crimson,  close  creeping  habit. 

Ellen  Murdoch — pinkish  rose,  large  yellow  eye;  fine. 

Imperatrice  Elizabeth — violet  rose,  beautifully  striped  dwarf,  compact 
habits ;  elegant  foliage. 

Dr.  Gross — large  reddish  crimson;  the  most  robust  of  all  Verbenas. 

Elizabeth  Strange — white,  with  purple  eye;  charming. 

Madame  Abt — deep  indigo  purple;  distinct  and  beautiful. 

Adviiral  Dundas — crimson  scarlet;  very  showy. 

Odorata  perfecta — remarkably  fragrant. 

Glory  of  America — fine  showy  scarlet. 

Joshua  Robinson — beautifully  mottled  with  purple  and  white. 


PLUMS. 


Pet  surpassed — bright  rosy  pink,  dark  eye ;  very  fine. 

Purple  Perfection — fine  dark  maroon  purple. 

Dazzle — vivid  scarlet  crimson,  very  dwarf  and  profuse  bloomer. 

Sarah — the  best  striped. 

»■  »  »  »  >4 

P  L  U  AI  S . 

BY  WILLIAM  TOMPKINS,  GERMANTOWN,  NEW  YORK. 

For  twenty  years  I  have  paid  particular  attention  to  the  cultivation  of 
the  various  kinds  of  fruit,  and  for  a  number  of  years  have  been  a  reader  of 
the  Horticulturist ;  and  I  honestly  acknowledge  that  my  most  valuable  infor- 
mation has  been  acquired  by  reading  the  experience  of  practical  men  as 
therein  given.  I  therefore  take  this  opportunity  to  tender  my  thanks  to  the 
present  editor,  his  predecessors,  and  the  numerous  correspondents  for  the 
large  amount  of  useful  and  interesting  information  which  they  have  respect- 
ively furnished  for  the  benefit  of  orchardists  and  others.  Feeling  it  a  duty 
incumbent  on  me  to  say  something  also,  I  present  this  humble  offering  of 
facts  which  have  taken  me  manj-  years  to  acquire,  hoping  they  may  prove 
useful  and  instructive  to  the  inexperienced,  if  no  one  else.  I  do  not  presume 
that  what  is  here  offered  will  be  applicable  in  all  localities  where  this  journal 
is  read;  for  in  most  places  where  the  white  man  has  made  a  permanent  home 
on  this  North  American  continent,  there  I  believe  it  may  be  found  working 
the  good  work  for  which  it  was  originally  designed.  In  a  country  of  such 
great  extent,  I  well  know  that  no  one  sort  of  fruit  or  mode  of  culture  will 
answer  for  the  whole;  and  if  anything  I  write  should  come  in  conflict  with 
the  honest  opinions  of  others,  they  will  please  to  remember  that  it  was  de- 
signed for  this  place  and  its  vicinity. 

Downing,  in  his  "Fruits  and  Fruit  Trees  of  America,"  page  265,  says: 
"  The  surprising  facility  with  which  superior  new  varieties  are  raised,  merel}' 
by  ordinary  reproduction  from  seed,  in  certain  parts  of  the  valley  of  the 
Hudson,  as  at  Hudson,  or  near  Albany,  where  the  soil  is  quite  clayey,  and 
also  the  delicious  flavor,  and  great  productiveness,  and  health  of  the  plum 
tree  there,  almost  without  care,  while  in  adjacent  districts  of  rich  sandy 
land,  it  is  a  very  uncertain  bearer,  are  very  convincing  proofs  of  the  great 
importance  of  a  clay  soil  for  this  fruit."  The  above  is  strictly  applicable  to 
this  place,  to  which,  without  doubt,  the  writer  intended  it  to  apply.  The 
"facility"  with  which  the  plum  is  here  grown  would  surprise  those  persons 
who,  unfortunately,  are  not  able  to  raise  it  without  jarring  the  trees  and 
catching  the  curculio.  Really,  Mr.  Editor,  if  we  could  grow  plums  only  in 
that  way,  I  think  their  cultivation  hereabout  would  soon  be  abandoned.  A 
person  with  an  orchard  of  several  hundred  trees  would  find  it  a  tedious  and 
an  unprofitable  business.  There  are  several  good-sized  orchards  in  this 
place  and  vicinity  that  produce  almost  annually  heavy  crops  without  taking 
any  measures  to  guard  against  the  depredations  of  the  curculio,  or  any 
extra  care  in  pruning  or  cultivation.  The  largest  and  most  productive 
orchards  are  on  the  ridge  land,  within  one  mile  of  the  Hudson  river.  The 
soil  is  in  some  places  a  heavy  loam,  in  others  clay,  and  doubtless  possesses 
the  inorganic  manures  most  congenial  to  the  health  and  longevity  of  the 
plum,  as  there  are  in  some  orchards  trees  of  remarkable  size  and  age  still 
enjoying  good  health  and  producing  heavy  crops.  I  have  taken  some  pains 
to  gather  statistical  information  as   to   the  amount  of  the  crop,    and  am 


really  astonished  at  the  result.  Besides  the  orchards,  there  is  not  a  farm 
yard,  or  garden  that  is  not  well  stocked  with  them;  even  the  humblest 
cottager  has  plums  for  sale.  The  crop  of  1855  was  greater  than  ever  before, 
and  it  must  have  been  very  great  throughout  the  State,  as  the  market  was 
so  completely  gorged  with  them  as  hardly  to  pay  the  expenses  of  picking 
and  transportation  ;  later  in  the  season,  when  the  bulk  of  them  were  gone, 
tliey  sold  better.  These  facts  ought  not  to  deter  any  one  from  planting  or 
taking  an  interest  in  the  culture  of  this  fruit,  as  we  may  not  have  another 
crop  like  that  in  many  years.  Certainly  they  had  not  been  so  plenty  and 
cheap  in  the  New  York  market  within  the  preceding  ten  years. 

It  is  worthy  of  note  that  those  trees  that  fruited  to  excess  that  year  were 
much  injured  and  some  wei-e  killed.  Two  trees  of  a  variety  known  as 
Sharp's  Emperor,  about  seven  years  planted,  were  so  densely  loaded  with 
fruit,  that  I  was  compelled  to  prop  them  up  or  they  would  have  broken  down 
with  the  weight.  When  the  fruit  was  about  half  grown,  these  trees  lost  all 
their  foliage,  and  soon  after  the  plums  began  to  drop  with  as  much  ease  as 
ripe  liickory-nuts,  and  in  a  few  days  they  were  all  off.  These  trees  have 
since  di«d.  Other  trees  of  the  same  kind  that  fruited  moderately,  ripened 
well,  and  the  last  season  were  in  a  thriving  condition,  showing  much  fruit. 
Again,  trees  of  the  Bolmar  that  set  as  much  fruit  as  the  first  mentioned,  when 
pretty  well  advanced  towards  maturity,  finding  their  stock  of  nutriment  ex- 
hausted, cast  about  half  of  their  fruit;  the  rest  ripened  well  and  attained  good 
size.  These  trees  are  still  alive  and  promise  well.  Experienced  orchardists 
well  know  that  excessive  fruiting  exhausts  and  weakens  the  wood-producing 
power  of  a  tree,  and  should  be  guarded  against  if  possible,  although  where 
one  has  extensive  orchards,  it  seems  to  be  too  much  trouble  to  thin  by  hand, 
and  in  this  case  the  labor  of  the  curculio  should  not  be  looked  upon  as  un- 
friendly. Nature,  or  rather  a  kind  Providence,  has  sent  these  industrious 
insects  to  thin  the  fruit.  Sometimes  they  do  it  well,  but  oftener  to  excess. 
Were  it  not  for  this  insect,  we  have  good  reason  to  believe  that  certain 
sorts  of  the  apricot  and  plunr  would  soon  become  extinct  from  excessive 
fruitfulness. 

There  is  one  Variety  of  the  plum,  called  the  Yellow  Egg,  which  is  more 
highly  valued  and  more  extensively  planted  by  those  that  know  it  than  any 
other.  It  is  a  strong  grower,  very  productive  and  rarely  knots,  qualities 
that  are  seldom  combined  in  a  single  sort.  It  is  mostly  propagated  from 
suckers,  as  we  have  it,  root  and  branch,  from  the  original.  In  Eng-land  it 
is  called  an  American  plum,  and  no  doubt  it  originated  in  the  valley  of  the 
Hudson,  as  it  has  been  cultivated  here  from  time  immemorial,  growing  with 
almost  as  much  ease  and  facility  as  the  willow.  It  also  makes  the  very 
best  of  stocks,  on  which  to  work  other  plums  that  are  difficult  to  grow  on 
account  of  knotting  or  other  constitutional  defects.  In  sandy  districts  it  is 
apt  to  drop  the  fruit  before  maturity,  plainly  showing  the  advantage  of  a 
clay  soil  for  the  plum.  Downing  has  somewhere  said,  in  giving  advice  to 
young  planters,  "  Look  around  and  see  what  varieties  thrive  best  and  are 
most  productive  in  your  immediate  locality,  and  plant  mostly  of  them."  The 
above  advice  is  truly  valuable,  and  every  planter  should  avail  himself  of  it. 
Certainly  more  money  has  been  realized  from  the  sale  of  the  Yellow  Egg  than 
from  any  other  sort  that  is  here  raised.  It  is  also  longer  lived  and  more 
reliable  than  most  otliers. 

The  only  really  serious  drawback  to  the -cultivation  of  the  plum  is  the 
knot.     Some  varieties  are  so  much  subject  to  it  as  to  compel  us  entirely  to 


PLUMS. 

abandon  their  cultivation.  Different  opinions  are  entertained  by  orchardists 
as  to  the  cause.  Some  attribute  it  to  the  sting  of  an  insect,  some  to  decayed 
plums  coming  in  contact  with  the  branches,  and  others  to  a  constitutional 
defect.  The  latter  is,  no  doubt,  the  true  cause.  Propagating  from  suckers 
taken  fi'om  badly  diseased  trees,  is  believed  also  to  increase  and  aggravate 
it.  If  suckers  are  used  for  stalks,  they  should  by  all  means  be  taken  from 
those  varieties  which  never  knot.  Medical  men  say  that  it  is  an  uncontro- 
verted  fact  that  certain  diseases,  from  whicli  mankind  suffer,  are  hereditary, 
amongst  which  are  consumption,  scrofula,  &c.  Why  may  not  the  same  rule 
hold  good  in  the  vegetable  world  ?  The  writer  believes  that  such  is  the 
case.  Having  frequently  examined  the  knots  when  in  the  soft  or  incipient 
state,  he  has  never  been  able  to  discover  any  insect  or  worm  at  that  time  ; 
but  when  the  knots  become  old  and  crack,  there  can  sometimes  be  found  a 
small  worm  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  in  length.  Certain  sorts  of  the  plum 
have  been  subject  to  this  disease  for  thirty  years  or  more.  I  distinctly  re- 
member a  fine  orchard  of  the  damson,  that  for  many  years  was  very  healthy 
and  productive.  About  the  year  1825,  the  knots  appeared  in  it,  and  in  two 
or  three  years  it  was  wholly  destroyed.  The  true  damson  is  a  amall  blue 
plum,  and  remains  on  the  tree  till  hard  frost,  frequently  after  the  foliage  is 
gone.     It  is  now  seldom  seen. 

A  writer  in  one  of  the  back  numbers  of  the  Horticulturist  advanced  the 
opinion  that  the  knot  was  caused  by  decayed  plums  remaining  on  the  trees, 
as  he  had  frequently  found  the  limb  diseased  directly  underneath.  If  such 
be  the  case  it  is  something  new  to  us  at  least;  nurserymen  are  well  aware 
that  seedlings  which  never  fruited  are  frequently  seen  badly  knotted.  These 
facts  ought  to  convince  any  one  that  decayed  plums  are  not  the  true  cause. 
"  Is  this  disease  contagious  ?"  is  a  question  often  asked.  It  does  seem  to  be 
so  sometimes,  for  it  has  been  frequently  observed,  in  certain  orchards,  com- 
posed mostly  of  varieties  which  rarely  knot,  that  a  few  knots  suffered  to 
remain  for  a  few  years,  will  seriously  affect  trees  in  close  proximity.  If, 
then,  trees  cannot  be  kept  free  of  knots  by  cutting  out  the  affected  branches 
two  or  three  times  a  year,  they  had  better  be  taken  out  and  burned. 

Among  the  varieties  tested  by  myself  and  others  in  this  vicinity,  the  fol- 
lowing may  be  relied  on  as  seldom  or  never  affected  by  the  knots  : 

Coe's  Golden  Drop.  Bolmar. 

Yellow  Egg.  Sharp's  Emperor. 

Imperial  Gage.  Downton  Imperatrice. 

Roe's  Autumn  Gage.  White  Damson. 

Italian  Prune.  York  Egg. 

Emerald  Drop.  Peach  Plum. 

The  last  named  variety,  a  drawing  and  description  of  which  may  be 
found  in  the  January  number  of  the  Horticulturist  for  1855,  is  so  valuable, 
that  it  should  be  found  even  in  the  smallest  collection. 

[It  is  certainly  very  pleasant  to  hear  of  a  locality  where  the  plum  suc- 
ceeds so  well,  and  where  the  curculio  is  a  blessing  !  There,  is  another 
district,  now  within  I'cach  of  the  markets  of  Philadelphia  and  New  York, 
where  the  plum  seems  to  thrive  almost  without  cultivation  ;  it  is  in  lower 
Delaware,  lately  made  accessible  hy  a  railroad.  The  quantity  of  this  fine 
fruit  brought  from  thence  last  year  was  astonishing.  We  shall  thus  be 
compelled  to  depend  upon  certain  places  for  particular  fruits,  and  grow 
each  situation  what  is  found  by  experience  to  be  its  speciality. — Ed.  H. 


HYBRIDISING  THE   GRAPE. 


HYBRIDISING  THE  GRAPE. 

BY  JOHN  FISK  ALLEN,   SALEM,  MASSACHUSETTS. 

In  the  April  mimber  of  the  Horticulturist  is  an  article  on  hybridising'  the 
Grape  Vine,  by  Wm.  N.  White.  It  refers  particularly  to  the  seedlings  of 
Mr.  Rogers  of  this  place.  Mr  White  says,  "  that  if  these  vines  produced 
(being-  true  hybrids),  and  set  their  fruit  well,  and  seed  freely,  it  is  remark- 
able; and  should  their  fruit  prove  valuable,  and  they  be  brought  into  general 
cultivation,  it  will  be  the  first  instance  of  the  kind  in  history,  and  I  for  one 
congratulate  him  on  his  success,  if  he  has  really  succeeded." 

These  vines  of  Mr.  Rogers,  grown  from  seed  of  the  native  Fox  Grapes,  are 
true  hybrids.  They  were  alluded  to  in  the  report  of  the  Fruit  Committee  of 
the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society  in  1856.  The  bunches  are  well 
formed,  large  and  fine.  Of  the  quality  of  the  fruit  I  am  not  prepared  to 
speak.  If  I  gave  any  opinion,  it  would  be  that  the  fruit  retained  too  much 
of  the  fox  flavor,  and  more  pulp  than  would  suit  the  general  taste.  The 
specimens  tasted  were  not  fully  ripe.  Several  years  since  Mr.  Amos  W. 
Stetson  exhibited  grapes  grown  fi'om  seed  of  the  native,  impregnated  with 
Black  Hamburg.  The  Curtis  Grape  was  thus  produced.  It  resembled  the 
Isabella  much  in  color  and  form  of  bunch,  and  is  rather  earlier. 

I  have  been  producing  seedling  grape  vines  for  twenty  years  from  the 
Eastern  or  European  varieties,  and  find  that  the  tendency  is  in  many  kinds 
to  run  back  to  the  original  ;  the  fruit  produced  resembling  the  "  Verdelho," 
the  Madeira  wine  grape.  The  Black  Hamburg  usually  reproduces  itself. 
Of  course  there  has  not  been  any  cross  here. 

I  have  three  fine  seedlings,  one  red,  two  black,  where  a  cross  is  apparent, 
the  foliage  showing  this.  In  a  grape  house  where  several  sorts  are  in 
blossom  at  the  same  time,  this  may  be  effected  by  the  bees  or  by  the  wind. 
This  crossing  is  not  so  diflBcult  as  Mr.  White  imagines.  It  is  often  two  or 
three  days  before  the  pollen  falls  from  the  anthers,  and  before  this  takes 
place  the  stigma  may  have  been  impregnated  as  above.  Many  kinds  that 
set  badly  under  glass,  such  as  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  drop  the  anthers 
entire  without  shedding  the  pollen;  and  again,  the  stigma  in  moist  weather 
is  often  enveloped  with  moisture,  so  as  to  prevent  fecundation  until  the 
pollen  has  fallen,  giving  an  opportunity  for  foreign  aid.  With  the  natives 
the  chance  to  impregnate  is  good,  as  the  anthers  are  often  close  to  the  base 
of  the  embryo,  and  it  would  seem  that  the  aid  of  bees  was  necessary  for 
fruitfulness.  This  defect  in  the  blossom  appears  to  me  the  cause  of  the  bad 
setting  of  the  wild  grape. 

I  have  impregnated  the  Wild  Grape,  the  Diana,  and  the  Isabella  with 
pollen  of  the  European,  saved  in  a  tin  box  and  kept  dr^^  several  weeks 
before  using.  In  the  third  edition  of  my  "Culture  of  the  Grape,"  at  page 
151,  can  be  seen  a  representation  of  the  bud  and  flower,  and  of  the  latter, 
deprived  of  the  anthers.  At  the  149th  page  begins  directions  for  raising 
new  kinds  of  seed  by  hybridization.  Here  mention  also  is  made  of  my 
hybrids  raised  from  the  Isabella.  The  idea  of  Mi'.  White,  that  hybrids 
could  not  be  raised  in  this  way  was  entertained  bj--  many  prominent  horti- 
culturists at  that  time  (1843  and  '44).  As  the  foliage  of  the  seedlings 
developed,  much  curiosity  was  manifested  by  these  persons  in  noting  the 
evidence  that  the  experiment  was  successful.  A  white  early  grape,  a  red 
or  purple  late  grape,  a  round  black  and  several  oval  late  black  grapes 


were  thus  produced.  No  one  acquainted  with  grape  culture  would  doubt, 
after  an  inspection  of  the  vines,  that  a  cross  had  been  effected.  The 
foliage  of  the  white  grape  more  nearly  resembles  the  native  than  does 
that  of  the  others,  and  it  is  less  subject  to  mildew.  This  vine  I  am  now 
sending  out  to  subscribers,  that  they  may  propagate  it  for  sale,  and  thus 
disseminate  it  more  rapidly  than  I  could  do.  It  does  not  root  readily 
from  cuttings,  but  it  is  readily  increased  by  layers.  Tt  is  very  sweet,  juicy 
and  free  from  pulp.  Seedlings  of  another  generation  from  these  grapes  may 
fruit  this  year  or  the  next,  and  the  expectation  seems  reasonable  that  other 
good  varieties  may  be  produced.  The  Isabella  is  a  perfect  flowering  grape, 
and  usually  reproduces  itself  from  seed,  when  not  impregnated  artificially. 


»>  **—  '« 


THE  PRACTICE  OF  PRUNING ;  THE  PEACH. 

FROM   THK    NEW    EDITION    OF    LINDLEy's   THEORY    OF    HORTICULTURE. 

The  mode  of  bearing  is  as  follows  : — A,  represents  the  branch  of  a  Peach 
tree.  The  figures  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  denote  the  respective  ages  of  the  portions  of 
branch  opposite.  The  asterisks  at  the  sides  of  the  shoots,  indicate  the  place 
to  which  these  may  be  shortened  at  the  winter  pruning.  B,  is  a  portion  of 
a  bearing  shoot  furnished  with  both  wood  and  blossom-buds  ;  a,  a,  a,  a,  are 
blossom-buds  ;  h,  h,  b,  b,  Avood-buds. 

Peach  and  Nectarine  trees  bear  their  fruit  exclusively  on  wood  of  the 
preceding  summer's  growth.  For  example,  if  one  pull  a  Peach  in  the  sum- 
mer of  184T,  it  must  be  from  wood  formed  in  the  summer  of  1846,  and  which 
had  no  existence,  as  a  shoot,  in  1845,  although  then  its  origin  might  have 
been  traced  to  a  vital  point  within  a  bud.  Such  an  almost  invisible  point 
was  the  shoot  B,  in  1845.  In  summer  1846,  this  point,  developed  from  a 
bud,  grew  a  shoot,  furnished  with  leaves  disposed  singly,  in  twos  or  in 
threes,  along  the  growing  shoot.  In  the  axil  of  each  of  these  leaves,  the  rudi- 
ments of  a  bud  were  formed.  The  leaves,  having  accomplished  their  office, 
dropped  in  autumn,  whilst  the  energy  of  the  young  buds  continued  to 
increase.  Their  winter  appearance  is  represented  in  "Fig.  B.  The  blossom- 
buds  are  distinguished  by  their  plumpness  :  they  have  an  ovate  form,  which 
gradually  becomes  globose  :  they  have  a  hoary  appearance,  owing  to  the 
scales  opening  and  exposing  their  downy  integuments.  The  wood-buds  are 
slender  and  conical.  Their  scaly  covering  is  less  deranged  by  expansion 
of  their  interior  parts  in  early  spring,  and  consequently  they  exhibit  less  of 
that  hoary  pubescence  by  which  the  others  are  distinguished.  In  the  case 
of  triple  buds  the  middle  one  is  generally  a  wood-bud. 

The  Peach  difiers  materially  from  the  Pear  and  Apple  trees.  In  these  a 
shoot  may  be  shortened  to  any  bud,  and  the  one  immediately  below  the  cut 
will  almost  invariably  produce  a  shoot ;  but  the  Peach  shoot  must  be  cut  to 
where  there  is  a  wood-bud  ;  for  if  cut  to  a  blossom-bud  only,  no  shoot  can 
result.  Sometimes  all  the  buds  on  a  shoot  are  blossom-buds,  except  the 
terminal  one,  and  one  or  two  at  the  base.  Such  shoot  must  either  be  left  its 
entire  length,  or  cut  back  to  the  wood-bud  at  its  base.  The  shoots  of  the 
Peach  naturally  terminate  with  a  wood-bud.  If  this  be  cut  off,  the  blossoms 
on  the  part  left  will  expand  and  the  fruit  may  set,  but  all  will  prematurely 
drop  ;  thus,  if  all  the  buds  marked  b  were  blossom-buds,  they  would  expand; 
but  the  eight  blossoms  would  either  drop  without  setting,  or  the  fruit  would 


drop  at  the  time  of  stoning  ;  at  all 
events,  a  leafless,  budless  shoot 
would  result,  incapable  of  further 
vegetation.  It  dies  downwards 
to  the  first  wood-bud.  The  blos- 
som-buds, a  of  B,  will  produce 
four  Peaches,  but  one  is  enough 
to  leave  to  come  to  perfection. 
From  the  wood-buds,  I,  shoots  will 
proceed  ;  these,  in  the  course  of 
the  summer,  will  form  buds  for 
future  bearing  ;  and  a  twelve- 
month hence  they  will  appear 
similar  to  those  on  B,  which, 
having  once  borne  fruit  can  do  so 
no  more,  and  therefore  its  place 
must  be  supplied  by  the  most  ap- 
propriate shoot  it  produces  at  or 
near  its  base,  or  by  a  shoot  from 
an  adjoining  branch. 

These  facts  are  the  foundation 
of  all  the  long  intricate  plans  for 
pruning  and  training  this  tree. 
The  following  are,  1  think,  the 
best  concise  directions  which  have 
yet  been  given  on  this  subject : 

"  Commencing  with  the  winter 
pruning,  the  first  rule  to  be  laid 
down  as  a  basis  for  all  the  rest, 
is  to  shorten  every  shoot  in  propor- 
tion to  its  strength,  and  to  prune 
to  where  the  wood  is  firm  and 
well  ripened  :  this  will  cause  all 
the  pithy  and  unripened  wood  to 
be  removed,  thence  ensuring  a 
supply  of  that  which  is  better  ri- 
pened for  the  ensuing  year.  But 
in  order  to  give  every  facility  to 
the  ripening  of  this  wood,  it  must 

Shoot  of  the  Teach  ^e  trained  thin,  not  in  profusion 

Tree.  according  to  the  general  custom, 

but  such  shoots  only  as  may  be 

required  for  the  following  year. 

"  Trees  which  have  arrived  at  a  bearing  state 
should  have  their  strongest  bearing  shoots  short- 
ened to  twelve  or  fourteen  inches,  those  next  in 
strength  to  eight  or  ten,  and  the  weaker  ones  to 
four  or  six  inches,  pruning  each  to  what  is  termed 
a  treble  eye,  or  that  where  there  is  a  blossom- 
bud  on  each  side  of  wood-bud  :  where  branches  are  not  in  a  bearing  state 
these  treble  eyes  will  not  be  found ;  they  must  therefore  be  pruned 
"'ood-bud  alone,  which  is  always  known  by  its  sharp  point. 


WISTARIA   FRUTESCENS,  VAR    MAGNIFICA. 


'  In  May,  the  season  for  disbudding  the  tree,  all  foreright  shoots,  as  well 
as  those  from  the  back,  must  be  carefully  removed  with  a  sharp  small- 
bladed  knife,  taking  care  to  cut  close  to  the  branch,  but  not  into  the  bark  : 
a  few,  however,  of  those  foreright  shoots  had  better  be  cut  within  a  quarter 
of  an  inch  only,  which  will  leave  two  or  three  leaves  to  each,  to  shade  the 
young  fruit,  and  such  slight  wounds  in  the  branch  as  have  been  occasioned 
by  cutting  the  shoots  off"  close. 

"  As  soon  as  the  young  shoots  have  grown  long  enough,  the  leading  one 
from  each  branch  should  be  nailed  neatly  to  the  wall,  selecting  one  or  two 
of  the  side  shoots  produced  lower  down  the  branch,  and  training  them 
parallel  also.  This  applies  to  those  of  the  stronger  branches,  at  and  near 
the  extremity  of  the  tree.  Those  in  the  middle  and  near  the  bottom,  will 
allow  of  but  one  shoot  probably  in  addition  to  the  leaders  ;  this  will  depend 
upon  the  space  left  in  the  winter  pruning  ;  if  sufficient,  it  is  always  better 
to  have  a  young  shoot  on  each  side  as  well  as  the  leader,  than  to  have  only 
one,  for  it  is  by  this  arrangement  that  a  succession  of  young  wood  can  be 
kept  up  throughout  every  part  of  the  tree. 

"  Should  young  shoots,  indicating  extraordinary  vigor,  any  where  make 
their  appearance,  they  should  immediately  be  cut  out,  unless  where  a 
vacant  part  of  the  wall  can  be  filled  up,  because  an  excess  of  vigor  in  one 
part  of  the  tree  cannot  be  supported  without  detriment  to  the  other.  Peach 
trees,  when  in  a  state  of  health  and  vigor,  generally  throw  out  laterals 
from  their  stronger  shoots  ;  when  this  is  the  case,  they  should  not  be  cut  off" 
close,  but  shortened  to  the  last  eye  nearest  the  branch  ;  and  if  there  is 
room,  one  or  two  of  those  first  produced  may  be  nailed  to  the  wall ;  or  the 
middle  shoot  may  be  cut  out,  leaving  the  two  lowest  laterals,  and  allowing 
them  to  take  its  place  ;  thus  frequently  obtaining  two  fruit-bearing  branches, 
when  the  former  one  would,  in  all  probability,  have  been  wholly  unproduc- 
tive of  fruit  the  following  year." 

[The  American  reader  will  not  fail  to  apply  the  theory  to  our  climate  ; 
here  the  "wall"  part  of  the  above  instructions  is  rarely  resorted  to. — 
Ed.  J/.] 


WISTARIA  FRUTESCENS,  VAR  MAGNIFICA.* 

More  than  a  hundred  years  before  the  introduction  of  the  Chinese,  Europe 
possessed  the  North  Arjierican  Glj'cina,  now  called  Wistebria  FnUcscens.  How- 
ever, as  frequently  happens  in  such  cases,  the  new  comer  has  supplanted  its 
predecessor,  which  it  surpasses  in  the  great  development  of  its  stems,  in  the 
astonishing  profusion  of  its  flowers,  and  in  the  size  of  its  azure-colored 
clusters.  To  these  advantages  of  its  rival,  the  United  States  species  can 
boast  on  its  side  of  flowering  on  branches  previously  supplied  with  leaves,  as 
well  as  of  exhaling  in  the  autumn  an  agreeable  perfume.  In  other  respects 
the  resemblance  is  seen  in  the  harmony  of  the  general  appearance,  in  the 
graceful  drooping  of  the  clusters,  which  are  of  a  rich  violet  color. 

This  tint  is  succeeded  in  the  variety  magnifica  by  a  lilac  color,  with  a 
metallic  sulphur-colored  spot.  Its  clusters,  instead  of  being  pendent,  grow 
horizontally;  the  flowers,  instead  of  being  far  apart,  are  very  compact  in  the 
clusters,  much  more  so  than  the  picture  represents  them.     This  variety  has 

*^'  See  Frontbpiece. 


the  great  advantage  of  flowering  profusely,  whilst  the  other  hardly  shows 
its  flowers.  Its  blooming  anticipates  also  that  of  the  type,  it  being  in 
flower  towards  the  end  of  June.  It  has  been  produced  from  seeds  sown  by 
M.  Delaville,  the  elder,  head  of  horticulture  at  the  castle  of  Fitz  James,  near 
Claremont  (Oise),  owned  by  M.  de  Beaumini,  from  whom  I  obtained  it. 

His  grafts  are  multiplied  rapidly.     The  specimens  delivered  have  been 
very  hardy,  L.  Van  Houtte,  in  Flore  des  Serres. 


MAY  I  GIVE  MY  CONIFERS  GUANO  ? 

When  I  am  asked  this  question,  my  reply  is,  "Most  certainly  you  may, 
with  the  best  results."  Indeed,  there  is  hardly  a  plant  (probably  not  one) 
to  which  this  invaluable  manure  may  not  be  applied  beneficially,  if  the  ap- 
plication is  made  with  proper  precaution  and  at  the  right  time. 

To  discuss  this  subject  fully  would  occupy  much  time  and  space,  but  I  am 
desirous  of  recording  a  few  practical  results  in  direct  reply  to  the  question 
at  the  head  of  this  article.  The  information  will,  I  have  no  doubt,  be  of  use 
to  some  readers,  because  it  is  yet  believed  by  many  that  guano  is  detri- 
mental to  Coniferous  as  well  as  to  numerous  other  plants. 

Two  or  three  years  since,  a  gentleman  who  is  a  great  lover  of  Conifers, 
determined  to  test  the  efiicacy  of  guano  as  a  stimulant  to  various  specimens 
in  his  grounds.  The  rate  of  growth  for  the  summer  was  carefully  noted,  as 
well  as  that  of  the  following  year,  when  no  guano  was  given.  The  differ- 
ence was  very  marked.  Some  of  the  plants  assisted  by  the  stimulant  pushed 
shoots  more  than  double  the  length  of  those  made  in  the  following  year, 
when  no  guano  was  applied. 

It  will  possibly  be  asked,  What  quantity  was  given  to  each  plant  and 
when  ?  The  application  commenced  as  soon  as  vegetation  became  active, 
and  was  continued  at  intervals  until  the  season's  growth  was  completed, 
and  it  was  given  in  a  liquid  form.  To  those  who  are  novices  in  the  use  of 
guano,  the  following  hints  may  be  necessary  : 

Procure  an  old  tub,  a  tar  barrel  is  as  good  as  anything,  throw  into  it  half 
a  dozen  pounds  of  the  manure,  fill  up  with  water,  and  stir  till  the  whole  is 
dissolved.  In  a  few  days  the  liquid  will  have  become  perfectly  clear.  Take 
a  portion  of  it,  reduce  with  soft  water  to  about  the  color  of  pale  sherry,  and 
it  is  fit  for  use.  Apply  it  at  intervals  of  about  ten  days.  After  two  or  three 
applications,  if  a  plant  is  thoroughly  healthy  and  vigorous,  the  manure  may 
be  given  a  little  stronger  than  is  recommended  above,  but  take  care  never 
to  err  on  the  strong  side  of  the  question,  or  the  worst  results  may  follow; 
rather  apply  often  and  much  diluted  than  give  it  too  strong.  I  have  seen 
vigorous  plants,  other  than  Conifers,  killed  by  too  strong  a  dose.  Used 
judiciously,  it  is  an  invaluable  assistant  to  the  gardener,  but,  like  all  power- 
ful agents,  it  requires  to  be  used  with  caution. 

I  may  mention  a  circumstance  in  which  the  frequent  application  of  soap 
suds  to  a  Deodar  greatly  accelerated  its  growth.  The  tree  alluded  to  stood 
on  a  lawn  in  front  of  a  gentleman's  dressing-room  window,  and  was  one  of 
several  similar  in  size,  planted  at  the  same  time.  To  the  one  in  question,  the 
owner,  at  frequent  intervals  during  the  spring  and  summer,  was  wont  to 
carry  the  contents  of  his  washing-basin,  at  first  without  any  idea  of 
celerating  its  growth  ;  but  after   the    first   year,  witnessing  the    be 


AX   EXAMPLE   AXD    A    BIT    OF    ADVICE. 


fill  eifect  of  the  application,  he  followed  it  up  designedly.  From  thus  con- 
stantly attending  to  and  watching  the  growth  of  the  tree,  he  became,  as  he 
assured  me,  quite  attached  to  it,  and  never  failed  to  point  it  out  to  his 
friends  as  the  greatest  favorite  in  his  garden.  It  was  worthy  of  all  his  ad- 
miration and  attachment.  G.  L.,  z%  London  Florist. 


AN  EXAMPLE  AND  A  BIT  OF  ADVICE. 

No  matter  for  the  neighborhood  of  what  city  the  following  extract  of  a 
letter  received  this  last  Spring  emanates  ;  suffice  it  that  it  is  genuine  and  only 
a  portion  of  a  history  of  an  enthusiastic  gentleman,  still  young,  with  all  the 
appliances  for  happiness  which  education  and  wealth  can  command.  It 
suggests  an  aspect  of  American  life  which  it  is  pleasant  to  contemplate,  and 
which  is  by  no  means  rare  in  our  country.  He  says:  "  On  the  first  of  April 
there  was  not  a  tree,  nor  shrub,  nor  apparent  preparation  for  either  on  my 
place;  even  you,  I  think,  will  agree  that  I  have  been  busy  to  have  planted 
in  one  month  some  three  thousand  five  hundred  trees,  among  which  I  may 
mention,  as  giving  the  most  immediate  effect,  over  two  hundred  evei'greens, 
mostly  of  the  Norway  Fir,  of  remarkably  fine  development  of  form,  branching 
luxuriantly  to  the  very  ground.  These  plants  are  large  for  moving,  but  have 
abundant  roots,  and  I  superintended  their  transplanting  from  a  neighboring 
nursery,  exercising  the  utmost  care  in  the  preservation  of  the  roots  in  a  moist 
state,  and  in  the  preparation  of  the  ground  for  their  immediate  planting. 

"  My  business  in  the  neighboring-  city  prospered  greatly,  and  heaven  has 
blessed  me  far  beyond  my  deservings,  I  now  find  myself  kept  pretty  busj^ 
managing  what  I  have  earned.  Taking  the  admonition  of  my  father,  who 
abandoned  public  life  at  an  early  day,  I  have  never  entered  it,  though 
solicited  to  do  so,  preferring  the  peace  and  independence  of  private  life  to 
the  honors  (?)  and  emoluments  of  office;  I  indulge  no  political  aspirations, 
and  keep  aloof  fi'om  politics.  I  love  the  country,  and  am  actually  retiring  to 
it;  though  yet  young,  my  thirtieth  birth-day  to  be  celebrated  in  the  coming- 
house-warming." 

Our  correspondent  goes  into  other  details  of  interest  with  regard  to  his 
intentions.  He  means  to  be  fully  einployed  in  his  retirement,  and  has  sought 
to  know  what  small  fruits  will  be  the  least  trouble  and  yet  yield  a  fair  re- 
turn. Currants,  by  the  acre,  will  yield  a  good  profit,  and  they  have  the  advan- 
tage over  some  others,  that  they  hang,  if'required,  a  long  time  on  the  bush, 
and  can  thus  be  picked  when  opportunity  offers.  Again,  in  case  they  do  not 
meet  a  full  sale,  from  any  cause,  they  can  be  made  into  wine.  Cranberries 
are  another  of  the  long-keeping,  small  fruits  to  which  his  attention  may  be 
turned,  especially  as  he  describes  some  of  the  land  as  suited  to  their  culture. 
The  sale  of  Cranberries  is  not  confined  to  a  few  weeks,  but  extends  over  the 
entire  year — an  advantage  to  be  taken  into  account  when  deciding  upon  a 
kind  for  the  principal  crop. 

Then  we  have  known  success  to  attend  those  who  devoted  their  attention 
exclusively  to  one  article,  reminding  us  of  Horace  Walpole's  story  of  the 
reply  of  a  general  to  the  inquiry,  "  Why,  you  must  have  a  terrible  time, 
always  at  work  fighting?"  "On  the  contrary,"  said  the  general,  "  we 
fight  four  hours   or  so  before  dinner,   and  then  we  have  all  the  rest 

the  da}'  to  ourselves  !  "     By  putting  your  acres  mostly  in  Asparagus,  when 


AN   EXAMPLE   AND    A   BIT    OF    ADVICE. FOREIGN   FRUITS. 

neai*  a  city,  very  great  returns  are  realized,  and  for  most  of  the  year  it 
requires  no  cultivation  whatever.  The  interval  may  be  devoted  to  j'our 
fruits  for  home  consumption,  and  to  the  ornamental  around  your  dwelling; 
in  other  words,  you  can  have  the  rest  of  the  year  to  yourself.  It  may  be 
that  you  do  not  choose  to  expend  a  very  large  part  of  your  income  in  the 
purely  ornamental,  and,  if  so,  it  will  be  pleasant  to  think  that  all  the  money 
that  comes  out  of  the  strong  box  for  wages,  &c.,  &c.,  went  into  it  from  the 
produce  of  the  vegetable  or  fruit  garden,  be  it  Asparagus,  Celery  (this 
requires  more  labor  than  the  former),  or  any  of  the  small  fruits. 

If  of  the  latter  you  decline  the  currant,  select  the  raspberry  ;  or  if  you 
can  get  the  proper  number  of  pickers  at  the  proper  time,  and  have  a  read}- 
market,  the  strawberry  is  often  very  remunerative.  Everybody's  strawber- 
ries in  the  neighborhood,  however,  come  in  at  the  same  time,  and  that  time 
is  rather  brief;  prices  sometimes  take  a  sad  tumble  just  as  your  own  lovely 
fruit  is  most  tempting.  Then  strawberries  have  to  be  more  or  less  carried, 
to  their  injuiy,  to  the  consumer,  and  delay  is  fatal.  With  blackberries  (cul- 
tivated), the  season  is  a  little  longer,  but  they  also  must  be  carefully  gath- 
ered at  the  proper  moment,  and  likewise  rapidly  delivered  ;  the  raspberry 
and  cherry  somewhat  the  same.  All  will  not  select  the  currant  ;  its  advan- 
tages it  is  well  to  remember,  how^ever,  and  to  have  at  least  a  fair  portion  of 
your  ground  occupied  with  the  best  kinds. 

Keturning  to  vegetables,  we  know  of  several  instances  where  a  speciality 
is  selected  with  profit.  Rhubarb  cultivated  by  horse  power  has  paid  ex- 
tremely well,  and  the  owner  has  had  "  the  rest  of  the  year  to  himself"  In 
whatever  is  undertaken,  it  is  well  to  remember  that  success  will  depend  on 
yourself.  Get  the  best  kind  of  what  you  intend  to  cultivate  ;  see  that  it  is 
adapted  to  your  soil  and  climate,  and,  if  possible,  that  it  is  always  a  sure 
crop ;  give  it  the  right  setting  out,  the  proper  exposure,  shelter,  (if  it  re- 
quires it),  and  the  best  manure.  Economy  in  the  latter  will  consist  in  not 
being  stingy.  This  is  your  capital  invested  from  which  you  are  to  reap  your 
ant.  per  cent.,  provided  you  understand  your  business  yourself,  and  do  not 
leave  too  much  to  assistants  who  take  little  interest  in  any  of  your  proceed- 
ings, except  the  hope  of  pay-day  coming. 

You  may  have,  when  Jacob  is  sick,  some  time  or  other,  to  drive  the  wagon 
loaded  with  berries  to  the  steamboat  wharf  or  the  railroad  station  ;  you 
must  not  be  ashamed  to  do  so,  nor  be  too  much  enervated  by  leisure  not  to 
take  a  pleasure  and  pride  in  your  success,  no  matter  how  much  money  you 
have  risked  in  the  bank  or  any  other  doubtful  corporation.  If  you  are  not 
about  to  attend  to  matters  around  yoic  yourself,  it  will  be  better  to  rent  the 
land  to  somebody  whose  interest  it  will  be  to  personally  superintend  every 
operation,  and  give  yourself  up  to  a  small  garden  that  you  can  look  after 
from  the  library  window  ;  for  we  have  never  known  the  mere  employment  of 
hired  labor  to  produce  a  fortune  in  small  fruits  and  vegetables  to  the  looker- 
on,  who  passed  the  morning  with  the  newspaper  or  the  classics,  and  the  af- 
ternoon with  "clever  fellows"  over  a  dozen  bottles  of  costly  foreign  wines. 


FOREIGN    FRUITS. 

Gradually,  as  civilization  develops  itself,  new  resources   spring  up  to 
cheer  mankind  on  the  journey  of  life.     The  fruit,  formerly  denied  to  northern 
climes,  now  finds  its  way  where  our  grandparents  had  to  be  content 
description  only.     Steamships,  in  one  generation,  have  brought  the  prod 


of  the  tropics  to  our  very  most  northern  latitudes.  Twenty  years  ago  a  stray 
sug-ar  vessel  from  Cuba  brought  a  few  oranges,  mostly  spoiled  on  the  voyag-e  ; 
a  rare  bunch  of  bananas  hung  shivering  without  purcliasers  at  a  few  of  the 
confectioners'  doors,  and  even  in  New  York  and  Philadelphia  the  fruit  of  the 
West  Indies  was  rare.  The  opening  of  California  has  now  caused  such  an 
assemblage  of  steamships  to  pass  the  fruit-bearing  islands,  that  oranges,  ban- 
anas and  pine-apples  are  accessible  at  cheap  rates  to  all  ;  they  penetrate 
by  the  way  of  New  Orleans  or  the  Atlantic  ports  every  village  of  the  Union, 
and  we  venture  to  say  are  eaten  abundantly  in  Canada  when  the  ground  is 
covered  with  snow,  and  the  rivers  bound  in  icy  fetters.  On  board  the 
steamboats  of  the  Mississippi,  we  found  last  season,  fried  bananas  daily  for 
breakfast,  and  the  bar-keeper  and  steward  were  always  ready  with  Havana 
oranges  and  pine-apples.  These  tropical  luxuries  reach  us  when  our  own 
fruits  are  becoming  scarce,  and  disappear  with  the  strawberry  in  June. 
They  are  a  great  boon  to  those  in  health,  and  particularly  acceptable  to  the 
invalid.  As  commerce  increases  they  will  become  more  and  more  abundant, 
and  as  the  demand  for  the  North  will  be  incredibly  great  where  heretofore 
no  sales  could  be  made,  a  profitable  opening  for  intelligent  cultivators  will 
be  found  at  many  points  of  our  own  coasts.  At  Key  West,  and  the  adjoin- 
ing Keys,  the  Havana  orange  and  the  banana,  as  well  as  the  cocoa-nut 
flourish  as  well  as  in  Cuba.  Our  successors  will  be  supplied  from  Florida 
with  an  abundance  of  wholesome  fruit.  In  April,  New  York  displays  in  her 
shop-windows  melons  and  the  finest  fruits  of  the  lands  of  the  sun,  and  from 
her  wharves  they  are  shot  off  to  every  town  connected  by  railways.  Such 
is  not  the  least  blessing  of  the  invention  of  the  steam  engine,  which  so  hap- 
pily brings  distant  lands  together. 

There  was  a  pretty  story  told  in  London,  when  we  were  there  last,  to  this 
effect.  England  is  supplied  with  excellent  oranges  by  steam  from  Portugal. 
A  wealthy  member  of  the  Jewish  fraternity,  who  wished  to  benefit  the  poorer 
portion  of  his  race,  obtained  the  monopoly  of  the  trade  by  selling  oranges, 
to  Jews  only,  at  first  cost  of  importation,  or  even,  if  necessary,  a  trifle  below 
it.  His  agents  would  sell  to  none  but  needy  Israelites  ;  thus  a  good  trade 
was  insured  to  the  profession,  and  the  Londoners  were  content  to  purchase 
their  Portuguese  fruit  from  those  who  might  otherwise  have  been  mendi- 
cants, but  for  this  liberal  bounty  of  SIR  MOSES  MONTEFIORE.  By  em- 
ploying a  small  capital  in  a  perishable  article,  he  gave  emploj^ment  to  a 
large  number  of  families  ;  many  an  urchin,  who  knew  not  his  benefactor, 
has  ofl'ered  the  fruit  to  Sir  Moses  in  the  streets,  and  as  the  story  goes,  he 
never  refused  to  purchase  at  an  advance  what  he  himself  had  sold  below 

cost. 

»-  «  »  —  >^ 

THE    WARFARE    ON    THE    CURCULIO. 

BY   JOHX    PHINN,    ROCHESTER,    NEW    YORK. 

Having  been  a  diligent  reader  of  the  Horticulturist  from  its  commence- 
ment (if  not  in  point  of  time  at  least  so  far  as  the  volumes  themselve§  are 
concerned),  I  have  watched  with  much  interest  the  warfare  carried  on  with 
the  curculio,  and  the  various  devices  contrived  to  kill  the  little  Turk  or  drive 
him  from  his  prey.  As  yet  I  believe  we  are  without  a  sure  and  simple  rem- 
edy ;  but  the  following  facts  have  been  gathered  from  the  recoi'ds  of  past  suc- 
cesses and  defeats.     The  inference  is  my  own. 

1.     No  certain  remedy  has  yet  been  found — one  which  will  protect  all 
trees  in  an  orchard  or  locality. 


GRAPES   RIPENING   IN   THE    SHADE. 


2.  Some  trees  have  been  preserved  and  been  loaded  with  fruit,  while  the 
crop  upon  others  standing  near  them  has  been  totally  destroyed. 

3.  In  such  cases  the  preserved  trees  have  generally  been  distinguished 
from  the  others  by  the  application  or  vicinity  of  lime,  sulphur,  plaster,  pigs, 
fowls,  calves,  manure,  water,  or  some  other  agency  offensive  to  the  curculio. 

4.  The  application  of  all  these  remedies  often  fails,  and,  where  applied  to 
a  Avhole  orchard  or  neighborhood,  rarely  does  any  good. 

5.  The  curculio  deposits  several  eggs  in  one  fruit  and  one  incision,  and 
if  fruit  be  scarce  will  make  several  incisions  in  the  same  fruit. 

Connecting  these  facts  togethei",  it  seems  to  me  that  the  great  secret  of 
the  success  of  comparative  experiments  with  such  remedies  as  lime,  sulphur, 
plaster,  &c.,  lies  in  the  fact  that  the  curculio  prefers  clean  fruit  and  condi- 
tions favorable  to  the  rearing  of  its  progency  to  the  contrary  ;  but  it  will 
try  to  rear  them,  let  the  conditions  be  what  they  may.  If,  then,  we  have  an 
orchard  of  plums  let  us  always  leave  a  few  of  the  poorest  trees  for  the  cur- 
culio and  take  our  revenge  on  him  after  he  has  done  his  work  by  picking  up 
and  destroying  the  fruit  and  eggs.  In  a  city  it  generally  happens  that  some 
near  neighbor  is  lazy  enough  to  leave  his  crop  in  such  a  state  as  to  protect 
ours  ;  but  if  isolated,  let  us  take  care  that  we  do  not  render  all  our  fruit 
equally  disgusting  to  our  tormentor,  for  then  he  will  assuredly  levy  his  con- 
tributions from  all  trees  alike. 

But  the  curculio  no  doubt  prefers  clean  fruit  and  a  favorable  location  for 
propa^ting  its  species,  and  if  we  offer  it  these  conditions  it  will  rather 
make  a  second  puncture  in  such  fruit  than  go  to  that  which  is  covered  with 
lime,  and  under  which  chickens  or  pigs  stand  with  open  mouth  to  receive  it. 

Rochester,  May  Ist,  1858. 


»■   «  »  -  ,t 


GRAPES  RIPENING  IN  THE  SHADE. 

OR  several  seasons  the  best  Isabella  Grapes  we  have  had, 
ripened  thoroughly  in  a  situation  where  they  received  no 
ray  of  sun  till  after  twelve  o'clock.  In  consequence  of 
this  absence  of  light  for  half  the  day,  the  vine  is  usually 
two  weeks  later  in  assuming  its  leaves  than  its  fellows 
in  the  neighborhood,  and  yet  the  berries  were  larger, 
blacker,  and  more  uniformly  good  and  free  from  mildew. 
In  their  native  places  our  wild  grapes  ascend  trees,  and 
there  perfect  themselves  in  much  shade.  Why  should 
they  not  do  so  in  gardens  ?  &c.  We  submitted  the  ques- 
tion to  two  experienced  persons  and  give  their  replies. 

"  J.  Jay  Smith,  Esq. — Dear  Sir — With  regard  to  your  inquiry 

concerning  grapes  ripening   in  shade,  I  have  always  found 

that  grapes  ripen  well,  only  when  the  foliage  continues  healthy 

and   luxuriant   until   the   fruit  is  ripe.     It  oftentimes  occurs, 

when   grapes  are  growing  in   a  sheltered  spot,   but  under  the 

full  influence  of  sun,  that  the  foliage  is  covered  with  thrip,  and 

occasionally  red  spider.     These  soon  work  a  dreadful  havoc  on 

the  leaves.     The  leaves   dry  up,  are  blown  off,  and  the  grapes 

hanging  on  the  vines   are  perfectly  exposed,  the  leaves  being 

all  fallen  off  except  a  few  growing  points.     This  is  a  very  common  occur- 


280  GRAPES  RIPENING  IN  THE  SHADE. 

rence,  and  where  it  is  so,  the  half  of  the  berries  will  be  green,  never 
ripening.  On  the  other  hand,  when  the  vine  happens  to  be  trained  in  a 
rather  shady  position,  the  leaves  are  seldom  destroyed  by  insects  ;  conse- 
quently, the  fruit  has  the  full  benefit  of  them,  and  ripens.  I  think,  and  I 
speak  from  observation,  that  grapes  will  ripen  better  when  the  plants  are 
fully  exposed,  provided  the  foliage  is  kept  in  healthy  and  vigorous  action, 
and  plenty  of  it.  I  never  practise  dose  summer  pruning  on  native  grapes. 
I  shorten  the  shoot  about  six  eyes  above  the  bunch,  and  allow  all  the  lateral 
branches  to  remain,  and  cut  out  the  branches  when  too  thick.  There  is  no 
doubt  that  our  wine  growers  in  the  West  have  not  yet  practised  the  proper 
sj'stem  of  growing  the  vines  ;  they  keep  them  too  small  ;  prune  too  much. 
Tliey  should  be  allowed  to  extend  yearly,  until  one  vine  covered  a  large 
space  and  inherited  a  stem  or  trunk  where  the  sap  would  be  more  thoroughly 
elaborated.  It  has  been  frequently  remarked  that  the  best  grapes  are  always 
found  at  extreme  points  of  shoots,  no  matter  how  long  these  shoots  may  be. 
I  am  of  opinion  that  the  native  grape  will  never  be  improved  by  crossing 
with  the  foreign.  Our  native  grapes  are  all  more  or  less  subject  to  mildew, 
and  any  tinge  of  foreign  blood  would  onlj'^  increase  that  tendency.  We 
must  endeavor  by  cross  impregnation  and  cultivation  to  improve  our  native 
varieties,  without  any  admixture  of  the  foreign  element.  I  would  expect 
more  from  an  improvement  on  the  foreign,  such  as  the  B.  Hamburg  crossed 
with  Isabella,  so  as  to  impart  a  leetle  of  the  foxy  flavor,  to  give  character 
and  taste  to  the  incipient  sweetness  of  the  foreign  sorts.  No  doub*  they 
would  be  improved  by  it.  I  have  often  spoken  against  the  common  practice 
of  training  the  foreign  grape  up  rafters,  as  it  allows  the  fruit  to  hang  clear  of 
the  foliage.  In  a  grapery  which  I  am  now  building,  it  is  intended  to  form 
perpendicular  trellises  and  keep  the  glass  perfectly  clear  from  foliage  ;  the 
leaves  shade  and  protect  the  fruit  from  the  influences  of  the  atmosphere. 
Those  who  have  gathered  strawberries,  know  that  the  finest  flavored  and 
best  colored  fruit  is  always  hid  among  the  foliage  ;  but  the  foliage  must 
have  all  the  light  and  air  that  can  be  obtained. 

"  I  woiild  not  expect  to  grow  grapes  to  their  greatest  perfection  by  plant- 
ing vines  in  shaded  spots  ;  but  1  would  expect  to  find  the  best  grapes  where 
there  is  most  foliage,  just  as  j^ou  will  find  the  largest  potatoes  where  the 
haulm  is  strongest  and  healthiest. 

"  This  is  somewhat  rambling — not  so  exact  as  an  essay — but  you  will 
gather  my  views  from  it,  on  the  subject  you  mentioned. 

"  Very  respectfully,  William  Saunders,  Gcrmantoicn,  Pa.^' 

Mr.  Samuel  Miller,  of  Calmdale,  writes  thus  : 

"  Some  years  ago,  when  the  grape  crop  was  a  total  failure  in  this  whole 
region,  I  discovered  a  framework  loaded  with  the  most  perfect  Isabella  and 
Catawbas  I  almost  ever  saw.  At  the  sides  of  the  poor  arbor  there  was  no 
fruit,  but  the  level  top  was  covered  and  densely  shaded  by  a  thick  crop  of 
leaves,  while  underneath,  as  if  to  hide  from  the  sun,  hung  in  splendid  clus- 
ters the  grapes  above  alluded  to.  Scarcely  a  ray  of  sunshine  fell  upon  them 
the  whole  day,  except  when  the  wind  parted  the  leaves.  These  grapes  were 
highly  colored,  and  very  finely  flavored.  Shade  usually  ripens  the  sweetest 
currants,  raspberries  and  grapes  in  their  native  state,  but  when  there  is  deep 
trenching  and  high  manuring  it  may  be  different. 

"  Respectfully,  Samuel  Miller." 


Communications,  Letters,  Catalogues,  Periodicals,  &c.,  &c.,  intended  for 
the  perusal  of  the  Editor,  should  be  uniformly  directed  to  the  Horticulturist, 
Germantown,  {Philadelphia,)  Pa.  Packages  by  Express,  &c ,  should  be 
directed  to  the  Editor,  as  above,  by  name  ;  they  will  thus  reach  him  almost 
beyond  a  doubt. 


June. — We  care  not  for  the  friendship  of  the  man  v.'ho  does  not  revel  in  the  delights  of  June. 
The  merest  tiller  of  the  ground  occasionally  leans  on  his  spade  or  his  plough,  to  inhale  the 
sweet  breath  of  spring,  delight  his  eye  with  the  profusion  of  newly-developed  beauties,  and 
catch  the  cheering  sound  of  the  blue-bird  or  the  twitter  of  the  wren.  The  lilies  of  the  field 
and  the  birds  of  heaven  are  pictures  made  for  all,  that  by  glancing  at  them  the  mind  may  be 
instructed,  and  necessary  toil  borne  witli  patience. 

The  pursuits  of  the  amateur  gardener  would  be  fruitless,  indeed,  if  he  were  destitute  of  a 
delight  thus  conferred  on  all  who  gain  a  livelihood  by  the  sweat  of  their  brow ;  he  must,  if  he 
is  a  true  lover  of  nature's  gifts,  also  rejoice  in  the  beauty  of  a  scene,  to  ignore  which  would 
entitle  him  to  no  share  in  the  smiles  of  June.  He  will  not  make  his  own  garden  the  horizon  of 
his  landscape,  but  will  look  out  on  the  grand  scenery  of  nature,  with  its  garments  of  varied 
green,  enamelled  with  white,  and  rose-colored  and  purple  jewels.  AA'^hat  a  queen  is  nature,  and 
how  silken  are  the  bonds  of  her  rule !  We  read  of  the  costly  and  dazzling  magnificence  of  a 
regal  drawing-room  ;  but  what  is  this  to  the  levee  of  mother  earth.  Such  a  drawing-room  is 
nature  now  holding,  with  rainbow  glories  above  her  head,  a  thousand  subject  blossoms  all 
around  her,  and  a  verdant  and  richly-jewelled  carpet  at  her  feet ;  a  poor  imitation  of  which  is 
the  greatest  triumph  of  the  imperial  loom. 

In  such  open  drawing-rooms  the  imagination  of  the  poets  of  all  ages  have  revelled,  eschew- 
ing the  stifling  smoke  of  lamps,  and  the  crowded  saloons  of  mediocrity.  It  is  sad  indeed,  when 
the  inhabitants  of  a  charming  world  have  no  perception  of  its  charms,  and  can  walk  in  the 
midst  of  beauties  without  observing  them.  But  after  being  refreshed  with  this  expanded 
acquaintance  with  the  world's  great  garden,  the  amateur  returns  contented  and  pleased  to  his 
own  limited  domain,  which  yields  him  special  pleasures  in  the  season  of  growth.  A  large 
portion  of  the  past  months  has  been  toilsome  work,  animated  by  hope  rather  than  actual  pos- 
session ;  but  now  hope  is  to  be  realized  and  labor  repaid.  The  strawberry  graces  its  turban 
of  soft  green  with  profuse  blossoms  and  fniit ;  the  fruit  trees  no  longer  look  like  barren  sticks, 
but  are  garnished  with  beauty.  The  vegetables  give  expectations  of  a  profusion  of  healthful 
food.  Every  day  the  soil  has  been  broken  by  thousands  of  seedlings,  either  projecting  a  sharp 
spike  or  a  minute  branch.  Warm  showers  exhibit  their  growth,  and  the  hand  of  industry  so 
lately  reposing  with  all  nature,  scarcely  knows  where  first  to  direct  its  eflbrts.  Until  lately 
the  florist  had  to  enter  his  greenhouse,  or  thrust  his  head  into  pits  or  frames  to  survey  his 
treasures ;  but  now  they  are  less  coy,  and  walk  abroad  in  the  unfettered  parterre.  What  a 
source  of  delight  it  is  to  see  the  folded  buds  of  the  roses,  and  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  future 


N.S.  :  Vol.  YIII.— June,  1858. 


19 


EDITOR  S    TABLE. 

flower  in  the  spindling  branch  of  a  carnation,  or  the  rising  stems  of  our  bulbs !    Every  day  brings 
forth  new  candidates  for  your  approving  smiles  ;  until  at  length 

"  Along  these  blushing  borders,  bright  with  dew, 
And  in  yon  mingled  wilderness  of  flowers, 
Fair  handed  June  unbosoms  every  grace." 

Douglas's  Fir. — On  page  252  will  be  found  a  representation  of  this  noble  tree,  Abies 
Douglasii,  which  has  become  a  great  favoiite  in  England,  and  is  gradually  creeping  into  our 
Atlantic  coast  plantations,  where  it  may  be  said  to  be  hardy  as  far  north  at  least  as  New  York, 
and  perhaps  more  northwardly.  At  Wodenethe,  during  the  two  late  cold  wintL-rs,  though  the 
foliage  was  touched  the  buds  were  uninjured.  It  forms  a  pyramid  of  deep  verdure,  which  in 
all  its  dimensions  may  almost  vie  with  the  loftiest  pyramids  of  art.  It's  vast  arms  spread  out 
in  wide  circles  often  nearly  from  the  ground ;  at  other  times  they  issue  from  the  summit  of  a  tall 
colossal  shaft.  In  general,  the  conic  outline  is  regularly  presented,  and  stage  upon  stage,  the 
branches  decreasing  in  length,  finish  by  a  preeminent  tuft  at  a  height  which  astonishes  the 
beholder.  Three  hundred  feet  is  said  to  be  attained  by  this  giant.  Its  branches  are  pendent, 
which  imparts  to  it  a  light  and  graceful  appearance.    It  is  a  rapid  grower. 

The  Morel,  or  Morchella  esculenta,  which  most  people  would,  from  its  general  appearance, 
be  disposed  to  condemn  as  utterly  poisonous,  but  which  is  perfectly  delicious  and  better  than  a 
mushroom,  was  very  abundant  hereaway  during  the  rainy  weather  of  May ;  and  was  as  nice 
a  morsel  as  a  woodcock  to  the  educated  gastronome.  The  following,  from  Loudon's  Encyclo- 
paedia of  Plants,  may  give  some  of  our  readers  a  hint  that  they  will  thank  us  for  :  "  Morchella, 
a  name  altered  by  Dillenius  from  Morchel,  the  German  name  of  the  plant.  Fungi  of  a  large 
size,  appearing  in  the  spring  upon  the  earth.  The  eatable  morsel  is  one  of  the  most  valuable 
of  fungi  for  purposes  of  cookery,  but  is  more  frequently  used  in  a  dry  state  for  sauces,  than 
when  fresh.  It  is  found  in  the  greatest  abundance  in  places  where  trees  have  been  burned, 
which  led  in  Germany  to  a  practice  of  burning  down  masses  of  forests  for  the  sake  of  the 
future  Morels.  This  practice  proved  so  injurious  that  it  became  necessary  to  suppress  it  by 
law.  The  Morel  is  subject  to  many  variations  of  figure  and  color,  which  are  all  referable  to 
four  principal  forms.  But  there  are  also  some  legitimate  species  which  have  been  distinguished 
by  modern  botanists." 

We  do  not  advise  the  uninitiated  to  cook  the  Morel ;  but  with  a  perfect  knowledge  of  the 
fungus,  a  dish  fit  for  the  best  people  is  provided  at  doors  where  it  is  despised  and  disregarded. 
It  certainly  is  not  of  an  attractive  appearance  in  the  ground. 

The  Illustrated  Bouquet  is  a  beautiful  parlor-table  book,  published  in  London,  by  E.  G. 
Henderson  &  Son,  Nurserj'men,  and  orders  are  taken  for  it  by  G.  C.  Thorburn,  Newark,  N.  J., 
for  $10  a  year,  four  numbers.  The  plants  are  finely  drawn,  grouped,  and  colored,  and  we  can 
recommend  it.     The  letter-press  is  useful. 

New  Mahonl\s. — One  of  our  correspondents  has  received  from  Europe,  eight  new  kinds  of 
Mahonia ;  two  of  them  are  charged  at  $25,  the  Mahonia  Bealii.  We  shall  thus  soon  have  variety 
and  a  great  choice  in  these  beautiful  plants. 

Easter  Beurre  Pears. — Some  of  our  Boston  friends  have  united  to  send  us  a  box  of  ad- 
mirably kept  Easter  Beurres,  which,  on  the  22d  May,  are  as  unslnnvelled  and  fair  as  could  be 
wished.  Mr.  Eben  Wright,  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society, 
at  the  request  of  the  exhibitor, Mr.  D.  T.Curtis,  forwarded  the  box,  which,  with  its  contents, 
came  in  the  finest  order.  Mr.  Curtis  is  the  inventor  of  a  process  for  the  keeping  and  ripening 
of  fruit,  which,  we  believe,  he  has  not  yet  communicated. 

This  fruit  must  have  made  quite  a  sensation  at  the  opening  exhibition   on  the  15th  of  May, 
which  Mr.  Wright  and  others  have  assured  us  was  decidedly  the  most  satisfactory  in   contr 
tions,  attendance,  «fec.,  of  any  opening  fair  this  successful  society  has  ever  held.    Mr.  W 


editor's  table. 


adds,  "could  you  see  in  this  vicinity  avenues  of  pear  trees  on  quince  stocks  in  the  grounds  of 
Messrs.  Hovey,  Wikier,  or  Austin,  to  say  nothing  of  a  host  of  others,  who  might  be  honorably 
mentioned,  as  alike  successful  here,  3'ou  would  not  feel  the  shudder  which  must  have  seized  you 
on  reading  Mr.  Allen's  article  on  pears  in  the  May  number.  Our  horticultural  community  are 
justly  proud  of  the  eminent  success  which  attends  the  culture  of  this  fruit." 

We  have  seen  those  avenues  and  greatly  admired  them,  and  hope  yet  to  be  convinced  that  the 
culture  of  the  pear  may  be  made  highly  remunerative  in  other  places  than  Boston. 

Trellises.— Small  trellises  over  walks  may  be  in- 
troduced with  effect,  by  judicious  taste.  As  to  sum- 
mer-houses and  arbors  generally,  too  much  insipidity 
is  scattered  about  the  world  in  suburban  gardens, 
under  the  vain  pretence  of  ornament  and  use.  The 
majority  are  like  toll-houses  or  meat  stalls,  destitute 
of  elegance,  use,  and  expression  of  purpose.  A  sum- 
mer-house need  not  be  utterly  hidden  ;  but  it  ought  not 
to  stare  us  straight  in  the  face  from  a  back  wall,  its 
ugly  lattice-woi'k  without  one  creeping  tendril,  and  its 
interior  visible  to  every  gazer,  as  if  it  were  anything 
but  a  place  of  shade  and  rest.  Though  you  never  use 
it,  it  must  appear  fit  for  use  or  it  is  no  ornament.  It 
should  be  well  shrouded  with  greenery,  be  easy  of 
access,  sufficiently  inviting  to  attract  a  stranger,  yet 
quiet  in  tone,  and  of  a  chaste,  pleasing  outline.  Some 
suburban  retreats  have  what  are  called  "  arbors,"  but 
which  are  a  perversion  of  the  name.  The  accom- 
panying little  sketch  representing  an  arch  covered 
with  the  Dutchman's  pipe,  Aristolocia  sipho,  is  made  of  .thick  iron  wire,  and  may  safely  be 
imitated. 

Heating  by  Gas.— In  the  present  number  we  give  currency  to  an  article,  explained  by  cuts, 
on  heating  plant-cabinets,  and  houses,  &c.,  by  gas,  with  a  view  of  inducing  our  American 
mechanics  to  look  into  the  matter.  There  are  many  citizens  who  would  gladly  employ  such  an 
apparatus,  and  country  gentlemen  who  manufacture  their  own  gas;  when  they  possess  the 
apparatus  all  the  extra  gas  wanted  is  made  at  a  small  additional  cost. 

In  contriving  such  a  gas  stove,  it  must  be  remembered  that  common  lighting  gas  is  the  most 
searching  and  deadly  poison  to  plants,  and  it  should  never  be  risked  to  contaminate  the  air 
which  they  should  breathe.  No  air  from  the  house  or  room  to  be  heated,  should  be  admitted 
to  the  inside  of  the  stove  for  fear  of  contamination  by  leakage  ;  the  air  to  sustain  combustion 
should  come  from  a  cellar,  an  adjoining  room,  or  from  the  outside  through  an  underground  drain 
or  pipe,  and  it  should  be  discharged  when  used,  with  the  greatest  care,  that  none  escapes  for 
the  injury  of  the  pores  of  the  plants.  The  subject  is  an  interesting  one,  both  on  account  of  its 
convenience  and  probable  economy. 

Hedges.— Mr.  Hovey  says,  in  his  May  magazine  :  "  It  might  be  as  well  to  advise  all  who 
wish  to  make  a  hedge  speedily,  to  give  up  the  task  at  once.  It  is  utterly  (in)  vain  to  attempt 
any  such  thing.  They  are  the  work  of  time,  and  cannot  be  possessed  by  any  who  are  not  willing 
to  patiently  await  their  growth.  With  thorough  preparation  of  the  ground,  good  plants  and 
planting,  liberal  manuring,  and  judicious  clipping,  a  hedge  may  be  grown  five  feet  high  in  six 
or  seven  years — and  not  sooner." 

Pea- Weevil,  Bruchus  pisi.— To  destroy  this,  a  correspondent  of  Mr.  Hovey's  says  :  "  As 
soon  as  the  peas  are  ripe  enough  to  be  gathered,  let  them  be  stripped  from  the  pods,  and  dried 
carefully  for  a  day  or  two  in  the  sun.    Then  place  them  in  a  colander,  and  after  covering  them 


with  a  plate,  set  the  colander  over  a  vessel  of  boiling  water,  until  the  steam  has  thoroughly 
passed  among  the  peas.  Then  take  them  out,  and  spread  them  for  a  few  minutes  to  dry,  when 
they  will  be  ready  to  put  away.     Thus  every  insect  may  be  destroyed." 

Catawissa  Easpberry. — According  to  the  same  magazine,  Mr.  Pierce,  of  Washington, 
D.  C,  has  raised  this  fruit  in  such  quantities  that  he  has  sent  to  market  to  the  extent  of  sixty 
quarts  a  day,  through  September  up  to  the  second  of  October.  It  is  undoubtedly  a  valuable 
fruit,  and  we  are  expecting  to  hear  of  its  improvement  by  hybridization  soon. 

Grape  Vines. — We  are  following  the  fashion  and  collecting  for  experiment  a  rich  list  of 
the  newer  grapevines.  Mr.  J.  Fisk  Allen,  of  Salem,  Mass.,  has  obliged  us  by  forwarding 
Allen's  Hybrid,  of  M'hich  he  says  :  "  It  is  a  fine,  early  white  grape,  equal  to  its  male  or  pollen 
plant,  the  Chasselas  of  the  French,  and  as  they  esteem  this  before  all  others  in  Paris,  it  is  say- 
ing much  in  its  praise.  It  is  as  early  as  any  grape  of  any  value,  and  has  stood  out  this  winter 
uninjured.  No.  5  is  a  black  hybrid  ;  No.  8,  a  black  or  purple  hybrid  ;  all  these  are  from  the 
same  lot  of  seed,  and  I  have  several  others.  No.  5  is  a  good  grape,  very  like  it's  mother,  the 
Isabella,  but  the  foliage  is  that  of  the  pollcii  or  European  vine.  No.  8  has  a  very  beautiful  leaf 
or  shoot  when  first  pushing,  unlike  any  grape  I  know,  but  resembling  that  of  the  Eed  Chas- 
selas Royal  of  the  French ;  this  latter  had  nothing  to  do  with  its  origin  however.  It  is  more 
tender  than  the  others  and  is  quite  late,  equal  to,  or  as  late  as,  the  Isabella."  Allen's  Hybrid  is 
now  being  extensively  propagated  for  sale.  From  Samuel  Miller  we  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
Clapier,  Wright's  Isabella,  Clara  (Eaab),  Brinckle  (Eaab,)  Canby's  August,  Garrigues,  Cassady, 
Kingsessing,  and  Lehman,  for  all  which  favors  we  shall  endeavor  to  return  a  true  account  in  due 
season. 

Natural  Objects. — To  define  the  differences  between  the  pleasures  derivable  from  the 
works  of  nature  and  those  of  man,  is  a  difficult  subject.  Natural  objects  are  common  and 
obvious,  and  are  imbued  with  an  habitual  and  universal  interest,  without  being  vulgar.  Famil- 
iarity with  them  does  not  breed  contempt,  as  it  does  in  the  woi'ks  of  man.  They  form  an 
ideal  class;  their  repeated  impression  on  the  mind,  in  as  many  different  circumstances,  grows 
up  into  a  sentiment.  The  reason  is,  that  we  refer  them  generally  and  collectively  to  ourselves 
as  links  and  mementos  of  our  various  being ;  whereas,  we  refer  the  works  of  art  respectively 
to  those  by  whom  they  are  made,  or  to  whom  they  belong.  This  distracts  the  mind  in  looking 
at  them,  and  gives  a  petty  and  unpoetical  character  to  what  we  feel  relating  to  them. 

A  fine  poet  thus  describes  the  effect  of  the  sight  of  nature  on  his  mind  : 

"  The  sounding  cataract 
Haunted  me  like  a  passion ;  the  tall  rock, 
The  mountain,  and  the  deep  and  gloomy  wood, 
Their  colors  and  their  forms  were  then  to  me 
An  appetite,  a  feeling,  and  a  love. 
That  had  no  need  of  a  remoter  charm 
By  thought  supplied,  or  any  interest 
Unborrowed  from  the  eye." 

Insects. — Professor  Asa  Fitch  says,  in  his  new  contributions  to  the  Transactions  in  the  New 
York  Agricultural  Society,  "  I  sometimes  think  there  is  no^kind  of  mischief  gi'ing  on  in  the 
world  of  nature  around  us,  but  that  some  insect  is  at  the  bottom  of  it.  Certain  it  is  that  these 
little  creatures,  seemingly  so  insignificant  and  powerless  as  to  be  unworthy  of  a  moment's  notice 
from  anybody  but  the  curious,  occupy  a  most  important  rank  in  the  scale  of  creation,  and  on 
every  side  of  us  their  performances  are  producing  most  important  results,  tending  probably  in 
an  equal  degree  to  our  benefit  in  one  direction,  as  to  our  detriment  in  another."  It  is  impossi- 
ble to  over-estimate  the  value  of  these  contributions  to  science,  when  we  reflect  that  it  is  coin- 
that  all  the  species  of  insects  taken  together  which  exist  in  nature,  do  not  fall  short  of 
hundred  thousand  ! 


liDITOU'S   TABLE. 


Ehododendron,  and  Apples. — Mr.  Van  Buren,  of  Clarksville,  Georgia,  writes  that  he  now 
thinks  Mr.  McDoweire  Rhododendron,  figured  by  us  in  1856,  is  the  Catawbiense.  "  It  grows," 
he  says, "  so  much  more  hixuriantly,  and  is  so  much  more  brilliantly  colored  in  its  native  haunts, 
that  it  led  many  botanists,  as  well  as  myself,  to  suppose  it  to  be  a  distinct  variety.  I  find  by 
transplanting  it,  that  it  loses  much  of  its  brilliancy  of  coloring  in  the  course  of  a  year  or  two.'' 

Mr.  Van  Buren  thinks  there  will  be  a  fine  fruit  season  in  Georgia,  and  adds,  "  A  few  days 
ago,  I  received  a  letter  from  a  correspondent  in  Iowa,  who  informs  me  that  our  Red  June  and 
Aromatic  Carolina  apples  have  passed  uninjured  through  three  or  four  past  winters,  while  many 
of  the  northern  varieties  were  killed.  I  suppose  that  our  varieties  are  of  more  recent  origin,  and 
have  not  become  enfeebled  by  a  repetition  of  grafting  and  re-graftiug.  Had  the  trees  been 
raised  at  the  South,  I  would  then  have  said  that  the  wood  ripened  more  thoroughly  than  those 
raised  at  the  North ;  the  trees  alluded  to,  I  think,  were  grafted  in  Iowa." 

Strawberries.— This  month  ushers  in  our  first,  and  to  many,  the  most  attractive  fruit  of 
this  latitude.     Discussions  will  be  frequent  as  to  the  merits  of  the  various  kinds,  and  we  hope 


btjbr's  new  pine.  hovby's  seedling. 

to  give  next  month  a  little  experience  from  our  own  "  experimental  garden,"  in  addition  to  the 
remarks  of  a  practical  man  engaged  in  supplying  the  New  York  market. 


LAEGE   EAELT  SCAELET. 


WALEEE  S  SEEDLING. 


The  two  favorites  with  many,  are  Burr's  New  Pine  and  Hovey's  Seedling,  of  which  we 
happen  to  have  the  above  portraits  made  in  the  season.     But  there  are  many  other  favorites. 


EDITOR'S   TABLE. 

such  as  Large  Early  Scarlet,  Walker's  Seedling,  Marylandlca,  Germantown  Seedling,  &c., 
&c.,  &c.  Longworth's  Prolific,  Genessee,  Wilson's,  Peabody's  Seedling,  and  various  others 
which  will  come  in  for  review. 

Grapes— J.  J.  Smith,  Esq. — I  am  delighted  to  see  the  deep  interest  manifested  in  the 
culture  of  the  grape,  and  believing  every  little  ray  of  light  thrown  upon  the  subject  will  be 
thankfully  received,  will  give  a  few  obsei-vations,  which  the  last  excellent  number  of  the  Horti- 
culturist brought  to  my  mind.  In  1850,  I  took  a  tour  through  the  western  portion  of  Berks 
Co.,  where  there  was  in  all  perhaps  fifty  acres  of  grapes  (Catawba  and  Isabella)  in  bearing. 
Nearly  all  were  affected  more  or  less  by  the  rot,  some  totally  ruined,  others  half  a  crop,  and 
some  so  badly  injured  as  not  to  be  worth  gathering.  One  lot  of  perhaps  half  an  acre  was  free 
from  the  disease,  had  a  fine  crop,  and  very  nearly  ripe.  I  had  noticed  all  the  rest  of  the  vine- 
yards which  I  visited  were  kept  in  neat  order ;  no  weeds ;  had  been  carefully  pruned  in  the 
spring  and  as  carefully  tied  to  stakes.  But  this  one,  in  which  no  knife,  cultivator,  hoe,  or  any- 
thing else  had  been  used  that  year,  the  grapes  which  I  bought  a  week  or  ten  days  after  at 
$40  per  ton,  proved  not  quite  so  well  ripened  as  they  should  have  been,  but  were  infinitely 
superior  to  others  that  had  received  great  care  and  attention.  Do  we  not  sometimes  work  and 
trim  too  much  ?  Last  autumn  in  looking  at  a  friend's  vines,  his  Isabellas  were  a  perfect  failure, 
except  one  single  vine,  on  the  same  trellis  with  the  others,  had  a  proud  load  of  splendid  grapes 
upon  it.  This  vine,  said  my  friend  (it  being  at  one  end  of  the  trellis),  I  forgot  to  prune  in  the 
spring ;  hence  the  grapes.  Such  results  tell  a  tale  which  ought  to  make  a  knife  blush.  Ten 
years  ago  I  was  in  Sinclair  &  Corse's  establishment,  near  Baltimore,  and  there  for  the  first  time 
tasted  native  grape  wine  (and  I  would  wish  nothing  better) ;  I  asked  them  how  they  treated 
their  vines.  Come  and  see  was  the  reply.  Their  vines  were  trained  on  trellises  some  eight 
or  ten  feet  high,  the  ground  thickly  covered  with  fresh  leaves.  In  the  spring  when  the  frost  is 
out  and  the  ground  dried  ofi"  pretty  well,  they  rake  off  the  leaves,  give  a  top  dressing  of 
manure,  and  I  think  dig  it  in  slightly,  then  cover  on  the  leaves  again,  and  what  waste  there 
was  in  a  year's  decay  supplied  from  the  forest.  That  is  all,  besides  pnining  and  picking  fruit. 
Isabellas  were  the  principal  stock.  And  now  I  will  ask  a  few  questions  which  will  no  doubt 
get  me  into  difficulties,  but  I  will  venture  <m  it.  Where  does  the  exact  point  end,  of  foxiness 
or  fragrance,  and  aroma  commence  ?  I  love  the  smell  of  a  rank  fox-grape,  and  if  a  good 
variety,  can  eat  them  when  in  the  forest  and  have  nothing  better.  I  have  eaten  Black  Ham- 
burghs,  Golden  Chassellas,  St.  Peters,  Muscats  of  Alexandria,  and  have  a  fancy  that  I  can 
appreciate  them ;  but  how  many  of  us  poor  fellows  can  afford  to  have  them  ?  So  we  must 
strike  for  Delaware,  Rebecca,  Cassady,  Emily,  &c.,  varieties,  which  I  do  hope  will  last  as  good 
as  they  have  commenced,  and  which  are  only  a  little  behind  the  foreign  sorts  in  quality,  but 
vastly  lacking  in  size.  A  second  question  is,  Must  we  trench  two  and  three  feet  deep  to 
obtain  the  finest  grapes,  and  to  have  the  vines  last?  If  so,  why  do  not  our  old  residents  of 
the  forest  run  their  roots  deep  down,  instead  of  creeping  (as  a  sailor  would  say)  between  wind 
and  water;  or,  in  other  words,  close  to  the  surface  under  the  leaves?  And  why  do  young 
vines  that  have  been  set  out  in  May,  in  a  bed  only  a  foot  wide,  trenched  and  manured  a  foot 
deep,  run  their  little  roots  two  feet  out  into  the  common  soil  not  over  three  inches  from  the 
surface  ?  And  why  did.  my  border,  five  feet  wide  and  three  feet  deep,  filled  up  with  leather 
shavings,  old  mortar,  leaves,  cow  dung,  &c.,  «fec.,  keep  their  three  year  old  roots  in  its  fertile 
bosom,  instead  of  their  sneaking  oft'  ten  feet  and  netting  themselves  under  an  old  hot-bed,  when 
they  had  but  one  inch  of  good  soil  on  a  hard,  yellow  clay,  to  pass  through,  to  get  over  the  path, 
and  that  path  three  feet  wide  and  considerably  used  ?  These  things  puzzle  me  considerably, 
and  suggest  that  a  little  less  trenching  would  answer  as  well;  less  trimming,  and  a  great  deal 
of  mulching  would  pay  well.  I  mean  to  try  it  the  coming  season  at  all  events.  I  hope  some 
one  will  answer  my  queries,  and  greatly  oblige  an  old  subscriber.  S.  Miller. 

indale,  Lebanon  Co  ,  Pa. 


v;?S5: 


EoBiNS  IN  Ehode  Island. — Mr.  Editor, — Rhode  Islcand  is  one  of  the  breeding-places  of 
the  robin,  and  so  numerous  are  they  here,  that  we  are  obliged  to  cover  our  cherry  trees  and 
raspberry  bushes  with  nets,  if  we  expect  any  fruit.  My  own  lawn  is  verj'  frequently  mowed  ; 
this  gives  the  birds  a  fine  opportunity  to  procure  the  earth-woi-nis,  which  in  moist  mornings 
come  near  the  surface.  I  have  counted  twenty  pairs  following  the  lawn-mower;  and  this 
morning  was  witness  to  a  contest  which  gave  great  delight  to  my  little  children.  A  robin  had 
seized  an  old  worm  which  had  the  proportions  almost  of  a  snake,  and  found  him  disposed  for 
battle.  The  bird,  however,  was  determined  on  conquest,  and  at  it  they  went ;  we  witnessed  at 
least  twenty  hard  tugs  both  ways ;  one  moment  the  head  of  the  robin  was  depressed  to  the 
level  of  the  cut  grass ;  again  up  it  went,  then  agaiu  down,  and  the  see-eaw  was  becoming  deeply 
interestino- ;  at  every  tug  a  portion  of  the  worm  was  seen  and  then  lost  to  view.  At  length 
the  worm  parted,  and  the  robin  flew  off,  no  doubt  delighted  to  be  released  from  a  drawn  battle 
field.  We  ran  to  the  spot,  made  a  cut  with  a  spade,  and  withdrew  the  remaining  portion  of 
the  enormous  worm  from  the  earth,  severed  probably  amidships,  or  in  a  state  the  sailors  call 
half-and-half.  Clio. 

CuPHEA  EinNENS. — Ed.  HORTICULTURIST. — In  your  April  number,  I  notice  a  correspond- 
ent asks  information  in  relation  to  the  usefulness  of  this  plant  for  winter-blooming. 

The  writer  also  quotes  the  opinion  of  the  Flower  Committee  of  the  Massachusetts  Horti- 
cultural Society  on  the  subject,  and  then  indulges  in  a  few  remarks  upon  the  exLibition  of  poorly 
grown  specimen  plants.  The  Canna  Warscewickzii  is  next  mentioned,  and  then  follows  au 
editorial  note  to  this  etfect :  "  The  flower  is  a  glorious,  deep  crimson,  and  a  valuable  plant  both 
for  leaf  and  bloom."  Which;  the  cuphea  or  canna?  This  description  would  apply  justly  to 
the  latter,  which  is  truly  an  acquisition  both  for  the  beauty  of  its  foliage  and  blossoms  and  is  an 
ornament  to  the  greenhouse ;  but  not  at  all  to  the  former,  which  not  only  fails  to  answer  the 
description  in  color,  but  is  of  very  questionable  beauty  and  value. 

I  cannot  think  you  would  for  a  moment  recommend  a  plant  so  utterly  worthless  as  the 
Cuphea  Eminens.  The  opinion  of  the  Flower  Committee  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural 
Society,  was  by  no  means  hastily  fonned,  or  given  without  due  care  and  attention  to  all  facts. 

This  Committee  consists  of  seven  amateurs,  or  professed  florists,  and  no  expression  of  opinion 
is  ever  made  public  in  a  report  without  first  being  endorsed  by  the  whole  Committee  and  then 
sanctioned  by  the  whole  Society  at  some  regular  meeting ;  so  that  any  recommendation  or  con- 
demnation of  a  plant  is  very  likely  to  be  correct.  In  the  present  case  there  was  not  a  word 
said  in  favor  of  Cuphea  Eminens— all  joined  in  denouncing  it ;  and  "  utterly  worthless  "  is  by 
no  means  too  mucli  to  say. 

It  may,  however,  be  urged  that  at  the  time  of  the  Committee's  report,  we  had  only  seen  it 
as  a  bedding  plant.  Since  the  publication  of  the  April  number  of  the  Horticulturist,  1  have 
made  inquiries  of  most  of  our  gardeners  as  to  its  qualities  as  a  winter-blooming  plant,  and  all 
say,  that  though  treated  with  every  attention,  it  has  never  shoicn  a  flower,  and  express  their 
determination  to  discard  it  entirely.  The  florist  who  first  introduced  it  into  our  vicinity  from 
Europe,  has  expressed  to  me  his  regret  at  having  unwittingly  deceived  the  public  in  such  a 
gross  manner,  as  ho  trusted  to  the  English  description,  and  had  never  bloomed  the  plant 
himself.  I  might  say  much  more,  but  think  the  above  is  a  fair  exposition  of  the  opinion  of  all 
Boston  florists.  E.  S.  Eand, 

Boston,  April  1,  1858.  Chairman  of  Flower  Committee;  Mass.  Hort.  Society. 

Evergreens  again. — Mr.  Editor, — Will  you  allow  me  a  comer  of  your  Editor's  Table, 
on  which  to  lay  still  another  "word  "for  evergreens,  provided  the  word  be  short  ?  I  feel 
honored  by  the  notice  Mr.  Sargent  has  taken  of  my  essay.  He  has  laid  the  republic  of  Ameri- 
can planters  under  great  obligations,  by  his  extensive  and  careful  experiments  with  the  newer 
trees,  both  deciduous  and  evergreen ;  and  his  opinion  on  the  subject  in  question  deserves  the 
greatest  deference.  Yet,  is  it  not  possible  for  him  to  mistake  in  his  judgment  of  the  hardiness 
of  trees  in  other  soils  and  climates  tliaii  Li.'^  rwn  ?     All  horticulturists  kn(;w  tliat  the  distance  of 


288  EDITOR'S   TABLE. 


% 


a  hundred  miles  north  or  south,  makes  a  wonderful  difference  in  the  hardihood  of  trees  and 
plants.  Not  a  few  choice  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs,  hardy  at  Rochester  and  Newburgh,  are 
hopelessly  tender  in  Oneida  County.  In  the  town  where  I  reside,  the  Isabella  grape  generally 
ripens  ;  in  a  village  only  nine  miles  distant,  but  several  hundred  feet  higher,  it  never  matures. 
Is  it  not,  thei'efore,  quite  possible  that  some  evergreens,  "  perfectly  hardy  "  at  Fishkill  Landing, 
may  not  be  so  throughout  Central  New  York,  for  which  region  alone  I  ventured  to  speak. 

A  word  or  two  now  in  detail.  Mr.  Sargent  misapprehends  my  remarks  in  reference  to  Pinus 
ponderosa.  I  did  not  represent  it  as  tender,  but  simply  compared  its  color  and  general  habits 
with  those  of  the  Austrian  pine,  and  said  it  bade  fair  to  excel  the  foreigner,  "  but  had  not  yet 
been  fully  tested.''  Of  its  hardiness  I  could  not  doubt,  a  specimen  in  my  own  grounds  having 
passed  through  several  winters  without  the  slightest  injury. 

And  so  of  several  other  pines.  The  reader  of  the  first  "  word  "  must  have  seen  that  due 
honor  was  therein  paid  to  Pinus  Cembra,  P.  Laricio  and  P.  Pumilio,  though  mentioned  by  their 
popular,  instead  of  their  scientific  names.  As  to  Pinus  Excelsa,  the  fact  still  remains — I  grieve 
to  say — that,  by  the  testimony  of  many  witnesses,  it  is  not  hardy  in  this  portion  of  Central  New 
York.    The  wrecks  of  several  fine  specimens  may  be  seen  hereabouts,  any  day. 

As  to  the  heresy  of  making  Picea  Pichta  synonymous  with  the  Cracovian  juniper,  the  printer 
must  bear  the  responsibility  of  that.     The  brackets  were  not  mine. 

In  "  feeding  "  evergreens,  there  may,  undoubtedly,  be  mistaken  pains.  A  tree  whose  vigor 
is  at  all  questionable,  should  not  be  stimulated  into  a  succulent  growth.  But  in  the  article 
reviewed  by  Mr.  Sargent,  the  writer  was  professedly  speaking  only  of  hardy  trees.  Nor  in  the 
case  even  of  these,  is  it  desirable  to  induce  a  rank  growth  :  their  beauty  is  seriously  impaired 
thereby.  But  there  is  so  great  a  difference  on  the  score  of  looks,  between  an  evergreen  stand- 
ing in  cold,  wet,  clayey  ground,  and  one  thriving  in  a  warm  and  kindly  soil,  that  I  do  not,  after 
all,  think  it  was  far  from  wisdom  to  advise  people  (the  majority  of  whom  are  so  apt,  from  sheer 
laziness,  to  let  their  trees  "  go  to  grass")  to  "  feed  them  with  generous  food,  that  they  may 
make  a  vigorous  growth,  and  always  wear  the  bright  hues  of  health." 

In  conclusion,  allow  me  to  say  that  seldom  have  I  spent  a  pleasanter  day  than  one  passed,  a 
few  summers  ago,  among  the  evergreens,  hardy  and  tender,  at  Wodenethe. 

Clinton,  New  York.  Respectfully  yours,         A.  D.  G. 

John  J.w  Smith,  Esq. — My  Dear  Sir, — L.  F.  Allen  speaks  pear  knowledge  for  the 
Buffalo  region  very  truly,  no  doubt,  but  not  fijr  Southern  Ohio.  With  us  they  do  much  better. 
Last  year  I  got  four  dollars  the  bushel  for  Bartlett,  White  Doyenne,  Dearbom's  Seedling, 
Seckle,  Louise  Bonne  de  Jersey,  &c  ,  and  three  dollars  for  Bui-gamots;  and  had  some  twenty 
bushels  from  a  few  young  standard  trees  just  beginning  to  bear  fair  crops  ;  from  a  young  dwarf 
Bartlett,  about  three  pecks;  other  dwarfs,  a  peck.  I  think  with  us  here,  pear-culture  will  pay. 
Cincinnati. 

Catalogues. — The  season  of  catalogue-issues  for  the  spring  is  over ;  we  have  but  one  to 
chronicle  the  present  month,  that  of  Tliomas  E.  Cook  &  Sons,  of  Pleasant  Eidge  Nurseries, 
near  Bendersville,  Adams  County,  Penn.,  who  have  an  extensive  assortment  of  trees,  plants,  and 
shrubs,  which  we  trust  are  extensively  patronized,  as  they  deserve  to  be. 


HORTICULTURAL  AND  AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETIES. 

Hartford  County  (Conn.)  Horticultural  Society. — President,  Gurdon  W.  Russell, 
M.D.  Vice-Presidents,  J.  S.  Butler,  M.D.,  H.  W.  Terry,  Hartford  ;  Henry  Mygatt.  Farming- 
ton;  Wm.  F.  Comstock,  East  Hai-tford;  N.  W.  Stanley,  New  Britain;  Norman  Porter,  Ber- 
lin; Sheldon  Moore,  Kensington;  Salmon  Lyman,  Manchester;  E.  A.  Holcomb,  Gnmby ;  H. 
A.  Grant,  M.D.,  Enfield;  S.  D.  Case,  Canton;  T.  C.Austin,  Suffield;  Howard  S.  Collins,  Col- 


linsville;  B.  F.  Seward,  Southingtod.     Corresponding  Secretary,  Thomas  E.  Button.     Eecord- 
ing  Secretary,  Mason  C.  Weld.    Treasurer,  P.  D.  Stillnian.     Auditor,  Seth  H.  Clark. 

The  Rhode  Island  Horticultural  Society  have  sent  iu  their  list  of  premiums  for  the 
exhibition  in  June. 

Official  Report  of  the  California  State  Agricultural  Society's  Fourth 
Annual  Fair.— California  is  not  unjustly  called  the  Italy  of  the  United  States.  The  difficulty 
lies  in  the  enormous  distance  between  this  great  producing  State  and  the  older  portions  of  the 
Union.  It  is  almost  impossible  that  we  at  the  East  should  ever  derive  much  advantage  from 
her  superior  fruit  region,  unless  it  be  in  the  way  of  wine  or  conserves.  Notwithstanding  this, 
we  look  with  deep  interest  upon  the  facts  set  forth  by  their  societies,  and  are  not  a  little 
astonished  at  the  transformation  which  the  sudden  influx  of  American  mind  and  American 
industiy  has  eaused  in  the  aspect  of  nature.  The  Report  affords  matter  for  thought,  and  for 
extended  extracts  had  we  the  space  at  command.  Lacking  that,  we  can  give  but  a  hasty 
synopsis  of  the  most  wonderful  dijings  which  it  has  been  our  good  fortune  to  chronicle. 

At  A.  P.  Smith's,  near  Sacramento,  the  Visiting  Committee  found  one  set  of  men  gathering 
mature  vegetables  for  market,  while  another  was  cultivating  those  half  grown,  and  still  another 
planting  seed  of  the  same  sort.  Mr.  Smith  sends  cucumbers  to  market  on  the  first  of  January. 
Mr.  John  Wolfskill  sold  last  year,  from  six  apricot  trees,  two  thousand  pounds,  at  seventy-five 
cents  per  pound.  One  of  his  fig  trees,  six  years  old,  measures  two  feet  four  inches  in  circum- 
fei'ence,  and  is  thirty  feet  high.  One  hundred  miles  from  Stockton,  the  Messrs.  Thompson, 
the  pioneers  of  fruit  culture  in  the  State,  have  an  orchard,  nursery,  and  vineyard  of  165  acres, 
handsomely  fenced  in  and  partly  surrounded  by  wide  double  avenues  four  miles  in  length,  lined 
on  either  side  by  fruit  and  ornamental  trees,  affording  shelter  and  a  fine  park-like  drive. 
Almost  everything  seems  to  thrive,  from  hops,  pea-nuts,  and  tobacco,  to  the  evergreen  oak  ; 
but  it  is  noticeable  that  irrigation*  has  to  be  resorted  to,  and  we  remark  that  it  is  believed  the 
gold-diggers  are  preparing  the  lands  for  future  use,  in  a  most  satisfactory  manner  by  thorough 
draining. 

A  Mr.  Haraszthy  has  280  varieties  of  grapes,  and  expected  to  make  10,000  gallons  of  wine 
last  season, and  we  note,  but  cannot  particularize,  greatly  increased  enthusiasm  in  regard  to  grape- 
culture  and  wine-making ;  there  are  now  over  three  millions  of  grape  vines  in  the  State  ! 

In  the  vicinity  of  Petaluma,  are  more  than  130  large  dairies;  the  sales  last  year  of  butter, 
cheese  and  poultry,  exceeded  600,000  dollars.  Honey  is  of  the  finest  quality  ;  price  per  pound, 
fifty  cents ;  price  of  swarms  in  hive,  one  hundred  dollars  I  A  Mr.  Fallon  has  four  old  pear- 
trees  planted  by  the  Spaniards  sixty  years  ago,  and  grafted  in  1854  with  the  Bartlett,  producing 
3,000  pounds  the  past  season,  which  sold  for  six  hundred  dollars !  Think  of  that  Mr.  Allen  ! 
one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  a  tree.  The  figures  are  all  large  ;  Mr.  George  Lee  has  five  and 
a-half  acres  containing  1,000  orange  trees;  he  has  also  the  pine  apple,  banana,  citron,  lemon, 
cofiee,  nine  varieties  of  acacia,  and  many  other  tropical  fruits  and  shrubs,  all  healthy  and 
vigorous ;  and  besides,  his  orchard  has  an  amount  of  peach,  plum,  and  cherry  trees,  and  straw- 
berries which  perfectly  bewilder  us. 

The  Messrs.  Sansevaine  Brothers  have  53,000  vines,  and  expected  to  make  80,000  gallons  of 
wine  last  year;  their  eight  large  cellars  filled  with  wine  and  brandy,  present  an  astonishing 
picture  of  rapid  wealth.  But  we  must  hold,  and  with  a  single  extract  to  be  digested  by  the 
northern  man,  leave  this  fascinating  landscape :  "  The  agriculturist  and  horticulturist  from 
sterile  New  England,  who  lives  one-third  of  the  year  in  a  snow-bank  and  the  balance  in  hard 
toil  to  rid  his  fields  of  trees,  stumps  and  stones,  here  has  nothing  to  do  but  to  turn  the  furrow, 
plant  his  seed,  and  in  due  time  a  sure  and  abundant  crop  follows.    A  climate,  too,  for  evenness 

*  A  mode  of  irrisration  is  thus  described :  "  The  water  is  raised  ir.lo  a  tank  and  distributed  through  the  garden 
by  means  of  a  red-wood  flume  under  the  earth.  Thfre  are  pieces  of  lead  pipe  extending  from  the  flume  about 
i\  ►  two  inches  above  the  earth  at  every  tree.  These  pipes  are  capped  and  a  small  hole  pierced  in  the  top  ;  on  turn- 
^"l  ing  the  faucet  that  lets  the  water  into  the  flume,  each  pipe  throws  a  jet  about  six  feet  in  height,  makmg  a  very 
"'        pleasant  sight  and  acting  on  the  trees  and  plants  like  a  rain-shower. 


editor's  table. 

of  temperature,  health,  and  salubrity  unsurpassed.  The  adaptability  of  these  valleys  and  hill- 
sides (Sierra  Nevada)  for  fruit-growing,  is  just  being  discovered.  The  monstrous  pears,  apples, 
peaches,  and  plums,  raised  the  past  season,  surpass  all  others  grown  in  the  State.  *  *  They 
uudoiibtedly  will  turn  the  present  Mediterranean  fleet  of  643  vessels  which  annually  leave  for 
the  Atlantic  ports  loaded  with  figs,  lemons,  limes,  orancres,  products  of  the  vine,  almonds,  cur- 
rants and  raisins,  to  the  amount  of  seven  and  a-quarter  millions,  to  Californian  shores." 

The  New  York  State  Agricultural  Society  has  issued  its  list  of  premiums  and 
regulations  for  the  18th  Annual  Exhibition  to  be  held  at  Syracuse,  October  5th  to  8th,  1858. 
It  is  an  extremely  satisfactory  list  both  for  the  exhibitor  and  the  public.  We  desire  to  call 
attention  particularly  to  the  following  new  features,  which  appear  to  mark  progress,  and  which 
will  serve  for  a  model  for  imitation.  In  addition  to  liberal  gifts  for  all  kinds  of  excellence, 
there  is  a  premium  of  $250,  (gold  medal  or  money,)  for  an  approved  work  of  about  100  pages 
on  the  edible  fishes  of  the  State,  which  are  susceptible  of  domestication  and  cultivation,  includ- 
ing migratory  kinds.  This  is  a  most  important  movement,  and  deserves  the  thanks  of  every 
citizen.  $100  are  also  appropriated  for  an  approved  article  on  "The  Quantity,  Conditions,  and 
Economy  of  the  Nitrogen  of  Soils  ;"  $250  is  oflered  for  a  Steam  Engine,  or  other  Steam  Appara- 
tus that  shall  successfully  introduce  cultivation  by  steam;  experiments  with  wheat,  «&c.,  &c., 
are  to  be  rewarded  according  to  a  judicious  plan  ;  and  in  addition,  there  is  a  "  Discretionary 
Department,"  for  "  improvements  useful  to  the  farmer,  and  having  valuable  properties,  articles 
of  ingenuity,  usefulness  and  merit."  Here  is  food  for  reflection,  and  much  that  may  be  taken 
up  by  other  societies  to  advantage.  Progress  is  indeed  the  word ;  what  the  country  will  become 
when  it  is  "all  fenced  in,"  and  the  politicians  are  penned  up  at  home,  it  would  not  be  safe  to 
prophecy. 

Wisconsin  Fruit  Grower's  Association. — The  following  is  a  list  of  officers  of  the 
Wisconsin  Fruit  Grower's  Association  for  1858 : 

President — A.  G.  Hanford,  Waukesha.  Vice-Presidents — Col.  H.  Crocker,  Milwaukee  ; 
D.  I.  Powers,  Madison ;  D.  Mathews,  Burlington.  Secretary — Charles  GiflTord,  Milwaukee. 
Treasurer — C.  C.  Olin,  Waukesha.  Executive  Committee — H.  J.  Starin,  Whitewater;  J.  C. 
Brayton,  Aztalan ;  Thos.  P.  Turner,  Waukesha. 


ANSWERS  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 

Chrysanthemums. — In  order  to  attain  increased  size  in  these  beautiful  plants,  they  may 
be  disbudded  before  the  blossoms  expand,  leaving  only  three  or  four  flowers  on  each ;  and  in  the 
case  of  the  large  sorts,  remove  all  laterals.  The  effect  is,  more  perfect  blooms.  When  their 
beauty  is  over  move  them,  and  put  them  in  "  by  the  heels  "  in  some  suitable  corner,  out  of  the 
way,  to  be  replanted  next  season ;  dig  the  borders  for  the  winter,  and  they  may  be  filled  in  the 
spring  with  mignonette,  verbenas,  geraniums,  and  other  gay  bedding-plants.  In  this  way  a 
fair  display  of  bloom  is  kept  up. 

T.  T.  S. — The  Jasmlnum  nudiflorum  is  hardy,  and  is  one  of  the  best  winter-blooming  plants 
we  have.  If  grown  in  pots  it  requires  to  be  kept  dwarf  and  bushy,  which  is  done  by  cutting' 
in  freely,  especially  the  strong,  rambling  shoots,  in  summer,  to  encourage  the  production  of 
small  twiggy  ones,  which  bear  the  blossoms.  None  of  these  should  be  removed  till  the  plant 
has  gone  out  of  flower.  It  is  easily  propagated  by  means  of  the  end  spring  shoots  in  a  common 
hot-bed,  or  by  cutting  the  long  shoots  into  pieces  with  three  or  four  eyes,  and  planting  them  in 
a  cool  border  in  September  or  October.     It  flowers  best  in  a  pot,  with  soil  rather  sandy  and  poor. 

Onions. — V.  S. — The  seed  of  onions  may  be  tested  by  sprouting  a  small  quantity  in  boiling 
water.     If  it  is  good  it  will  sprout  in  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes. 

C.  Beardsley,  Ohio. — The  grafting  of  the  grapevine  as  described  in  April,  may  be 

the  snp  is  in  motion.     If  the  n^ot  sIh.vvs  a  dii^pusltiim  to  bleed,  grafting  cement  u 


used,  so  late  as  the  time  of  setting  the  fruit;  it  is  successful,  if  the  graft  has  been  "kept  in  a 
dormant  state. 

T.  W.  Cook,  Bendereville,  Pa. — The  plant  you  sent  is  Silene  Pennsylvanica.     We  shall  be 
pleased  to  see  the  articles  mentioned.  ^  ^      . 


->'   »•  »   '< 


aossip. 

Mr.  Fortune  sailed  from  England  to  China,  about  two  months  since,  in  the  sei-vice  and 
interest  of  the  United  States,  to  collect  a  supply  of  tea-plants  for  trial  in  this  country,  as  well 
as  to  procure  other  Chinese  productions  as  may  be  desirable  to  introduce.  It  is  said  that  Mr. 
Fortune  considers  the  soil  and  climate  of  our  Eastern  States  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  growth 
of  tea ;  but  does  he  and  our  Government  remember  the  rate  of  wages  there  ?  It  is  creditable 
to  employ  such  men,  and  we  hope  for  good  results.  A  private  letter  from  Mr.  Fortune  says : 
"It  shall  be  my  careful  study  to  accomplish  the  important  objects  which  you  have  entrusted  to 
me,  and  you  may  rely  on  my  not  submitting  to  exorbitant  charges,  and  on  my  acting  in  good 
faith  to  the  Government  of  the  United  States. 

"  I  have  had  so  much  experience  in  packing  and  shipping  seeds  and  plants  from  China  to 
India  and  England,  that  I  venture  to  suggest  to  you  that  my  operations  should  be  conducted  in 
the  following  manner  :  It  will  be  imprudent  to  trust  my  collection  in  one  or  two  vessels,  as 
living  plants  are  easily  damaged  during  a  long  sea  voyage.  The  more  prudent  course  would  be 
to  ship,  by  as  many  vessels  as  possible,  say  six  or  eight.  But  as  this  will  occupy  some  time,  I 
think  I  had  better  come  home  by  the  overland  route,  and  bring  the  seeds  (not  tea-seeds)  with 
me,  and  endeavor  to  reach  America  as  early  as  possible,  in  order  to  receive  the  plants  on  their 
arrival.  If,  on  the  contrary,  I  accompany  the  last  shipment,  via  the  Cape,  the  first  would 
necessarily  be  home  several  weeks  before  I  could  be  upon  the  spot  to  examine  it  and  do  what 
is  needed.  My  object  in  offering  this  suggestion  is  to  secure,  if  possible,  the  success  of  my 
mission,  and  I  have  no  doubt  you  will  agree  with  me  in  the  propriety  of  such  a  course  of  pro- 
cedure." 

Dr.  Lindley  gets  several  "dressings"  for  having  said  the  Spirea  callosa  was  the  hand- 
somest garden  shrub  in  existence.  The  "  Cottage  Gardener  "  says  :  "  Why  give  heed  to  these 
rhapsodies?  Botanists  admire  the  greatest  weeds;  and  as  to  callosa,  it  is  hardly  worth  a 
farthing  to  the  gi-eat  mass  for  whom  we  cater.  Dr.  Lindley  is  a  very  good  authority  on  some 
things  ;  but  his  knowledge  of  practical  gardening  is  very  limited  and  very  peculiar."  A  little 
jealous  perhaps,  as  we  find  some  folks  to  be  in  America  ! 

The  Chicago  Journal  says,  "  The  lamented  Downing  was  undoubtedly  the  greatest  poet  of  his 
time— among  those,  we  mean,  who  write  their  thoughts  of  beauty  on  the  garden  or  the  green- 
sward. To  counterfeit  nature,  to  sprinkle  the  clumps  of  foliage  as  if  they  had  been  planted  by 
the  summer  wind  ;  to  give  to  a  little  table  of  a  plain  the  effect  of  hill  and  dale,  and  to  a  narrow 
homestead  the  apparent  sweep  of  a  spacious  park  ;  to  teach  the  water  to  babble  like  a  born 
brook  along  the  artificial  channel  we  have  carved  for  it ;  to  trace  the  paths  in  graceful  cui-ves, 
and  hide  everywhere  the  prints  of  the  hand  of  art — these  are  among  the  achievements  of  land- 
scape gardening,  and  some  of  the  most  exquisite  stanzas  of  its  living  poetry.  And  this  sort  of 
authoi-ship  is  one  we  have  always  envied  ;  there  seem  such  opportunities  for  the  display  of  taste, 
for  the  intimation  of  beautiful  thought.  And  then  the  books  one  must  study  to  perfect  himself 
in  this  poetic  art  are  so  many  and  so  cheap,  strewn  everywhere  upon  the  prairie,  eveiywhere 
among  the  hills,  all  about  in  the  woods.  Such  contrasts,  such  blending  of  tints,  such  admirable 
effects  of  light  and  shade,  as  fill  the  heart  and  soul  vpith  beauty.  We  do  not  know  why  one 
cannot  make  a  lyric  out  of  prairie  wild-flowers ;  why  he  may  not  make  a  stanza  of  despised 
weeds  ;  why  he  may  not  display  his  imagination  and  his  fancy  as  well  in  a  bouquet  as  in  an 


v^     292  editor's  table. 


why  he  cannot  write  '  thoughts  that  breathe'  in  '  words  that  bum'  with  all  the  glorj'  of  the  sun- 
set and  the  rainbow,  quite  as  well  upon  a  little  patch  of  earth  as  upon  a  page  of  foolscap." 

The  flavor  of  fruits  is  often  entirely  destroyed  by  their  being  packed  in  unsuitable  sub- 
stances. Bran  spoils  pears.  It  is  a  difficult  matter  to  get  a  good  packing  material  that 
will  not  communicate  a  flavor ;  moss,  tow,  flax-dressings,  are  unsuitable ;  the  only  substance 
which  seems  to  be  destitute  of  these  bad  properties  is  cotton,  in  the  form  of  wadding;  though 
the  catkins  of  the  beech-tree  are  well  adapted,  they  are  not  so  conveniently  obtained. 

Orchard  Houses  require  much  attention  in  the  matter  of  watering.  A  saving  of  one- 
half  the  water,  and  the  keeping  the  roots  more  regularly  moist,  is  therefore  important;  the 
following  method  has  been  adopted,  and  might  be  employed  for  orange  and  lemon  trees,  &c., 
in  large  boxes :  Take  old  wine  bottles,  cut  off  the  bottoms  about  two  inches  high  by  passing 
round  them  a  piece  of  thick  worsted  soaked  in  spirits  of  turpentine ;  set  fire  to  this,  holding  the 
bottle  in  a  horizontal  position,  and  when  this  is  burnt  out  pour  on  cold  water  ;  this  will  cut  the 
bottle  through  quite  clean,  if  well  done.  Make  a  hole  down  the  inside  of  a  pot  with  a  blunt 
stick,  insert  the  neck  of  a  bottle  to  the  shoulder,  and  press  the  soil  closely  around  it.  Fill  the 
bottle  with  water  as  often  as  it  becomes  empty,  by  which  plan  the  roots  get  a  constant  and 
regular  supply.  Should  the  soil  get  too  wet,  the  water  must  be,  of  course,  withheld  for  a  time  ; 
and  should  it  get  too  dry,  pass  a  pointed  stick  through  the  bottle  into  the  soil  to  give  free 
passage  to  the  water.  Any  who  may  try  this  plan  will  find  their  trees  more  at  home  in  pots 
than  they  have  hitherto  done. 

Mignonette  Sauce. — Sauce  is  sold  under  this  name  in  Paris,  but  it  is  only  white  pepper 
crushed  into  small  granulations,  and  made  into  a  sauce  piquante.  The  French  eat  oysters  with 
white  wine  and  "  Mignonette  Sauce." 

The  State  Geologist  of  Missouri,  suggests  that  the  extensive  "  Barrens  "  of  Kentucky 
and  Tennessee  may  be  rendered  valuable  for  vineyards,  and  the  numerous  limestone  caves 
become  very  useful  as  places  for  the  storage  of  wine.  He  says  it  can  be  demonstrated  that 
there  are  at  least  20,000  acres  in  Missouri,  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  in  which  the  vine  will 
succeed  as  well  as  in  France  or  Germany. 

The  Boston  Cultivator  says:  "Desirable  as  pears,  cherries  and  plums  are,  we  can 
hardly  count  on  very  large  and  constant  supplies  of  such  fruit.  Our  climate  or  soil  is  very 
unfavorable  to  such  growth,  or  they  are  invested  with  so  many  insects  and  diseases,  and  require 
so  much  care,  that  few  farmers  can  devote  sufiicient  attention  to  their  culture.  The  apple 
must  be  our  main  dependence." 

Pots  in  which  seeds  are  planted  for  bedding  out,  &c.,  should  be  plunged  in  something  to 
keep  the  outsides  of  the  pots  from  getting  too  dry,  and  from  being  hot  and  cold  alternately  ; 
the  seeds  thus  require  less  water,  and  the  less  they  are  obliged  to  have  the  more  healthy  the 
plants  will  be. 

CocoA-NuT  Fibre  given  off  in  the  manufacture  of  mats  and  matting,  has  been  found  very 
useful  as  a  mulch  for  many  plants,  and  especially  for  orange  trees  ;  new  roots  are  rapidly  formed 
in  this  material.  As  we  have  no  such  manufacture  in  America,  the  next  best  thing  to  promote 
a  healthy  growth  is  spent  hops  from  a  brewery.  Orange-trees  injured  by  winter  keeping  are 
almost  brought  to  life  by  the  free  use  of  spent  hops  over  the  roots  in  their  boxes. 

Many  persons  complain  that  they  cannot  succeed  well  with  the  Daphne  Indica.  Cut  the 
flowers  freely,  but  be  careful  to  leave  some  foliage  below  the  cut ;  for  if  no  leaves  are  left,  that 
branch  does  not  push  again,  and  then  the  shape  of  the  plant  is  spoiled.  The  stems  of  the 
plant  are  very  short,  but  bouquet-makers  know  well  how  to  form  them  on  wire  long  enough  for 
their  purpose. 

An  excellent  way  to  celebrate  May-day  is  that  chosen  by  the  young  men  of  Dedham,  Massa- 
chusetts, to  set  out  fifty  shade  trees  on  the  common  of  that  toicn. 


SHANKrNG  OF  GUAPES. — This  is  a  disease  which  attacks  the  footstallis  of  the  bunches,  and 
appears  to  be  occasioned  by  the  temperature  of  the  soil  being  much  below  that  of  the  house  in 
which  the  vines  ai-e  growing;  the  supply  of  sap  to  the  ^Tapes  is  consequently  much  diminished, 
and  the  parts  to  which  is  given  no  support  immediately  begin  to  decay.  The  coldness  of  the 
soil  induces  torpidity  of  root  action,  and  that  perhaps  at  a  period  when  the  greatest  demand  is 
made  upon  the  roots  to  sustain  the  excessive  perspiration  which  is  going  on  in  the  leaf,  and  to 
fni-nish  fi-esh  matter  for  elaboration.  If  the  young-  fibres  be  examined  after  a  season  of  cold 
drenching  rains,  and  at  inclement  periods,  they  will  be  found  to  be  discolored,  and  in  some  in- 
stances to  be  quite  rotten.  Consequently,  I  conceive  that  shanking  is  generally  caused  by  the 
unnatural  disagreement  of  temperament  between  roots  and  branches ;  the  way  obviously  of  pre- 
venting shanking  is  to  secure  a  congenial  temperature  both  to  roots  and  foliage.  Under  great 
disparity  of  temperature  in  these  respects,  Frontignans  are  always  apt  to  shrivel  and  shank. — 
M.  Austin. 


»,    »  »  -    H< 


Bulbs. — No  bulb  should  be  taken  up  for  any  purpose,  or  injured  in  its  growth  in  any  way 
ichile  the  leaves  are  green ;  for  it  should  ever  be  remembered  that  it  is  the  leaves  that  bring 
the  root  to  maturity,  and  prepare  it  for  flowering  the  following  year.  If  these  are  injured  or 
cut  off,  or  if  the  plant  is  transplanted,  unless  with  such  a  ball  as  not  to  touch  any  of  its  fibres, 
while  in  a  growing  state,  the  bulb  will  not  recover  so  as  to  be  able  to  flower,  for  at  least  one 
year,  or  perhaps  more.  Autumnal-flowering  bulbs  are  not  in  a  state  of  rest  till  the  beginning 
of  the  following  summer,  as  the  Colchicums,  autumnal-flowering  Crocuses,  Amaryllis  lutea, 
and  a  few  others.  These,  therefore,  are  to  be  taken  up  when  their  leaves  begin  to  decay,  early 
in  summer,  their  oflsets  separated  and  planted  in  the  nursery  department,  and  the  parent  bulbs 
replaced  in  a  month  or  six  weeks,  in  order  that  they  may  have  time  to  establish  themselves 
and  flower  before  winter. 

Linden's  "  Catalogue  of  New  and  Eare  Exotics,"  cultivated  by  him  at  Brussels,  gives  the 
name  and  prices  of  a  great  number  of  novelties,  chiefly  from  the  mountains  and  valleys  of 
tropical  America.  This  year  we  have  the  following,  now  on  sale  for  the  first  time,  viz. :  Avis- 
tolochia  leuconeura,  a  fine  foliaged  twining  plant,  with  deep  green  leaves  marked  with  white 
veins;  Begonia  Eex,  a  magnificent  Assam  species,  the  whole  stock  of  which  is  in  the  hands  of 
Messrs.  Rollisson ;  Begonia  Lazuli,  another  Assam  plant,  so  called  because  its  leaves  resemble 
in  color  the  deep  blue  stone  called  Lapis  Lazuli;  Boehmeria?  argentea,  a  shrub  with  leaves 
pale  green  above  and  marked  with  great  blotches  and  pistules  of  silver  gray,  while  the  under 
side  has  conspicuous  reddish  brown  ribs  ;  Campylobotrys  argyroneura,  another  fine  variegated- 
leaved  species;  Cyanophyllum  magnificum,  a  superb  plant  with  leaves  sixteen  inches  long,  deep 
velvety  green  above,  bluish  purple  below;  the  Marantas  fasciata,  borussica,  and  pulchella,  all 
species  with  variegated  leaves  ;  Spigelia  anea,  a  bronzed  Lilliputian  plant ;  and  a  new  green- 
house Monochoetuni,  called  sericeum. 

Solomon's  Gardens  at  Jerusalem. — These  celebrated  gardens  extend  along  a  valley 
which  runs  from  El-Bownach  to  Bethlehem.  It  is  the  most  charming  spot  in  all  Palestine. 
There  are  munnuring  streams  winding  through  verdant  lawns ;  there  are  the  choicest  fruits 
and  flowers,  the  hyacinth  and  the  anemone,  the  fig  tree  and  the  pine.  Towering  high  above 
the  garden,  and  contrasting  grandly  with  its  soft  aspect,  are  the  dark  precipitous  rocks  of  the 
neighboring  mountains,  around  whose  summits  vultures  and  eagles  incessantly  scream,  and 
describe  spiral  circles  in  the  air.  The  rare  plants  and  flowers,  which  Solomon  collected  within 
these  gardens,  were  protected  from  the  north  wind  by  the  mountains.  Every  gust  of  the 
south  wind  was  loaded  with  perfume.  With  the  first  breeze  of  spring  the  fig  tree  puts 
its  fruits,  and  the  vines  begin  to  blossom.     It  was.  in  the  words  of  Scripture,  '•  a  garden 


EDITOR  S    TABLE. 

delightf?."  The  vegetations  of  the  north  and  south  were  intermingled.  One  part  of  the  garden 
was  called  Walnut-tree  Walk  (or,  as  the  English  Scripture  translation  has  it,  "  The  Garden  of 
Nuts",)  another  is  the  "  Beds  of  Spices."  The  present  tenant  is  an  Englishman,  Mr.  Gold- 
smith, of  the  house  of  Goldsmith  &  Son,  who  is  under-draining  the  garden  on  the  Yorkshire 
sj'stem.  Since  the  eastem  war,  Mr.  Goldsmith  has  obtained  the  custom  of  the  Pacha  of  Jeru- 
salem for  vegetables.  Last  year  he  liad  seven  crops  of  potatoes — thanks  to  his  wonderful 
drainage. 

Black  D.\mascus  Grape. — Attention  has  been  called  to  the  merits  of  this  grape.  I  have 
been  a  grower  of  it  on  a  large  scale  for  the  last  twenty  years,  and  it  is  one  of  the  best  black 
grapes  grown,  notwithstanding  its  reported  character  of  being  a  shy  setter  and  bearer.  It  is 
preferred  to  all  other  black  grapes  on  account  of  its  luscious  flavor;  in  fact,  a  largo  berry  of  it 
furaishes  quite  a  mouthful  of  juice  of  a  most  refreshing  character.  I  have  had  berries  of  it 
one  inch  in  diameter,  and  as  perfect  ones  have  only  one  seed,  no  grape  with  which  I  am 
acquainted  yields  so  much  juice.  The  seedless  berries  are  preferred  by  some,  being  equal  to 
many  other  perfect  grapes  in  size.  It  will  do  well  in  the  warmest  end  of  any  vinery,  where 
the  borders  are  well  drained  and  managed.  I  find  no  difficulty  in  setting  it  well  by  drawing 
the  hand  when  quite  dry  over  the  bunches,  and  gently  rubbing  the  capsules  off"  the  flowers  to 
free  the  pollen,  keeping  the  temperature  rather  high  during  the  process.  Another  good  plan 
is  to  thin  the  wings  of  the  bunches  before  flowering,  as  this  gives  more  room  and  strength  for 
the  blossoms  to  expand.  No  variety  of  grape  has  the  flowers  so  prominent  before  expanding 
as  the  Black  Damascus;  indeed,  the  young  wood,  bunches,  leaves,  and  tendrils,  are  grosser 
and  more  succulent  than  those  of  any  other  variety.  Like  some  other  large,  juicy  grapes,  the 
berries  of  this  one  sometimes  spot  in  warm  weather  just  when  changing  color;  therefore  they 
require  shading  for  a  few  days.  It  is  only  grown  as  a  late  grape ;  it  is  in  perfection  in  October 
and  November.  I  should  not  recommend  it  for  very  early  forcing,  but  for  a  summer  or  autumn 
grape,  it  is,  in  my  opinion,  the  noblest  black  grape  grown,  and  should  be  in  every  collection. 
IVilliamTillery,  in  the  Florist. 

Hints  on  Roses. — The  following  short  epitome  of  rose-treatment  contains  all  that  is  really 
necessary  to  be  said  on  the  subject : — Be  not  afi-aid  of  using  the  knife ;  one  eye  is  enough  to  leave 
of  any  branch  of  the  last  year's  growth,  unless  more  are  required  to  form  the  plant.  Strong 
loam  two  parts  and  dung  one  part  will  grow  the  rose  to  perfection,  although  in  most  cases  or- 
dinary garden  soil,  with  a  good  spadeful  of  dung  to  each  plant,  will  do  very  well.  To  make 
handsome  standard  roses  the  head  should  be  as  wide  across  as  the  lower  branches  are  high  above 
the  ground.  In  pruning,  let  all  healthy  branches  that  are  growing  in  a  proper  direction  be  retain- 
ed, but  having  attained  the  form  of  the  head,  spur  them  closely  every  year.  Cut  down  all  upright 
growing  branches  to  the  height  you  want  side  ones,  leaving  the  top  bud  pointing  in  the  direction 
they  should  grow.  For  the  general  feature  of  your  garden,  make  use  of  continuous  bloomers; 
that  is,  those  of  the  nature  of  common  China.  Summer  roses,  that  bloom  a  month  and  no  more, 
are  worthless,  except  for  exhibition  purposes.  If  you  should  desire,  however,  to  grow  summer 
roses,  let  them  have  a  quarter  in  the  garden  to  themselves.  Never  let  their  flowerless  heads 
oust  a  gloom  over  the  borders  from  July  to  November.  Half  prune  in  the  autumn  to  lessen  the 
weight  that  has  to  stand  against  the  wind,  and  finish  in  February.  In  planting  never  forget  to 
cut  off,  with  a  clear  sharp  cut,  every  portion  of  damaged  root,  for  braised  ends  and  ragged  wounds 
are  generally  fatal.  Briars  and  other  stocks  for  budding,  should  be  planted  in  autumn,  that  they 
may  be  well-established  when  wanted.  Bud  when  the  bark  of  the  stock  will  part  easily  from 
the  wood,  and  be  quick  in  performing  the  operation.  Bud  as  close  as  possible  to  the  main  stock  ; 
it  makes  a  better  head,  and  is  close  to  its  support.  Put  cuttings  in  the  open  ground  in  October 
and  November ;  two  joints  under  ground,  and  one  or  two  above.  Get  roses,  as  soon  as  you  can 
get  them  to  grow,  into  the  form  you  want;  from  that  time  cut  every  year's  growth  back 
single  eye.     This  applies  to  dwarfs,  standards,  bushes,  and  climbers.  A  tender  rose  on  a 


ard  will  take  less  harm  if  lifted  and  laid  in  "  by  the  heels,"  under  shelter,  than  it  will  if  it  stand 
out ;  plant  again  in  its  proper  place  in  the  spring.  Tender  roses  may,  nevertheless,  if  you  ap- 
prove of  the  appearance,  be  tied  in  close,  and  covered  with  moss,  straw,  or  matting,  or  even  with 
an  oil  paper-cap.  Cut  off  all  fading  flowers.  It  helps  the  remainder  and  prolongs  the  blooni' 
besides  looking  neat  and  clean.  Strike  all  cuttings  at  the  fall  of  the  leaf  in  preference  to  any 
other  time,  and  an  ordinary  border  will  do  for  them.  China  roses  that  grow  and  bloom  all  the 
year  under  glass,  may  be  grafted  or  budded  at  any  time,  provided  the  stock  be  also  China,  and 
growing  also. 

The  Death  of  the  Water  Lily. — I  am  always  in  hope  of  seeing  one  of  these  beautiful 
Lilies  in  the  act  of  dying  ;  it  is  so  lovely  a  flower-death — there  is  no  pain  in  it.  When  the  seed 
ripens  in  the  Lily-cup,  and  her  bloom  is  over,  she  does  not  cast  her  seeds  to  the  winds,  and 
fade,  wither,  and  decay,  like  earth-flowers  ;  but  she  slowly  turns  upon  her  pale  face,  and  rests 
it  upon  the  water,  while  the  seeds  sink  in  a  golden  shower  back  to  the  parent  stem,  far  beneath 
the  water.     Thus  they  never  leave  their  parent  loch,  but  flower  there  for  ever. — E.  Mackenzie. 


»'      »  •  m,      ■« 


i,o!t5  for  tk  lloult 


VINEYARD    CALENDAR   FOR   JUNE. 

BY    R.    BUCHANAN,  CINCINNATI. 

The  principal  business  of  the  vine-dresser,  for  this  month,  is  what  is  termed  "  Summer  Prun- 
ing," viz.,  rubbing  off  suckers  from  the  main  stock,  cutting  out  shoots  from  the  axils  of  the 
leaves,  and  shortening  in  branches  that  are  growing  too  rampant;  but  above  all,  carefully  ty- 
ing up  the  vines  to  the  stakes  to  prevent  their  being  broken  otf  by  winds,  and  in  such  manner  as 
to  leave  sufficient  light  and  air  to  the  branches  of  fruit,  which  will  now  be  growing  rapidly.  Should 
weeds  grow  too  fast,  they  may  be  kept  down  by  the  hoe,  or  cultivator,  or  by  light  surface- 
ploughing.  It  is  thought  best  not  to  open  the  ground  much  in  the  vineyard  this  mouth,  for  fear 
of  mildew  or  rot,  fi-om  excessive  moisture.  The  sulphur  experiment,  as  a  remedy  for  these  dis- 
eases, may  be  applied  this  month. 

In  the  calendai-  for  May,  the  word  "  barriers"  is  printed  for  berries. 


BY  WILLIAM    SAUNDERS. 

Vegetable  Garden. — There  is  always  more  or  less  green  vegetable  refuse  in  gardens  during 
summer,  such  as  potato  tops,  pea  haulm,  and  similar  matter,  which  is  either  allowed  to  remain 
on  the  ground  and  dry  up  in  the  sun,  or  deposited  in  a  heap  for  the  purpose  of  forming  ma- 
nure. A  better  disposition  of  such  products  is  to  dig  them  at  once  into  the  soil ;  there  are 
always  some  spare  corners,  or  uncropped  spots,  which  may  be  enriched  by  becoming  a  place  of 
deposit  for  rubbish  of  this  kind  Even  the  short  grass  from  lawns  may  be  covered  at  once,  if 
no  more  useful  disposition  can  be  made  of  it :  such  as  mulching  between  the  rows  of  vegetables, 
or  over  the  roots  of  recently-planted  trees.  There  is  much  loss  of  enriching  matters  by  allowing 
these  incidental  accumulations  to  lie  on  the  surface;  and  even  as  a  matter  of  neatness  and  re- 
gularity, they  should  be  at  once  disposed  of,  and  rendered  useful  for  future  crops. 

Fruit  Trees. — Summer  praning,  or  pinching  the  points  of  young  shoots,  seems  not  to  be  so 
thoroughly  understood  as  its  importance  demands.  It  is  not  too  much  to  assert  that  the  high- 
est degree  of  cultivation  cannot  be  reached,  until  its  importance  and  necessity  is  fully  compre- 
hended and  recognized.  The  whole  aim  of  pruning  is  to  modify  and  direct  growth  so  as  render 
it  subservient  to  the  ivishes  of  the  cultivator.  At  no  time  can  this  be  more  readily  attained 
than  during  the  season  of  growth.  It  is  much  easier  to  prevent  a  shoot  from  growing  now  where 
it  is  not  wanted,  than  to  cut  it  otf  after  growth  is  completed,  just  as  it  is  easier  to  rub  off  a 
bud  than  cut  off  a  branch.  We  allude  to  established  trees.  It  would  be  well  for  all  cultivators 
to  study  this  matter  practically.  Especially  is  it  desirable  that  a  practice  should  not  be  con- 
demned, in  the  absence  of  knowledge  as  to  the  proper  applications  of  the  principles  upon  which 
it  is  founded. 


,^^£^^Sei 


Roses. — To  form  well-furnished  and  finished  beds  of  rose",  procure  such  kinds  as  Souvenir  de 
Anseleme,  Sombrieule,  Amie  Vibert,  Glorie  de  Rosamene  and  Fellenberg,  and  plant  thein  so 
that  the  stems  may  be  readily  pegi^eA  down  to  the  surface  of  the  ground.  Roses,  as  procured 
from  greenhouses,  are  generally  tall,  slender,  and  destitute  of  low  side  branches,  and  when  plant- 
ed out,  require  au  amount  of  support  from  stakes  that  sadly  mars  the  beauty  of  the  plants,  and 
do  not  harmonize  well  with  the  general  neatness  of  the  flower-garden.  To  remedy  this  defect, 
let  the  plants  be  laid  down  horizontally,  and  the  stems  separated  aud  pegged  closedown;  the 
whole  plant  will  set  up  a  new  crop  of  shoots  and  flowers,  and  preserve  such  a  uniformity  of 
growth  as  will  render  it  a  rival  in  this  respect  to  the  verbena.  When  treated  in  this  way, 
flowers  are  produced  in  masses;  although  to  procure  the  greatest  uniformity,  kinds  of  similar 
habit  should  be  selected.  We  cannot  imagine  any  feature  that  would  be  more  interesting  than 
a  small  geometrical  arrangement  of  beds,  each  planted  with  a  distinct  variety  of  rose,  and  man- 
aged as  above.  Roses  laid  so  near  the  ground  will  be  much  less  likely  to  be  destroyed  by  se- 
vere winters,  and  if  necessary,  they  can  be  covered  with  great  facility. 

Greenhouse. — The  proper  application  of  water  is  of  great  moment  in  the  cultivation  of  pot- 
plants.  The  Te//-7'«/e  pot  noticed  in  the  last  number  will  be  a  useful  indicator,  although  very- 
porous  or  absorbent  pots  are  not  by  any  means  desirable  so  far  as  cidtivation  is  concerned. 

It  is  a  good  general  rule  never  to  apply  wiiter  to  a  plant  until  it  is  dry.  The  difficulty,  how- 
ever, is  in  knowing  when  a  plant  really  requires  water  ;  and  simple  as  it  may  seem,  this  knowl- 
edge can  only  be  acquired  by  practical  and  studied  observation ;  and  without  it  the  highest  de- 
gree of  cultivation  cannot  be  attained.  There  are  a  few  general  rules  which  it  may  be  useful  to 
recapitulate.  Watering  should  always  be  done  in  the  early  portion  of  the  day.  There  are 
various  important  reasons  for  this  practice  that  we  cannot  now  enumerate  or  fully  explain. 
Plants  in  small  pots,  with  a  system  of  thick  matted  roots,  will  require  much  water ;  in  this  case 
it  is  hardly  possible  to  hurt  by  too  much  water,  if  the  plant  is  in  a  growing  state.  Let  this  plant 
be  removed  into  a  larger  pot,  and  the  fresh  soil  will  act  as  a  reservoir,  and  will  obviate  the  neces- 
sity for  frequency  of  the  waterings.  As  growth  increases  and  the  roots  extend  into  the  soil, 
they  will  suck  up  more  moisture,  and  consequently  will  require  more  frequent  applications. 
Plants  with  narrow  or  small  foliage  require  less  water  than  those  with  large  spreading  leaves. 
During  the  period  of  growth,  there  should  be  a  regular  and  constant  supply,  as  they  are  very 
sensible  of  any  check  at  this  period.  When  the  weather  is  damp  and  dull,  the  leaves  perspire 
very  slowly ;  there  is  little  lost  by  evaporation  from  their  surfaces,  consequently  there  is  less 
absorption  by  the  roots.  The  application  of  water  when  properly  understood,  is  the  most  pow- 
erful controlling  influence  which  we  possess  in  the  artificial  management  of  plants. 

Laying  Out  Grounds. — To  strike  out  the  seemingly  i-ude  and  simple  outlines  of  an  airange- 
meut  for  a  villa  residence,  with  its  various  accessories,  requires  a  reflective  mind,  alike  conver- 
sant with  the  forms  of  nature  and  principles  of  art.  It  is  a  subject,  the  details  of  which  ad- 
mit the  exercise  of  the  purest  taste,  and  cannot  be  confined  to  the  formality  of  mechanical 
rules.  The  only  rules  that  can  be  adhered  to,  are  those  of  elementary  principles.  The  lead- 
ing features  to  be  constantly  kept  in  view,  are  utility,  appropriateness,  and  expression  of  pur- 
pose. The  vegetable  garden,  stable,  &c.,  should  be  of  ready  access  from  the  house;  walks 
should  lead  as  directly  and  easily  from  point  to  point  as  circumstances  will  allow.  Gentle 
curves  in  walks  are  always  pleasing  where  appropriate  ;  but  if  a  straight  line  is  seemingly  more 
convenient,  do  not  attempt  a  cui-ve.  Many  minor  details  have  to  be  secured,  and  their  suitable 
introduction,  forms  in  the  aggregate  an  important  consideration  in  the  ultimate  and  matured 
plan,  although  individually  they  may  appear  neither  interesting  nor  of  much  consequence.  I 
have  remarked  that  no  mechanical  rules  can  guide  matters  of  taste.  Numerous  circumstances 
in  each  individual  case  will  confirm  this  assertion.  No  person  of  cultivated  taste  can,  or  will, 
adhere  to  rigid  rules.  All  our  essays  on  rural  taste  and  landscape  gardening  seem  to  be  defici- 
ent iu  general  practical  details,  while  at  the  same  time  they  do  not  enter  sufficiently  into  ele- 
mentary principles. 

In  a  recent  number,  I  questioned  "  Whether  more  real  progress  would  not  follow  from  the 
promulgation  of  principles  only,  than  in  the  enunciation  of  practical  rules. "  In  matters  of  taste 
this  admits  of  no  question,  Jind  those  who  would  wish  to  qualify  themselves  as  critics  or  ad- 
visers should  carefully  study  such  works  as  "  Knight  on  Taste,"  "  Price  on  the  Picturesque," 
"  Allison's  Essays  on  Taste,"  "  Wilson  Flagg's  Studies  on  the  Field  and  Forest,"  "Addison's 
Pleasures  of  the  Imagination,"  "  Ruskin's"  Works,  especially  his  recent  letters  on  the  "Ele- 
ments of  Drawing,"  "Burke's  Essays  on  the  Sublime  and  Beautiful,"  the  latter  more  for  its 
reasonings  than  its  deductions,  and  "  Kame's  Elements  of  Criticism." 


« 


"EAT  CSELOR  APPLE 


u\ 


fll 


« 


:■  il 


li 


-July,  1858. 


GREEK   IDEALS    OF    GARDENING. 

hardy  assertions  and  insolent  bigotry,  strong  in  the  confidence  of  self-satis- 
fied ignorance.  Everything  will  become  a  sham  ;  thermometers  will  be 
highly  varnished  and  tell  false  tales;  spy-glasses  will  have  a  shining  ex- 
terior, with  window-glass  snbstituted  for  the  polished  lens  ;  all  our  fruits 
will  be  "  quite  deficient  in  flavor,"  and  people  will  cease  to  buy  them. 

The  purchaser  is  as  much  to  blame  as  the  vender,  for  he  encourages  the 
deception,  which  has  perhaps  been  taught  him  in  "  the  books;"  but  honesty 
continues  to  be  the  best  policy,  and  in  future  let  us  hear  of  such  fruits  as  are 
better  than  those  usually'  employed  "for  market  purposes."  We  venture  to 
suggest  that  the  pomologists  lead  in  the  reform,  or  their  vocation  may  be  gone. 

They  have  a  term  abroad,  in  manufacturing  districts,  which  is  of  tlie  same 
tendency.  They  say,  "for  the  American  market;"  and  if  you  will  compare 
tlie  texture  of  goods  manufactured  for  us  with  those  made  for  consumption 
at  home,  you  will  find  the  one  flimsy  to  the  utmost  capacity  of  the  loom,  the 
other  as  substantial  as  possible  for  the  price;  the  one  "finished  "  for  show, 
the  other  for  wear.  Every  region  of  the  globe  is  ransacked  for  imitations. 
The  reason  is,  we  have  got  into  the  habit  of  asking  for  these  things  to  be 
cheap;  the  too  numerous  "  store-keepers "  cannot  get  a  large  profit  on  a 
good  article;  every  buyer  at  retail  wants  the  chief  element  to  be  cheapness; 
the  consequence  is  that  in  consuming  dry  goods,  the  purchaser  buys  a  barrel 
or  two  of  American  sour  flour,  that  has  twic(;  paid  freight  across  the  ocean, 
and  is  employed  in  the  form  of  starch,  to  keep  the  flimsy  substances  in  shape 
till  it  is  rubbed  off  on  the  wash-board,  and  the  wonder  is  that  "  goods  now- 
a-days  doiiH  wear."  The  love  of  change  and  "  new  stj'les  "  reconciles  the 
ladies,  if  it  does  not  exhaust  their  husbands'  or  parents'  pockets.  But  is  it 
to  be  expected  that  people  will  always  buy  berries  wholly  without  flavor,  if 
they  find  it  out,  as  they  surely  will.  There  is  varnish  and  deception 
enough  already  in  the  world.     Eeform  it  altogether. 


GREEK   IDEALS  OF    GARDENING. 

BM    PROFESSOR   E.  NORTH,  CLINTON,  N.  Y. 

To  the  earnest,  practical  scholar,  who  likes  to  keep  his  thoughts  busy 
with  something  beyond  the  dry  husks  and  integuments  of  ancient  learning, 
ever3fthing  pertaining  to  the  countrj^  and  landscape  scenery  of  the  Greeks 
is  endowed  with  a  singular  fascination.  So  deeply  is  he  enchanted  with  the 
spirit  of  Homer  and  Plato  and  Theocritus,  so  intimately  is  their  life  absorbed 
into  his  life,  tliat  he  owns  an  attachment  for  the  soil  they  trod,  for  the  skies 
that  bent  above  them,  for  the  streams  beside  which  they  walked,  weaving 
their  thoughts  and  feelings  into  verse  ;  for  the  trees,  beneath  which  they 
plaj^fully  chatted,  or  soberly  discussed  knotty  problems  in  philosophy.  This 
interest  is  not  unnatural  or  puerile  :  it  brings  both  a  pleasure  and  a  profit 
The  mountains  and  rivers,  the  rocks,  glens,  and  trees  of  Greece  all  had  a 
voice  in  deciding  and  shaping  the  character  of  its  inhabitants.  Especially 
was  this  true  of  her  poets,  whose  companionship  with  nature  was  more  inti- 

"  C«n  you  tell  me  what  he  is  ;  he  intimati's  that  he  is  deeply  versed  in  Natural  Philosophy  and  scientific  research. 
Really  I  never  heard  of  hini.  He  intirnalts  that  the  Pomological  Society  should  give  him  the  same  encourage- 
ment and  patronage  that  the  New  York  State  Agricultural  Socieiy  gave  Dr. 'Fitch.  It  is  self-conceit  all  over, 
without  any  kno«  ledge."  Very  true,  but  it  is  not  the  first  time  the  individual  has  mistaken  his  vocation,  nor  will 
suppose,  be  the  last,  such  is  the  unfortunate  constitution  of  his  mind.  Jerrold  said  to  a  young  man  who 
'  to  see  himself  in  print,  "  Be  advised  by  me  ;  don't  lake  down  the  shutters  before  there  is  something  in  the 


GKEEK   IDEALS    OF    GARDENING. 

mate,  unreserved,  and  free  from  disturbance,  tlian  that  of  her  orators  and 
historians.  If  one  would  arrive  at  the  truest  conception  of  the  Greek  charac- 
ter, in  its  aesthetic  phase,  teaching  his  inner  eye  to  detect  all  its  delicate 
shadings  of  thoughtfulness  and  half-hid  revealings  of  poetry,  he  must  take 
into  account  the  influence  of  these  natural  agents. 

Amid  the  perpetual  flux  and  noisy  changes  of  human  life,  nature  remains 
the  same.  It  is  pleasant  to  knov/  that,  as  it  regards  physical  features, 
Greece  continues  at  this  day  what  she  was  twenty  centuries  ago.  Her  sky 
is  pierced  by  the  same  Olympus  whereon  the  early  fables  fixed  the  home  of 
the  gods.  Her  poets  and  orators  are  gone  ;  her  temples  and  theatres  are  in 
ruins,  but  her  rivers  and  her  trees  remain,  like  her  literature,  unchanged. 

"  Art,  glory,  freedom  fiiil,  yet  nature  still  is  fair." 

If  we  take  the  trees  of  the  Greeks,  more  especially  those  selected  for  gar- 
dens and  public  grounds,  as  giving  an  expression  of  Greek  character,  it 
will  be  seen  that  they  were  made  to  satisfy  higher  needs  than  those  of  the 
mere  mechanic,  the  fruit-grower,  or  even  the  ornamental  planter.  To  the 
eye  of  a  Greek,  whether  cultivated  and  tasteful,  or  ignorant  and  supersti- 
tious, a  tree  was  something  better  than  a  bundle  of  vegetable  organs,  that 
answered  its  only  mission  when  it  had  contributed  to  his  physical  support, 
enrichment,  or  pleasure.  It  had  amoral  significance.  It  spoke  a  language 
as  many-voiced  and  potent  as  that  which  flows  from  human  lips.  Such  of 
the  Greek  trees  as  were  distinguished  for  their  beauty  or  utility  were  held 
sacred  to  divinities.  They  had  also  emblematic  uses,  as  numerous  as  they 
were  ingenious  and  eloquent.  This  was  not  all.  The  Greek  trees  dis- 
charged other  offices,  which,  though  less  specific,  and  not  recognized  in  set 
phrases,  were  none  the  less  real,  touching  closely  the  national  life.  They 
had  tongues,  and  preached  daily  lessons  to  all  who  sought  the  cool  baptism 
of  their  shade.  The  squandered  fragrance  of  their  blossoms  breathed 
lessons  of  kindness.  Their  gesturing  branches  and  murmuring  leaves  gave 
instructions  in  grace  and  music.  Their  autobiography,  as  rehearsed  by 
their  very  presence,  was  a  volume  of  wisest  proverbs.  They  taught  that 
the  most  stupendous  results  are  inclosed  in  the  seed  of  each  living  principle, 
as  Dodona's  forest  sleeps  in  the  acorn's  cup.  Starting  from  minute  germs, 
making  themselves  tall  and  strong  and  fair,  by  their  own  industrious  vital- 
ity, by  slowly  adding  fibre  to  fibre,  by  pushing  out  branch  above  branch, 
and  leaf  beyond  leaf,  by  getting  something  of  gain  from  each  shower  and 
dew-fall,  from  sunshine  and  breeze,  by  wrestling  with  storms  manfully,  by 
striking  deep  their  roots  and  sending  them  out  on  remote  excursions  after 
food,  they  taught  the  exceeding  worth  of  strong  will  and  plodding  patience, 
and  hopeful  energy  and  faith.  Over  all  the  large,  earnest  souls  of  Attica, 
the  Attic  trees  stretched  out  fraternal  arms,  breathing  blessings. 

Of  all  the  superstitious  notions  entertained  by  the  Greeks,  the  most  poetic 
was  that  which  associated  with  every  tree  a  wood-nymph  or  hamadrj'ad, 
whose  life  commenced  and  was  doomed  to  perish  with  the  life  of  the  tree. 
Reference  is  made  to  the  fabled  hamadryads  in  a  paragrapli  of  Homer's 
Hymn  to  Venus  :  "Along  with  these  nymphs  at  their  birth  are  born  either 
beech-trees  or  high-headed  oaks  on  the  generous  earth,  graceful  of  form, 
vigorous.  They  reach  towards  the  sun  on  lofty  mountains,  and  are  called 
the  groves  of  the  immortals,  which  mortals  never  assail  with  the  axe. 
when  the  doom  of  death  is  at  hand,  the  graceful  trees  are  first  withered 


GREEK   IDEALS    OF    GAKDENING. 

the  bark  dries  up  about  tliem,  and  the  boughs  fall  off,  and  then  their  life 
quits  the  sunlight." 

Several  ingenious  allegories  have  been  founded  on  this  botanic  myth.  Not 
to  dwell  at  this  time  on  such  fancies,  {jpoelicis  decora  fahdis,)  and  without 
undertaking  a  description  of  individual  trees,  (a  topic  that  would  claim  an 
entire  article,  and  might  be  made  to  fill  up  a  volume,)  I  propose  to  speak  of 
the  treatment  that  trees  received  from  the  Greeks  in  their  gardens,  public 
grounds,  and  ornamental  landscapes. 

Among  the  Greeks,  the  art  of  ornamental  planting,  or  of  expressing  the 
beautiful  in  Gardening,  divides  itself  historically  into  two  periods.  They 
are  the  Homeric  and  the  Platonic  periods. 

As  individual  character  often  takes  a  tone  from  intimacy,  or  want  of 
intimacy  with  trees,  so  national  features  may  be  detected  in  tlie  treatment 
and  culture  of  trees,  as  ornaments  of  the  garden  and  the  landscape. 

Homer's  ideal  of  a  garden  is  given  in  his  glowing  picture  of  the  grounds 
about  the  mansion  of  Alcinous.     For  brevity's  sake  we  translate  loosely. 

"  Near  the  palace  was  a  large  garden,  hard  by  the  gates,  covering  four 
acres.  A  hedge  was  stretched  about  it  on  every  side  ;  within,  tall,  sturdy 
trees  had  grown  up,  pears  and  pomegranates,  apples,  bright-fruited,  and 
luxuriant  olives.  Of  these  the  fruitage  decays  not,  fails  not,  either  in  sum- 
mer or  winter,  lasting  the  year  round.  Pear  grows  mellow  after  pear, 
apple  after  apple,  grape-cluster  after  grape-cluster,  fig  after  fig.  There  also 
a  rich-fruited  vineyard  had  been  planted,  with  a  level  drying-ground,  warm- 
ed by  the  sun.  There,  while  some  grapes  they  are  treading,  others  they  are 
gathering.  In  front  are  green  grapes,  having  just  cast  the  blossom,  while 
others  are  purpling  into  ripeness.  Here,  too,  are  neatly-kept  flower-beds, 
beside  the  last  row  of  trees,  blossoming  throughout  the  year.  Finally,  there 
are  two  fountains— one  is  carried  over  the  grounds  for  irrigation — the  other 
flows  into  the  palace,  whence  the  occupants  supply  themselves  with  water. 
Such  are  the  glorious  gifts  of  the  gods  to  the  home  of  Alcinous." 

The  picture  thus  sensuousl}^  painted,  is  one  that  offers  every  thing  to  the 
palate  ;  yet  little  to  the  soul.  It  is  poorly  fitted,  with  all  its  miraculous  de- 
tails, for  stirring  the  heart's  deep  springs  of  poetry  and  feeling,  and  for 

"  Annihilating  all  that's  made 
To  a  green  thought  in  a  green  shade." 

The  Beautiful  is  overshadowed  and  dwarfed  by  the  Useful.  Homer's 
trees  in  the  garden  of  Alcinous  are  wonderful  and  desirable  ;  not  because 
they  furnish  a  pleasant  home  for  birds  of  song  and  humming  cicadae,  not 
for  the  grace  and  animation  they  give  to  scenery  ;  not  for  the  cool,  creeping 
shadows  wherewith  they  dial  off  the  long  summer  hours  on  the  clovery  turf  ; 
but  solely  for  their  endless  supply  of  luscious  fruits.  This  were  a  paradise 
too  coarsely  sensual,  save  for  the  age  of  Homer,  or  the  dupes  of  Mahomet. 
Albeit  a  wealthy  and  great-hearted  monarch,  Alcinous'  ideas  of  garden- 
esque  beauty  are  cramped  and  gross.  His  wine-press  is  as  much  out  of 
keeping  where  the  poet  puts  it,  like  a  rude  impertinence,  between  the  palace 
and  the  flower-beds,  as  would  be  a  cider-mill  in  the  French  Emperor's 
Jardln  des  Flantes.  He  is  resolved,  apparently,  that  his  water-works  shall 
pay  well  for  the  room  they  take  up.  The  two  fountains  suggest  only  ideas 
of  use  and  convenience.  They  are  little  better  than  a  pair  of  drinking- 
troughs.  One  of  them,  had  the  Greek  been  rendered  literally,  would  have 
med  to  do  the  duty  of  a  town-pump, 
is  nought  to  Alcinous  that  water  likes  to  leap  heavenward,  and  dance 


in  the  sun-light  as  David  danced  before  the  Lord.  It  is  nought  to  liim 
that  water  is  born  witli  the  inalienable  right  to  life  and  liberty.  It  is  nought 
to  him  that  water  has  a  natural  turn  for  music,  and  will  sing  in  chorus  with 
birds  and  morning  stars,  if  one  but  allow  it  a  pebbly  rill  to  run  in. 

Another  gravest  fault  with  Homer's  model  is,  that  it  cannot  be  put  into 
realization  by  human  agency.  It  contradicts  the  fixed  order  of  nature,  by 
mixing  seed-time  and  harvest,  and  expelling  winter  from  the  calendar  alto- 
gether. Homer's  instinct  was  more  trustworthy  than  his  cool  judgment. 
His  quiet  and  winning  sketch  of  the  scenery  about  Calj^pso's  grotto,  when 
he  was  making  no  effort  to  astonish,  is  in  perfect  fidelity  to  the  principles 
of  landscape  gardening,  as  developed  by  modern  artists.  Hear  him,  with 
Alexander  Pope  to  interpret  : — 

"  Without  the  grot,  a  various  sylvan  scene 
Appeared  around,  and  groves  of  living  green. 
Poplars  and  alders  ever  quivering  played, 
And  nodding  cypress  formed  a  fragrant  sliade, 
Ou  whose  high  branches,  waving  with  the  storm, 
The  birds  of  broadest  wing  their  mansion  form. 
Depending  vines  the  shelving  cavern  screen, 
With  purple  clusters  blushing  through  the  green 
Four  limpid  fountains  from  the  clefts  distil. 
And  every  fountain  pours  a  several  rill. 
In  mazy  windings  wandering  down  the  hill : 
Where  blooming  meads  with  vivid  greens  weie  crowned. 
And  glowing  violets  threw  odors  round  ; 
A  scene,  where  if  a  god  should  cast  his  sight, 
A  god  might  gaze  and  wander  with  delight!"' 

Plato's  ideal  of  gardenesque  beauty  is  hinted  at  in  the  opening  of  his 
Phsedrus,  where  the  scene  of  the  dialogue  is  described  somehow  thus  : 

"  By  Juno,  a  beautiful  retreat  !  Hei'e  the  platan  spreads  very  widely 
its  cooling  boughs,  and  is  superbly  tall.  The  twilight  beneath  the  low  wil- 
lows—how refreshing  it  is  ! — and  the  whole  air  is  filled  with  their  pleasant 
fragrance — a  cheerful  fountain  of  coolest  water  flows  beneath  the  platan, 
which  appears  to  be  sacred  to  certain  uj-mphs,  from  the  statues  of  virgins 
that  adorn  it.  Then,  again,  notice  what  a  summer-like  and  agreeable  sing- 
ing resounds  from  the  choir  of  katydids.  But  the  sweetest  sight  of  all  is 
that  of  the  grass  so  persuasively  adapting  itself  to  receive  on  its  sloping 
velvet  the  reclining  head." 

Plato's  ideal  represents  an  advanced  stage  of  culture  and  refinement. 
It  represents  a  period  when  sense  was  subordinated  to  spirit,  and  the  glories 
of  nature  were  wedded  to  the  creations  of  art,  or  brought  into  kindliest 
rivalry  with  them  ;  and  this,  without  sacrificing  to  the  association  aught 
of  nature's  simplicity.  The  Platonic  garden  was  a  place  where  temples  were 
built  to  the  Naiads  and  Oreads,  with  which  Homer's  fancy  had  peopled  every 
stream  and  wooded  hill  ;  where  tempting  walks  coaxed  the  feet  through  wierd 
perplexities  of  shade  and  fragrance  ;  where  glades  opened  through  to  water- 
falls, spanned  by  rainbows,  as  if  to  aflbrd  a  playground  for  sublime  thoughts; 
where  drooping  willows  caressed  the  white  brows  of  marble  goddesses  : 

"  Where  meeting  boughs  and  implicated  leaves 
Wove  twilight  o'er  the  poet's  path." 

The  Platonic  garden  was  a  place  for  social  enjoyment.  Friends  there 
came  together,  without  ceremony,  in  the  long  summer  evenings,  and  timed 
the  music  of  their  talk  by  the  cicada's  ticking  in  the  grass.  It  was  a  favor 
ite  place  for  intellectual  encounters  and  jousts  of  wit.     Instead  of  a  smooth 


spot  warmed  by  the  sun,  where  slaves  were  treading  g-rapes  in  the  wine- 
press, and  water-tanks  where  drudging  housemaids  were  filling  their  pitchers ; 
ithad  green  broad  lawns,  shad(;d  by  platans  and  olives,  with  temples  sacred 
to  dance  and  song,  and  inviting  seats  sacred  to  conversation ;  where  keen 
thinkers  were  solving  the  problems  of  a  philosophy,  well-named  divine  :  a 
philosophy 

"Not  harsh  and  crabbed,  as  dull  fools  believe. 
But  musical  as  is  Apollo's  lute."' 

There  are  few  things  in  w^hich  the  triumphs  of  genius  and  art  are  more 
signal  and  limitless  than  in  Landscape  Gardening.  The  artist  gardener  is 
dependent  upon  Nature  for  every  feature  of  rural  beauty  that  he  develops. 
Yet  he  almost  seems  to  originate  where  he  only  improves  or  reproduces. 
He  can  select  what  is  comely,  and  discard  what  is  worthless  ;  he  can 
chasten  what  is  rude,  and  enliven  what  is  tame  ;  he  can  harmonize  as  well 
by  sympathy  as  by  contrast.  He  can  pleasure  the  eye  and  the  ear  with 
unexpected  sights  and  sounds  ;  herein  lie  the  secrets  of  his  power.  The 
visitor  who  walks  through  the  grounds  at  Chatsworth,  sees  not  a  single 
element  of  rural  beauty  that  may  not  be  seen  somewhere  else  ;  yet  here 
these  elements  are  so  crowded  together  and  so  skilfully  grouped,  nature's 
deformities  are  transformed  into  such  loveliness  that  one  can  scarcely 
believe  he  is  treading  the  same  old  worn-out  and  ugly  earth  which  was 
blasted  with  the   primal  curse. 

Proportionately  as  men  advance  in  civilization,  their  love  for  the  beauti- 
ful in  gardening  grows  deeper  and  stronger.  With  each  onward  step  in 
self-culture,  there  is  a  marked  improvement  in  their  skill  and  taste  for  man- 
aging the  details  of  a  parterre  or  an  ornamental  landscape.  The  passion 
for  natural  beauty  sometimes  attributed  to  the  Indian  and  the  wild  trapper 
will  not  bear  a  close  inspection.  They  will  stop  to  admire  whatever  stuns 
and  amazes,  like  a  cataract ;  but  are  generally  cold  to  that  which  insiniiates 
its  lesson  of  loveliness  in  the  whispering  of  leaves  and  the  tinting  of  flow- 
ers. They  are  like  Alcinous,  seeing  most  beauty  in  what  contributes  most 
to  the  joys  of  the  table.  Their  chief  love  is  given  to  objects  that  gratify 
the  animal  appetite,  heedless  of  what  would  minister  through  the  outward 
senses  to  the  hunger  of  the  heart.  Who  ever  heard,  unless  it  were  in  some 
fiction's  baseless  fabric,  of  an  Indian  planting  a  rose-bush  by  the  door  of 
his  hut ;  or  a  trapper  stretching  an  aeolian  harp  in  a  crevice  of  his  cabin  ? 

It  sometimes  happens  that  a  teacher  is  outstripped  by  his  pupils.  Homer 
gave  a  lesson  to  the  Greeks  in  ornamental  planting.  Selecting  whatever 
was  most  admired  in  the  garden  of  Alcinous  and  the  Retreat  of  Calypso, 
they  added  other  features  suggested  by  their  own  genius  and  riper  taste. 
Yet  they  failed  to  fully  perfect  the  art  of  heightening  the  expression  of 
rural  beauty.  To  do  this  was  a  triumph  reserved  for  our  own  Milton,  who 
has  improved  upon  Homer  and  the  Attics. 

In  picturing  his  Paradise,  Milton  is  careful  to  keep  within  the  possibilities 
of  Nature.  There,  nothing  that  reads  like  an  extract  from  Baron  Munchau- 
sen or  the  Arabian  Nights.  At  the  same  time  he  is  more  liberal  and 
artistic  than  Plato.  His  imagination  moves  with  a  more  graceful  freedom, 
a  more  various  fertility.  Aware  that  breadth  and  varietj'^  of  view  are  essen- 
tial to  a  landscape's  permanent  charm,  he  has  warily  avoided  the  use  of 

finite  and  belittling  terms.     In  place  of  prisoning  the  reader's  fancy 
acre  lot,  misnamed  a  "great"  garden,  and  half  a  dozen  sorts  of 


Amid 


Amid 


While 


KUSTIC   FURNITURE FIRST  ARTICLE. 


trees,  he  permits  it  to  wander,  at  its  own  sweet  will,  in  a  limitless  mazy 

error 

"  Beside  crisped  brooks 
Eolling  on  orient  pearl  and  sands  of  gold," 

"  Flowers  worthy  of  Paradise,  which  not  nice  art 
In  beds  and  curious  knots,  but  Nature  boon 
Poured  forth  profuse  on  hill  and  dale  and  plain," 

"  Gi'oves  whose  trees  wept  odorous  gums  and  balm, 
Others,  whose  fruit  burnished  with  golden  rind. 
Hung  amiable,  ' 

"  Level  downs  and  flocks 

Grazing  the  tender  herb,  are  interspersed'' 

"  With  gi'ots  and  caves 
Of  cool  recess,  o'er  which  the  mantling  vine 
Lays  forth  her  purple  grape,  and  gently  creeps 
Luxuriant." 

In  his  finished  idea  of  a  landscape  garden,  Milton  was  far  in  advance  not 
alone  of  the  Attics,  but  of  his  own  age.  After  the  lapse  of  two  centuries, 
both  prolific  in  contributions  to  the  refined  comforts  and  pleasures  of  life, 
the  graceful  flight  of  his  inventive  fancy  is  hardly  yet  caught  up  with,  by 
the  slow  steps  of  practical  art.  If  the  picture  of  rural  scenery  he  has 
so  charmingly  sketched,  could  be  embodied  in  all  its  happy  adjustments  of 
wood  and  water,  of  lawn  and  rocks  and  sky,  with  its  cheerful  groupings  of 
animal  and  vegetable  forms,  and  above  all,  the  entire  absence  of  any  thing 
like  straining  after  effect,  so  that 

"  Nowhere  appeared  thefart  which  all  this  beauty  wrought,'' 

what  rapture  would  it  not  bring  to  the   eyes  of    our  Loudons   and  our 
Downincs  ? 


-^ — ^«.-.— ►♦- 


RUSTIC  FURNITURE.— FIRST  ARTICLE. 

There  are  many  persons  who  would  be  glad  to  use  tools  for  useful  pur- 
poses if  they  only  knew  how.  Rustic  furniture  is  one  mode  of  amusing 
themselves  usefully.  Though  in  the  open  air  this  kind  of  seats  are  liable  to 
early  destruction  from  the  influences  of  air  and  moisture,  it  is  an  object  to 
possess  some  specimens  in  a  garden  or  lawn.  Attention  to  housing  them  in 
winter,  will  greatly  add  to  their  longer  utility. 


Fig.  L 


cottages  this  description  of  furniture  is  very  appropriate.     In  sum 
rs,  piazzas,  and  near  or  in  garden  walks,  it  is  pleasant  to  see,  if  not 


^^Jl: 


RUSTIC   FURNITURE — FIRST  ARTICLE. 


rest  on,  such  objects,  which  have  an  "  expression  of  purpose"  about  them 
satisfactory  to  the  mind.  Under  a  fruit  tree,  an  easy  seat  is  proper  and 
comfortable.  Every  agricultural  laborer  is  more  or  less  accustomed  to  the 
use  of  tools,  and  it  is  surprising  how  a 
little  use  in  the  adaptation  of  the  mate- 
rials at  hand  increases  one's  facility  in 
such  work.  An  old  apple  or  pear  orchard 
furnishes  capital  materials;  all  that  is  re- 
quired for  their  construction  is  a  saw,  an 
axe,  a  g-ouge,  and  a  few  nails.  The  requi- 
site skill  is  possessed  by  every  man  of  or- 
dinary intelligence;  the  taste  grows  by 
its  exercise. 

The  adaptation  of  the  natural  growth 
of  a  branch  to  the  required  purpose  must 
have  the  first  consideration  and  will  come 
by  a  little  practice.     In  Fig.  1, 
the  triple  fork  of  a  branch  of  a 
tree  simply  reversed  and  flat- 
tened, forms  the  legs  of  a  stool, 
on  which   a  rounded  piece  of 
plank  is  nailed  to  complete  it. 

In  Fig.  2,  a  branch  is  spliced 
to  the  main  stem  or  front,  to 
form  legs,  and  the  seat  made  as 
in  the  former  instance  by  pieces 
of  plank,  or  even  more  simply, 
by  smoothing  the  top  of  the  main 
branch,  when  this  is  tolerably 
thick  in  itself  Advantage  may 
be  taken  of  some  of  the  knots 
and  excrescences  to  give  a  gro- 
tesque resemblance  to  an  ani- 
mal, by  carving  a  head  with 
ej^es  and  mouth.  Such  forms 
may  be  infinitely  varied. 

In  Fig.  3,  a  thicker  plank  of  elm, 
perhaps,  should  be  chosen,  and  the 
edges  slightly  bevelled  beneath. 
The  holes  should  be  bored  with  an 
auger,  and  the  feet  wedged  in  from 
the  top.  In  this,  as  in  the  other  fig- 
ures, the  difficulty  consists  in  the 
choice  and  arrangement  of  such 
pieces  as  will  interweave  together, 
and  form  stiffening  braces  to  the 
work. 

The  tops  of  tables.  Fig.  4,  may 

be  made  of  fir  plank,  and  have  a 

stout  split  batten  underneath  them. 

If  the  branching  will  not  naturally 

•ace  the  legs,  pieces  may  he  grafted 


OVEK-KICH    OLD    GARDENS. 

ou,  and  in  such  cases  the  application  of  the  gouge  to  the  edges  will  quite 
take  away  the  unpleasant  eflect  of  the  junction. 

In  more  complicated  seats,  such  as  the  chair,  Fig.  5,  the  difficulty  consists 
in  having  their  arms  and  backs  made  sufficiently  symmetrical.  A  branch  being 
chosen  having  the  requisite  bend,  it  must  be  sawn  down  perpendicularly 
to  the  shape  which  is  required.  Opened  out,  it  forms  two  symmetrical  sides 
properly  handed,  with  a  rounded  side  for  the  front,  and  flat  behind. 

We  shall  give  in  our  next  number  some  further  illustrations  of  arm  chairs, 
flower  baskets,  &c. 


OVER-EICH     OLD     GARDENS. 

No  doubt  every  observant  gardener  has  seen  spots  of  ground  that  by 
over-manuring  for  a  succession  of  years  had  ceased  to  be  productive.  The 
only  remedy  to  make  them  again  useful,  is  to  clear  a  good  portion  of  the 
richest  earth  away.  Generally  speaking,  there  are  but  few  places  where 
an  exchange  may  not  be  made  for  fresh  earth,  as  this  garden  soil  forms  one 
of  the  most  valuable  dressings  for  pasture  or  meadow  land  which  can  be 
met  with.  It  is  not  always  possible  to  get  turf,  or  even  soil  from  pasture 
land  ;  but  failing  this,  that  from  arable  land,  if  moderately  fresh  and  loamy, 
will  form  no  bad  substitute.  Next  come  old  banks,  the  parings  from  road- 
sides, any  scraps  of  fresh  soil  obtainable  where  alterations  are  making. 
When  the  rich  topsoil  has  been  removed,  spread  a  good  dressing  of  quick- 
lime over  the  lowered  surface  and  fork  this  in  ;  if  the  lime  is  an  inch  in 
tliickness  it  will  do  good.  Afterwards  road  scrapings  or  old  mortar  may  be 
added,  when  the  soil  is  heavy  ;  and  marl,  or  a  dressing  of  the  scourings  of 
ditches,  when  light.  When  this  is  well  mixed  with  the  lower  spit,  bring  in 
the  fresh  earth  and  well  incorporate  the  whole  together.  Rather  than  do 
this  imperfectly,  I  would  recommend  that  a  portion  only  be  done  at  once, 
selecting  those  parts  on  which  Peas,  Cauliflowers,  Cabbages,  Onions,  and 
Carrots  are  to  be  grown,  and  leaving  the  plots  appropriated  to  Asparagus, 
Seakale,  and  Rhubarb  for  after  consideration,  as  it  is  found  the  latter  are 
not  so  particular  to  soil  as  the  former.  Above  all,  the  fruit  tree  borders,  if 
they  cannot  be  entirely  renovated,  should  have  fully  one-half  of  the  old  soil 
removed  and  replaced  by  fresh,  draining  the  borders  when  necessary,  and 
having  a  good  rubble  bottom  one  foot  deep,  over  which  two  feet  of  the  com- 
post should  be  placed  for  trees.  I  may  here  add  that  many  kinds  of  fruit 
trees  may  safely  be  lifted,  if  carefully  done,  and  the  roots  laid  in  any  spare 
piece  of  ground  while  the  borders  are  being  renewed,  more  particularly 
Pears,  Plums,  and  Apricots  ;  and  that  these  kinds  will  grow  on  richer  soils 
than  the  Peach  and  Cherry. 

Where  it  is  found  impracticable  to  remove  any  portion  of  the  over-rich 
soil  of  a  garden,  then  the  next  best  thing  to  do  will  be  to  employ  only  those 
materials  which  are  found  by  practice  to  counteract  soils  containing  a  super- 
abundance of  oi'^^anic  manures.  Lime  is  one  of  the  best  and  the  most  readily 
procurable  ;  I  can  strongly  recommend  newly  slacked  lime,  mixed  with  a 
small  quantity  of  salt,  as  a  valuable  compost  for  old  garden  soils.  The  pro- 
portion to  use  should  be  after  the  rate  of  sixty  bushels  of  lime,  and  two  cwt.  of 
salt  per  acre.  Superphosphate  of  lime,  mixed  with  a  small  quantity  of  nitrate 
of  soda,  comes  next,  but  is  more  expensive.  Both  these  applications  should 
be  forked  in  immediately  they  are  spread  over  the  ground.     Where  new 


compost  has  been  procurable,  the  subsequent  use  of  manure  should  be 
guarded  against.  Let  a  dressing  of  hot  lime  be  given  every  third  year,  ad- 
ding phosphate  and  guano  occasionally,  in  place  of  stable  dung  ;  and  lose 
no  opportunities  of  applj'ing  road  scrapings  and  marl,  or  calcareous  soil, 
where  much  manuring  is  necessary,  as  it  will  improve  the  staple  of  the  soil 
and  tend  to  promote  fruitfulness  in  the  crops. 

Liquid  manure  is  also  a  better  material  than  stable  manure  for  these  gar- 
dens, as  it  is  more  easily  taken  up  by  plants  ;  and  with  chalk  or  lime  occa- 
sionall}^  added,  will  tend  to  form  a  better  and  more  productive  soil,  and  one 
capable  of  keeping  in  good  heart  for  years,  without  the  danger  of  getting 
over-rich. — Florist,  Fruitist,  and  Garden  Miscellany. 


NOTES  ON  NEW  PLANTS  FLOWERED  IN  AMERICA. 

BY    DANIEL    BARKER,    SPKINGFIELD,    MASS. 

I  PROPOSE,  from  time  to  time,  to  occupy  a  small  space  in  the  columns  of  the 
HorlicuUurist  for  the  enumeration  and  description  of  new  and  choice  flowers 
that  have  bloomed  in  this  country,  simply  from  a  pure  desire  to  benefit  those 
of  your  numerous  readers,  who  may,  like  myself,  be  ardent  admirers  of  those 
gems  of  the  creation.  I  am  fully  aware  of  the  difficulty  of  describing  well 
new  flowers  and  plants,  but  having  no  interest  to  serve  beyond  the  admira- 
tion I  feel  as  an  enthusiastic  lover  of  them,  I  pledge  myself  to  execute  it 
with  truthfulness  and  accuracy  as  far  as  I  can  possibly  accomplish  it. 

Cineraria,  Prince  of  Wales,  (Turner). — A  new  variety  from  Europe. 
Flowers  large,  of  excellent  form  ;  color  pure  white,  edged  with  bright  blue, 
and  purple  disc  ;  habit  very  good.  The  plant  from  which  the  above  descrip- 
tion is  taken,  I  presume,  is  the  first  of  its  kind  flowered  in  this  country. 

Fuchsia,  Gloire  de  Neisse,  (Rothers).  —  A  great  novelty  from  Germany. 
This  will  prove  one  of  the  most  attractive  additions  to  any  collection.  A 
free  and  robust  grower,  and  apparently  a  very  free  bloomer  ;  sepels  white, 
tipped  with  green,  and  beautifully  reflexed  ;  tube  a  delicate  blush  ;  corolla 
a  blush  pink  or  rose,  striped  with  white. 

Azalea,  Iveriana. — A  most  beautiful  variety  ;  color  pure  white,  beautifully 
striped  with  red.  The  form  and  size  of  flower,  with  the  habit  of  the  plant,  is 
excellent,  and  highly  deserves  extended  cultivation  whenever  azaleas  are 
grown. 

Azalea,  Trotheriana. — A  fine  and  beautiful  variety  of  upright  growth.  Color 
of  flower  a  bright  violet  rose  ;  an  abundant  bloomer. 

Azalea,  Beauty  de  la  Europe. — This  is  not  a  new  but  a  charming  variety. 
Color  of  flower,  pink,  beautifully  striped  with  carmine.  No  collection,  how- 
ever small,  should  be  without  this  beautiful  variety. 

Azalea,  Adolphi  fl.  Plena. — Double  purple  ;  a  fine,  free,  early  bloomer. 

Azalea,  Albertus. — Large  red  flower  ;  an  abundant  bloomer;  habit  of  plant, 
close  and  compact ;  an  excellent  kind  for  grafting  upon  the  stronger  grow- 
ing varieties,  the  stems  of  which  should  be  from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches 
in  height. 

Azalea,  Admiration. — One  of  the  most  beautiful  varieties  in  cultivation 
Color  pure  white,  flaked  with  bright  carmine  ;  an  early  and  abundant 
bloomer. 


POINSETTIA   PULCHBRRIMA. 

Azalea,  Ardcns. — A  splendid  bright  orange  scarlet,  of  a  most  beautiful 
texture  ;  habit  of  plant  free  and  upright. 

Azalea,  Criterion. — Salmon  pink,  with  a  distinct  margin  of  pure  white,  and 
beautifully  spotted,  wnth  crimson  in  the  upper  segment ;  extra  fine. 

Azalea,  Glory  of  Sunnivg  Hill. — This  is  not  a  new  but  is  a  beautiful  variety, 
and  wherever  two  azaleas  can  be  grown,  this  should  be  one.  Color  of  flower 
a  fine  rosy  pink  and  very  double,  well  filled  up  to  the  centre  when  well 
grown  ;  habit  of  plant  very  good. 


CULTURE  OF  POINSETTIA  PULCHERRIMA. 

BY   JOHN    HOWATT,    PITTSBURG,    PENXSYLVANIA. 

The  following  has  been  my  mode  of  growing  the  Poinsettia  Pulcherrima 
for  the  last  two  years,  and,  according  to  my  opinion,  with  the  best  pos- 
sible success.  I  have  read  in  many  publications  of  the  day  various  state- 
ments of  its  management,  and  have  not  yet  seen  good  specimens  of  it.  The 
Poinsettia  is  a  fine  old  plant,  introduced  from  Mexico  about  1834.  Its  true 
flowers  are  a  mere  nothing,  but  the  floral  leaves  that  surround  its  flowers 
at  the  point  of  the  young  shoots,  are  of  the  brightest  tints,  and  on  this 
account  the  plant  is  much  admired.  Another  fact  enhances  its  value — it 
comes  into  beauty  for  the  greenhouse  when  other  plants  are  out  of  bloom. 
The  Poinsettia  has  its  faults  and  failings;  it  is  decidedly  of  a  bad  habit,  and 
this  probably  prevents  many  bestowing  that  particular  attention  the  culture 
of  the  plant  requires. 

The  two  extremes  of  heat  and  cold  I  have  seen  resorted  to.  Some  say 
bottom  heat  is  necessary,  while  others  declare  the  contraxy.  One  writer 
will  say  place  it  in  the  stove,  others  that  stove  temperature  frustrates  the 
end  in  view;  others,  again,  that  a  greenhouse  is  the  only  situation  where  we 
can  obtain  a  stiff",  sturdy,  short-pointed  growth.  Amidst  all  those  opinions, 
perhaps  a  middle  course  would  suit  the  purpose. 

After  the  plants  ai-e  done  flowering,  cut  them  down,  and  the  shoots  are 
available  for  cuttings.  These  I  cut  into  short  lengths,  each  piece  having 
two  eyes.  Cut  horizontally  under  the  lowest  eye  or  bud.  After  the  cuttings 
arc  made,  place  them  on  a  shelf  or  any  other  dry  place,  for  two  or  three  days, 
to  dry.  They  may  then  be  placed  in  a  pan,  or  pot,  well  drained,  say  two- 
third  broken  cro(5ks,  over  this  a  little  sphagnum,  if  at  hand,  then  filled 
to  the  top  with  equal  parts  of  silver  sand  and  peat,  passed  tlirough  a  fine 
sieve — the  whole  pressed  into  the  cutting-pot,  so  as  to  give  it  solidity,  and 
exclude  the  air  from  the  base  of  the  cuttings.  The  cuttings  to  be  inserted 
about  one  half  their  depth,  plunged  in  a  brisk  bottom  heat  and  shaded  from 
the  sun.  They  will  root  in  from  four  to  five  weeks,  when  pot  them  off  into 
three-inch  pots;  one  in  each  pot.  Keep  warm  and  moist  until  they  have 
taken  in  the  fresh  soil  ;  they  should  then  be  gradually  exposed  to  a  situation 
where  they  will  have  the  benefit  of  more  air,  with  all  the  sunshine  yoii  can 
give  them,  and  still  they  require  to  be  kept  tolerably  warm;  syringed  in 
the  afternoon  when  the  weather  permits.  As  soon  as  they  have  comfort- 
ably filled  their  pots  with  roots,  prepai-e  for  their  final  shift.  I  would 
recommend  loam  two  parts  (fibre  if  possible),  peat  one  part,  rotten  dung 
part,  and  as  much  sand  as  will  make  the  compost  appear  greyish 
tion  of  brick  rubbish,  to  keep  the  whole  open  and  porous—  eight-inch 


for  their  final  shift.  Get  as  many  of  these  together  as  your  demand  requires, 
drain  them  carefully,  taking-  the  precaution  to  have  a  good  outlet  for  the 
water;  on  this  much  depend  the  health  of  your  plants. 

Bring  the  plants  to  your  potting  bench,  and  place  five  of  your  plants  in 
one  of  your  pots,  previously  prepared  ;  one  plant  in  the  centre  of  your  pot 
and  four  round  the  edges,  being  so  situated  that  the  fresh  compost  will 
cover  an  inch  of  the  ball,  each  one  inch  deep.  Be  careful  to  fill  up  all  the 
crevices  around  with  fresh  soil.  In  this  way  proceed  until  you  have  the 
desired  number  of  pots  filled  ;  place  them  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  green- 
house. If  placed  in  the  stove  for  a  few  days  it  will  be  advantageous  to 
them,  as  it  causes  them  to  shoot  once  more  into  active  growth.  For  those 
who  do  not  command  a  stove,  a  greenhouse  will  answer,  b}'  placing  them 
first  in  the  warmest  part  of  it,  and  gradually  introducing  them  to  more  air 
and  light.  Be  careful  and  avoid  much  water  after  repotting.  Water  with 
a  fine  rose  for  a  few  days,  until  the  plants  begin  to  make  root,  when  water 
may  be  increased  as  they  get  established. 

Place  a  neat  stick  to  each  shoot,  the  centre  one  upright  and  the  others 
leaning  a  little  outwards;  to  these  fasten  the  shoots  as  they  advance  in 
growth,  but  on  no  account  stop  them.  In  the  fall  they  are  kept  much  drier 
and  more  airy  than  in  summer,  which  causes  the  wood  to  ripen  well,  and,  as 
a  consequence,  the}''  will  flower  most  beautifully  in  the  winter  months.  Cut 
down  the  following  spring  to  one  eye.  There  are  several  invisible  buds 
round  the  base  of  each  shoot;  they  will  probably  push  in  many  places. 
When  this  is  accomplished,  turn  them  out  of  the  pots,  gentl}''  removing  a 
portion  of  the  old  bulb  or  soil.  Be  careful  not  to  break  up  the  old  bulb. 
Place  them  in  ten-inch  pots,  using  some  compost,  as  previously  recom- 
mended. Treat  them  as  in  previous  seasons,  and  I  will  venture  to  say  the 
cultivator  of  them  will  be  richly  rewarded  with  good  specimen  plants — if  not 
as  single  specimens,  at  least  with  a  clump  of  the  Poinsettia  which  will  attract 

the  eye. 

».  »  »  »  i< 

THE  GRASSHOPPERS  IN  MINNESOTA  IN  1856-T. 

This  destructive  insect  appeared  in  vast  devastating  numbers  in  '5*1,  east 
of  the  Mississippi,  and  there  is  but  little  doubt  that  the  cultivator  in  the  states 
south  and  east,  at  least  in  parts  of  those  states,  must  suffer  from  their  ravages. 
Facts  derived  from  the  experience  of  one  who  has  suffered  not  a  little  from 
their  devastations  may  be  of  some  value. 

The  writer  is  little  acquainted  with  the  correct  scientific  name  of  the 
grasshopper,  or  a  technical  description  of  it.  Some  good  authorities  men- 
tion it  as  a  species  of  locust.  If  it  is  really  that  dreaded  insect,  and  no 
means  can  be  found  to  destroy  it,  inconceivable  loss  must  fall  on  those 
sections  where  it  alighted  last  fall.  About  the  middle  of  August,  1856,  the 
papers  at  St.  Paul  noticed  the  mischief  the  grasshoppers  were  doing  around 
Sauk  Rapids,  some  fifty  miles  from  the  falls,  up  the  Mississippi.  A  short 
time  after  that  a  swarm  of  them  reached  the  Minnesota.  They  were  de- 
scribed as  flying  high  in  the  air,  and  alighting  on  the  ground.  Though 
vegetation  was  well  advanced  to  maturity,  they  did  considerable  mischief 
to  potatoes,  buckwheat,  corn,  &c.  During  September  they  laid  their  eggs 
in  the  ground,  and  it  was  not  until  the  weather  had  set  in  very  cold  that 
were  destroyed.  It  is  said  they  have  been  very  mischievous  in 
River  country  before  they  appeared  here;  but  where  they  origi 


started,  is,  for  the  most  part,  a  matter  of  conjecture.     Their  course,  so  far, 
has  been  nearly  a  southerly  one. 

During  the  warm  weather  of  May,  1857,  the  grasshoppers  began  to  hatch 
out  in  immense  numbers,  the  soil  seeming  to  be  fairl}"-  alive  with  them;  par- 
ticularly was  this  the  case  in  plowed  land.  No  kind  of  weather  affected 
them;  whether  the  thermometer  ranged  60''  to  80°  in  the  shade,  or  there  fell 
cold,  heavy  rain  for  several  days,  or  there  came  heavy  frost,  it  was  all  the 
same,  the  young  ones  hatched  out  and  commenced  their  destructive  career. 
It  would  have  been  supposed  that  the  extraordinary  cold  of  the  preceding 
winter — at  one  time  an  extreme  of  43°  below  zero — the  unusual  cold  and 
frosty  weather  of  May,  the  very  heavy  and  cold  rains  abeut  the  first  of  June, 
would  have  destroyed  them.  Daring  June  they  committed  much  injury  on 
the  grain  crops,  but  of  the  gardens  and  vegetables  they  soon  made  clean 
work.  The  grasshoppers  seemed  to  have  a  particular  liking  to  vegetables; 
where  the}'  commenced  pretty  strong  on  a  garden  one  day,  by  the  next  not 
a  green  thing  would  be  left.  Not  a  vegetable  escaped,  excepting  only  peas, 
beans  and  some  of  the  coarser  vines,  and  these  only  where  they  were  thickly 
sown.  In  sections  further  north,  where  they  appeared  in  larger  numbers 
than  here,  they  cleared  off  the  crops  as  the}'  came  up;  but  here,  until  the 
beginning  of  July,  there  was  a  fair  prospect  of  securing  some  crops;  but  then 
they  appeared  in  such  increased  numbers,  that  actually  in  two  or  three  days 
they  ate  off  whole  acres  of  wheat  in  head.  They  seemed  to  work  in  swarms 
while  they  were  committing  so  much  mischief  here.  The  farms  a  mile  or 
two  east  were  not  injured.  In  July  the  grasshoppers  got  wings,  and  about 
the  middle  of  the  month  they  commenced  flying  southward  in  vast  swarms. 
During  the  warm  part  of  the  da}',  looking  toward  the  sun,  as  far  up  as  one 
could  see,  the  air  was  filled  with  them.  By  the  middle  of  August  they  had 
all  disappeared.  The  only  safety  for  vegetation  of  any  kind  seemed  to  be 
in  early  and  thick  sowing,  and  of  vegetables  this  may  only  save  the  Pea  and 
Bean.  It  is  hard  to  say  where  the  grasshopper  laid  its  eggs  last  year,  but 
whoever  has  been  unfortunate  enough  to  be  in  such  sections,  the  writer  can 
only  advise  them  to  get  in  their  crops  as  early  as  they  can,  and  to  sow  and 
plant  heav}'.  Minnesota. 


BATCHELOR,    OR    KING    APPLE.* 

Batchelor,  or  King  Apple  ;  fruit  of  the  largest  size  :  roundish,  broader  at 
the  base,  a  little  flattened  ;  skin,  lemon  j'ellow,  washed  with  lively  red  on 
the  sunny  side,  sometimes  obscurely  striped  with  the  same  and  sparsely 
sprinkled  with  groj'ish  specks  ;  calyx,  small,  open  in  a  rather  deep  basin  ; 
stalk,  usually  very  short,  thick,  and  inserted  in  a  moderate  regular  cavity, 
which  is  often  russeted ;  flesh,  white,  tender,  fine  grained,  juicy,  and  of  a 
most  agreeable  sub-acid  flavor.     Ripens  in  October  and  November. 

This  magnificent  fruit  originated  in  North  Carolina.  The  description 
above  was  taken  from  fruit  furnished  at  the  same  time  with  the  drawing, 
by  J.  Van  Buren,  Esq.,  Clarksville,  Ga.  I  have  known  no  better  apple  in  its 
season.  Wm.  N.  White,  Athens,  Ga. 

*  See  Frontispiece. 


FRUITS    OF   THE   SEASOif. 


FRUITS    OF    THE    SEASON. 

BY  RUSTICUS. 

Ramblikg  notes  are  found  to  be  the  most  useful  and  informing-  ;  hundreds 
of  people  who  visit  gardens  walk  with  their  eyes  directed  to  the  gravel,  and 
ten  chances  to  a  quarter  of  one,  they  will  be  engaged  in  telling  j-ou  the  his- 
tory of  a  cherry  or  pear  tree  in  their  grandfather's  garden,  when  you  are  try- 
ing to  show  them  the  novelties  of  the  day.  You  must  just  "  give  it  up  ;"  re- 
member that  the  masses  never  read  the  HortimUurist,  and  be  content  to  pass 
your  favorite  plants  and  fruit  in  silence.  Such  a  visitor  will  go  home  quite 
satisfied  that  he  has  shown  a  great  deal  of  knowledge,  though  he  has  really 
escaped  learning  anytliing  whatever.  It  is  a  rare  talent,  and  one  which 
when  found,  to  be  greatly  esteemed,  to  be  able  to  go  through  another^s  gar- 

den  with  open  eyes.     The  chances  are  that  your 

(        f'     "^     /^'"~~\       conductor  has  something  to  tell :  do  not  interfere 

)    (    \^  JL     with  his  information  if  yon  go  to  learn  ;  let  hivi 

talk  instead  of  telling  him  you  robbed  an  orchard 

when  at  college,  or  giving  your  reminiscences  of 

how  strawberries,  &c.,  tasted  to  your  youthful 

appetite,  and  you  may  go  home  wiser  than  you 

PISTILLATE.      came. 


FIG.  8. — 8TAMINATB  FLO  WEE  MAGNIFIED.  FiG.  4. 

I  am  under  the  impression,  Mr.  Editor,  that 
some  people  yet  exist  who  would  be  glad  to 
know  the  difference  between  pistillate  and 
staminate  strawberries.  As  soon  as  they  do 
understand  the  difference  they  will  be  able  to 
read  the  books  with  some  chance  of  practic- 
ing their  directions.  I  therefore  propose  that 
you  make  the  above  drawings  into  wood 
cuts. 

Figs.  1  and  2  represent  the  usual  appear- 
ance of  pistillate  flowers,  figs.  3  and  4  mag- 
nified portions  of  the  same  ;  fig.  3  exhibiting 
a  part  of  the  flow^er  of  the  Large  Early  Scar- 
let Strawberry,  and  fig.  4  the  same  of  Hovey's 
Seedling  ;  a  being  the  stamens,  and  h  the  pis- 
tils. By  the  use  of  a  microscope,  it  will  be 
found  that  the  former  is  abundantly  supplied 
with  pollen  or  fertilizing  dust,  while  the  latter 
is  nearly  destitute.  Hence,  Hovey's  Seedling 
or  any  other  pistillate  variety,  can  never,  or 
but  very  imperfectly  fertilize  its  own  flow- 
and  the  impregnation  must  be  derived 
a  staminate  sort. 


•  PISTILLATE  FLOWBB  MAGNIFIED 


NEW  EOCHELLE,  OE   LAWTON  BLACKBEKRY, 


The  strawberry,  favorite  of  everybody,  will  have  disappeared  from  sight, 
unless  in  the  extreme  north,  before  this  can  appear,  but  your  journal  is  em- 
inently one  of  reference,  and  will,  therefore,  I  doubt  not,  be  consulted  on 
the  above  topic  by  somebody  hereafter.  Let  us  come  to  the  blackberry 
which  is  not  yet  ripe.  It  is  now  considered  an  established  fruit  for  cultiva- 
tion. Coming  in  at  the  warmest  season  of  the  year,  it  is  very  acceptable  ; 
but  care  must  be  taken  that  it  does  not  want  water.  The  soil  should  be  rich 
and  deep  ;  a  northern  or  western  exposure  is  good,  and  a  soil  inclining  to 

vegetable  mould  and 
light  loam  is  desir- 
able. It  is  now 
known  that  if  the 
branches  are  trained 
horizontally  they  are 
more  productive  than 
when  upright.  As  to 
otlier  matters  con- 
nected with  this  fine 
berry,  and  the  Dor- 
chester, &c.,  I  can  at 
this  date  say  little 
that  will  be  new,  and 
therefore  ask  your 
engraver  to  give  his 
aid  for  the  following 
illustrations. 

Brinckle's  Okange 
Easpberry. — By  very 
general  consent  this 
fruit  is  coming  rap- 
idly to  be  considered 
one  of  the  very  best 
for  cultivation  ;  it  is 
a  great  favorite  with 
amateurs,  and  is  one 
of  those  gifts  to  man, 
of  hybridization, 
which  will  alwaj'^s 
make  Dr.  Brinckle's 
name  a  household 
word.  1  have  always 
found     chippings    of 

BBINCKLES   OBANOE   RA8PBEEET.  ^  ,,  r  •      1 

■  leather  Irom  a  neigh- 
boring shoemaker  or  saddler,  a  perfect  mulch  for  the  raspberry  ;  indeed,  I 
give  it  no  other  manure  whatever,  and  by  carefully  watching  the  stools  that 
come  up  every  year,  and  not  allowing  them  to  grow  too  thick,  I  have  crops 
that  are  entirely  satisfactory. 

The  Hudson  River  Antiverjp  Raspberry  is  a  favorite  market  variety  strongly 
recommended  by  those  who  know  its  value.  It  is  a  large,  handsome  beny, 
fruit  very  firm  in  texture,  of  handsome  appearance,  and  very  productive. 
It  parts  readily  from  the  germ,  and  is  by  some  called  the  New  lied  Antwerp. 
Kather  of  a  dull  red,  with  a  slight  bloom  ;  not  very  juicy,  but  of  a  pleasant 


FRUITS   OF   THE   SEASON 


HTTDSON   RIVER   ANTWERP   RA8PBEKKT. 


sweet  flavor.  The  Duke  of  Bedford 
is  said  to  have  paid  a  guinea  for  two 
plants. 

The  Fastolf  Raspherry  was  the  fa- 
vorite of  your  friend  Downing-,  and 
it  still  holds  its  own  in  the  opinion  of 
very  good  judges.  It  is  an  English 
variety  of  high  reputation  at  home, 
as  well  as  here.  It 
derives  its  name  from 
having  originated 
near  the  ruins  of  an 
old  castle,  Fastolf, 
near  Great  Yai-- 
mouth.  Fruit  very 
large  ;  obtuse,  or 
roundish  conical ; 
bright  purplish  red  ; 
rich  and  highly  fla- 
vored, slightly  ad- 
hering to  the  germ 
in  picking.  Canes 
strong,  rather  erect, 
branching  ;  light  yel- 
lowish brown,  with 
few  pretty  strong 
bristles. 

Downing^ s  Seedling 
Gooselerry ,  the  lar- 
gest yet  known,  be- 
ing about  twice  the 
size  of  Houghton's 
Seedling,  its  parent. 
Pale  or  light  green 
without    any    bl 


N.  S. :  Vol.  VIII.— July,  1858. 


21 


and  smooth.  The  skin  is  very  thin,  and  the  fruit  as  delicate  and  tender  as 
any  European  Gooseberry  in  its  native  soil.  The  flavor  and  aroma  are  per- 
fect ;  sweet  with  plenty  of  vinous  subacid.  The  first  describer  says  :  "  I 
experienced  the  same  satisfaction  as  I  did  in  tasting  the  Delaware  and  Re- 
becca Grapes.  It  comes  up  to  the  best  English  varieties  in  our  very  differ- 
ent climate." 


CONFESSIONS    OF    AN    AMATEUR. 

I  AM  confident  that  my  own  experiences  have  their  counterparts,  and  am 
willing  to  expose  myself  for  the  amusement  of  your  readers.  Not  that  I 
am  utterly  a  "  Know-nothing  "  now,  but  I  have  bought  what  little  I  do  know 
so  very  dearly  that  perhaps  I  may  tell  others  to  their  advantage  how  I 
began,  failed,  grew  wiser  by  experimenting,  and  at  last  got  "  a  pretty  fair 
crop  "  out  of  my  errors. 

I  was  "  a  citizen  of  credit  and  renown,"  as  John  Gilpin  was,  but  my 
mother  had  taken  me  to  her  garden-beds  when  I  was  a  boy,  and  I  had  often 
revelled  in  our  watermelon  patch,  at  our  summer  house.  From  that  time, 
however,  I  was  immersed  in  city  cares  ;  my  chief  knowledge  of  the  country 
was  derived  from  a  visit  to  Coney  Island,  or  a  walk  in  the  sand  at  Saratoga. 
Suddenly  my  early  teachings  broke  out  into  a  violent  attack  of  country 
fever ;  I  read  everything  I  could  purchase  relating  to  trees  and  gardens  ; 
I  formed  a  glowing  picture  of  the  delights  of  rural  life,  and  determined  to 
put  in  practice  what  I  had  so  carefully  learned. 

I  made  excursions  to  every  place  advertised  for  sale  within  a  reasonable 
distance,  and  thus  visited  several  neighboring  States.  Prices  for  land  were 
high,  but  at  last  I  fixed  upon  a  site  by  the  advice  of  a  knowing  country 
gentleman,  aided  by  the  views  of  my  wife,  who  had  an  especial  eye  to  a  hill 
upon  which  to  build,  and  from  which  there  was  "  a  view  of  the  city."  The 
country  gentleman  was  my  next  neighbor  ;  we  bore  the  intelligence  that  he 
pocketed  ten  per  cent,  on  our  payments,  for  recommending  the  land  as 
"  capital  for  fruit  culture,"  but  were  entirely  alienated  from  him  when  he 
purchased  through  a  third  party,  my  two  best  imported  Alderney  cows,  at  less 
than  cost,  after  having  declared  them  quite  a  worthless  kind. 

Before  taking  possession  I  ordered  from  Angers,  France,  a  huge  invoice 
of  fruit  and  ornamental  trees ;  consulting  all  catalogues  within  reach.  My 
spouse  is  a  great  admirer  of  hedges,  and  having  imbibed  an  admiration  of 
Parisian  fashions  during  her  education  in  that  capital  of  taste,  we  together 
selected  the  beech  as  the  best  hedge  plant,  and  imported  them  by  thousands. 
They  came  in  good  order  and  were  planted  in  the  best,  and  of  course,  the 
most  expensive  manner.  Next  spring,  what  was  our  disappointment,  to 
find  all  the  old  leaves  hanging  on  the  plants,  while  all  nature  around  was 
revelling  in  the  garb  of  May  !  It  was  too  bad — they  were  certainly  all 
dead.  My  gardener  had  unfortunately  died  during  the  winter,  so  Patrick  and 
I  rooted  the  beeches  nearly  all  up,  and  planted  hemlocks  from  the  woods. 
A  few  had  been  left  standing,  and  what  was  my  mortification  and  that  of  my 
wife,  to  see  these  revive  in  all  their  beauty,  just  two  weeks  after  we  had 
made  a  bonfire  of  their  fellows  !  But  that  was  not  the  worst  of  it.  Either 
Patrick  or  I,  or  both  of  us,  had  neglected  the  proper  way  of  taking  up  our 
hemlocks,  or  in  planting  them,  or  something  had  gone  wrong  ;  Patrick 
gested  "  ground  mice,"  but  it  seemed  to  me  these  vermin  could  hardly 


eaten  the  roots  of  so  many  thousands  of  ti'ees,  and  left  one  here  and  there 
to  mark  our  well  run  lines  ;  these  are  now  making  "  single  specimens " 
slowly  enough,  and  mj^  hedges  are  yet  only  in  my  ledger. 

This  was  bad  to  be  sure,  but  was  as  nothing  to  my  garden  experiences. 
Trimming  and  pinching  I  had  studied  before  leaving  Wall  Street,  and  I 
understood  it,  (in  theory,)  at  least,  as  I  thought,  thoroughly.  My  Angers 
pear  trees,  on  the  quince,  were  looking  very  well  ;  the  pinching  for  two 
years  had  brought  them  into  fruitfulness,  and  I  set  to  work  to  trim  them 
according  to  rule.  Patrick  had  wormed  himself  into  my  good  graces  by 
having  a  hand  and  head  ready  for  all  kinds  of  work,  and  together  we  trimmed, 
Patrick  at  the  root  and  I  at  the  head  ;  he  with  a  spade  following  close  upon 
my  heels  ;  as  I  finished  letting  light  and  air  into  the  top  and  reducing  the 
branches,  Patrick  came  along  with  a  sharp  spade,  which  I  was  surprised  kept 
him  half  the  time  to  grind  and  whet;  he  shoved  it  into  the  roots  with  a  will 
that  satisfied  me  of  his  knowledge  and  good  intentions  ;  togetlier  we  made 
rapid  work,  and  then  Patrick  filled  the  holes  he  made  with  guano.  We  burned 
the  brush  in  good  time,  and  manured  the  roots  with  the  ashes.  I  built  at 
once  a  fruit  room  for  the  pears,  according  to  a  model  I  had  cut  out  of  an 
agricultural  paper. 

The  dinner,  on  trimming  days,  was  something  to  remember  ;  such  an 
appetite,  followed  by  such  increased  admiration  for  the  country,  that  my 
wife  really  thought  I  had  gained  ten  pounds  in  the  few  weeks  we  had 
ruralized.  I  know  that  during  that  period  I  had  remitted  to  England  two 
hundred  pounds  sterling,  for  a  ready  made  orchard  and  grape  house,  having 
been  already  deceived  by  my  architect  in  several  buildings  he  had  put  up. 
But  no  matter  ;  my  f tar  trees  all  died!  Patrick  said  I  had  trimmed  the  tops 
too  much,  but  I  knew  better,  and  discharged  Patrick  because  he  had  cut  all 
the  roots  off  close  to  the  butts.  The  neighbor  who  bought  my  Alderneys,  said 
it  was  the  guano  put  in  too  strong,  and  I  was  obliged  to  buy  his  fruit,  or  go 
without  any. 

My  trimming  did  not  seem  to  succeed  ;  I  have  cut  all  my  box-trees,  as 
directed,  shearing  them  down  to  two  and  three  inches  in  height  ;  I  shaved 
down  the  Pyrus  Japonica  likewise,  and  lopped  all  the  Spireas,  as  if  I  remem- 
ber, directed  hy  Mrs.  Loudon  ;  thus  had  few  flowers  from  these  favorites  ; 
but  no  doubt  they  are  like  fruit  trees,  and  will  be  beautiful  for  my  successor 
for  to  tell  the  sequel,  my  wife  and  I  had  no  asparagus  worth  eating,  even 
the  second  spring  ;  our  celery  would  not  pass  muster  in  Dr.  Kane's  Arctic 
regions,  our  butter  was  always  worse  than  "  tub,"  and  we  have  got  back  to 
town  lighter  in  weight  by  many  poitnds,  our  pockets  emptied,  and  request 
you  to  direct  j^our  publisher  to  stop  the  HorticulUtrist.  Would  that  I  had 
never  seen  it,  or  thought  of  the  "Woodpecker  tapping  the  hollow 

Beech  Tree." 


AMARYLLIS. 

These  beautiful  bulbous  plants  will  be  found  to  repay  the  grower  who 
has  heat  at  command.  My  way  of  growing  them  is  to  give  alternately  a 
season  of  excitement  and  a  season  of  rest.  To  do  this,  they  should  be 
abundantly  supplied  with  water,  and  kept  near  the  glass,  when  coming  into 
flower.  When  the  blooming  season  is  over,  water  should  be  gradually 
administered  till  they  have  done  growing.  The  bulbs  intended  for  blooming 
should  be  repotted  about  the  beginning  of  February,  into  sandy  loam  and 


peat  soil,  placing  them  in  a  stove  or  hotbed,  where  the  temperature  is  from 
sixty  to  seventy  degrees.  Water  should  be  plentifully  supplied.  Those 
amateurs  who  can  find  convenience  for  growing  the  Amaryllis  will  find 
these  remarks  useful.  B. 


->< — »»  -  '^ 


SEA    FLOWERS. 

This  cold  weather  is  rather  adverse  to  the  full  enjoyment  of  water  scenes, 
and  to  talk  of  shoal  gatherings,  and  brook  dragging,  might  make  delicate 
folks  shrug  their  shoulders  ;  but  I  find  it  very  agreeable  to  stir  the  fire  with 
one  hand,  while  with  the  other  I  point  my  friend  to  a  pretty  collection  of 
sea  flowers,  lately  fished  for  me  on  the  French  coast.  Lovers  of  the  aqua- 
rium should  know  that  the  available  stock  is  no  longer  confined  to  the  spe- 
cies indigenous  to  our  own  shores,  and  it  may  be  a  bit  of  welcome  news, 
if  I  here  make  known  one  of  the  plans  now  adopted  for  securing  spe- 
cimens from  other  coasts.  The  idea  originated  with  Mr.  Hall,  of  London 
Wall,  who  opened  a  subscription  list,  to  which  all  subscribers  of  a  guinea 
were  entitled  to  a  guinea's  worth  of  foreign  gatherings.  With  the  sub- 
scriptions in  his  pocket,  and  a  pair  of  water  boots  on  his  legs,  Hall  steamed 
away,  and  at  last  found  himself  treading  the  sands  on  a  chosen  spot  of  the 
French  coast,  where  Actinia  abounds.  With  a  plentiful  gathering  he 
returned,  and  at  once  distributed  to  his  subscribers  a  proportionate  number 
of  specimens,  in  liquidation  of  their  subscriptions,  and  my  share  of  the 
booty  has  been  delighting  me  for  six  weeks  past,  and  it  is  with  no  small 
pleasure  that  I  contrast  their  novel  forms  and  colorings  with  those  from 
our  own  coasts,  and  from  which  they  differ  much  more  than  might  have  been 
expected.  Bright  orange  and  amber,  delicate  opal,  or  intense  snowy  white, 
are  the  predominant  colors  ;  and  although  it  is  easy  to  detect  in  many  the 
closest  possible  alliance  with  well-known  species,  of  which  they  are  but 
delicately-colored  varieties,  others  have  such  distinct  characteristics,  that  it 
cannot  be  doubted  the  lists  of  species  admitted  to  our  tanks  will  soon  be 
considerably  increased.  When  Mr.  Hall  goes  off  to  make  his  next  gather- 
ing, I  purpose  making  arrangements  with  him,  with  a  view  to  determine  the 
genera  and  species  distinctly  before  the  gatherings  are  distributed,  and  if 
we  can  get  him  to  push  on  to  the  Mediterranean  this  summer,  we  may,  in 
our  aquarium  studies,  manage  to  keep  pace  with  the  horticultural  world  ; 
the  glory  of  which  is  its  bold  ignoring  of  both  latitude  and  longitude,  in  the 
appropriation  of  specimens  for  culture. 

Sea  Anemones  are  the  kinds  of  stock  which  take  precedence  in  the  cul- 
ture of  the  marine  aquarium.  There  is  much  certainty  attendant  on  their 
preservation,  immense  variety,  as  to  their  forms  and  colors,  and  they  admit  us 
to  their  own  peculiar  region  of  Protean  changes,  so  that  we  never  fatigue 
of  observing  their  habits,  or  admiring  tlieir  changing  beauty. 

In  the  subjoined  cut  are  represented  four  of  the  best  Sea  Anemones,  whether 
for  a  beginner  or  an  adept  In  the  richest  collection  the  common 
"  Mes,"  or  Actinia  mesemhry  anthemxwi,  is  as  valuable  as  the  rarest,  on 
account  of  its  intrinsic  beaut^s  and  as  to  hardiness  and  longevity,  no  crea- 
ture of  the  deep,  ever  yet  brought  within  domesticating  influences,  can  equal 
it.  When  all  goes  wrong,  and  the  pretty  creatures  drop  from  their  stony 
pinnacles  and  perish  ; — when  the  water  gets  putrid,  and,  perhaps,  half  a 
dozen  degrees  of  specific  gravity  too   dense — "Mes"  will  still  be  found 


SEA    FLOWERS. 


317 


alive  and  unhurt,  and  will  display  its  coral  fingers  and  bright  blue  beads 
the  moment  he  is  lifted  into  a  purer  element.  This  is  known  by  many  popular 
names,  of  which  the  most  common  is  "  Strawberry  Anemone,"  for  the  most 
plentiful  form  of  it  is  that  which  strongly  resembles,  when  closed,  a  well-grown 
Sir  Harry.  But  it  has  so  many  varieties,  that  for  mere  eifect  this  species 
is,  in  itself,  sufficient  for  a  small  tank.  In  its  most  common  form  it  is  spot- 
ted on  a  crimson  ground,  strawberry  fashion  ;  in  another  it  is  of  a  deep 
maroon,  without  spots.  There  is  another  variety  of  a  deep  quiet  chestnut  ; 
another  of  a  dark  olive  green,  and  a  rarer  and  exquisitely  beautiful  one  of 
a  very  bright,  almost  grass,  green.  I  have  sometimes  managed  to  get  one 
or  two  specimens  of  each  of  these  varieties  together  at  the  same  time,  and 
by  a  little  manoeuvering  to  have  them  all  expanded,  side  by  side,  and  their 
distinctness  and  variety  had  a  most  charming  effect. 

But  there  are  other  reasons  for  commencing  the  study  of  marine  objects 
with  the  well-known  "  Mes,"  for  its  habits  give  us  the  key  to  the  general 
management  of  collections,  and  its  anatomy  illustrates  the  internal  con- 


struction, and  physiological  economy,  of  the  whole  class  of  Zoophytes.  Take 
a  plump  "  Mes  "  that  has  not  been  handled,  or  in  any  way  ill-used,  and  cut 
him  clean  in  half,  vertically,  and  drop  each  half  into  a  vessel  of  fresh  sea- 
water,  that  has  been  agitated  well  ;  throw  in  also  a  tuft  of  Ulva  ;  leave  the 
divided  victim  alone  for  a  week  in  a  very  partial  daylight,  and  you  will  be 
surprised  to  find,  that  each  division  has  become  a  perfect  animal.  Then 
either  lift  out  the  specimens  into  fresh  sea-water,  or  draw  off  the  water  they 
are  in,  and  agitate  it  in  the  open  air,  and  return  it  quicklj',  and  each  will  at 
once  expand,  and  present  as  perfect  a  shape  and  arrangement  of  parts,  as 


if  their  several  origins  had  been  distinct,  and  no  relationship  existed 
between  them.  The  experiment  illustrates  the  nearness  of  this  tribe  to  the 
vegetable  kingdom,  and  justifies  the  collective  term  Zoophyte,  as  applied  to 
the  various  divisions  of  this  lowest  section  of  the  animal  kingdom. 

One  very  striking  characteristic  of  the  sea  flowers,  is  their  capability  of 
changing  their  forms,  and  this  is  in  no  species  so  powerfully  exemplified,  as 
in  Sagartia  angiiicoma,  of  which  there  are  three  specimens,  in  different 
stages  of  expansion,  represented  in  the  cut.  This  is  a  most  valuable  aqua- 
rium species,  and  may  be  preserved  for  almost  any  length  of  time,  if  pro- 
perly tended.  It  has  one  bad  habit,  and  that  is,  that  it  will  frequently  let 
go  its  foothold,  and  lay  prostrate  on  the  pebbles,  so  that  the  slightest  agita- 
tion of  the  water  may  spin  it  into  some  crevice  among  the  rockwork,  or  send 
it  bouncing  against  the  glass  sides.  Its  coloring  is  very  quiet,  grey,  buff", 
pale  brown,  and  opal  white  predominate  ;  and  the  markings  of  the  disk  are 
generally  pleasing  and  delicate.  Its  long  flexile  tentaculse  catch  the  eye  of 
the  most  indifferent  observer,  and  the  patient  watcher  finds  his  reward  in  its 
many  extraordinary  changes  of  form.  When  you  receive  specimens  packed 
in  wet  sea-weed,  they  are  like  little  buttons  of  dirty  white  gelatine,  but  in 
less  than  half  an  hour  after  you  drop  them  into  the  tank,  they  throw  up  their 
tall  stems,  and  expand  their  long  delicate  tentacles  in  most  various  ways,  so 
that  among  fifty-specimens,  there  will  not  be  two  alike  ;  and  yet  in  eveiy 
stage  of  presentation,  there  is  not  the  slightest  difficulty  experienced  in 
determining  what  they  are.  Sometimes  they  take  it  into  their  heads  to  lie 
full  length  altogether  unattached,  now  contracting  themselves  to  a  mere 
pimple,  then  blowing  out  the  disk,  and  contracting  the  base,  and  at  other 
times  assuming  a  regular  spiral  form,  like  a  fleshy  corkscrew  ;  but  the  ten- 
tacles are  almost  always  expanded,  be  the  shape  of  the  creature  what  it 
may. 

The  base  of  an  Anemone,  which  corresponds  very  closely  to  the  organ  of 
adherence  in  a  snail,  or  periwinkle,  is  the  most  delicate  part  of  the  whole 
structure.  Though  hard  and  leathery,  in  some  species  almost  horny,  it  must 
never  be  in  the  slightest  degree  injured  ;  like  Achilles,  the  most  vulnerable 
part  of  an  Anemone  is  the  foot,  and  though  most  species  take  little  note  of 
a  few  tentacula,  and  will  even  mend  a  hole  in  their  jackets  if  an  accident 
occurs  to  them,  an  injury  to  the  sucking  base  is  pretty  sure  to  prove  fatal. 
When  first  introduced  to  the  tank.  Anemones  usually  lie  on  their  sides  for  a 
few  hours,  though  they  generally  expand  the  disk  at  once  ;  after  a  while 
they  get  hold  of  whatever  their  base  is  nearest  to,  and  if  they  are  healthy, 
they  soon  hold  tight,  and  have  little  disposition  to  move  about.  In  a  vessel 
now  before  me,  there  are  nine  out  of  twelve  Actineaj  that  have  not  moved 
the  tenth  part  of  an  inch  during  the  last  six  or  eight  weeks,  but  a  couple 
of  anguicoma  have  been  all  that  while,  and  long  before,  perpetually  on  the 
move  ;  and  one  has  now  ensconced  himself  in  a  dark  hole  which  lie  is 
endeavoring  to  illuminate  with  his  splendid  snowy  stars  of  moving  tentacula. 
Bunodes  clavata,  here  represented,  is  one  that  seldom  stirs  from  its  orig-inal 
site  ;  and,  when  well  placed  to  show  off"  its  beauty,  it  conveys  to  the  mind 
an  idea  of  a  flower  carved  in  ivory,  by  the  most  cunning  fairy  fingers.  The 
specimen  from  which  this  has  been  sketched,  has  been  seated  on  a  block  of 
granite  since  the  10th  of  December  last,  and  in  that  time  it  has  perceptibly 
grown,  and  appears  to  increase  in  beauty  every  da3\  It  is  nearly  always 
anded,  very  seldom  indulges  in  contractions,  and  has  a  first-rate  appetite, 
the  most  perfect  resemblance  to  a  true  flower,  is  that  presented  by  Adi- 


DWARF    PEAR    CULTURE. 


nia  bellis,  the  sea  Daisy,  of  which  there  are  many  beautiful  varieties,  all  of 
them  moderately  hardy.  This  and  Clavata  require  the  water  to  be  kept  very 
pure,  and  well  aired  ;  a  few  days'  neglect  of  the  vessel  may  result  in  their 
death,  and  the  demise  of  one  specimen,  if  not  detected  in  time,  may  lead  to 
the  ruin  of  the  whole,  and  a  general  break  up  of  the  collection,  so  that  those 
who  desire  to  enjoy  the  presence  of  these  rare  sea  flowers,  must  be  vigilant 
in  their  attentions. 

The  numbers  on  the  cut  refer  to  the  specimens  as  follows  : — 1,  2,  3,  Sagar- 
tia  anguicoma,  or  snaky-locked  Anemone,  in  three  different  states,  the  last 
being  shrunk  up  ;  4,  Bunodes  clarata  in  its  ordinary  force  of  expansion  ;  5, 
the  common  "  Mes "  expanded,  and  closed  ;  the  row  of  heads  resembling 
torquoises  which  surround  the  tentacles,  is  peculiar  to  this  species,  and 
adds  vastly  to  its  beauty,  especially  in  the  rose  and  coral-colored  specimens  ; 
7,  Actinia  bellis,  the  sea  Daisy ;  8,  the  lovely  red  Alga  delesseria  sanguima, 
drawn  from  a  very  fine  specimen  ;  the  plant  on  the  other  side  is  Furcellaria 
fastigiata.  ;  6,  one  of  the  few  purple  Algse  that  may  be  preserved  in  small 
collections. — S.  H.,  in  Gawenas  Chronich. 


DWARF    PEAR    CULTURE. 

BY    JOHN    B.  EATON,  BUFFALO,  NEW    YORK. 

Mr.  Allen's  recent  article  on  this  subject,  it  is  to  be  expected,  will  create 
an  awakening  among  the  advocates  of  the  qiiince  stock.  I  observe,  indeed, 
that  one  of  the  Cincinnatians  is  already  aroused  in  its  defence.  I  am  a  neigh- 
bor of  Mr.  Allen's,  (although  some  miles  distant  from  his  orchard,)  and  have 
for  several  years  had  charge  of  one  of  the  orchards  to  which  he  alludes,  as 
having  been  planted  nearly  at  the  same  time  as  his  own.  As  I  do  not  quite 
agree  to  all  his  propositions,  (or  rather  conclusions,)  I  will  give  my  "expe- 
rience,'' as  he  has  done. 

My  late  father  was  the  pioneer  in  the  culture  of  dwarf  pears  in  this  vicin- 
ity ;  he  having  purchased  and  planted  in  the  autumn  of  1844  upwards  of 
one  hundred  and  thirty  pears,  most  of  which  were  dwarfs.  At  that  time 
there  was  but  a  single  dwarf  tree  in  the  neighborhood,  which  had  not,  I 
think,  then  fruited. 

The  trees  gave  indications  of  succeeding  well  and  fruiting  abundantly  ; 
and  their  numbers  were  annually  increased  by  successive  plantings  until 
they  formed  quite  a  respectable  collection,  embracing  at  one  time  over  four 
hundred  trees,  and  more  than  one  hundred  varieties,  chiefly  on  the  quince. 
The  grounds  containing  a  diversity  of  soils  and  exposures,  a  difference  was 
soon  perceptible  in  the  growth  of  the  trees  ;  and  on  a  gravelly  elevation  in 
particular,  it  was  extremely  difficult  io  force  them  to  grow,  and  they  would 
not  be  coaxed.  In  fine,  we  have  had  a  varied  experience,  somewhat  resem- 
bling Mr.  Allen's  in  its  principal  features,  but  far  less  discouraging,  and 
wanting  the  fatal  termination  of  his.  Very  many  of  the  trees  have  done 
well !  done  very  well !  while  many  again  have  died.  A  large  number  perished 
with  the  blight  during  two  or  three  years  ;  but  of  late  it  has  quite  disap- 
peared. Quite  a  number  failed  from  some  cause  which  I  could  not  at  first 
determine,  but  afterwards  satisfied  myself  that  it  was  from  being  worked 
upon  an  unsuitable  stock,  probably  the  common  quince. 

After  thirteen  years'  experience,  I   am  satisfied  that  dwarf  pear  culture 


APPLES    AND    PEAKS, 

can  be  made  profitable  ;  but  that  it  requires  the  following  conditions  in  oi-der 
to  make  it  so  :  The  soil  must  be  strong  and  rich,  and  kept  in  good  condition 
by  manuring.  It  must  be  well  cultivated,  and  not  laid  down  to  grass.  The 
trees  should  be  planted  as  closely  as  possible — say  six  by  twelve  feet  apart 
— and  they  77msl:  be  pruned.  If  not  carefully  pruned  once  or  twice  each  year, 
they  will  undoubtedly  run  to  wood  instead  of  fruit  ;  and  not  only  that,  but 
their  heads,  instead  of  branching  at  one  or  two  feet  from  the  ground  as  they 
should,  will  be  at  standard  height,  and  the  trees  being  top  heavy  will  be 
continually  blowing  out  of  the  ground,  requiring  an  infinite  quantity  of  labor 
and  trouble  to  keep  them  in  an  upright  position. 

As  Mr.  Rivers  well  expresses  the  idea  in  his  last  article,  "  it  should  be 
strictly  a  pear  garden,  not  a  grass  orchard,^'  and  in  this  nutshell  lies  much  of 
the  truth  of  the  whole  matter. 

Of  the  six  pears  which  Mr.  Rivers  selects,  I  should  not  place  much  reli- 
ance upon  either  Beurre  d'Amalis  or  Vicar  of  Winkfield  (or  Le  Cure)  ;  hav- 
ing rarely  eaten  one  of  the  former  which  was  of  good  flavor,  and  never  one  of 
the  latter  which  was  more  than  passable. 

I  have  much  confidence  in  Louise  Bonne,  Beurre  Diel,  and  Easter  Beurre, 
but  do  not  consider  Duchesse  d'Angouleme  as  always  reliable,  although  from 
its  magnificent  size  and  fine  flavor,  one  can  afibrd  sometimes  to  have  but  a  few 
specimens. 

I  should  add  to  the  above  list  with  great  confidence.  Belle  Lucrative,  and 
Surpasse  Virgalien,  both  of  which  are  of  the  highest  flavor,  and,  so  far  as  I 
have  seen,  good  bearers. 

If  I  were  now  to  plant  a  pear  orchard,  I  should  arrange  the  rows  in 
quincunx  order,  ten  feet  apart ;  placing  standards  at  intervals  of  about  fifteen 
feet,  filling  the  alternate  spaces  with  dwarfs.  I  would  prune  erery  one  of  them 
rigorously  in  pyramid  form,  until  the  standards  encroached  so  much  upon  the 
dwarfs,  as  to  render  the  removal  of  the  latter  expedient,  when  the  former 
might  be  allowed  to  grow  more  at  large.  In  this  way,  I  have  no  doubt  that, 
by  selecting  varieties  judiciously,  a  fine  return  would  be  made  to  the 
planter. 


APPLES  AND  PEARS. 

Because  an  Apple  is  very  large  it  does  not  follow  that  it  is  also  very 
good  ;  therefore  great  size  alone  should  not  be  made  the  criterion  of  merit. 
As  regards  Pears,  in  deciding  between  competing  varieties  we  ought  to 
take  into  consideration  all  their  merits  and  demerits,  and  not  found  our 
decision  upon  a  single  property.  According  to  this  rule,  then,  the  Seckel 
cannot  be  considered  a  better  Pear  than  the  Beurre  Diel  or  the  Duchess 
d'Angouleme.  Judging  by  flavour  only,  the  Seckel  certainly  stands  first, 
but  there  are  other  points  to  be  looked  at,  and  of  these  size  is  of  some  im- 
portance, especial]}'-  when  the  dilference  between  the  competitor  is  so  great 
that  a  well  grown  fruit  of  one  would  cut  up  into  half  a  dozen  respectable 
specimens  of  tlie  other.  Then,  again,  we  should  look  at  their  respective 
periods  of  ripening.  The  Seckel  comes  into  use  at  the  same  season  as  several 
superior  sorts — the  Jersey  Louise  Bonne,  for  instance — while  the  Duchesse 
d'  Angouleme  usefully  succeeds  the  Marie  Louise,  and  the  Beurre  Diel  ripens 
still  later,  when  Pears  are  much  less  plentiful.  Besides  the  latter  is  a  r 
good  Pear  wlien  grown  on  standard  trees  and  in  a  soil  that  suits  it. 


THE  VERULAM  AND  GRAND  BRETAGNE 
PEARS. 

The  Verulam  Pear  is  coming  into  favor 
abroad.  It  is  said  to  be  a  sure  bearer  as  a 
standard,  and  keeps  till  late  in  the  spring.  It 
is  much  valued  for  its  stew- 
ing qualities.  A  fine  red 
tinge  to  stewed  pears,  the 
housekeeper  says,  is  indis- 
pensable, and  it  is  a  pret- 
ty positive  assurance  of 
the  presence  of  sugar  in 
abundance  ;  the  addition 
of  large  quantities  of  sugar 
or  syrups  to  pears,  to  a 
considerable  extent,  de- 
stroj'S  their  natural  flavor. 
The  Verulam,  when  stewed, 
becomes  red  without  the 
necessity  of  contributing 
coloring  matter,  and  is 
quite  equal  to  the  pound 
pear  for  the  cuisine. 

Mr.  James  Suowden  has 


a  winter  pear  which  he  thus 
describes  : 

The  Grand  Bretagne. — The 
Grand  Bretagne  in  exterior  ap- 
pearance bears  a  marked  re- 
semblance to  the  Beurre  D'An- 
jou — indeed,  so  strong  is  the 
likeness ,  that  were  it  not  for 
the  lateness  of  its  maturity,  one 
might  believe  it  synonymous 
with  the  latter  kind.  The  tree 
grows  stout  and  vigorously, 
with  dark,  yellow  shoots,  which 
stand  very  erect.  This  valua- 
ble property  will  much  en- 
hance it  in  the  estimation  of 
nurserymen,  who  are  rapidly 
losing  all  conceit  of  trees  that 
form  tortuous  branches,  as  they 
adly  disparage  the  profits  of 
products. 


gsand  bretagne, 


The  Grand  Bretagne  is  of  the  largest  size  ;  forvi,  obtuse,  obovate  ;  skin, 
greenish  yellow,  with  russet  dots  just  perceptible  ;  stem,  half  an  inch  in 
length,  and  quite  stout,  inserted  in  a  moderately  deep  basin  ;  calyx,  open 
with  flaring  short  segments,  exposing  a  tolerably  deep  hollow  ;  Jicsh,  fine, 
juicy,  buttery  and  melting  ;  core,  small  in  comparison  to  the  size  of  the  ex- 
terior flesh  surrounding  it  ;  seeds  flump,  and  but  few  in  number  ;  ripens 
latter  part  of  December  and  latter  part  of  January,  preserved  in  a  cool  room. 


THE   VINE   DISEASE. 

A  GREAT  deal  is  written  and  published  in  Europe  regarding  the  disease  of 
the  vine  and  potato.  We  have  been  attracted  to  a  letter  from  Mr.  John 
Malam,  an  Englishman,  addressed  to  the  PortugucKse,  French,  and  Spanish 
ambassadors,  in  which  he  says  that  as  coal  tar  is  one  of  the  constituents 
contained  in  coal,  which  latter  is  of  vegetable  origin,  and  having  been 
received  from  the  atmosphere  and  soil  as  food  for  plants  ages  ago,  I  conceive 
it  t(5  be  a  very  natural  food  for  vegetation  at  the  present  period.  The  anti- 
septic, carboniferous,  and  ammoniacal  products,  distilled  from  coal,  appear 
to  me  to  be  far  better  calculated  to  conduce  to  a  healthy  gi'owth  of  plants, 
than  the  putrescent,  fcetid,  nauseous,  undecomposed  animal  and  vegetable 
matters  in  use  at  the  present  time,  which  latter  favor  the  attacks  of  fungi 
and  insects.  Coal  tar  being  practical!}^  destitute  of  nitrogen,  promotes  a 
supply  of  carbonic  acid  to  the  roots  of  plants,  whilst  the  other  product,  gas 
water,  is  very  valuable  as  a  manure,  especially  for  cereal  crops,  from  the 
nitrogen  supplied  by  it  to  vegetation.  I  have  found  hy  experience,  coal 
tar,  mixed  with  farm-3'ard  and  stable  manure,  very  beneficial  for  oats,  mel- 
ons, cucumbers,  &c.,  and  when  dug  into  the  rows  before  planting  potato 
sets,  a  prevention  to  the  disease.  It  is  a  singular  fact  that  the  antiseptic 
properties  of  volatile  hydro-carbons  of  coal  tar  have,  in  numerous  instances, 
not  only  prevented  the  ravages  of  the  vine  and  potato  diseases,  freeing  the 
former  in  vineries  from  red  spider,  but  have  also  prevented  the  ravages  of 
cholera. 

A  Mr.  Dido  lately  pointed  out  the  absence  of  the  Oidium  on  vines,  the 
wood  of  which  has  been  smeared  over  with  coal  tar,  M.  Saudette  proposes 
a  simple  and  inexpensive  preservative,  which  proved  successful  in  some 
experiments  made  during  two  yeai-s  in  the  neighborhood  of  Bordeaux.  In 
order  to  prevent  and  arrest  the  development  of  the  oidmm,  it  is  sufficient, 
three  weeks  after  pruning  the  vine,  to  smear  the  stem  and  slioots  with  liquid 
tar,  applied  with  a  brush.  This  operation  costs  very  little,  and  has  proved 
very  successful  on  all  plants  in  which  it  has  been  performed,  even  although 
they  were  in  the  midst  of  infected  vines. 

The  writer  thus  concludes  :  I  believe  all  antiseptics  to  be  beneficial  in 
neutralizing  the  effects  of  an  excess  of  ozone  ;  the  flowers  of  sulphur,  on 
this  principle,  are  useful  in  arresting  the  ravages  of  the  oidmm,  owing  to 
the  antiseptic  properties  of  the  sulphuro^is  acid  given  oft'  by  them  in  a  viti- 
ated atmosphere  being  converted  into  sulphuric  acid  by  the  ozone.  Gas  tar 
not  only  contains  antiseptic  properties,  but  is  also  calculated  to  supply  the 
plant  with  proper  food,  thereby  rendering  it  healthy  enough  to  bear,  without 
injury,  any  vitiated  state  of  the  atmosphere.  As  the  fungi  on  the  diseased 
parts  of  the  vine  might  be  prejudicial  to  them  if  put  in  the  soil  near  the 


NOTES   FBOM   IOWA. 

roots,  I  would  recommend  all  the  diseased  parts,  when   removed,  to  be 
burned,  and  the  ashes  dug  into  the  soil. 

In  conclusion,  I  consider  it  the  duty  of  all  vine  cultivators  to  endeavor  to 
get  at  the  root  of  the  matter,  and  ascertain  what  is  the  predisposing  cause 
of  the  disease  in  the  vine,  as  no  external  application  can  effectually  afford  a 
cure.  I  should  again  recommend,  then,  that  antiseptic  manures  should  be 
dug  into  the  soil,  such  as  wood  ashes  (which  contain  potash,)  gas  tar,  also 
doghead  charcoal,  lime,  &c.  ;  and  the  use  of  all  putrescent  animal  and  vege- 
table manure  be  abandoned,  in  order  to  restore  the  vine  to  its  original  state 
of  health  and  natural  productiveness. 


NOTES    FROM    IOWA. 

BY    E.    H.    COCKLIN,    CEDAR   VALLEY,  BLACK    HAWK    CO.,  IOWA. 

Thinking  that  a  few  hints  on  the  natural  productions  of  Iowa  may  be 
interesting  to  your  numerous  readers,  I  propose  making  a  few  remarks  on 
the  wild  fruits,  and  some  of  the  most  important  forest  trees  of  Northern 
Iowa.  The  Wild  Plum  abounds,  and  is  found  everywhere,  interspersed  with 
groves  of  crab  apple  and  thorn.  The  varieties  are  numerous,  representing 
every  variety  of  shade  and  color,  and  in  size  from  an  ounce  leaden  ball  to 
the  dimensions  of  the  Green  Gage.  Some  possessing  the  astringent  qualities 
of  the  Persimmon,  and  others — the  largest  and  finest — having  the  exquisite 
flavor  of  the  Imperial  Gage.  The  season  of  ripening  is  equally  various. 
The  earliest  variety,  which  is  most  abundant,  is  red  ;  about  three-fourths  of 
an  inch  in  diameter,  and  perfectly  round.  They  usually  command  seventy- 
five  cents  to  one  dollar  per  bushel  in  the  towns.  The  plum  crop  the  past 
season  was  almost  a  failure,  owing  to  cold  rains  during  efflorescence.  The 
little  "  Lark"  here  too  commits  his  depredations,  but  not  to  any  great  ex- 
tent.    In  some  places  the  trees  are  badly  affected  with  the  "  black  knot." 

Gooseberries  of  a  purplish  color  abound,  but  drop  off  as  soon  as  ripe,  and 
are  not  of  high  flavor.  A  variety  of  the  Black  Cui'rant  grows  in  moist  situ- 
ations. It  is  of  inferior  quality,  and  is  subject  to  a  kind  of  mildew  blight. 
It  makes  an  excellent  stock  for  grafting  the  cultivated  varieties  upon.  It 
makes  an  ornamental  bush  if  properly  trained.  Two  varieties  of  raspberries 
abound  :  the  Red  and  Black  Cap.  The  latter  is  almost  worthless  when  they 
grow  in  the  thinly  timbered  districts.  In  point  of  flavor,  thej''  form  no  com- 
parison with  the  old  and  well-known  varieties  of  the  Black  Cap,  that  replen- 
ished the  fence  corners  in  the  East.  The  Red  variety  is  much  larger,  and 
more  abundant.  It  is  profusely  spread  over  the  prairie  adjoining-  the  timber. 
It  is  early  and  worthy  of  cultivation.  Strawberries  are  found  in  most  situ- 
ations. There  are  two  varieties  :  one  being  much  more  acid  and  of  more 
conical  form.  The  forest  trees  are  not  numerous.  The  Sugar  Maple,  (acer 
sacharinum,)  and  the  White  Maple,  (acer  eriocarpum,)  are  abundant  in  some 
localities.  The  Box  Elder,  or  ash-leaved  maple,  (acer  negundo,)is  also  found. 
It  is  a  beautiful  tree,  coming  out  in  leaf  in  early  spring,  before  any  other, 
its  location  is  easily  distinguished.  The  Butternut,  (juglans  cinera,)  and 
Black  AValnut,  (juglans  nigra.)  The  Cottonwood,  (populus  Canadensis,)  is 
everywhere  found  along  the  streams.  In  adjacent  districts,  when  the  soil 
is  overturned,  the  surface  in  a  few  years  is  covered  with  the  trees  wher 
the   seeds  have  been  wafted  by  the  winds.      The  Aspen,   (P.  tremul 


324  GRAPES. 

whiten  the  woods  in  many  places  ;  the  Black  Ash,  (Fraxinus  quadrangu- 
lata,)  and  Blue  Ash,  (P.  sambucifolia.)  The  Oaks  form  a  prominent  part  of 
the  wooded  district,  the  principal  of  which  are  Red  Oak,  (quercus  suber,) 
and  Brier  Oak,  as  it  is  here  called.  The  White  Oak,  (quercus  alba,)  is 
seldom  met  with.  The  Quercitron,  black  or  yellow  oak,  (Q.  tinctoria,)  is 
mingled  sparsely  with  the  rest.  Amongst  the  hickories,  the  Pignut  is  most 
numerous.  The  Shagbark  hickory,  (carya  alba,)  is  also  found.  The  Bass- 
wood,  (Tilia  Americana,)  is  abundant,  and  is  everywhere  found.  Of  the 
Elm,  (ulmus,)  there  are  several  varieties.  The  Hackberr}',  or  Purple  Ash, 
(celtis  crassifolia,)  is  peculiar  to  the  Western  States,  and  attains  a  large 
size  on  some  of  the  Western  rivers.  The  Red  Cedar  is  found  on  the  banks 
of  the  Cedar  River,  from  whence  the  name  is  derived.  The  shrubs  and 
plants  are  numerous.     Flowers  of  brilliant  hues  adorn  the  Prairie. 


GRAPES 


BY    W.    T.,    GERMANTOWN,    NEW    YORK. 


Your  correspondent  Mr.  Miller,  in  the  June  No.  of  the  Horticulturist, 
speaks  of  visiting  some  vineyards  in  Berks  Co.,  Pa.,  and  says  in  substance 
that  those  vinej'ards  which  received  the  least  care  produced  that  year  the 
best  grapes  ;  that  they  were  the  freest  of  the  rot  and  mildew,  and  intimates 
that  we  prune  and  care  too  much  for  our  grapes. 

Beware  friend  Miller,  what  j'ou  say,  as  this  is  bad  doctrine,  and  I  must 
beg  leave  to  differ  with  you  ;  as  such  treatment  would  not  produce  good 
grapes  in  New  York,  and  I  doubt  if  it  would  for  a  series  of  years  even  in 
Pennsylvania. 

As  regards  the  point  where  the  fox  flavor  begins  or  ends,  I  am  not  con- 
noisseur enough  to  say  ;  but  in  my  youthful  days  I  have  spent  much  time  in 
hunting  in  forests  and  swamps  for  fox  grapes,  and  have  feasted  on  them  to 
my  heart's  content,  and  "  desii-ed  nothing  better,"  for  in  those  days  the 
Isabella  and  Catawba  were  almost  unknown  in  this  locality. 

But  in  this  age  of  progress  when  we  have  so  many  choice  kinds  of  Native 
grapes,  it  does  to  me  seem  strange  tliat  any  one  acquainted  with  the  better 
varieties  should  retain  a  fondness  for  the  wild  grape  ;  perhaps  you  have  better 
kinds  in  Pennsylvania  than  we  have  here. 

I  believe  that  no  one  here  ever  succeeded  with  a  vineyard  unless  he  trench- 
ed or  dug  large  and  deep  holes.  Where  the  vines  are  a  good  distance  apart, 
the  latter  way  is  perhaps  as  good  as  any  and  less  expense. 

The  largest  and  oldest  vineyards  in  New  York,  are  at  Croton  Point ;  the 
soil  and  subsoil  is  a  porous  sand,  j'et  they  trench  two  feet  deep  and  work 
in  composted  manure,  &c.,  &c.,  and  plant  about  two  feet  deep,  leaving  a 
depression  about  the  young  vine,  6  or  8  inches  in  depth,  which  is  filled  up 
after  it  is  established.  They  prune  the  vine,  and  thin  the  fruit  with  care, 
cultivate  the  ground  enough  to  keep  down  the  weeds  and  grass,  and  encour- 
age no  lateral  roots  to  grow  within  six  inches  of  the  surface  ;  yet  these 
vineyards  produce  annually  fine  grapes,  free  of  rot  and  mildew. 

R.  T.  Underbill,  Esq.,  in  speaking  of  the  last  crop,  says,  "The  past  season 
though  the  coolest  and  most  unfavorable  for  grape  maturing,  wc  have 
had  in  twenty  years,  he  ripened  his  whole  crop  finely." 


In  clearing  up  "  hedges,"  I  frequentlj'-have  had  occasion  to  "  dig  "  out,  .and 
in  all  cases  the  top  roots  were  the  largest  and  strongest,  penetrating  the 
subsoil  boldly,  no  matter  what  its  nature  ;  sometimes  they  had  lateral  roots 
but  often  none. 

This  spring  I  had  arranged  to  take  up  a  lot  of'  about  100  bearing 
Isabella's  ;  they  were  too  thick  in  the  rows  and  I  removed  every  alternate 
one  ;  they  are  now  twelve  feet  apart,  which  is  about  the  right  distance. 
Some  wei-e  planted  on  a  drain  whicli  was  dug  three  feet  deep  and  filled  in 
the  usual  way  ;  these  vines  were  raised  from  cuttings  and  always  grew 
finely  ;  on  taking  them  up  I  was  surprised  to  find  the  largest  and  best  roots 
bad  struck  badly  to  the  bottom  of  the  drain,  amongst  the  stones  in  all  direc- 
tions, the  deeply  dug  subsoil  affording  them  an  easy  entrance. 

Others  were  planted  in  large  holes  filled  with  good  surface  soil  ;  they  too 
had  powerful  roots  penetrating  far  in  the  subsoil  beyond  the  original  hole. 

The  root  of  the  grape  is  perhaps  more  sensitive  and  liable  to  be  hurt  by 
extreme  cold  or  dry  weather,  than  any  tree  or  plant  that  we  cultivate  ;  hence 
the  importance  of  using  every  possible  means  to  encourage  it  down- 
wards. 

I  am  happy  to  state  that  the  mildew  of  the  fruit  is  almost  unknown  here, 
and  no  variety  suffers  from  the  rot  except  Catawba,  and  he  who  plants  and 
cares  properly  for  his  vines  may  rely  on  a  crop  of  good  grapes  annually. 

There  is  a  kind  of  mildew  which  attacks  the  foliage  of  vines  in  the 
nursery,  but  is  not  troublesome  elsewhere. 

I  am  surprised  to  learn  that  you  experience  so  much  diflSculty  in  growing 
the  grape  in  Pennsylvania;  being  in  a  lower  latitude  than  we  are,  I  sup- 
posed that  the  climate  was  admirably  adapted  to  it. 


-^i-   —  »  -    '4- 


INSECTS.  — NO.    VI. 

BY    J.  STAUFFEK,  LANCASTER,  PENNSYLVANIA. 

THE   HAWK-MOTH. 

The  Hawk-Moths,  or  sphinges,  are  a  family  of  large  and  robust  lepidopte- 
ous  insects  ;  the  caterpillars  of  which  are  known  as  the  potato  and  tobacco 
worms.  Some  caterpillars  of  this  family  erect  the  forepart  of  their  bodies, 
remaining  in  this  position  immovably  for  hours  ;  this  singular  position  sug- 
gested the  name  given  it  by  Linnajus,  Sphinx,  from  a  fancied  resemblance 
to  the  monumental  sphinx  of  Egypt,  representing  the  head  and  shoulders  of 
a  woman  attached  to  the  body  of  a  lion.  I  may  be  allowed  to  say  that  this 
fabulous  figure  has  it  significancy,  because  it  commemorates  the  fact,  that 
the  river  Nile  used  to  overflow  its  banks  about  the  time  the  sun  enters  the 
sign  of  Leo  and  Virgo.  My  amateur  wood-cut  will  represent  the  whole. 
Fig.  A  repi"esents  one  of  those  Potato-worms,  of  a  pea-green  color,  minutely 
lined  with  a  series  of  small  spots  dorsally,  having  eight  oblique  white 
striped,  with  a  slate  colored  shade  on  each  side,  over  the  purplish,  oval  spir- 
acles, and  a  black,  curved  and  roughened  caudal  horn  on  the  last  segment  of 
its  body. 

We  frequently  find  these  caterpillars  covered  with  small,  egg-shaped 
cottony  bodies,  as  shown  at  E,  fig.  A.     Those  contain  small  whitish  grubs. 


INSECTS. ^NO.   VI. 


after 


thickened  posteriorly,  fig.  e,  enlarged  one  with  its  hinged  lid 
perfect  insect,  F  and  f,  has  escaped  therefrom.  These  are  a  species  of  four- 
winged  flies,  or  Ichneumons,  of  minute  size.  The  caterpillar  usually 
survives  until  the  whole  brood,  as  many  as  one  hundred  and  fifty  of  the 
ichneumons,  are  perfected,  when  it  perishes.  Otherwise,  when  fully  grown, 
it  enters  the  earth,  casts  its  skin,  and  becomes  a  chrysalis  like  fig.  B.,  of  a 
light-brown  color,  remaining  in  the  ground  during  the  winter,  below  the 
reach  of  frost  ;  the  slender  tongue  case,  like  the  handle  of  a  jug,  encloses 
the  tongue  extended  and  doubled  back.  Such  chrysalids  are  frequently 
dug  up  early  in  June,  in  our  potato  patches  ;  but  how  they  manage  to  work 
out  of  the  ground  is  not  so  plain.  From  a  specimen  dug  up  when  laid  in 
the  sun,  we  can  witness  the  bursting  of  the  shell,  the  escape  of  the  insect, 
weak  and  moist,  with  its  crumpled  and  placid  wings,  gradually  drying,  and 


The  Sphinx  quinque-maculata  aud  Ichneumon  Flies. 

essaying  to  coil  up  its  long  tongue  and  extend  its  wings,  which  in  the 
course  of  a  few  hours  it  accomplishes,  and  it  is  prepared  to  take  wing.  The 
wings  are  beautifully  marbled,  with  black  and  silvery  white  lines  and  spots 
on  a  warm  gray,  ground  color,  expanding  four  to  six  inches  ;  the  robust 
abdomen  has  five  orange-yellow  spots  on  each  side  ;  hence  called  the  Five- 
spotted  Sphinx,  or  sphinx  quinque-maculata,  by  entomologists.  It  comes 
near  to  the  European  privet  Hawk-moth,  which  however  has  red  spots,  and 
the  chrysalis  has  a  short,  blunt  tongue-case  as  shown  at  D.  We  have  sev- 
eral other  species  of  this  family  ;  and  allied  genera  of  like  or  similar  habits. 
These  hawk-moths,  often  erroneously  called  humming  birds,  because,  like 
them,  they  are  frequently  seen  to  visit  tubular  flowers,  such  as  the  honey 
suckle  and  the  thorn  apple,  poised  on  their  wings  ;  these  make  a  humming 
noise  by  their  rapid  motion  while  their  tongue  is  uncoiled,  and  seeks  the 
bottom  of  the  purplish-white  bells  of  the  daturia  stramonium,  as  they  expand 
and  spread  their  charms  at  twilight  to  invite  this  rover  to  sip  the  honied 
nectar  distilled  and  lodged  at  its  base.  Their  days  are  few  and  evil  only  ; 
having  discovered  the  plant  adapted  as  food  for  their  larva?,  they  lay 
and  perish. 


INSECTS. — NO.    VI. 

The  numerous  species  of  Ichneumons  are  ever  on  the  alert  to  find  a  proper 
nidus  for  their  brood  ;  their  larva?  feed  upon  the  living  bodies  of  other 
insects,  and  thereby  destroy  multitudes  of  parasites  so  injurious  to  vege- 
tation. 

These  four-winged  flies  vary  in  size,  some  so  minute  as  to  be  perfected  in 
the  egg  of  a  caterpillar  no  larger  than  the  head  of  a  pin,  while  others  find 
the  carcass  of  a  caterpillar  barely  sufficient  for  a  single  one  ;  nor  will  they 
lay  their  eggs  on  one  already  containing  an  egg  or  eggs  of  the  same  species. 

Caterpillars  have  various  modes  of  defence  against  their  common  enemy  ; 
the  green  caterpillar  with  bands  of  black  and  yellow  spots,  common  on  the 
fennel  and  umbelliferous  plants,  is  provided  with  a  pair  of  orange-colored 
tentaculte,  called  stink  horns,  which  they  thrust  out,  and  jerk  their  heads 
back  when  touched  with  a  pin  or  the  ichneumon,  giving  out  a  peculiar  odor. 
These  are  the  Larvas  of  the  Papilio  Asterias,  a  common  butterfly  of  a  dark, 
purplish-black  color  ;  the  front  wings  have  several  series  of  yellow  spots 
along  their  margin  ;  the  posterior  pair  are  similar  intermediately  of  a  fine 
blue,  with  projecting  points  called  swallow  tail ;  on  the  inner  margin  of  each 
there  is  a  yellow,  red  and  orange  spot. 

The  puss-moth  larvfe  have  singular  projectile  appendages  in  their  rear  ; 
others  are  provided  with  acrid  juices  which  they  expel.  All  these  means  of 
defence  fail  to  deter  the  brave  ichneumon  from  accomplishing  its  object  : 
they  rise  and  alight,  and  at  every  thrust  lodge  an  egg  into  the  body  of  the 
doomed  caterpillar,  writhe,  jerk,  and  twist  as  it  may,  in  its  apparently  con- 
scious dilemma.  The  eggs  lodged,  soon  hatch  and  breed  the  litte  maggots 
which  revel  and  banquet  on  the  fat  juices  of  their  victim,  without  attacking 
the  more  vital  parts,  so  that  the  caterpillar  still  feeds  languidly  and  lingers 
out  its  existence  until  the  larvae  within  them  are 'matured  and  ready  to 
undergo  their  change,  when  they  come  forth,  spin  their  cocoons,  and  in  a 
few  days  become  pupte  ;  the  perfect  insects  escape  in  a  few  days  more  to 
renew  the  same  annoyance  to  other  hapless  creatures  like  the  one  they  have 
just  left,  a  dying  exhausted  carcass.  Thus  we  find  an  endless  variety,  each 
peculiar  in  its  choice  of  a  nidus  in  the  one  case,  as  in  the  choice  of  plants 
in  the  other. 

The  metamorphosis  of  the  caterpillar,  as  it  buries  itself,  and  like  an  Egyp- 
tian mummy,  is  confined  in  its  chrysalis  during  winter,  comes  to  a  resurrec- 
tion in  a  form  so  different,  that  the  ordinary  observer  may  scarcely  be- 
lieve the  fact. 

"  Shall  the  poor  worm  that  shocks  thy  sight, 
The  humblest  form  in  nature's  train. 
Thus  rise  in  new-born  lustre  bright, 
And  yet  the  emblem  teach  in  vaia  ?" 

"  Go,  mortal !  in  thy  reptile  state, 
Enough  to  know  to  thee  is  given ; 
Go,  and  the  joyful  truth  relate  ; 

Frail  child  of  earth  !  high  heir  of  heaven!" 

The  "  neglected  American  poet,"  Samuel  J.  Smith,  of  New  Jersey,  whom 
you,  Mr.  Editor,  commemorated  in  your  Januar}^  number,  has  the  following 
most  beautiful  and  poetical  allusion  to  the  resurrection  of  the  chrysalis  : 
"  But  lo  !  what  magic  bursts  the  living  tomb ! 
What  voice  angelic  bids  the  sleeper  rise  ! 
He  wakes,  arrayed  in  beauty's  living  bloom, 

His  new-born  plumage  tinged  with  rainbow  dyes 
In  air  gay  floating,  while  the  sunbeam  flings 
A  blaze  of  splendor  o'er  his  glossy  wings." 


HYBRIDIZING   THE    GKAPE. 


HYBRIDIZING    THE    GRAPE 


Mb.  J.  FisKE  Alllen's  description  of  the  mode  of  hybridizing  the  grape  is 
the  most  lucid  and  practical,  and  as  the  subject  is  attracting  attentioa  anew 
we  present,  by  the  kindness  of  Mr.  A.  0.  Moore,  the  accompanying  cuts, 
which  will  make  the  subject  easily  understood. 


FLOWEE    OF    THE    GBAPE. 


a  is  a  magnified  representation  of  the  bud  of  the  grape,  c  is  the  blossom. 
The  change  from  the  bud  to  the  blossom  is  usually  rapid,  and  takes  place 
about  thirty  or  forty  days  after  the  shoot  appears  in  the  spring,  which  bears 
the  fruit.  This  bud  which  forms  the  blossom  consists  of  a  covering  or  cap, 
and  the  embryo  berry,  with  fine  anthers,  which,  when  the  time  for  inflores- 
cence has  come,  is  raised  or  lifted  by  the  anthers,  and  the  wind  blows  this 
cap  free  ;  b  is  the  blossom,  the  anthers  of  which  are  to  be  clipped  and 
deprived  of  their  farina  ;  on  the  top  of  the  embryo  is  the  pistil  ;  upon  this 
is  to  be  placed  the  farina  or  pollen  of  the  male  plant.  When  this  is  done, 
impregnation  takes  place,  and  the  embryo  rapidly  swells  off.  If  the  opera- 
tion has  not  been  eff'ectual,  the  berry  will  remain  as  it  is.  AVhen  the  grape 
has  attained  one-third  of  its  size,  it  remains  stationary  two  or  three  weeks, 
and  at  this  time  it  is  perfecting  the  seed.  When  this  is  done,  the  fruit  begins 
growing  again  ;  thus  it  appears  that  the  seed  will  vegetate,  even  if  the 
fruit  does  not  ripen  sufficiently  to  be  eatable. 

This  applying  of  the  pollen  or  farina  of  one  variety  to  the  pistil  or  stigma 
of  another,  is  the  method  of  proceeding  to  obtain  new  sorts  in  the  shortest 
time,  and  is  called  hybridizing.  That  our  native  grapes  have  been  hybrid- 
ized with  the  foreign,  we  have  no  doubt. 

The  bunch  to  be  acted  on  should  be  thinned  of  three-quarters  of  the  buds  ; 
the  lower  part  should  be  cut  away  entirely,  immediately  before  inflorescence, 
the  strongest  buds  always  to  be  left.  Observe  them  closely,  and,  as  soon  as 
the  flowers  open,  with  sharp  scissors  clip  the  anthers,  being  careful  not  to 
injure  the  pistil.  With  a  soft  brush  apply  the  pollen  from  the  kind  to  be 
used  for  impregnation  ;  or  the  whole  bunch  which  is  to  furnish  the  pollen 
may  be  cut  from  the  vine,  and  gently  rubbed  or  applied  to  the  bunch,  by 
frequently  striking  them  together  on  every  side.  Repeat  this  for  several 
days,  until  it  is  evident  the  fruit  is  all  impregnated  ;  a  fresh  bunch,  with 
the  pollen  in  a  suitable  condition,  must  be  had  at  each  operation.  The 
en  must  be  dry  and  in  a  falling  condition,  to  be  fit  for  the  purpose 

ader  is  referred  to  Mr.  Allen's  work  on  the  grape,  issued  in  New  York 


^>v;^v^^^^^pr^.^>h;?^^ 


Communications,  Letters,  Catalogues,  Periodicals,  &c.,  &c.,  intended  for 
the  perusal  of  the  Editor,  should  be  uniformly  directed  to  the  Horticulturist, 
Gcrmantown,  {Philaddphia,)  Pa.  Packages  by  Express,  &c ,  should  be 
directed  to  the  Editor,  as  above,  by  name  ;  they  will  thus  reach  him  almost 
beyond  a  doubt. 


».  *  »  —  n 


The  Park. — There  is  scarcely  a  subject  connected  with  the  topics  appropriate  to  this  Journal 
that  interests  the  lover  of  trees,  scenery,  and  humanity  more  intensely  than  that  of  Parks  for  the 
people.  It  has  been  long  a  topic  of  the  Horticulturist,  which  indeed  has  the  credit  with  many  of 
having  originated  and  encouraged  the  idea  for  New  York  and  other  places.  When  once  a  good 
specimen  is  seen,  our  people  will  excel  in  the  formation  of  pleasure  grounds,  and  we  shall  have 
them  attached  to  every  city  and  town  where  there  is  a  particle  of  taste  or  public  spirit.  One 
good  example  will  prove  sufficient  to  stimulate  our  population  everywhere.  It  is  consequently  of 
the  greatest  interest  that  the  park,  commenced  with  so  liberal  a  capital,  should  be  correctly  and 
artistically  planned  and  finished.  Various  correspondents  have  sent  us  their  ideas,  and  others 
have  overwhelmed  our  tables  with  newspapers  and  so  forth,  as  if  expecting  the  Horticulturist 
would  take  sides  with  this  or  that  party  struggling  for  power.  This  we  cannot  do,  nor  can  we 
ever  be  content  to  give  a  partisan  coloring  to  these  pages.  But  there  is  a  right  and  a  wrong 
way  of  making  parks,  and  we  look  on  for  the  present  with  intense  interest  on  what  is  going 
forward,  quite  incompetent  to  contend  with  the  politics  and  the  politicians,  who  have  torn  the 
whole  subject  into  shreds,  and  shall  we  say  "  patches."  When  the  fog  has  cleared  up,  we  mean 
to  look  after  the  Park,  and  meantime  select  the  following  communication  from  the  many 
appeals  before  us,  as  the  most  suitable  one  we  have  received  to  place  before  our  readei-s.  Mr. 
Chorlton  when  he  takes  his  pen  is  very  apt  to  know  what  he  is  about.  Some  of  the  best  quali- 
fied to  advise  respecting  the  Park  have  stood  in  the  back  ground,  because  park-making  is  like 
painting  a  fine  picture,  and  they  ask  if  Wouvermans  or  Claude  Lorraine  would  consent  to  pro- 
duce a  master-piece  under  orders  of  a  political  mayor,  or  have  their  little  bill  of  road-making 
disputed  by  the  common  council,  who  would  call  a  willow  an  oak,  and  wonder  what  people 
wanted  better  than  any  shade  tree  that  would  cost  the  least  money.  But  after  all,  we  are  to 
have  a  Park. 

Some  fear  is  expressed  as  to  the  safety  of  entering  or  crossing  it  at  night,  when  there  will  be 
so  many  places  of  concealment  for  rogues  and  murderers. 

The  New  York  Park. — Mr.  Editor — You  are  aware  that  the  Commissioners  choseu 
for  carrying  out  the  Central  Park  of  New  York,  some  time  ago,  offered  four  prizes  for  designs, 
the  value  of  which  respectively  were  $2000,  $1000,  $750,  and  $500.  This  inducement,  com- 
bined with  the  ambitious  feelings  of  our  best  Eural  Architects  and  Landscape  Gardeners,  has 
developed  such  an  amount  of  talent  as  is  rarely  to  be  seen.  The  final  time  fixed  for  th 
sentation  of  these  plans,  with  estimates  of  expenses,  and  detailed  explanations,  was  the  first 


N.S. :  Vol.  YIII.— July,  1858. 


2a 


editor's  table. 


April  last  past,  and  the  result  was  thirty-five  in  number,  two  of  which,  however,  were  not  for 
competition.  After  the  decision  of  the  judges  it  was  agreed  that  the  whole  should  be  exposed  to 
public  view  at  twenty-five  cents  entrance,  for  the  benefit  of  the  unsuccessful  competitors. 
Taking  advantage  of  this,  I  went  the  other  day  to  see  them,  and  was  much  pleased  with  the 
artistic  skill,  and  noble  ideas,  that  were  collected  into  one  view.  As  might  be  expected  in  such 
a  case,  there  is  every  grade  displayed,  from  the  highest  appreciation  and  conception  of  the 
grandest  landscape,  down  to  geometrical  "  moonshine;"  but  enough  of  the  former  quality  is 
exhibited  to  convince  the  whole  country,  that  we  have  more  talent  existing  than  we  have  been 
in  the  habit  of  believing.  After  reducing  the  collective  number  to  some  twelve  or  thirteen,  this 
is  clearly  verified,  and  leaves  not  a  little  study  for  the  most  qualified  critic  to  decide  upon  the 
comparative  merits  of  each  ;  and,  were  it  not  for  a  distinctive  difference  in  the  bold  and  elevated 
ideality,  contrasted  with  the  approach  to  tameuess  which  exists  in  some  three  or  four  of  the 
best,  it  would  have  been  a  most  difficult  matter  for  the  Commissioners  to  have  chosen  the  really 
best. 

The  one  to  which  the  first  premium  is  awarded,  well  deserves  its  position.  The  admirable 
way  in  which  the  undulations  of  the  drives  and  footpaths  are  in  harmony  with  the  different 
elevations  of  the  ground  level,  and  their  easy,  graceful,  yet  bold  curves  ;  the  appropriate  group- 
ing of  trees  and  shrubs,  the  arrangement  of  each  part  of  the  general  whole  with  an  eye  to  con- 
venience, without  interfering  with  the  main  design,  all  contribute  to  entitle  it  to  become  the 
approximate  portraiture  for  which  it  is  intended.  It  will  be  well  if  the  Commissioners  complete 
the  work  as  the  design  dictates.  There  are  one  or  two  trifling  improvements  that  might  be 
made,  but  these  ought  to  be  done  by  the  authors,  for  any  foreign  interference  would  only  break 
up  the  originality,  and,  most  likely,  produce  an  abortive  effort.  Considering  the  peculiar  form 
of  the  site  of  operations,  an  extended  parallelogram,  with  nothing  as  outside  surroundings  but 
straight-lined  avenues  and  right-angled  streets,  and  also  that  three  of  these  streets  lead  to,  and 
must  cross  the  intended  park,  and  further,  that  a  large  portion,  in  the  centre,  is  to  be  devoted 
to  two  reservoirs  for  the  supply  of  water  to  the  city,  the  designers  have  had  more  than  ordinary 
difl[iculties  to  contend  against.  The  first  of  these  has  been  overcome  by  arranging  for  the  general 
traffic  to  pass  under  the  elevated  park  drives,  and  the  latter  by  winding  around  the  exterior 
boundary  of  the  embankments,  and  judicious  planting,  so  as  to  hide  what  would  be,  otherwise,  a 
nuisance ;  while  the  water  level  itself  will  be  seen  as  a  small  lake  from  a  walk  arranged  for  the 
purpose. 

The  second  prize  plan  provides  for  these  difficulties,  but  not  so  effectually.  It  has,  also,  the 
merit  of  being  an  improvement  of  the  present  site  without  breaking  up  the  naturally  rolling  and 
picturesque  surface,  the  which  would  save  much  expense  in  the  execution.  Herein  consists  its 
greatest  excellence,  but  with  these  exceptions  there  are  others  that  are  discarded,  which,  to 
say  the  least,  ai-e  quite  equal,  more  particularly  in  the  grouping  of  the  trees  and  filling  up  of 
detail.  The  third  prize  is  an  attempt  to  produce  an  umbrageous  effect  with  straight  line  and 
circular  curve.  In  continental  Europe,  on  a  level  plain,  this  would  look  well  enough,  but  it  is 
not  at  all  adapted  to  the  intended  locality,  nor  yet  the  more  majestic  and  boldly  extended 
character  of  American  scenery  generally.  The  fourth  prize  is  quite  equalled  by  several  others ; 
notwithstanding  it  displays  very  fine  ideas. 

All  the  best  designs,  and,  in  fact,  those  only  that  are  worthy  of  commendation,  embody  the 
principles  which  have  been  so  strenuously  laid  down  by  the  master  minds  of  such  men  as  Down- 
ing, Kepton,  and  Loudon,  and  it  would  seem  that  all  attempts  to  the  contrary  cannot  begin  to 
compare  with  this  softening  down  of  Nature,  and  the  moulding  our  improvements  to  harmonize 
with  the  scenery  of  the  country,  or  character  of  neighborhood  in  which  they  exist.  There, 
perhaps,  never  was  a  better  example,  than  is  shown  in  this  exhibition,  of  the  truth  of  this  fact, 
and  it  is  very  gratifying  to  know  that  we  have  so  many  practitioners  who  are  capable  of  giving 
satisfaction  to  all  who  may  require  their  services  and  can  appreciate  the  beautiful. 

Respectfully  yours,  Wm.  Chorltox 


Rebecca  and  Delaware  Grapes.— So  anxious  have  grape  lovers  been  to  obtain  the  new 
grapes,  that  growers  have  been  obliged  to  sell  small  plants  forced  in  hot  beds,  to  supply  the 
demand.  It  would  be  no  wonder  if  the  poor  starvlings  had  not  proved  hardy  ;  outcry  has  been 
made  against  them,  but  notwithstanding  this  they  are  hardy  grapes. 

Lawns.— Nothing  but  cutting  frequently  will  make  the  lawn,  which  is  the  most  important 
feature  of  your  grounds,  what  it  ought  to  be.  You  may  shirk  the  mowing,  plant  expensively, 
trim  industriously,  make  flower  beds,  and  bed  them  out  at  great  expense,  but  if  you  neglect 
your  grass,  the  place  will  always  have  as  ill  an  appearance  as  a  looking  glass  without  a  frame. 
Frequent  mowing  induces  root  growth,  and  the  grass  is  less  likely  to  burn  in  hot,  dry  weather, 
than  when  left  to  itself 

Manuring  Forest  Trees.— A  correspondent  of  the  Gardener's  Chronicle  says  on  this 
important  subject: — 

"I  have  made  a  few  experiments  and  observations  how  trees  might  recover  their  health  and 
become  useful  and  ornamental  to  those  who  possess  them.  The  want  of  proper  nutriment 
either  to  vegetables  or  animals  soon  shows  itself  in  one  way  or  another,  and  food  applied  even 
in  a  rough  state  is  to  all  appearance  greedily  received  when  animated  beings  are  in  want  of  it. 
The  trees  I  intend  to  make  a  few  remarks  upon  had  fallen  into  a  languid  state  through  want  of 
food,  or  in  other  words  the  soil  appears  to  have  been  worn  out  by  means  of  the  crop  that  grew 
upon  it.  In  a  hollow  part  of  a  wood  where  some  Elms  and  other  trees  were  planted  some 
years  ago  symptoms  of  decay  manifested  themselves  in  a  very  prominent  form,  such  as  the 
leaves  turning  yellow  early  in  the  season  and  falling  off,  when  others  in  a  more  healthy  state 
remained  longer  to  perform  the  office  assigned  them.  Leaves  in  such  a  state  make  little  wood 
for  the  tree  that  bears  them ;  the  young  shoots  apparently  never  ripened  their  wood,  for  many 
of  them  died,  and  the  trees  altogether  had  a  decaying  appearance.  The  hollow  ground  was 
used  to  put  rubbish  in  that  came  from  the  garden  and  other  places.  It  was  thought  at  first 
that  the  rubbish  would  kill  the  trees  by  burying  the  roots  too  deep,  but  much  that  was  put 
there  was  of  vegetable  origin,  which  soon  decomposed,  and  being  of  a  porous  nature  did  not 
prevent  the  air  from  reaching  the  roots,  and  instead  of  injuring  the  trees  they  soon  began  to 
show  signs  of  improvement.  Their  health  recovered  rapidly,  their  leaves  expanded  in  length 
and  breadth,  their  shoots  did  the  same,  and  their  leaves  instead  of  being  the  tirst  to  droop  in 
the  autumn,  continued  to  hold  on  as  long  as  most  deciduous  plants  do.  From  these  observations 
we  luay  learn  that  even  old  trees  may  be  made  to  have  a  healthy  old  age,  and  young  ones  that 
have  set  prematurely  in  their  growth,  from  want  of  proper  soil  to  grow  in,  or  some  deficiency  in 
the  constituent  parts  of  the  soil,  may  be  made  either  by  liquid  or  solid  food  to  resume  a  healthy 
state,  and  may  live  from  generation  to  generation  a  shelter  and  an  ornament  in  the  place  which 
they  occupy.  Liquid  manure  may  also  be  applied  with  advantage  to  forest  trees.  In  a  planta- 
tion where  the  trees  were  chiefly  Oak,  Elm,  Maple,  Spanish  Chestnut,  and  Birch,  and  the  soil 
light,  the  subsoil  being  of  a  clayey  nature,  where  liquid  manure  was  applied  to  some  of  the 
trees,  they  profited  greatly  by  it.  The  few  Elms  that  remain  in  the  plantation  in  the  natural 
soil  measure  on  an  avei-age  about  1  foot  7  inches  in  circumference  at  [5  feet  from  the  ground ; 
the  Maples  or  Sycamores  in  the  same  soil  measure  about  1  foot  9  inches  in  circumference  at  3 
feet  from  the  ground.  In  the  same  plantation  and  same  soil  there  are  two  places  where  the 
Maple  and  Elm  have  grown  much  better  than  the  rest.  These  have  had  their  roots  occasionally 
watered  with  liquid  manure,  and  the  diff"erence  in  the  measurement  of  the  stems  shows  that 
they  agree  well  with  such  treatment.  In  one  of  the  places  the  circumference  of  the  Maple  3 
feet  from  the  ground  is  3  feet  5  inches,  and  contains  about  12  cubic  feet  of  timber,  and  the  Elm 
measures  4  feet  in  circumference,  and  contains  about  20  cubic  feet  of  timber;  in  the  other 
place  the  Maple  measures  3  feet  6  inches  in  circumference,  and  contains  about  14  cubic  feet  of 
timber,  and  in  both  places  the  trees  are  remarkably  healthy,  and  stand  about  18  feet  apar 
may  be  a  long  time  before  such  manure  can  be  spared  for  growing  forest  trees,  and  the 


some  kinds  to  which  it  would  do  more  harm  than  good  if  it  were  applied,  such  as  Pine  and  Fir 

trees;  but  if  even  the  slops  thrown  away  as  waste  water  from  gentlemen's  and  farmers' 
kitchens  and  dairies  were  applied  to  the  purposes  of  arboriculture,  there  would  be  both  pleasure 
and  profit  derived  from  the  application.  Many  trees  may  be  seen  growing  in  soils  naturally 
poor  and  unfitted  to  carry  heavy  timber  without  assistance,  and  trees  considered  by  many  to  be 
in  the  last  stage  of  existence  may  be  made  to  renew  their  growth;  for,  give  a  tree  room  to 
grow  and  food  to  live  upon,  and  vegetable  physiologists  will  not  be  able  to  tell  how  long  it 
should  live  and  how  large  it  should  grow." — P.  Mackenzie. 

The  reader  of  the  Horticulturist  has  frequently  seen  paragraphs  on  the  feeding  of  trees. 
In  a  late  number,  a  valued  contributor  replying  to  a  former  article,  says,  "  Do  not  feed  your 
plants  (Evergreen  Plants)  well;  on  the  contrary,  if  you  have  any  doubt  of  the  hardihood  of 
a  plant,  (starve  it;  let  it  make  little  growth,  but  well  ripened  wood."  This  is  good  advice,  but 
we  are  reminded  by  "  A  Hasty  Reader"  that  this  upsets  the  received  theory.  Pray  remark  that 
the  writer  says,  "  If  you  have  any  doubt  of  the  hardihood,"  &c.  The  advice  given  on  both 
sides  is  correct;  thousands,  nay  millions  of  all  descriptions  of  hardy  trees  are  planted  in  bad 
soil,  in  a  hole  filled  with  earth  more  or  less  adapted  to  their  wants ;  they  soon  exhaust  their 
first  meal,  and  send  rootlets  to  the  bad  surroundings  where  they  meet  with  nothing  to  nourish 
them ;  they  cease  to  grow  with  their  natural  rapidity  and  vigor.  Dig  round  the  roots,  insert 
their  natural  food,  and  they  recover  and  progress.  No  man  that  has  the  slightest  practical 
knowledge  will  attempt  to  over-force  his  plantation ;  at  the  same  time  it  remains  true,  as  we 
stated  in  the  Horticulturist  ten  years  ago,  that  "  trees  may  be  fed  with  as  much  propriety  as 
chickens."  In  the  operations  of  nature  we  see  the  leaves  annually  decay  and  nourish  tiie  I'oot; 
there  is  no  objection  to  bringing  leaf  mould  and  applying  it  with  a  shovel  as  a  top  dressing  ; 
the  nourishment  designed  by  nature  is  carried  down  by  the  rain  to  the  roots  ;  there  is  no  reason 
why  we  may  not  assist  the  process  still  further  and  bring  the  natural  food  of  our  plants  to  the 
roots  where  the  nourishment  will  be  sooner  imbibed.  The  danger  consists  in  over-forcing  and 
especially  in  over-forcing  so  much  that  the  new  growth  will  not  bear  the  coming  winter's  cold. 
This  takes  place  in  some  of  the  States  of  the  Union  where  they  have  an  almost  tropical  summer 
and  an  arctic  winter,  and  we  see  the  growth  bears  evidence  of  the  injury ;  the  trees  present 
dead  limbs,  especially  on  the  north  side  and  where  no  shelter  occurs.  Sometimes  the  whole 
outside  of  an  "  opening"  will  present  a  phalanx  of  dead  wood. 

In  our  last  number,  guano  is  recommended  under  certain  circumstances,  and  in  moderate 
dilution,  to  promote  the  growth  of  conifers  (hardy) ;  it  is  simply  supplying  what  nature  demands 
when  it  is  otherwise  deficient  in  the  soil.  The  opinions  of  our  two  correspondents,  H.  W. 
Sargent,  Esq.,  and  the  Eev.  A.  D.  Gridley,  do  not  differ  so  much  as  "A  Hasty  Reader,"  sup- 
poses ;  the  one  would  very  properly  rather  starv.i  a  tender  conifer  than  over-force  it  by  food ; 
while  the  other  would  feed  his  hardy  trees  "  with  generous  food,  that  they  may  make  a  vigor- 
ous growth,  and  always  wear  the  bright  hues  of  health."  He  would  not  of  course  convey  the 
idea  that  they  should  be  fed  so  much  as  always  to  have  the  sickly  hue  of  disease,  or  be  subject 
annually  to  the  destruction  of  their  unripened  wood. 

Substitute  for  Box-Edging. — The  following  from  the  Gardener's  CItronicle  will  interest 
some  of  our  readers :  The  grass  selected  for  trial  was  the  common  Sheep's  Fescue  Grass  (Fes- 
tuca  ovina).  A  patch  of  this  was  sown,  and  the  young  plants — easily  separable  from  other  kinds 
of  grass  by  their  appearance — were  planted  with  the  dibble  at  two  or  three  inches  apart.  They 
soon  formed  very  elegant  lines  of  slender  green  blades,  more  graceful  in  appearance  than  lines 
of  box,  and  equally  effective.  The  only  objection  that  we  have  discovered  is,  that  the  green 
color  of  this  kind  of  grass  is  rather  dark  and  heavy  ;  but  nevertheless  it  is  the  best  kind  of  live 
edging  next  to  box  which  we  have  seen,  and  is  far  cheaper  than  that,  and  from  this  cause  alone 
is  to  be  preferred  for  many  purposes. 

The  Sheep's  Fescue  Grass  forms  a  con^Ruous  or  linear  mass  of  bristle-like  leaves,  the  central 
ones  standing   erect,  about  three  inches  high,  the  side  ones  fiilling  over  gracefully,  so  that  the 


edging  is  from  four  to  six  inches  through.  In  early  summer  the  plants  throw  up  their  culms  or 
flower-stems,  which  average  a  foot  high,  and  are  quite  erect ;  these  may  be  removed  by  clipping 
at  any  period  after  they  are  formed,  and  this  is  probably  all  the  attention  that  would  be  required 
in  ordinary  cases.  The  plants  afterwards  go  on  filling  out  with  leaves,  but  without  increasing 
much  in  bulk,  and  may  either  so  remain  or  be  cut  close  iu  autumn  to  remove  the  dead  blades 
and  secure  fresh  green  leaves. 

This  grass  being  strictly  tufted  in  its  mode  of  growth,  the  distance  between  the  plants  should 
not  exceed  three  inches,  in  order  that  there  may  be  no  gaps  between  the  little  tufts,  but  that 
the  plants  may  fill  out  the  edging  lines  evenly  and  compactly.  It  is,  moreover,  important  that  of 
the  many  varieties  of  Fescue  Grass,  one  only  should  be  planted,  otherwise  the  growth  will  not 
be  even.  The  common  sort,  being  the  dwarfest  and  shortest  in  the  blade,  is  the  best  for  the 
purpose.  A  very  small  quantity  of  seed  will  furnish  plants  for  a  considerable  length  of  edging, 
so  that  a  few  experimental  plants  would  furnish  an  ample  supply  in  most  cases. 

Standard  Roses. — Standard  Roses,  now  so  much  iu  vogue, 
require  a  good  stake  to  preserve  them  from  toppling  over,  the  heads 
being  often  too  heavy  for  the  root.  A  plan  of  fastening  standards 
to  supports  has  been  introduced,  which  is  found  to  be  perfectly 
satisfactoi-y.  It  makes  a  capital  strong  neat  tie,  without  the  chance 
of  injury  to  the  plants  or  their  getting  loose :  it  is  merely  a  band 
of  soaked  straw,  tied  with  strong  string  between  the  plant  and  sup- 
port, and  at  the  back  of  the  stakes.  It  is  well  adapted  to  other 
plants  requiring  like  support. 

While  on  the  subject  of  Roses,  we  may  here  repeat  the  following 
on  propagating  this  flower  by  layers,  from  the  "  Coimtry  Gentle- 
man ' ' : 

Propagatiox  of  Roses  by  Layers.— June,  or  one-seasoned 
roses,  are  to  be  met  with  in  almost  every  garden.  It  will  take 
a  long  time  to  drive  them  out  of  the  fields,  with  perpetuals  and 
other  roses,  nor  is  it  desirable.  A  rose  is  a  rose,  and  many  of  the 
June  roses  are  exceedingly  beautiful  and  fragrant.  These  and  Per- 
petuals are  mostly  (or  readily)  propagated  by  layers.  The  middle  of 
July  is  considered  about  the  best  time — method  of  procedure  simi- 
lar to  any  other  kind  of  layers,  as  follows :  Select  shoots  eighteen 
inches  or  two  feet  long ;  cut  off  the  leaves  close  to  the  shoot  about  two-thirds  of  their  leno-th, 
leaving  them  on  at  the  top  of  the  layer.  Bring  the  shoot  to  the  ground  to  ascertain  the  place 
to  make  the  hole  to  receive  it.  If  the  soil  is  not  good,  take  out  a  hole  sufficient  to  hold  a 
peck  of  made  soil,  which  should  contain  plenty  of  sand.  Then  tongue  the  shoot,  i.  c,  introduce 
the  knife  just  below  a  bud,  and  bring  upwards,  making  about  a  one  inch  length  cut;  place  a 
small  piece  of  stick  to  keep  the  tongue  open ;  then  use  a  crotched  peg  to  keep  the  layer  in  its 
place  in  the  soil.  By  October  or  November  the  layers  will  be  rooted,  and  may  be  transferred 
to  the  nursery  row,  or  any  other  position  desired.  The  stoutest  rooted  ones  may  even  be  potted 
to  force  eaiiy  into  flower.  E.  s. 

"  How  Plants  Grow,"  is  the  title  of  a  new  book  by  Professor  Gray,  intended  as  a  popular 
introduction  to  the  study  of  Botany.  It  has  also  "  A  Popular  Flora"  attached.  We  know  no 
writer  who  is  so  lucid  as  Dr.  Gray,  and  we  trust  that  his  new  publishers  now  placing  his  works 
before  the  world  in  a  popular  form  will  be  rewarded.    Ivison  &  Phinney,  New  York. 

Bulbs  produced  by  Old  Bulb-scales.— Two  ladies  on  a  return  from  the  south  of 
Europe  in  1856,  placed  specimens  of  dried  leaves,  seeds,  mosses,  &c.,  in  a  book  with  black 
sheets  of  paper.     A  bulb  found  on  the  rock  of  Gibraltar  being  too  large,  the  lady  took  off  three 

—  =^^^^ 


EDITOR'S   TABLE. 


pieces  of  the  outer  skin  or  scales  from  the  outside  of  the  bulb,  and  sewed  them  with  thread  to 
one  of  the  paper  leaves  of  the  book.  After  their  return,  the  book  was  placed  in  her  dressing 
room,  and  in  1857,  having  gone  on  another  tour,  on  their  return,  one  of  them  took  the  book  from 
the  press  and  was  surprised  to  observe  that  its  cover  was  not  lying  flat  but  bulged  up ;  she 
opened  it,  and  to  her  astonishment  found  tliat  from  the  bottom  of  each  of  the  three  scales,  small 
bulbs  had  commenced  to  grow.  This  book  had  been  in  a  perfectly  dry  state  in  a  dry  room  for 
more  than  a  year,  and  fourteen  months  had  elapsed  since  the  scales  were  sewed  in.  This 
curious  case  is  analogous  to  one  recorded  in  last  year's  Horticulturist,  page  169,  with  an  illus- 
tration. 

Training  Gooseberries. — To  prevent  the  shoots  of  Gooseberries  growing  downwards,  by 
which  the  fruit  gets  soiled,  and  is  rendered  unfit  for  use.  I  have  adopted  the  following  plan  : 
I  make  hoops  of  hazel  boughs,  and  place  them  over  the  gooseberry  plant.  Two  or  three  stakes 
are  required  to  fix  the  hoop  to,  that  it  may  be  at  a  proper 
height  from  the  ground,  to  hold  the  bunches  sufficiently  high. 
If  one  hoop  is  not  enough  to  hold  all  the  bunches  properly  up, 
two  hoops  may  be  used.  The  stakes  will  require  to  be  left 
high  enough  to  admit  of  the  second  hoop  being  placed,  should 
it  be  requisite.  Should  any  of  the  shoots  be  ill-placed,  they 
may  be  adjusted,  by  being  tied  to  the  hoops." — J.  Ee.ad. 

[Your  mode  of  training  the  gooseberry  tree  is  good,  not  only 
for  the  purpose  of  keeping  the  fruit  from  being  soiled,  but  to 
admit  light  and  warmth  to  the  centre,  for  the  better  ripening  of  the  fruit.  The  annexed  is  a 
woodcut  representing  this  mode  of  training.  Many  other  plants  are  beautiful,  trained  in  this 
way.  For  instance,  the  head  of  a  Standard  rose  with  an  open  centre  and  a  rim  of  roses  looks 
like  a  wreath,  and  is  highly  ornamental.  A  box  tree  thus  spread  out  may  represent  a  vase,  and 
the  open  head  tends  to  its  successful  growth.] 

Laying  out  a  Garden. — If  the  lines  of  walks  in  a  garden  are  ungraceful  and  inartistic,  it 
is  not  likely  in  other  respects  it  will  be  an  example  of  good  design.  But  even  supposing  it 
were  so,  the  circumstances  of  the  walks  being  entirely  opposed  to  this  would  sadly  mar  the 
general  effect.  There  certainly  is  something  anomalous  in  the  fact  that  the  eye  which  can 
appreciate,  and  would  not  for  a  moment  tolerate  other  than  the  beautiful,  in  a  building,  in  fur- 
niture, in  ornament,  in  dress,  should  yet  day  after  day  endure  forms  in  flower-beds,  and  lines  of 
walks  in  gardens  of  the  most  tasteless  and  common-place  character.  A  fundamental  rule  in 
determining  the  direction  of  a  walk  is  that  some  apparent  cause  must  always  exist  for  every 
deviation  from  a  right  line.  Mere  curves  in  walks  for  which  no  reason  is  assigned,  are  unmean- 
ing and  absurd,  and  exemplify  the  worst  possible  taste. 

The  practice  of  placing  a  resting  place,  or  covered  seats  at  any  given  points  in  a  walk  com- 
manding a  pleasing  or  particular  view,  is  a  common  one,  and  may  with  propriety  be  occasionallij 
followed,  for  as  the  practice  is  a  species  of  trick,  it  will,  like  all  other  tricks,  if  frequently 
played  off,  disgust  rather  than  please.  It  imijlies  a  degree  of  compulsion,  and  we  never  truly 
enjoy  anything  which  we  are  compelled  to  do.  Where  pleasing  objects  or  distant  scenes  can  be 
commanded,  they  should  if  possible  be  brought  into  view  as  a  matter  of  course ;  the  pedestrian 
ought  not  to  feel  that  he  is  brought  to  any  particular  spot  for  the  mere  purpose  of  being  shown 
something,  but  that  the  several  beauties  which  delight  him  are  the  natural  concomitants  of  the 
locality.  ** 

Even  width  of  walks  is  a  matter  of  importance  in  the  general  appearance  of  a  garden.  If  too 
wide  they  reduce  its  apparent  size,  and  give  a  bare  appearance;  and  on  the  other  hand,  if  too 
narrow,  they  are  mean  locking  and  inconvenient.  In  gardens  of  tolerable  extent,  the  walks 
should  not  be  much  less  than  six  feet  wide ;  but  there  must  ever  appear  a  degree  of  relationship 
between  the  size  of  the  garden,  the  extent  of  lawn  and  shrubberies,  and  the  breadth  of  the 


walks.  Aud  there  will  alvvaj^s  be  found  to  exist  a  certain  relative  proportion  between  tlieui, 
which  should  be  adhered  to  if  an  harmonious  effect  is  to  be  produced.  The  degree  of  convexity 
of  a  walls  adds  much  to  or  detracts  from  its  good  effect.  They  ai-e  too  often  rendered  both 
unsightly  and  inconvenient  by  the  excess  of  this.  To  such  an  extent  is  it  sometimes  carried 
that  the  only  part  where  one  can  walk  with  any  degree  of  comfort  is  on  the  extreme  edge. 
And  then  the  sides  are  usually  of  a  corresponding  depth,  presenting  for  several  months  after 
every  periodical  "  edging"  a  harsh  line  of  bare  earth.  The  walk  which  has  the  best  appear- 
ance, other  circumstances  being  equal,  is  one  that  is  not  higher  in  the  middle  than  the  grass 
margin  at  its  sides,  and  where  those  margins  are  not  more  than  half  an  inch  deep  and  bare  earth 
not  perceptible. 

It  is  important  to  bear  in  mind  that  the  repose  of  a  garden  will  be  in  a  great  measure 
destroyed,  and  its  apparent  extent  much  lessened  if  the  walks  are  allowed  to  be  couspicous  in 
the  general  scenery.  Though  a  bold  curve  of  walk  with  its  appropriate  appendages  forms  a 
pleasing  and  effective  interlude,  the  walks,  as  a  whole,  must  be  kept  subordinate. 

DiELYTRA. — A  correspondent  in  Hartford,  Ct.,  informs  us  that  he  has  seen  a  border  some 
thirty  feet  long  filled  up  with  large  Dielytras,  all  in  perfection  of  growth  and  bloom,  edged  on 
one  side  with  moss  pinks,  and  on  the  other  with  Deutzia  gracilis  !     It  was  exquisitely  beautiful. 

Planting. — A  valued  and  enthusiastic  planter  thus  writes  us  of  his  pleasant  spring  opera- 
tions: "  Haven't  I  tramped  miles  in  search  of  good  specimens  of  hemlock  !  My  man,  Patrick, 
and  I  start  off  every  day  after  breakfast  in  a  lumber  wagon  for  the  hill- sides,  taking  along  a 
watering  pot,  shovels,  and  spades  for  digging,  old  sacking  to  cover  up  the  roots,  aud  ropes  to  tie 
the  tops  so  that  they  shall  not  get  bruised.  A  basket  of  creature  comforts  goes  along  with  us, 
and  the  last  received  Horticulturist  and  a  daily  paper  for  my  reading  while  waiting.  Arrived  at 
the  hills,  I  go  about  seeking  beauties,  mark  them,  and  Patrick  follows  on  aud  digs  them  up  with 
wonderful  care.  Of  course,  we  don't  cut  off  the  roots  close  to  the  tree,  or  shake  off  the  dirt. 
A  wagon  full  obtained,  we  go  singing  home,  and  when  the  trees  are  planted,  I  feel  very  rich. 
The  watering  pot  on  the  road  is  kept  in  use  to  prevent  dryness  in  the  roots,  which  I  find  im- 
portant." 

Fish  and  Dormice. — The  movement  by  the  New  York  Agricultural  Society,  in  offering  a 
premium  for  essays  on  the  cultivation  aud  domestication  of  fish,  we  have  already  designated  as 
it  deserves.  The  subject  is  not  only  discussed  in  intelligent  circles,  but  j^racfice  has  already 
demonstrated  its  importance.  It  is  a  matter  of  surprise  that  any  people  should  staiTe  in  imme- 
diate proximity  to  a  sea  swarming  with  food.  It  will  soon  be  equally  wonderful  that  any  farmer 
having  a  stream  capable  of  rearing  fish  should  allow  such  a  source  of  wealth  to  run  to  w^aste. 
Things  go  round  in  cycles ;  in  ancient  times  the  Romans  cultivated  fish  at  great  cost,  if  only  as 
a  delicacy.  LucuUus  had  a  mountain  pierced  near  Naples,  to  admit  the  sea  into  his  presei'ves, 
and  expended  more  money  upon  it  than  upon  his  whole  villa.  Another  who  possessed  a  villa, 
otherwise  of  vei7  humble  pretensions,  had  preserves  for  fish  of  such  a  size,  that  he  sent  six 
thousand  to  Julius  Ctesar  on  the  occasion  of  his  triumphal  banquets.  These  refined  ancients 
also  cultivated  dormice  for  the  table.  Varro  gives  an  account  of  a  preserve  for  dormice  which 
was  to  be  paved,  to  prevent  the  animals  from  escaping,  and  to  have  within  tlie  inclosure  oaks  to 
supply  them  with  acorns.  But  when  the  mice  were  to  be  fattened  for  the  table,  they  were 
kept  in  the  dark  in  stone  jars,  and  fed  on  acorns,  walnuts,  aud  chestnuts.  "Who  speaks  first  to 
resuscitate  a  dormicery  ?  which,  after  all,  may  be  about  as  reasonable  as  a  dark  hutch  for  rab- 
bits. Preserves  for  sea -snails  or  periwinkles  were  popular  before  the  civil  war  between 
Caesar  and  Pompey.  Shell  fish  were  fattened  with  a  mixture  of  boiled  wine,  meal,  and  other 
substances,  so  that  they  became  quite  an  article  of  luxury ;  they  increased  the  size  by  breeding, 
so  that  the  shell  of  a  single  animal  could  contain  as  much  as  fifteen  quarts.  One  of  the  large 
pinnae  are  doubtless  here  indicated. 


336  editor's  table. 

The  Vine  Mildew  having  made  its  appearance  in  one  of  my  houses,  I  tried  the  following 
plan  of  curing  it:  Having  shut  the  house  quite  close,  I  got  four  large  flower  pots,  and  half  filled 
them  with  lumps  of  quick  lime  ;  having  sprinkled  it  with  water,  I  strewed  a  handful  of  sulphur 
on  each  pot,  and  let  it  steam  up  through  the  vines  till  it  quite  filled  the  house  with  steam.  On 
the  following  morning  I  opened  all  the  ventilators,  and  gave  the  house  a  good  syringing  till  I 
quite  saturated  it.  I  repeated  the  same  the  following  day,  when  I  found  that  the  mildew  had 
wholly  disappeared.  I  have  also  tried  the  same  remedy  for  red  spider  in  a  peach-house,  and  I 
soon  found  it  to  vanish.  If  gardeners  will  use  sulphur  in  this  way,  they  will  find  no  ill  effects 
from  it ;  as  soon  as  they  have  strewed  it  on  the  lime  they  can  leave  it  till  the  following  morn- 
ing.— J.  James.     [An  excellent  device.] 

State  Fairs.— Iowa,  at  Oskaloosa,  Sept.  28-Oct.  1.  Kentucky,  at  Louisville,  Sept. 
7-11.  Coiupetition,  except  for  farm  and  garden  products,  open  to  the  world.  Illinois,  at 
Centralia,  Sept.  14-17. 

Catalogues,  tfcc.  Received.— Catalogue  of  1857  and  1858  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Treess 
Vines,  &c.,  for  sale  by  Isaac  Pullen,  near  Hightstown,  N.  J.     Full  and  correct. 

Premiums  and  Regulations  for  the  Ninth  Annual  Fair  of  the  Ohio  State  Board  of  Agriculture, 
to  be  held  at  Sandusky  the  1.5th,  16th  and  17th  of  September,  1858.  Characterized  by  the  gjood 
sense  and  practical  knowledge  of  our  Ohio  friends. 

Annual  Report  of  the  Agricultural  Society  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey.  The  Jerseymen  are 
determined  not  to  be  left  behind  in  the  race,  and  if  any  State  was  ever  well  situated  as  regards 
two  markets,  New  Jersey  is  the  one.  She  has  an  important  mission  to  fulfil  and  is  actively 
engaged  in  doing  it. 

For  Market  Purposes. — Even  a  Boston  monthly  says,  of  the  Summer  St.  Germain  Pear,  in 
his  June  number,  "  compared  with  the  Boston,  Tyson,  and  Eostiezer,  it  falls  short  of  the  require, 
ments  of  a  superior  pear  ;  but  judged  by  the  popular  standard  of  a  market  pear,  as  ice  judge  the 
Bartlett  and  some  others,  it  is  a  valuable  variety."  Is  it  possible  ?  In  his  own  language,  "  the 
public  may  truly  say,  the  smallest  favors  gratefully  received,"  and  we  add  for  him,  inferior 
in  proportion. 

Greek  Ideals  op  Gardening. — We  ask  the  attention  of  readers  to  the  article  of  Pro- 
fessor Edward  North,  on  page  299.     The  writer  is  a  master  indeed  of  English  style. 

Wistaria,  Wisteria. — The  engraver,  in  the  frontispiece  to  the  last  number,  printed  Wis- 
teria on  the  plate  instead  of  Wistaria.  The  plant  was  named  after  Dr.  Caspar  Wistar,  and  it 
should  always  be  spelled  with  an  a  instead  of  an  c. 

Conquering  the  Curculio. — Mr.  W.  N.  White  writes  from  Augusta,  Georgia,  that  he 
has  succeeded  this  season  in  conquering  the  great  enemy  of  the  plum.  He  says  :  "  Forces  em- 
ployed agaiust  him — one  man,  one  little  girl,  three  two  months'  pigs,  sixteen  Brahma  fowls,  and 
two  Muscovy  ducks.  Implements,  a  mallet  and  tin  bucket.  Modus  operandi :  the  nectarine 
trees  being  the  most  dangerous  point,  were  fortified  by  keeping  the  troughs  for  watering  the 
fowls,  &c.,  underneath  them.  The  trees  were  briskly  shaken  every  morning — ^jarring  the  large 
ones  with  a  mallet.  Under  the  bearing  trees,  the  corn  for  the  fowls,  &c.,  was  scattered  directly 
after  they  were  shaken.  At  night,  all  the  fruit  not  consumed  was  picked  up  carefullj'  by  the 
little  girl  and  boiled  and  fed  to  tiie  cow.  Result:  though  plenty  of  fruit  was  visible  the  first 
few  days,  the  enemy  seems  to  have  retreated.  Plums  ai-e  beginning  to  ripen,  so  the  crop  may 
be  regarded  as  secure.  Some  twenty-eight  sorts  of  plums,  and  two  nectarines  are  full  of  fruit, 
which  will  yield  probably  ten  bushels  at  least ;  had  the  trees  been  large  enough,  they  would 
have  yielded  three  times  as  much  with  no  more  trouble  ;  half  an  hour  a  day  will  more  than  do 
ork  in  an  orchard  that  would  yield  fifty  bushels  of  fruit ;  except  the  packing  up,  w 
fle." 


:5^6<f 


EDITOR'S   TABLE. 


Fruit. — He  continues  :  "  An  unequalled  fruit  crop  is  rejoicing  our  section  of  Georgia,  and 
in  all  the  lower  part  of  the  State.  Above  us,  in  the  mountain  section,  where  our  great  apple  crop 
is  made,  nearly  everything  was  cut  off  by  frost  the  last  of  April.  There  is  a  fine  crop  at  Fruit- 
land,  near  Augusta.  Here  in  early  June,  we  have  already  three  varieties  of  ripe  apples,  viz., 
May,  June,  and  Harvest ;  and  of  Pears,  Auiire  Joannet  and  Madelaine  ;  Plums,  the  Chickorow 
and  the  Gentleman,  the  latter  a  new  variety  fi-om  Germany,  which  seems  quite  as  early  as 
Primordian  and  of  fair  quality  for  the  season.  We  have  also  the  Apricot  and  the  Cherry  in  great 
perfection." 

In  a  Southern  paper  we  find  it  stated  that  the  Shockley  Apple  was  kept  over  till  the  "May" 
came  to  perfection  this  season. 

Merited  Revoke — Mr.  Editor. — A  certain  youth  who  signally  failed  in  establishing  the 
"Florist"  in  Philadelphia,  has  taken  upon  himself  to  give  an  opinion  upon  what  a  periodical 
should  be,  t!ius  trying  to  shame  his  own,  while  he  gives  vent  to  his  spleen.  No  doubt  he  con- 
siders hii^self  qualified  to  give  an  opinion  on  the  bench  of  the  Supreme  Court,  or  on  any  subject ; 
but  I  puspect  his  place  will  always  be  where  he  began,  at  the  lower  end  of  the  potting-bench. 
"  Scott's  Seedling  Straw-berry,"  noticed  in  the  "  Country  Gentleman,"  was  no  doubt  named 
»".iter  him,  as  both  he  and  it  are  "  wholly  without  flavor."  I  find  the  following  merited  rebuke 
to  thisiipstart  in  the  "  Country  Gentleman."  Mr.  S.  had  essayed  a  reply  to  your  correspond- 
ent, Mr.  Allen,  who  says : 

"  Another  word:  a  writer,  R.  R.  S.,  immediately  following  your  editorial,  under  the  head  of 
'  Pear  fungus'  says,  '  a  prominent  critic  has  lately  asserted  that  of  the  causes  of  the  crack  and 
blight  which  attacks  the  Virgalim  and  other  pears,  "  nothing  is  known  but  that  it  exists ;"  '  «ud 
goes  on  to  quote  what '  one  of  the  ablest  Cryptogamic  botanists  of  the  day '  says  about  it.  This 
new  and  wonderful  authority  talks  o{  '  Cladosporium,'  and  '  Helminthosporium!'  Shades  of 
Lindley,  Michaux,  Nuttall,  and  company,  deliver  us  from  such  a  commentator  as  R.  R.  S.,  and 
let  him  tell  us  in  understandable  English  language  what  the  cause  of  the  '  crack  and  blight,'  is 
if  he  knows  it,  and  then  how  to  avoid  and  cure  them,  without  smothering  us  in  nonsense.' ' 

The  Patent  Office. — A  Committee  on  the  Patent  Office  has  reported  favorably  on  the 
qualifications  of  Mr.  D.  J.  Browne,  and  forwarded  their  conclusions  extensively. 

Good  Rules  to  Observe. — 1.  Never  to  water  but  when  the  plants  are  actually  in  want 
of  it ;  that  is  easily  known  by  feeling  the  soil  with  the  finger.  While  it  is  moist  no  water  is 
needed.  When  it  feels  dry,  then  water,  which  will  not  be  found  to  be  necessary  oftener  than 
three  times  a  week  in  autumn  and  winter,  and  once  a  day  in  spring  and  summer,  giving  it  copi- 
ously every  time,  and  allowing  it  to  run  away  entirely  from  the  plant,  so  that  the  pots  may  never 
stand  in  it.  The  water  used  should  be  either  rain  or  river  water.  If  necessarily  from  the 
pump  or  spring,  it  should  be  allowed  to  stand  in  the  air  a  day  or  two  before  using. 

2.  To  give  plenty  of  air  at  every  possible  opportunity,  ichen  the  weather  is  mild,  either  by  hav- 
ing the  window  up,  or  by  removing  the  plants  outside.  If,  in  warm  weather,  this  is  done  under  a 
l)urning  sun,  the  pots  will  have  to  be  shaded,  as  the  sun  upon  the  sides  of  the  pots  would  greatly 
injure  the  plants ;  if  in  bloom  and  exposed  to  the  sun,  the  flowers  would  soon  fade  and  drop. 

3.  To  keep  the  rooms  where  plants  are  at  as  uniform  a  temperature  as  possible,  and  the 
plants  themselves  as  near  the  window  as  convenient,  except  in  severe  weather,  when  they  are 
better  near  the  middle  of  the  room  during  the  night. 

4.  To  examine  them  occasionally,  to  see  if  the  pots  are  full  of  roots.  When  this  is  the  case, 
if  the  plants  are  thought  worth  it,  shift  them  into  pots  of  a  larger  size,  potting  in  good  soil,  or 
if  not  shifted,  more  care  must  bo  used  in  supplying  water,  as  they  require  a  larger  quantity 
when  in  this  state.  In  summer,  water  frequently  over  the  foliage,  but  not  unless  they  also 
need  it  at  the  root  as  well. 

These  may  be  adopted  as  very  general  rules,  though  more  absolutely  necessary  to  some 
than  others,  but  will  be  found  beneficial  to  all. 


There  is  a  good  deal  to  be  considered  in  buying  plants,  in  making  the  proper  choice ;  for, 
however  gratifying  it  may  be  to  have  those  which  look  the  best  in  full  bloom,  it  is  most  satis- 
factory to  have  those  which  last  the  longest  in  perfection,  especially  those  which  have  a  succes- 
sion of  bloom,  and  ii^hose  foliage  is  interesting  when  the  bloom  is  gone.  This  rule  may  be  deviated 
from  in  behalf  of  Tulips,  Hyacinths,  Crocuses,  and  other  bulbs,  which  are  valuable  when  little 
else  is  in  flower ;  they  will  also  bloom  in  the  darkest  streets  of  cities.  These  should  be  pur- 
chased either  in  the  beginning  of  November,  when  the  roots  are  dry  for  planting,  or  in  pots, 
when  they  are  beginning  to  grow ;  for  if  delayed  till  they  are  in  bloom,  nine-tenths  of  their 
value  is  lost,  because  they  are  interesting  in  every  stage  of  their  growth,  from  the  first  forma- 
tion of  the  leaves  to  the  perfection  of  the  flowers.  Every  day  of  development  has  its  charm, 
and  therefore  they  ought  to  be  possessed  from  the  first.  All  these  require  a  plentiful  supply  of 
water  when  in  a  growing  state  ;  and  if  kept  cool  after  showing  flower  their  season  of  blooming 
is  prolonged. 

Crystal  Palace  Doings. — It  will  interest  our  readers  to  peruse  the  following  items  from 
the  Crystal  Palace,  London,  where  things  are  done  on  a  magnificent  scale  : 

"  The  forcing  house  for  supplying  the  Crystal  Palace  is  of  the  very  best,  and  of  the  very  sim- 
plest kind.  It  is  one  hundred  feet  long ;  ranges  nearly  south  and  north  ;  is  twelve  feet  wide, 
outside  measure,  and  eight  feet  high  in  the  centre  over  the  path,  which  runs  along  the  middle 
of  the  house.  The  path  is  three  feet  wide,  and  there  is  a  flat  shelf  of  open  woodwork  on  each 
side  of  the  path.  The  shelves  being  as  high  as  a  man's  hip  bone.  So  that  neither  male  nor 
female  can  sweep  ofl'  any  of  the  pots,  on  either  side,  when  walking  up  the  centre.  '  A  mon- 
strous comfort,  is  it  not  ?  ' 

The  outside  walls  are  a  little  higher  than  the  shelves,  and  a  span-roof  completes  the  house. 
There  is  a  four-inch  flow  and  return  pipe  under  each  shelf,  and  high  enough  from  the  ground,  to 
allow  the  bottom  ventilation  to  enter  below  them.  '  Cold  currents'  are  thus  avoided,  as  the  cold 
air  must  come  in  contact  with  the  warm  pipes,  before  getting  to  the  plants.  The  house  is  in 
two  divisions ;  the  one  next  the  boiler  being  the  hottest,  and  the  contrivance  to  confine  the  cir- 
culation to  one  end,  when  that  is  desirable,  is  most  simple.  A  stop-cock  is  in  the  top  pipe,  and 
a  pipe  communicating  between  the  top  and  bottom  pipes,  just  behind  the  stop-cock,  and  between 
that  cock  and  the  boiler. 

"  In  the  end,  which  is  the  forcing  division  at  present,  the  night  heat  is  just  50°  to  55°,  but  they 
allow  a  play  of  40"  degrees  between  the  night  and  day  temperatures  ;  not  with  fire-heat,  how- 
ever, but  by  not  giving  air  till  the  sun  heats  up  to  90°,  or,  with  a  little  top  air,  to  100^.  This 
is  coming  close  to  Mr.  Cidd,  and  Mr.  Latter's  way  of  airing  cucumbei's  in  wintei'. 

"  The  old  rule  of  '  one  to  six'  recurs  to  one  on  hearing  the  niceties  of  ventilation ;  that  is,  for 
one  inch  of  top  air,  give  six  inches  at  the  bottom  ventilators,  and  never  depai't  from  that  rule, 
in  winter  and  spring  forcing,  until  you  are  forced  yourself  out  of  it,  by  sun  heat  rising  beyond 
the  heat  which  the  plant,  or  plants,  you  are  forcing  can  endure. 

"  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  Narcissuses,  Crocuses,  Azaleas,  Hydrangeas,  Pinks,  Cloves,  Cytisits 
racemosus,  Acacia  armata,  seedling  Cinerarias,  and  China  Primroses,  Deutzia  gracilis,  Dielytra 
spectabilis,  and  all  such  established  favorites,  force  from  February  without  any  bottom  heat,  or 
plunging,  and  will  not  sufi'er  in  sun  moist  heat  up  to  90"^  for  two  or  three  hours  daily,  provided 
the  night  air,  or  heat,  is  as  low  as  50''  in  mild  weather,  and  55°  when  the  frost  is  sharp.  No 
plants  were  ever  forced  better. 

"  The  Hyacinths  are  the  best  of  the  old  cheap  kinds,  they  are  potted  in  large  48-pots,  or  small 
32'8,  in  good  holding  yellow  loam;  and  the  bulbs  are  entirely  on  the  surface  of  the  soil,  the 
leaves  of  all  the  offsets  they  make  are  pinched  off",  as  soon  and  as  often  as  they  can  be  laid  hold 
on ;  but  the  bottom,  or  bulb  part  of  the  offset,  is  never  touched  ;  the  wound  which  the  separa- 
tion from  the  old  bulb  would  cause,  might  kill,  or  very  much  injure,  the  old  bulb  iu  the  dead  of 
winter.  The  old  Waterloo  Hyacinth  throws  up  four  flower  stems  from  one  good  bulb,  by 
treatment ;  sometimes  three,  and  very  seldom  less  than  two,  as  may  be  seen  round  the  basin 


the  crystal  fountain  all  the  spring.  The  Waterloo  is  the  highest  colored  one  there — a  crimson  in 
fact — far  better  in  color  than  we  generally  see  it ;  but  the  immense  body  of  fresh  mild  air, 
inclosed  by  the  Crystal  Palace,  brings  out  colors,  and  the  tint  of  leaves,  far  beyond  any  method 
within  our  knowledge.  Most  of  those  very  old  Camellias,  and  Rhododendrons,  were  half  dead, 
or  three  parts  burnt  up  at  the  roots,  three  years  ago,  when  they  were  planted  here ;  and  many 
of  them  would  have  died  outrig-ht,  in  small  houses,  in  a  few  years  ;  but  what  splendid  specimens 
they  are  making  already. 

"  One  large  oval  Majolica  vase,  fit  for  the  Queen's  room,  is  managed,  as  most  drawing-room 
put  flowers  should  be,  and  a  hint  from  this  Court  may  be  useful,  just  now.  All  the  most  costly 
drawing-room  vases  have  no  hole,  or  holes,  in  the  bottom,  to  let  off  the  drainage  from  the 
flower-pots,  for  fear  of  soiling  carpets.  To  get  over  this,  the  bottom  half  of  this  Majolica  vase 
is  stuffed  with  green  moss,  the  pots  are  plunged  in  the  moss,  and  the  top  is  then  mossed  with 
the  finest  and  shortest  moss,  which  looks  as  smooth  as  green  velvet.  In  warm  rooms  the  pots 
must  have  water,  but  the  quantity  of  bottom  moss  '  takes  it  up'  like  a  sponge,  for  ten  days,  or 
more,  or  less,  according  to  the  time,  temperature,  and  the  temptations  to  water.  After  that, 
the  vase  is  taken  out,  put  on  the  oilcloth,  and  the  moss  is  squeezed,  after  the  manner  of  wring- 
ing in  the  laundry  ;  the  moss  seeds  go  in  the  surplus  water,  and  the  moss  itself  is  green,  damp, 
and  comfortable  for  the  pots  and  plants  a  second,  and  a  third,  and  many  times,  for  nobody  knows 
for  how  long  a  time  ;  doing  away  with  the  expense  of  purchasing  moss,  so  difliicult  in  towns, 
and  with  the  uncomfortable  apprehension,  in  the  country,  of  getting  in  horrid  creatures  and 
crawling  things  from  the  woods." 

The  Violet  of  Rouen. — We  have  frequently  pointed  out  the  advantages  which  horticul- 
ture might  derive  from  some  of  our  indigenous  plants.  One  of  our  friends,  M.  Viginien,  a  zeal- 
ous botanist,  has  drawn  our  attention  to  the  Violet  of  Rouen  as  a  plant  adapted  for  edgings. 
M.  Jacques  has  introduced  this  edging  into  the  Park  of  Villiers.  This  horticultural  novelty, 
so  far  as  we  are  aware,  has  not  been  propagated  elsewhere  ;  and  we  venture  to  recommend  it 
as  a  treasure  of  which  many  horticultuj'ists  do  not  know  the  value. 

A  few  words  upon  the  principal  characters  by  which  the  Violet  of  Rouen,  Viola  rothoma- 
gensis,  may  be  distinguished  will,  we  think,  be  necessary  to  enable  our  friends  to  identify  it.  It  is 
perennial,  with  difi"use  tufted  angular  branches,  spreading  at  the  base,  and  then  growing  erect 
to  the  height  of  eight  or  ten  inches  in  a  cultivated  state  ;  but  according  to  authors  the  actual 
height  of  the  plant  in  a  wild  state  is  seldom  more  than  five  or  six  inches.  The  leaves,  which 
are  of  a  greyish  green,  are  oblong  oval,  deeply  crenated,  and,  as  well  as  their  petioles  and  stipules, 
tiiinly  set  with  hispid  hairs.  The  stipules  are  large,  pinuati-partite  lyrate,  the  terminal  lobe 
usually  entire,  or  nearly  so,  and  larger  than  the  side  ones,  which  are  linear.  The  peduncles  are 
long,  furnished  with  two  bracts,  and  supporting  flowers  with  petals  which  do  not  equal  twice 
the  length  of  the  calyx.  The  spur  is  linear,  straight,  elongated ;  the  flowers  are  blueish  and 
violet. 

The  Violet  of  Rouen  is  a  species  much  sought  after  by  the  Parisian  florists  on  account  of  its 
rarity.  In  the  neighborhood  of  Paris  it  is  only  to  be  found,  it  is  said,  at  Mantes,  Liancourt, 
and  Meaux  ;  but  its  true  locality  is  Saint- Adrien,  near  Rouen,  where  on  the  sandy  banks  of  the 
Seine  the  plant  is  said  to  be  very  abundant. 

This  Violet,  which  some  botanists  considered  to  be  only  a  variety  of  V.  tricolor,  was  scarcely 
cultivated  till  about  1789.  It  produces  numerous  flowers  throughout  the  summer.  It  is  one 
of  the  group  of  Violacese,  which  exhibit  the  property  of  being  perennial,  an  important  point 
for  the  horticulturist.  Its  appearance  is  graceful,  its  flowers  are  richly  colored,  and  its  stems 
have  the  advantage  of  covering  the  surface  of  the  soil.  Lastly,  it  produces  from  May  till  Oc- 
tober a  profusion  of  flowers,  and  it  is  very  readily  propagated  by  seed.  About  the  year  1840 
the  happy  idea  occurred  to  M.  Jacques  of  sowing  the  Rouen  Violet  in  the  Park  of  Villiers,  and 
nting  out  the  seeedlings  as  edgings ;  and,  as  we  have  stated,  with  very  satisfactory  results, 
late  gardener  of  Neuilly  has  therefore  enriched  horticulture  with  a  valuable  plant,  which 


will  rank  as  high  as  any  other,  such  as  Statices,  Primulas,  Larkspurs,  &c.,  employed  for  the 
same  pui'pose.     Leon  Gouas,  in  the  Revue  Horticole. 

"  Pear  Culture,  A  Manual,  By  Thomas  W.  Field."  This  new  manual,  from  the  press  of 
Mr.  A.  O.  Moore,  is  seasonable,  and  from  a  good  source.  It  is  up  to  the  day,  full  of  instruction, 
and  has  some  views  which  will  require  a  more  lengthened  notice  hereafter.     Price  75  cts. 


ANSWERS  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 

Melinda. — Notwithstanding  the  outcry  against  the  "  right  of  search,"  we  adhere  to  the  doc- 
trine in  its  full  sense,  in  horticulture.  All  have  the  right  of  search,  and  it  is  a  duty  to  discover 
error  in  whatever  disguise  it  conceals  itself  If  you  are  successful,  don't  hesitate  to  say  so; 
but  if  others  are  not,  allow  them  the  same  privilege. 

Tan. — It  is  believed  the  discrepancies  in  the  opinions  about  the  use  of  tan,  may  be  accounted 
for  by  the  fact,  that  so  long  as  it  remains  on  the  surface  as  a  mulch,  it  does  no  injury ;  but  when 
dug  in  it  acts  as  a  poison  to  the  ground. 

Two  New  Eoses. — The  two  new  Roses  which  Mr.  Pentland  is  about  to  bring  out,  are  Dr. 
Kane,  a  lovely  yellow  and  very  fragrant ;  and  George  Peabody,  which  treads  very  hard  upon 
Geant  des  Batailles  ;  it  is  a  free  grower,  of  lively  color,  and  so  far,  free  from  mildew.  We  shall 
report  further. 

P.  Monterey. — Your  cone  is  from  Pinus  tuberculata.  It  was  first  discovered  by  Dr. 
Coulter  in  your  neighborhood.  South  of  Monterey,  in  latitude  36°,  near  the  level  of  the  sea,  and 
growing  almost  close  to  the  beach,  intermixed  with  Pinus  radiata.  It  is  a  tree  of  slow  growth, 
and  seldom  attains  more  than  twenty-five  or  thirty  feet  in  height,  with  a  trunk  eight  or  ten 
inches  in  diameter.  It  is  as  hardy  as  Pinus  insignis ;  leaves  in  threes,  thickly  set  on  the 
branches,  bright  green,  rather  stiff,  with  an  elevated  rib  running  along  the  middle  on  the  inner 
side. 

J.  Jay  Smith,  Esq., — Will  you  give  by  mail,  or  thi'ough  the  medium  of  "  Horticulturist,'^  a 
select  list  of  plants,  shrubs,  roses,  ifec,  best  suited  for  stocking  a  sinall  parlor  greenhouse  ;  say 
twelve  by  seventeen  feet,  partially  heated  by  the  furnace  which  warms  the  dwelling  ;  and  say 
koto  many  of  each  would  give  a  full  show  of  flowers  for  winter. 

We  are  not  particular  in  such  matters  down  in  this  part  of  the  world,  and  have  no  one  to 
apply  to  personally  who  can  enlighten  us  by  practical  experience.  My  object  is  to  save  time 
and  money  by  procuring  only  such  things  as  are  best  of  their  kinds,  and  each  in  proper  propor- 
tion for  beautifying  the  greenhouse  in  winter.  Many  of  the  lists  published  in  the  Horticulturist 
are  too  extensive,  and  how  to  select  from  them  is  the  difliculty  with  us  here. 

Fredericksburg,  Va.  An  Old  Subscriber. 

We  do  not  think  amj  of  the  following  could  be  spared  in  a  house  twelve  by  seventeen : 

Two  Calla  Ethiopica  ;  1  Lantana  crucea;  1  Lantana  delicatissima. ;  2  Poinsettia  pulcherrima  ; 
I  Euphorbia  jacquiniflora;  1  Abutilou  striatum;  1  Mahonia  odorata ;  1  Laurustinus;  2  Stevia 
serrata;  2  Bouvardia  leiantha;  1  Cestrum  aurantiacum ;  2  Habrothamus  elegans ;  1  Polygala 
cordifolia ;  1  Genista  racemosus ;  1  Chorozema  varia ;  1  Pentas  carnea ;  1  Kennedya  mono- 
phylla ;  1  Jasminum  revolutum ;  1  Begonia  incarnata;  1  Bignonia  capensis ;  1  Aphelandra 
Ghiesbreclitii ;  1  Olea  fagrans ;  1  Azalea  indica  alba ;  1  Azalea  indica  purpurea ;  1  Acacia 
linearis ;  2  Double  white  camellias  ;  1  imbricata  camellias  ;  1  Epihyllum  truncatum  ;  with  a  few 
Scarlet  Geraniums,  Scarlet  Verbenas,  Chinese  Primroses,  Heliotropes,  Roseleaf  Geraniums, 
and  Neapolitan  Violets.  Deutzia  gracilis,  Jasminum  nudiflorum,  and  Dielyti'a  spectabilis,  though 
hardy,  will  be  useful;  and  a  few  good  Roses  will  not,  of  course,  be  overlooked. 


editor's  table. 


Orchids. — The  absence  of  disease  in  Orcliideons  plants  is  to  be  accounted  for  by  the  plants 
never  being  exposed  to  damp  and  cold  combined;  dampness  with  suitable  warmth,  does  no 
harm ;  moderate  cold  with  sufficient  dryness  does  no  harm.  Both  are  indeed  indispensable 
conditions  of  life.  It  is  only  when  the  leaves  become  too  cold  while  wet  or  over  damp  that  the 
tissues  decay,  and  the  formidable  "  black  spot"  appears. 

Crowns. — Why  for  thousands  of  years  have  we  crowned  the  Warrior  with  laurels,  the 
Poet  with  Ivy,  the  Citizen  with  Mural  emblems,  and  the  Husbandman  with  nothing;  why 
are  his  achievements  without  record  and  his  name  without  honor,  and  his  only  reward  that 
which  is  to  be  found  in  the  words  of  the  then  stem  Juvenal,  "  Laudater  et  alget !"  translated 
by  GifTord — "For  virtue  starves  on  universal  praise." 

The  Torpedo. — The  living  torpedo  was  employed  by  the  ancient  Greek  and  Roman  physi- 
cians as  a  remedial  agent,  and  a  living  electric  fish  was  undoubtedly  alike  the  earliest  and  the 
most  familiar  electric  instrument  employed  by  mankind.  The  works  of  Galen,  Dioscorides, 
ScriboniuS;  and  Asclepiades  prove  that  the  shock  of  the  torpedo  had  been  used  as  a  remedy  in 
paralytic  and  neuralgic  aflections  before  the  Christian  era. 

Creation. — "  How  wonderful,"  says  Hugh  Miller,  "  has  the  course  of  creation  been  !  How 
strange  a  procession  !  Never  yet  an  Egyptian  obelisk  or  Assyrian  frieze — each  charged  with 
symbol  and  mystery — have  our  Layards  or  Rawliusons  seen  aught  so  extraordinary  as  that  long 
procession  of  being,  which,  starting  out  of  the  blank  depths  of  the  bygone  eternity,  is  still 
defiling  across  the  stage,  and  of  which  we  ourselves  form  some  of  the  passing  figures.  Who  shall 
declare  the  profound  meanings  with  which  these  geologic  hieroglyphics  are  charged,  or  indicate 
the  ultimate  goal  at  which  the  long  procession  is  destined  to  arrive?" 

Blodget  says :  as  we  have  no  answer  yet  why  are  the  extreme  variations  of  heat,  moisture, 
and  other  sensible  conditions,  ii-regular  and  impossible  to  foretell  as  they  are,  and  what  are  the 
causes  of  them,  it  is  too  early  to  characterize  the  opinions  which  charged  these  to  gods,  or  causes 
in  the  earth  &c.  as  wholly  unsound.  The  wonder  age  lingers  yet,  and  it  may  refresh  our  view 
of  its  absurdity  to  refer  to  the  time  when  the  phenomena  wei'e  localized,  making  the  solution 
easier,  if  it  were  only  correct.  Pliny  says  that,  "  In  many  houses  there  be  hollow  places 
devised  and  made  by  man's  hand,  for  receipt  of  wind,  which,  being  enclosed  with  shade  and 
darkness,  gather  their  blasts."  And  he  gravely  asserts  that  "  there  be  certain  caves  and  holes 
in  the  earth  which  breed  wind  continually  without  end,  into  which  if  you  cast  any  matter  of 
light  weight,  there  ariseth  presently  a  stormy  tempest,  whereby  we  may  see  how  all  winds 
have  one  cause  or  another!"  At  this  day  generalization  alone  can  seize  the  true  expression  of 
detailed  observations,  however  accurate,  and  this  generalization  must  be  derived  from  masses 
and  summaiies  by  rigid  deduction  and  comparison. 

Though  the  dog-days  are  thought  peculiarly  liable  to  the  introduction  of  hydrophobia,  and 
people  are  very  solicitous  about  having  dogs  muzzled  in  the  hot  weather,  statistical  returns 
show  that  madness  occurs  among  dogs  nearly  as  often  in  the  spring,  and  even  winter,  as  in  sum- 
mer. It  is  further  found  that  August  and  January,  the  hottest  and  coldest  months,  are  those 
which  furnish  the  fewest  cases. 

The  Orange  Crop  of  Los  Angeles — says  a  California  paper,  is  coming  into  market. 
The  crop  amounts  to  about  170,000,  and  is  sold  on  the  ground  at  $12  per  thousand.  The  culti- 
vation of  the  orange  is  destined  to  become  an  important  source  of  wealth  to  the  State,  or  at 
least  it  will  occupy  many  persons,  and  hold  an  important  place  in  our  trade.  The  trees 
commence  bearing  when  eight  years  old,  and  will  produce  a  crop  worth  $25  per  tree,  or  $1,000 
acre  containing  forty  trees.  This  estimate  is  a  low  one,  both  for  the  price  and  the  quan- 
of  fruit;  for  a  good  tree  often  yields  several  thousand  oranges  in  a  year.    The  cultivation 


342  editor's  table. 

in  earnest  has  just  commenced ;  this  year's  crop  may  be  said  to  be  the  first  which  has  ever 
come  to  our  market  from  Los  Angeles.     The  fruit  is  large  and  good. 

A  Waterproofing  Composition. — The  following  may  be  useful  and  is,  I  believe,  not 
generally  known.  Take  three  pints  of  linseed  oil  well  boiled  and  mix  in  it  one  ounce  of  soft 
soap.  This  may  be  brushed  over  calico  when  stretched  on  a  frame.  It  will  resist  moisture  for 
a  length  of  time,  and  is  very  durable.  Pits  covered  thus  admit  plenty  of  light,  although  I 
think  the  tint  of  it  is  not  good  for  growing  plants,  being  rather  yellow.  It  is  useful  in  many 
ways,  however,  has  little  smell  that  is  disagreeable,  and  is  besides,  cheap. — D.  K. 

There  is  nothing  new  in  striking  cuttings  in  sand  and  water,  as  mentioned  in  the  May 
"Gossip;"  except  adapting  it  to  the  purpose  in  windows  and  parlors,  it  is  precisely  what  gar- 
deners do  in  green  houses  constantly,  even  with  rose  cuttings.  After  success  depends  greatly 
on  gettinf^  them  out  of  the  pure  sand  as  soon  as  well  struck.  If  struck  in  a  pot,  well  drained, 
filled  up  rather  better  than  one  half  with  sandy  soil  and  covered  with  a  pane  of  glass,  such 
plants  might  remain  in  the  pots  until  planting  out  time,  or  be  turned  out  into  a  simple  frame. 

EfiGS  sent  to  any  distance  for  hatching  should  be  packed  thus.  Wrap  each  egg  in  several 
folds  of  newspaper,  and  then  place  a  thick  layer  of  cotton  and  straw  cut  to  the  length  of  the 
box,  both  under  and  over  the  eggs,  filling  up  every  interstice  with  pledgets  of  cotton.  Egg 
boxes  should  have  their  tops  screwed  down,  the  jar  of  the  hammer  in  nailing  destroying  the 
vitality  of  the  egg. 

»■   »  »  »  .< 

The  Toad. — Like  all  the  reptiles  the  toad  changes  its  skin,  but  the  cast  envelope  is  never 
found,  although  those  of  the  serpents  are  common  enough.  The  reason  why  it  is  not  found  is 
this :  the  toad  is  an  economical  animal,  and  does  not  choose  that  so  much  substance  should  be 
waited.  So  after  the  skin  has  been  entirely  thrown  off",  the  toad  takes  its  old  coat  in  its  two 
fore-paws,  and  dexteroiisly  rolls  it,  and  pats  it,  and  twists  it,  until  the  coat  has  been  formed  iuto 
a  ball.  It  is  then  taken  between  the  paws,  pushed  iuto  the  mouth,  and  swallowed  at  a  gulp 
like  a  big  pill. 

Spir^a  Grandiflora. — Among  recently  introduced  and  comparatively  little  known  plants 
is  Spiraea  grandiflora,  a  hardy  deciduous  shrub,  a  native  of.  China,  sent  to  England  by  Mr. 
Fortune.  In  ordinary  seasons  it  flowers  early  in  April ;  this  year,  however,  the  combined  cold 
winds  have  retarded  it,  and  now,  April  23,  the  buds  are  but  just  opening;  the  flowers  are 
white.  I  made  a  drawing  from  a  young  vigorous  plant,  the  first  which  bloomed  in  this  coun- 
try. One  spike  of  flowers  only  was  produced  upon  the  branch.  Older  plants  threw  out  very 
many  lateral  spikes.  The  plant  grows  rapidly  in  any  ordinary  garden  soil,  and  flowers  profusely 
As  a  spring  ornament  in  our  shrubberies  it  will  doubtless  soon  become  conspicuous.  W. 

CVDONIA  Japonica;  var.  Mallardii. — The  old  Cijdonia  {more  commonly  called  Pijriis) 
Japonica  is  well  known  as  a  beautiful  hardy  flowering  shrub.  We  have  the  gratification  to  an- 
nounce a  variety  raised  by  M.  Mallard,  of  Mans,  of  great  merit.  Its  flowers  are  quite  as 
large  as  those  of  the  common  one,  white,  most  beautifully  striated  towards  the  centre  with 
rosy  carmine  on  both  surfaces  of  the  petals,  so  as  to  leave  a  wide  and  distinct  white  margin  all 
round  them.  It  is  a  very  free-blooming  hybrid,  and  we  can  scarcely  conceive  two  shrubs  more 
beautiful  when  in  blossom  against  a  wall  in  spring  thau  a  plant  of  the  old  species,  and  the 
present  new  variety. — London  Florist. 

Frogs. — The  edible  {xog{Ranna  esculenta)  is  brought  from  the  country,  in  quantities  of  from 
30  to  40,000  at  a  time  to  Vienna,  and  sold  to  large  dealers,  who  have  conservatories  for  them ; 
these  conservatories  are  large  holes,  four  or  five  feet  deep,  dug  in  the  ground,  the  mouth 
covered  with  a  board,  and  in  severe  weather  with  straw.     In  these,  even  during  a  hard  frost, 

^ ^= 


EDITOR'S   TABLE. 

the  fnigs  never  become  quite  torpid,  they  get  together  in  heapf?  one  upon  another  instinctively, 
and  thereby  prevent  the  evaporation  of  their  humidity,  for  no  water  is  ever  put  to  them. 

A  Fairy  Spot. — A  small  quiet  nook  nestled  among  trees,  and  carpeted  with  green  around. 
And  there  a  brook  should  murmur,  with  a  voice  of  out-door  happiness,  and  a  little  garden  brim- 
ming over  with  flowers  should  mark  the  days  and  weeks  and'months  with  bud  and  blossom ;  and 
the  worst  injuries  of  time  be  fallen  leaves.  And  then,  health  in  balm  should  come  about  my 
path,  and  my  mind  be  as  a  part  of  every  fragrant  thing  that  shone  and  grew  around  me. — 
Douglas  Jcrrold. 

The  Lesson  of  the  Garden. — A  garden  is  a  beautiful  book,  writ  by  the  finger  of  God ; 
every  flower  and  every  leaf  is  a  letter.  You  have  only  to  learn  them — and  he  is  a  dunce  who 
cannot,  if  he  will,  do  that — and  join  them,  and  then  go  on  reading  and  reading,  and  you  will  find 
yourself  carried  away  from  the  earth  to  the  skies  by  the  beautiful  story  you  are  going  through. 
You  do  not  know  what  beautiful  thoughts — for  they  are  nothing  short — grow  out  of  the  ground, 
and  seem  to  talk  to  man.  And  then  there  are  some  flowers,  they  always  seem  to  me  like  over- 
dutiful  children:  tend  them  ever  so  little,  and  they  come  up  and  flourish,  and  show,  as  I  may 
say,  their  bright  and  happy  faces  to  you. — Ibid. 

I  S.A.V,  Mick,  what  sort  of  potatoes  are  those  you  are  planting  ?"  "  Raw  ones,  to  be  sure — 
your  honor  wouldn't  be  thinking  I  would  plant  boiled  ones." 

A  DRINKING  man  had  a  loose  potatile  look.  It  was  plain,  said  a  wag,  that  his  face,  like  hot 
house  fruit,  had  ripened  under  a  glass  ! 

►, c.....*^ .^ 


g;,atts  far  t\t  SJont^r. 


VINEYARD   CALENDAR   FOR  JULY. 

BY    R.    BUCHANAN,  CINCINNATI,  OIIIO. 

The  duties  of  the  vine-dresser  this  month  are  merely  a  continuation  of  those  recommended 
for  the  last.  Summer  pruuing;  tying  up  the  branches  to  the  stakes  ;  and  keeping  the  weeds 
down  by  light  hoeing  or  plowing. 

The  two  canes,  or  branches  of  the  new  growth,  intended  for  bearing  wood  next  year,  will 
reach  the  tops  of  the  stakes  about  the  middle  of  this  month.  Train  them  across  to  the  next 
stake,  and  let  them  grow.  It  is  injurious  to  shorten  them  in,  as  the  fruit  buds  for  next  year 
might  swell  prematurel3^ 

This  is  the  month  to  expect  rot.  Plenty  of  light  and  air,  provided  for  in  training  the  vines, 
and  perhaps  the  sulphur  remedy,  as  heretofore  recommended,  may,  in  some  measure,  prevent  that 
disease ;  but  scarcely  any  treatment  or  application  can  entirely  conquer  what  arises — like  the 
rust  in  wheat— from  atmospheric  causes.  The  treatment  of  wine  this  month  is  the  same  as  before 
stated.  "  Keep  the  cask  full,  and  the  bungs  tight."  Burn  a  sulphur  match  in  each  empty  cask 
once  a  month,  and  bung  tight.  This  match  is  a  strip  of  rag  or  brown  paper  submerged  in 
melted  sulphur— an  inch  wide  ;  and  two  inches  long,  will  be  enough  for  each  cask. 
In  the  directions  for  June,  "  branches"  was  printed  for  bunches. 

BY  WILLIAM  SAUNDERS,  GERMANTOWN,  PA. 
Hybridizing. — The  improvement  of  vegetable  races  by  hybridizing  is  one  of  the  most  direct 
and  important  means  which  we  possess  in  modifying  and  adapting  them  to  our  purposes,  and  a 
subject  worthy  of  special  attention.  The  field  of  experiment  is  boundless,  and  some  sections  of 
it  have  scarcely  been  trod  upon.  The  florists  of  the  old  world  have,  by  this  means,  enriched 
their  parterres  and  green-houses  with  an  endless  variety  of  flowers,  and,  by  perseverance  and 
assiduity,  attained  a  degree  of  exact  application  of  the  process,  which  has  been  attended  by 
results  at  once  hopeful  and  suggestive  to  those  who  desire  similar  improvements  in  objects  more 
worthy  the  attention  of  utilitarians. 

The  improvement  of  the  various  kinds  of  fruits,  and  their  better  adaptation  to  domestic  pur- 
poses, is  a  section  of  this  field  which  presents  enticing  inducements  to  the  experimentalist.     It 
may  safely  be  presumed  that  none  of  our  available  fruit  productions  have  attained  the  highest 
"     ree  of  excellence  of  which  they  are  capable,  nor  do  they  afibrd  the  variety,  or  continue 
productive  season  to  the  extent  which  is  evidently  possible.     We  have  fruits  which,  indi- 


editor's  table. 

vidually,  possess  certain  desirable  properties,  associated  with  qualities  equally  tending  to  depre- 
ciate their  merits.  Thus  size  is  almost  invariably  united  with  deteriorated  flavor.  Earliness, 
again,  is  frequently  the  only  merit  of  some,  and,  from  the  experieuce  and  success  of  the  past, 
there  is  abundant  evidence  of  the  possibility  of  one  variety  possessing  the  combined  excellencies 
of  those  already  existant.  Take,  for  instance,  that  most  desirable  and  available  of  small  fruits, 
the  raspberry,  and  originate  a  variety  with  the  adaptability  for  g-eneral  culture  and  hardihood  of 
the  Allen,  combining  the  luscious  flavor  and  size  of  the  Orange  and  Fastolf,  having  in  addition 
the  continuous  fruiting  character  of  the  Catawissa,  and  we  should  have  a  near  approach  to  per- 
fection in  this  fruit. 

Currants  and  Gooseberries  are  susceptible  of  much  improvement;  while  the  strawberry  sea- 
son is  very  short,  new  varieties  later  than  any  we  now  possess  might  be  obtained. 

The  native  grape,  above  all  fruits,  offers  great  inducements  to  the  hybridizer.  "We  have  not, 
as  yet,  a  standard  grape  possessing  the  qualities  of  a  fine  table  fruit,  uniformly  productive  and 
perfectly  hardy.  By  hardiness,  I  do  not  mean,  exclusively,  their  ability  to  withstand  the  colds 
of  winter,  but  the  possession  of  a  constitutional  vigor  that  will  be  proof  against  such  destruc- 
tive maladies  as  mildew  and  rot.  When  we  produce  a  grape  of  the  size  of  the  Isabella  or  Ca- 
tawba, with  the  flavor^ofthe  Diana  or  the  Delaware,  and  entirely  hardy,  it  will  be  an  acquisition 
in  our  fruit  lists.  A  'good  native  wine  grape  is  one  of  the  greatest  desideratums  of  the  times, 
and,  from  present  indications  we  have  reason  to  hope  that  it  will  soon  be  supplied. 

The  operation  of  hybridizing  plants  consists  in  fertilizing  the  stigma  of  the  flower  of  one  plant 
with  the  pollen  of  another  of  allied  kind ;  if  these  two  flowers  are  from  plants  having  diflerent 
characters,  the  effect  will  be  to  originate  a  new  form,  possessing  properties  intermediate  between 
its  parents. 

With  many  plants  the  operation  is  attended  with  some  slight  difficulties,  and  in  all  a  delicacy 
of  manipulation  is  required  which  deters,  in  some  measure,  experiments  of  this  kind  from  be- 
coming general ;  but  carefully  conducted  operations  will  be  certainly  followed  by  valuable 
results. 

Accidental  hybridization  often  occurs  through  the  agency  of  insects  and  other  causes  :  it  is 
very  common  to  find  one  berry  in  a  bunch  of  grapes  larger  than  the  others.  It  is  presumable 
that  a  greater  portion  of  developing  agencies  has  been  concentrated  in  such  berries,  and,  by  sav- 
ing and  sowing  the  seeds,  a  superior  production  may  be  obtained.  Currants,  raspberries, 
strawberries,  &c.,  may  be  rapidly  improved  by  this  means— saving  always  the  largest  berry  on 
the  plant ;  and  if  every  cultivator  of  fruit  were  to  carefully  select  and  plant  the  seeds  of  the 
largest  specimens,  an  improvement  would  speedily  be  efiected. 

Strawberries  are  very  productive  when  planted  on  deeply  trenched  soil  only  moderately 
enriched  with  putrescent  manures.  A  rich  surface  soil  without  depth  will  produce  a  large 
amount  of  leaves,  but  will  not  ripen  a  proportionate  quantity  of  fruit.  Dry  weather  will  inju- 
riously and  speedily  aftect  a  shallow  soil,  no  matter  how  rich  it  is  ;  but  when  the  roots  can  reach 
a  depth  beyond  the  scorching  of  a  week's  dry  sunshine,  the  crop  will  ripen  equally  and  satis- 
factorily. The  end  of  the  month  is  a  favorable  time  to  form  new  plantations.  Many  of  the 
later  foreign  importations  are  "  promising  well;"  but  for  general  use  we  must  still  plant  chiefly 
of  native  seedlings. 

Summer  Pruning. — In  growing  plants  into  particular  shapes  and  forms,  the  advantage  and 
expediency  of  summer  pinching  or  pruning  of  the  young  shoots  is  very  apparent;  as  I  have  re- 
marked before  in  these  pages,  many  beautiful  shrub-like  plants  may  be  produced  by  setting  out 
small  plants  of  such  trees  as  the  sour  and  sweet  gums,  sugar  and  red  maples,  or  indeed  any  tree, 
and  keeping  it  low  and  bushy  by  constantly  repressing  growth  during  summer.  Trees  with  fine 
colored  foliage  are  preferable.  So  with  evergreens.  We  lately  saw  specimens  of  Norway  fir, 
which  have  been  for  several  years  deprived  of  their  leading  shoots.  They  formed  splendid 
masses  of  foliage,  and  could  not  be  excelled  for  filling  up  shrubberies  and  close  plantations. 
This  is  a  feature  in  ornamental  planting  which  we  are  desirous  of  seeing  extended,  as  a  ready 
method  of  producing  effects,  where  close  masses  of  low  growth  are  desirable. 

It  is  but  the  work  of  a  moment  to  check  the  growth  of  a  luxuriant  shoot  by  pinching  out  its 
point  in  passing.  By  doing  so  at  an  early  period,  it  not  only  checks  the  vigor  at  that  parti- 
cular point,  but  induces  a  stronger  growth  on  other  portions  of  the  plant.  Those  superb  speci- 
mens of  green-house  plants  which  occasionally  grace  the  tables  in  the  exhibition  rooms  of  our 
horticultural  societies,  are  produced  by  judicious  pruning  during  their  growth.  Those  who 
have  an  eye  to  symmetry  of  form  and  composition  will  at  once  detect  and  correct  irregularity 
of  growth ;  and  the  man  who  knows  how  to  enjoy  a  garden,  and  has  facilities  for  gratifying  his 

taste,  does  not 

"  Govern  only,  or  direct, 
But  much  performs  himself.    No  works,  indeed, 
That  ask  robust,  tough  sinews,  bred  to  toil, 
Servile  employ ;  but  such  as  may  amuse, 
Not  tire,  demanding  rather  skill  than  force." 


nOB.T  hb. 


\ 


KIITGrSESSINGr    ?^AR 


>rchonses  of  Art  and  Knowle< 
&G.,  if  we  1 


(I 


ib...- 


s 


for  those  who  cannot  endure  cities  when  nature  is  dressed  in  her  best.  We 
have  remarked  abroad  extensive  arrangements  of  this  kind.  Knowing 
travellers  on  a  tour  of  pleasure  in  Scotland,  for  instance,  are  picked  up  at 
modest  private-looking  houses,  where  a  clean  bed  and  a  good  breakfast 
have  been  furnished  for  shillings,  where  the  hotel  has  taken  dollars  for  no- 
thing more  whatever.  There  should  be  no  complaints  of  want  of  occupation, 
when  such  sources  of  respectable  independence  are  open  in  all  cities  for 
honest  people. 

If  it  is  the  particular  province  of  our  Journal  to  look  most  to  rural  and 
suburban  aflTairs,  we  are  still  too  dependent  upon  cities  not  to  feel  an  inter- 
est in  what  is  going  on  there.  Country  people  pay  no  small  portion  of  the 
store-rents  in  the  city  :  connected  with  this  subject,  we  have  a  word  to  say. 
A  custom  prevails  in  America  of  paying  very  high  rents  for  places  of  busi- 
ness when  there  is  no  necessity  for  such  enormous  outlays.  Not  to  be  invid- 
ious, we  would  ask  why  the  business  of  selling  paper  hangings,  taking  this 
as  an  average  amount  of  trade,  should  oblige  the  vender,  to  be  successful, 
to  pay  three  or  four  thousand  dollars  for  his  store.  Every  piece  of  paper 
hangings  he  vends  must  have  a  charge  upon  it  for  this  rent,  which  the  pur- 
chaser must  pay,  while  if  his  business  stand  was  in  a  more  private  street, 
and  the  rent  four  or  five  hundred  dollars,  we  might  all  get  a  corresponding 
reduction,  or  he  might- obtain  a  greater  profit.  This,  and  a  hundred  other 
instances  might  be  adduced,  in  which  not  only  the  citizen  but  the  country- 
man is  unnecessarily  taxed.  The  mechanical  dentist  must  occupy  a  palace, 
even  if  he  cannot  afford  it,  or  he  may  be  thought  to  be  unsuccessful.  The 
price  at  hotels  has  already  been  alluded  to  ;  thei'e  is  no  good  reason  why 
we  should  be  lodged  for  a  day  or  two  in  passing  through  a  city,  in  its  most 
costly  thoroughfare,  though  to  be  near  it  would  certainly  be  convenient. 
Thirty  thousand  dollars  of  rent  obliges  the  landlord  to  look  sharp  after  his 
income,  and  induces  him  too  often  to  charge  extravagantly  ;  he  not  unfre- 
quently  makes  out  a  bill  to  a  traveller  who  arrives  at  twelve  o'clock  at 
night,  that  includes  an  uneaten  and  undesired  supper,  simply  because  it  is 
on  the  table^  and  you  can  have  it  if  you  ask  for  it,  which  you  do  not ;  for  this 
and  a  bed  and  a  breakfast,  if  you  leave  after  the  earliest  dinner  hour  with- 
out partaking,  charge  is  not  uncommonly  made  of  two  dollars  or  two  dollars 
and  a  half.  The  proprietor  may  be  right  to  do  this,  if  people  will  submit  to 
it,  but  the  whole  thing  wants  revision.  We  want  clean,  comfortable  accom- 
modations when  obliged  to  remain  in  town  for  a  few  hours,  and  we  want 
them  at  fair  remunerating  prices.  An  easy  bed  and  a  scentless  pillow  are 
of  more  importance  than  marble  or  Pictou  stone  outside  ;  and  a  recent  trip 
to  Niagara  Falls  induces  the  remark,  that  it  would  be  infinitely  better  to 
lengthen  the  bedsteads  and  put  a  bureau  in  the  rooms,  while  the  music  at 
the  dinner  table  was  shortened  to  furnish  the  means. 

Every  traveller  on  the  continent  of  Europe  may  see  stores  in  back  streets 
containing  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  worth  of  goods,  where  the  rents 
are  one-eighth,  and  the  business  transacted  eight  times  as  large  as  in  many 
of  the  flashy  stores  of  Chestnut  street  or  Broadway  ;  the  consequence  is, 
you  there  get  merchandise  at  moderate  prices.  For  fancy  goods  in  America, 
it  may  surprise  some  country  people  to  learn,  we  pay  from  four  to  eight 
prices  beyond  their  original  cost.  Such  a  thing  brings  such  a  price  in 
Broadway,  and  the  retail  dealers  all  over  the  town  take  their  cue  accord- 
ingly, and  prices  are  high  everywhere.  We  know  the  answer  is,  that  goods 
are   as  cheap  in  Broadway  or  Chestnut  street  as  anywhere  else  ;   but 


there  was  no  Chestnut  street  or  Broadway,  they  would  be  cheaper  every- 
where. 

Country  folks  and  travellers  are  sadly  treated  in  cities  and  at  hotels  ;  it 
is  a  branch  of  public  economy  that  will  regulate  itself  perhaps  in  time,  but 
so  thoroughly  convinced  are  we  that  some  classes  like  the  impositions,  that 
were  we  anxious  to  make  a  fortune  in  haste,  we  would  face  a  palace  with 
cornelians,  purchase  a  service  entire  of  gold  plate,  rig  out  our  servants  in 
full  livery,  and  charge  five  or  six  dollars  a  day  ;  depend  upon  it  the  patron- 
age would  be  unprecedented.  Seeing  this,  we  do  not  condemn  the  paper 
hanger  who  pays  the  high  rent,  nor  the  hotel  keeper  who  makes  out  such 
enormous  bills  ;  we  condemn  ourselves  and  our  countrymen  who  patronize 
and  encourage  unwarrantable  outlays  in  the  forms  we  have  indicated.  Till 
the  people  themselves  will  enforce  a  change,  they  deserve  and  will  continue 
to  be  fleeced.  But  this  we  do  say — there  must  and  will  soon  be  a  reform  in 
hotel  accommodations,  and  consequently  a  reduction  of  prices.  We  shall 
then  have  what  we  want,  clean  beds  and  wholesome  food  ;  the  country  will 
then  reciprocate  the  visits  of  the  citizens,  and  we  shall  become  a  more 
homogeneous  people. 


».  *-»  -  >« 


A    FEW    HINTS    ON    CHUECH    BUILDING, 


BY    F.    C.    WITHERS,    ARCHITECT,    NEWBURGH,    N.    T. 

N  going  through  our  country  towns,  it  is  almost  a  matter  of  im- 
possibility to  recognize  the  churches,  from  the  fact,  that,  so  little 
attention  having  been  paid  to  their  characteristic  features,  it 
becomes  a  matter  of  uncertainty  whether  the  building  which 
one  sees,  with  its  white-painted  wooden  portico,  and  long  win- 
dows filled  with  green  shutters  is  a  church,  a  court  house  or  a 
private  dwelling,  all  being  built  after  the  same  model.  Every 
building  should  be  so  designed  that  a  single  glance  may  be 
sufficient  to  decide  its  purpose.  A  church  with  its  heaven- 
pointing  spire,  or  less  pretentious  bell-cot,  with  its  mullioned 
windovvs  and  open  porch  would  ofler  such  a  contrast  to  the 
surrounding  buildings  that  no  one  could  easily  mistake  its 
intention.  It  should  stand  in  as  conspicuous  a  place  as  pos- 
sible, thereby  implying  that  the  first  or  most  important  thing 
in  men's  minds  was  to  furnish  a  place  in  which  to  worship  the  Deity  ;  and 
this  building  should  be  set  apart  for  that  purpose  alone,  and  never — as  is 
too  often  the  case — resound  with  boisterous  laughter  caused  by  a  popular 
lecturer's  anecdotes.  It  should  be  built  of  the  best  materials  the  locality 
affords.  Stone  for  the  walls  is  the  best,  but  where  this  cannot  be  procured, 
then  let  brick  be  used,  with  no  attempt  at  a  disguise — no  paint,  no  cement, 
colored  and  blocked  off  in  imitation  of  stone,  for  if  we  attempt  to  do  this 
we  shall  undoubtedly  fail. 

No  one  in  passing  through  Switzerland  and  the  North  of  Italy  can  have 
failed  to  be  delighted  with  the  beautiful  structures  which  rise  on  every  side  ; 
now  the  majority  of  these  are  built  of  brick,  sometimes  relieved  with  stone 
marble,  but  in  many  cases  entirely  of  terra-cotta  ;  what  interest  would 
these  buildings  ever  have  awakened  in  our  minds  if  they  had  been  pain 


S^^^Se: 


A   FEW    HINTS    OX   CHURCH    BUILDING. 

None,  whatever  ;  and  so  it  is  with  us,  if  we  would  that  our  works  should 
live  after  us,  and  in  succeeding'  generations  be  looked  upon  with  interest, 
we  must  work  with  Truth  ;  we  n^ust  let  this  be  our  motto,  ignoring  all 
shams  whatever,  letting  brick  be  brick,  and  wood  wood  ;  for  of  what  benefit 
is  it,  that  we  put  up  our  windows  in  iron  or  wood,  and  paint  and  sand  them 
in  imitation  of  stone  ?  It  must  be  to  deceive  man,  for  God  it  cannot  deceive. 
Where  it  is  impossible  to  get  any  other  material  than  wood,  then  it  should 
be  built  accordingly  ;  buttresses  and  such  like  construction  which  essen- 
tially belong  to  stone,  being  of  no  use  in  wood,  should  be  carefully  avoided  ; 
nor  should  the  paint  which  it  is  necessary  to  put  on  the  outside  be  any- 
thing more  than  quiet  colors  in  harmony  with  the  surroundings  of  the 
building. 

It  seems  to  have  been  the  prevailing  idea  that  the  ancient  heathen  Tem- 
ples are  the  best  models  for  our  churches,  instead  of  which  they  are  really 
the  worst  ;  for,  in  the  first  place.  The  Portico,  with  its  monotonous  repeti- 
tion of  column, — copied  perhaps  from  the  Parthenon — made  of  wood  and 
painted  wliite,  is  inconvenient ;  it  neither  affords  protection  from  the  sun, 
nor  from  the  pitiless  blast  of  a  winter's  storm  ;  and,  in  the  next  place,  to 
reach  the  church  it  is  necessary  to  climb  some  eight  or  ten  steep  steps, 
rendering  it  extremely  difficult  for  the  old  and  infirm,  (for  whom  it  should 
be  the  first  duty  of  the  church  to  care,)  to  ascend  ;  especially  in  the  winter 
when  they  are  generally  covered  with  ice  and  snow.  On  reaching  the  plat- 
form, one  sees  doors,  apparently  of  enormous  size,  but  which  on  inspection 
are  found  to  open  only  half  the  way  down,  because  perchance  the  gallery 
for  the  "colored  population"  interferes.  The  windows  are  long  and  wide, 
so  much  so,  that  if  the  light,  even  in  the  darkest  days,  were  not  obstructed 
by  the  green  blinds,  it  would  be  impossible  to  sit  in  the  church  with  any 
degree  of  comfort.  The  walls  are  high,  and  the  plastered  ceiling  flat. 
These  are  mistakes  our  church  builders  commit,  for  if  the  walls  were  lower, 
and  the  pitch  of  the  roof  higher,  the  point  of  the  ridge  might  remain  the 
same,  and  instead  of  an  ugly  high  building  without  any  apparent  covering, 
the  effect  of  the  change  would  be  most  striking,  and  the  very  feature  which 
it  is  the  desire  of  Grecian  architecture  to  hide,  would  stand  out  prominently 
and  distinctly,  conveying  an  idea  of  shelter,  besides  being  more  adapted  to 
the  climate  in  shedding  the  rain  and  snow,  than  a  roof  of  a  low  pitch. 
Another  fault,  and  which  is  especially  to  be  condemned,  is  the  putting  the 
school  room  underneath  the  church  ;  for  if  the  room  be  above  ground,  it 
must  necessarily  spoil  the  effect  of  the  building,  and  if  below  it,  is  unwhole- 
some and  dismal,  and  cannot  but  give  a  disagreeable  impression  to  the  poor 
children  who  are  compelled  to  sit  in  it. 

There  is  no  doubt  but  that  Gothic  architecture  is  the  most  suited  for 
churches,  for  this  style  has  the  advantage  over  every  other  in  its  applica- 
bility to  all  sites  and  requirements  ;  it  is  far  more  picturesque  than  any 
other,  and  if  properly  built  cannot  fail  to  impart  some  feeling  of  respect  and 
awe.  There  is  scarce  any  one  who  has  walked  through  an  old  Gothic 
church  without  experiencing  some  such  feeling,  which  is  doubtless  in  a 
great  measure  attributable  to  the  style  of  the  building. 

In  the  selection  of  material,  care  should  be  taken.  Stone  of  some  descrip- 
tion is  generally  procurable  ;  and  this,  however  rough,  may  be  used  for  the 
walls,  for  it  is  not  in  the  least  essential  that  the  outside  should  be  smooth, 
since  then  no  contrast  is  offered  between  that  and  the  inside.  The  quoins, 
windows,  doorways,  &c.,  should  however  be  dressed,  and  if  possible  a  con- 


fi 


trast  in  color  may  be  used  ;  for  instance,  where  the  main  body  of  the  walls 
is  of  a  blueish  tint,  then  a  grey  stone,  used  as  above  indicated,  will  be 
found  to  have  a  pleasing  effect.  Where,  however,  stone  cannot  be  obtained, 
then  it  becomes  necessary  to  use  brick,  and  if  only  stone  can  be  used  spar- 
ingly for  string  courses,  buttress  weatherings,  &c.,  it  will  give  it  a  more 
important  appearance,  besides  bi'eaking  up  the  dullness  and  monotony  of 
the  bricks.  If  the  walls  are  of  stone,  a  half-brick  wall  should  be  built  on  the 
inside,  leaving  a  hollow  space  of  at  least  three  inches,  which  may  be  bonded 
together  with  iron  or  brick  ties,  this  will  allow  the  plastering  to  be  placed 
immediately  on  the  brickwork,  and  be  found  entirely  successful  in  keeping 
out  the  damp.  Where  bricks  only  are  used,  the  walls  should  also  be  built 
hollow. 

Slate  seems  to  be  the  best  material  for  the  roofs,  and  where  these  are  laid 
in  patterns  with  slates  of  two  different  tints,  they  look  well.  Undoubtedly 
the  best  covering,  (but  which  unfortunately  is  unknown  in  this  country,) 
is  tiles  ;  these  are  made,  and  most  generally  used  in  England  in  preference 
to  slates  ;  they  make  a  most  beautiful  covering,  and  the  joints  being  of  the 
thickness  of  nearly  an  inch,  give  a  great  many  lines  of  shadow.  Shingle 
should  never  be  used,  saving  where  the  building  is  of  wood,  as  they  never 
last  more  than  thirty  j^ears. 

The  roof  should  in  all  cases,  where  possible,  be  exposed  to  view  from  the 
inside  ;  its  timbers  should  be  wrought  and  moulded,  and  when  nothing  better 
than  wliite  pine  can  be  obtained,  a  little  stain,  to  bring  out  the  grain  of  the 
wood,  should  be  used  ;  paint  as  an  imitation  of  another  wood,  never.  In 
all  cases  where  the  timbers  are  shown,  it  will  be  found  to  be  absolutely 
necessary  to  have  a  space  of  at  least  six  inches  between  the  boarding  and 
the  outer  covering,  and  this  may  be  rendered  more  effectual  in  keeping  out 
the  cold  and  heat  by  filling  the  space  with  saw-dust  or  some  other  such  like 
non-conductor. 

The  plastering  which  it  is  necessary  to  put  on  the  walls,  should  be  in 
rough  stucco  of  a  light  cheerful  tint,  but  in  no  case  jointed  to  imitate  blocks 
of  stone. 

The  windows  should  be  glazed  in  diamond  quarries  in  lead,  and  if  possi- 
ble, stained  glass  should  be  used,  not  only  for  the  purpose  of  decoration, 
but  to  do  away  with  the  necessity  of  outside  or  inside  blinds.  Stained  glass 
can  be  obtained  from  one  to  six  dollars  per  superficial  foot. 

The  seats  should  be  open,  with  moulded  bench  ends  without  doors,  raised 
some  three  or. four  inches  above  the  passages,  which  should,  if  possible,  be 
laid  with  encaustic  tiles. 

The  engraving  which  accorhpanies  this,  is  intended  to  illustrate  an  Epis- 
copal church  suitable  for  a  small  congregation.  The  plan  will  be  found  to 
consist  of  a  Nave,  Chancel,  Robing  Room,  and  South  Porch  ;  the  material 
employed  should  be  rubble  stone  laid  in  random  courses,  with  free  stone 
quoins,  window  and  door  dressings,  &c.  ;  additional  effect  may  be  obtained 
by  introducing  bands  of  the  free  stone  at  the  cill  and  springing  of  the  win- 
dows, &c.  The  Bell  Gable  marks  distinctly  its  purpose,  and  is  far  prefer- 
able to  an  attempt  at  a  tower  and  spire  where,  (from  a  lack  of  funds,)  it 
has  to  be  built  of  wood.  The  Porch,  which  is  open,  should  be  of  oak,  unless 
the  church  is  in  an  exposed  situation,  when  an  inclosed  one  of  the  same 
njaterial  as  the  body  of  the  church  should  be  used. 

The  Chancel  should  be  separated  by  an  arch  of  stone,  consisting  merely 
couple  of  chamfers,  and  should  be  raised  one  step  of  six  inches  at  least 


f^g^ghg- 


A   FEW    HINTS    OX    CHURCH    BUILDIKG. 


DESIGN      FOR      A      CHURCH 

F.  C.  WITHERS,  ARCUITECT. 


ROOTS. 


The  correct  place  for  the  Font  would  be  near  the  entrance  as  shown  on 
the  plan. 

The  cost  of  the  church  would  of  course  vary  according  to  the  material 
used,  as  well  as  the  locality  ;  in  this  district  however,  it  might  be  well  built  for 
about  $6000.    Accommodation  is  afforded  for  one  hundred  and  fifty  pei'sons. 


».  -  •  »  >4 


LAYING    OUT    GROUNDS. 

BY  HOWARD  DANIELS,  NEW  YORK. 

I  WAS  much  pleased  with  the  few  words  from  Mr.  William  Saunders,  in 
the  June  number  of  the  Horticulturist,  on  laying  out  grounds. 

Several  years  ago,  the  late  J.  C.  Loudon  proposed  to  re-publish  the  writ- 
ings of  all  the  best  early  English  authors  on  landscape  gardening,  and  pro- 
cured the  copyright  of  Mr.  Repton's  works,  and  re-published  them  in  one 
volume.  With  the  others  he  made  some  progress,  but  his  great  work,  the 
"  Arboretum,"  involved  him  so  deeply  that  he  never  commenced  the  re-pub- 
lication of  the  oldei",  and,  in  many  respects,  the  better  authors. 

These  old  works  are  very  scarce,  and  are  procured  with  difficulty  at  high 
prices.  An  enterprising  American  publisher,  who  would  carry  out  Mr. 
Loudon's  idea  respecting  them,  would  do  much  more  towards  forming  a  cor- 
rect taste  in  gardening  than  all  the  milk  and  water  treatises  (compilations  ?) 
that  have  appeared  in  this  country. 

Mr.  Saunders  truly  says,  "All  our  essays  on  rural  taste  and  landscape 
gardening  seem  to  be  deficient  in  general  practical  details,  while  at  the  same 
time  they  do  not  enter  suificiently  into  elementary  principles." 

Mr.  Edward  Kemp,  of  Birkenhead  Park,  has  lately  brought  out  a  new  and 
much  enlarged  edition  of  his  little  book  on  "  How  to  lay  out  a  Garden,"  illus- 
trated with  more  than  two  hundred  engravings,  which  can  be  procured  at 
the  office  of  Tlie  Horticulturist.  This  work  contains  more  practical  know- 
lodge  on  the  art  of  gardening  than  any  other  book  with  which  I  am  ac- 
quainted. To  Mr.  Kemp  are  chiefly  due  the  many  fine  features  and  charm- 
ing effects  produced  in  Birkenhead  Park,  originally  a  very  unpromising 
piece  of  land,  but  now  the  finest  park  of  its  kind  in  the  world. 


-».  ♦  »  -  .< 


ROOTS, 


BY    PROF.    J.    W.    DARBY. 

Dr.  Cloud — Dear  Sir, — To  learn  the  conditions  of  success  in  the  pursuit 
of  any  object,  is  certainly  a  matter  of  prime  importance  ;  even  if  success 
might  follow,  nine  times  out  of  ten,  without  such  intelligence.  Merely 
empirical  efforts,  when  many  conditions  are  combined,  add  nothing  to  the 
general  fund  of  knowledge,  and  can  be  of  no  permanent  value.  To  observe, 
with  the  utmost  care  and  accuracy,  every  phenomena  presented  in  the 
growth  of  a  plant,  adds  nothing  to  our  comprehension  of  the  conditio)is  of  its 
development.  To  plant  a  grain  of  wheat,  or  seed  of  cotton,  and  record  the 
changes  that  follow  through  the  periods  of  its  germination  and  growth, 


EOOTS. 

teaches  us  nothing  with  regard  to  the  real  influences  that  have  operated  to 
produce  these  results.  To  describe  the  soil  on  which  plants  grow,  and  give 
every  element  that  enters  into  its  constitution,  is  of  no  value  unless  we 
knew  what  elements  are  the  active  ones  in  the  production  of  the  desired 
vegetation.  After  all  this  painstaking,  one  may  assert  that  the  influence  of 
the  moon  was  the  great  exciting  cause  of  all  these  recorded  results.  To 
add  masses  of  fertilizers,  and  produce  large  growth,  is  of  little  value  when 
the  rationale  of  the  action  is  left  out  of  sight. 

A  point  of  the  highest  import  is  to  determine  a  single  isolated  element  of 
success,  or  point  out  one  injurious  or  useless  agent  in  our  applications.  If 
a  plant  is  gi-owing  subject  to  three  distinct  agencies,  and  by  the  operation 
of  all  it  will  do  tolerably  well,  yet  the  action  of  only  one  of  them  is  the  true 
and  only  cause  of  success,  one,  perhaps,  being  neutral,  the  other,  we  may 
suppose,  positively  injurious.  To  know  these  facts  would  certainly  relieve 
the  operator  of  much  embarrassment,  and  make  liis  calling  a  much  more 
rational  pursuit.  One  single  step  in  this  direction  of  elimination,  though  a 
short  one,  and  made  with  the  light  of  truth  shining  upon  it,  is  worth  a  thou- 
sand long  leaps  in  the  dark,  with  guidance  of  complicated  experiments, 
which  are  perfectly  unintelligible  to  those  who  make  them.  That  one  step 
is  a  movement  forward  ;  the  others  maj-  be  in  all  directions,  and  when  the 
thousandth  one  is  taken  we  may  be  at  the  place  of  starting. 

There  are  facts  in  vegetable  physiology,  that  should  be  of  the  highest 
practical  interest,  which  influence  most  materially  the-  results  obtained, 
but  for  which,  so  far  as  we  know,  they  have  neither  credit  nor  regard.  Does 
the  agriculturist,  in  the  preparation  of  his  ground,  ever  take  into  considera- 
tion the  kind  of  roots  the  plants  have  which  he  is  to  cultivate  ?  In  his  com- 
bination, separations  or  succession  of  plants  for  cultivation,  is  an  imperfect 
element  to  guide  his  decisions  and  operations.  Judging  from  books  on  these 
subjects,  we  should  be  led  to  believe  that  if  there  was  any  difference  in  the 
character  of  roots,  it  was  entirely  disregarded  in  practical  applications. 
To  see  the  almost  identical  directions  given  for  the  cultivation  of  rhubarb 
and  asparagus,  for  example,  is  abundant  proof  of  this  disj-egard.  Asparagus 
is  a  surface  feeder,  and  wants  room  and  not  depth,  and  it  will  grow  luxu- 
riantly, as  we  have  proved  by  experiment,  on  a  shallow  soil,  if  plentifully 
supplied  with  fertilizing  matter  and  moisture.  Rhubarb,  on  the  contrary, 
is  a  deep  feeder,  and  to  develop  its  proper  growth,  requires  deep  cultiva- 
tion, and  will  not  succeed  without  it.  The  active  roots  of  the  asparagus 
are,  in  the  main,  but  a  few  inches  below  the  surface  ;  while  the  rhubarb 
will  be  found  two  feet,  if  the  soil  is  fitted  for  it  to  penetrate  so  far. 

Nature  has  made  the  roots  of  cultivated  plants  on  two  models  or  types, 
and  to  one  or  the  other  of  these  types  they  may  all  be  referred.  One  of 
these  is  a  main  root,  running  perpendicularly  downwards,  and  sending  otf 
new  branches  from  the  top  to  the  lowest  extremity,  the  central  axis  being 
always  the  predominant  one  through  which  the  nourishment  passes.  The 
other  type  is  a  more  or  less  complete  subdivision  of  the  root,  immediately 
beneath  the  soil,  there  being  no  main  axis  penetrating  downward.  The  first 
kind  is  represented  by  the  branching  of  any  tree,  from  a  main  trunk  ;  the 
latter  like  that  of  some  shrubs  that  send  up  numerous  stems  with  no  main 
axis.  'Y.\\Q first  of  these  seeks  its  nourishment  deep  down  in  the  soil,  the  latter 
near  the  surface.  The^rs^  draws  its  nourishment  from  immediately  beneath 
itself,  the  other  literally  from  a  distance.  The  first  is  not  much  injured 
by  removing  the  surface  roots,  the  latter  wholly  depends  on  them,  the  u 


always  being  the  most  vigorous.  No  matter  how  many  varieties  there  may 
appear  to  be,  nor  how  many  different  names  the  botanist  may  give  to  these 
varieties  in  describing  plants,  yet  all  fall  within  one  one  or  the  other  of 
these  classes,  or  approach  more  or  less  clearly  these  types.  The  deep  feed- 
ers called  tap  rooted,  the  surface  feeders  c^WqA  forciculated.  There  is  an 
evident  design  in  these  structui-es,  relating  most  certainly  to  the  conditions 
of  growth  and  development  of  the  plant. 

The  above  are/ac^s,  and  their  application  may  be  made  useful  in  a  thou- 
sand ways,  a  few  of  which  we  will  point  out. 

If  a  tree  is  to  be  set  in  the  neighborhood  of  a  garden,  or  cultivated  field, 
the  tap-rooted  variety  should  be  selected.  It  will  seek  its  nourishment 
below  the  roots  of  field  and  garden  culture,  or  it  may  be  made  to  do  so  by 
cutting  off  the  surface  roots  within  the  reach  of  any  other  plant.  The  oak, 
elm,  sweet  gum,  cedar  and  pine  are  of  this  class.  The  mulberry,  china  tree 
and  ailanthus  are  surface  feeders,  or  with  forciculated  roots,  and  will  destroy 
all  within  their  reach  if  they  grow  thriftily  themselves,  for  in  cutting  off 
their  roots  their  growth  is  checked,  unless  the  soil  is  very  rich. 

In  planting  trees  to  make  the  thickest  shade,  a  mingling  of  the  tap-rooted 
and  forciculated  will  greatly  contribute  to  this  end.  They  may  be  planted 
much  thicker  than  either  could  be  alone,  by  planting  them  alternately.  An 
oak  and  a  mulberry  could  both  occupy  the  same  space  that  would  be  re- 
quired for  either  by  itself  The  oak  getting  its  nourishment  deep  down  in 
the  subsoil,  the  mulberry  feeding  at  the  surface,  so  that  they  would  not 
interfere  with  each  other,  each  growing  as  though  the  other  was  not  there. 
Trees  with  tap-roots  are  usually  tall  and  make  our  best  timber,  while  the 
forciculated  are  low,  with  bushy  heads.  The  one  is  made  to  resist  the 
storm,  although  most  exposed,  the  latter  keeps  near  the  ground. 

Trees  with  tap-roots  are  much  more  difficult  to  transplant  than  those  of 
the  other  variety,  and  a  different  course  should  be  pursued  in  the  operation 
if  we  would  ensure  success.  To  remove  the  oak  or  pine,  a  deep  hole  should 
be  dug  round  the  tree,  and  as  near  as  possible  the  whole  of  the  tap  should 
be  taken  up,  and  the  tree  transplanted  to  a  hole  as  deep  and  as  large  as 
the  one  from  which  it  was  taken.  But  in  removing  the  mulberry,  we  only 
need  to  cut  off  the  surface  roots,  at  some  distance  from  the  stem,  and  turn 
up  the  roots  and  remove  the  tree  to  a  broad,  shallow  hole,  and  the  whole  is 
accomplished  that  is  demanded  by  the  nature  of  the  roots.  To  transplant 
them  with  intelligence,  we  should  know  with  what  kind  of  roots  we  have 
to  deal.  The  relation  of  leaves  to  roots  determine  the  appropriate  time  for 
transplanting.  Those  plants  that  have  active  leaves,  like  all  deciduous 
land  plants,  can  only  be  transplanted  during  the  season  of  rest,  or  before 
the  leaves  are  expanded  in  Spring,  as  the  leaves  exhaust  all  the  sap  at  once 
when  the  roots  are  severed.  On  the  other  hand,  those  trees,  like  all  the 
cone  and  fir  tribes,  can  but  be  moved  when  the  plant  is  in  activity,  as  it  is 
then  full  of  sap  and  immediately  puts  forth  new  roots  —  the  leaves  not 
exhausting  the  supply  of  sap. 

In  planting  and  making  crops,  these  facts  have  important  applications. 
Corn  is  most  emphatically  a  surface  feeder,  and  cotton  is  a  deep  feeder. 
The  tendency  of  corn  roots  is  upward,  all  new  roots  in  the  corn  are  above 
the  old  ones.  Those  roots  that  afford  it  nourishment,  that  ripens  the  corn, 
are  the  most  superficial  roots.  The  roots  under  the  stalk,  or  first  roots,  are 
dead.  Cotton  is  the  reverse.  The  newest  roots  are  the  deepest.  They 
developed  downwards,  if  they  meet  with  no  physical  obstruction.     T 


facts  teach  us  that  in  planting  corn,  the  seed  should  be  deposited  at  least 
as  low  as  the  ground  surface  of  the  soil  or  land,  that  the  roots  may  spread 
out  naturally.  Cotton,  on  the  other  hand,  may  perhaps  be  planted  on 
ridges,  or  elevated  beds,  as  its  tendency  is  all  downwards  ;  it  gets  more 
depth  by  this  arrangement.  It  teaches  us  the  advantage  of  deep  ploughing, 
for  cotton  especially,  although  corn  even  will  be  benefited  under  ordinarj' 
circumstances  by  the  same  process,  although  it  does  not  require  it  if  it  can 
be  supplied  with  food  and  moisture  without.  The  fullest  product  may  be 
obtained  from  corn  when  it  is  planted  on  an  impervious  slate,  provided  the 
other  conditions  are  fulfilled.  Cultivation  should  evidently  be  modified  by 
these  diflerent  tendencies  of  roots.  It  is  evident  that  deep  working  in  corn 
must  be  injurious,  and  it  is  equally  evident  that  close  ploughing,  after  the 
plant  is  well  grown,  must  do  harm,  by  severing  the  new  roots  intended  to 
perfect  the  grain.  Neither  of  these  things  may  be  regai'ded  in  the  cultiva- 
tion of  cotton.  Deep  and  close  ploughing  may  be  useful  to  cotton,  if  the 
first  ploughing  before  planting  was  much  deeper.  We  may  modify  the  de- 
velopment of  roots  by  management,  especially  in  corn.  It  is  a  principle  in 
the  vegetable  kingdom  that  if  you  destroy  one  organ  in  any  place,  greater 
development  will  take  place  in  the  second  organ  in  another.  So  if  you  cut 
off  one  root,  more  will  issue  in  another  place.  Now,  corn  is  readily  affected 
by  drought,  because  its  roots  are  naturally  superficial.  To  diminish  this 
superficial  tendency,  these  upper  fibres  may  be  removed  by  hoeing  and 
ploughing,  and  deeper  fibres  will  be  developed.  If  this  is  done  while  the 
plant  is  vigorous  and  in  the  earlier  stage  of  its  growth  and  continuously, 
the  corn  will  seek  its  nourishment  much  deeper  than  is  natural  for  it,  and 
hence  when  drought  comes,  the  source  of  supply  is  not  so  readily  affected 
as  when  no  such  management  has  been  practiced. 

We  are  taught  also  the  benefit  of  observing  the  soil  around  the  corn  stalk 
and  the  uselessness  of  it  in  cotton.  By  hilling  up  the  corn,  we  supply  nour- 
ishment to  the  latest  and  newest  formed  roots,  provided  the  soil  is  taken 
from  beyond  the  sphere  of  the  older  roots.  Corn  also  wants  area,  as  its 
roots  are  all  lateral,  and  hence  suffers  greatly  by  being  too  thick.  The 
same  is  true  of  all  kinds  of  grain. 

In  watering  plants  in  our  gardens,  it  should  not  be  applied  indiscrimi- 
nately, regardless  of  the  hind  of  roots  we  have  to  deal  with.  The  water  for 
vines,  as  strawberries,  melons,  cucumbers,  should  never  be  applied  to  the 
main  stem,  but  a  distance  from  it,  for  the  mouths  are  there  for  drinking  it 
in  ;  but  in  the  radish,  beet,  rhubarb,  &c.,  it  should  be  applied  directly  to 
the  main  root,  that  it  may  go  down  the  root  to  the  mouths  beneath. 

Advantage  may  be  taken  of  this  distinction  of  roots  in  planting  or  sowing 
two  kinds  of  vegetables  together.  This  has  long  been  practiced  in  regard 
to  herds  grass  and  clover,  the  former  a  surface  feeder  and  the  latter  a  deep 
feeder.  It  would  be  interesting  to  know  how  this  practice  originated, 
whether  from  reason  or  an  empirical  result.  The  fact  has  been  known, 
probably,  for  centuries,  although  we  have  never  seen  a  reason  for  the  bene- 
ficial results.  It  is  well  known  that  this  practice  yields  a  vastly  increased 
product,  and  the  reason,  from  the  facts  stated,  is  evident.  The  herds  grass 
feeds  as  though  there  were  no  clover,  and  the  clover  feeds  as  if  there  were 
no  grass. 

In  the  cultivation  of  fruit  trees,  these  principles  are  of  high  practical 
interest.  The  nurseryman  understands  that  he  can,  in  some  measure, 
convert  the  tap-rooted  fruit  trees  into  the  forciculated.    He  accomplishes  by 


this  result  two  objects.  One,  that  his  trees  will  live  more  certainly  when 
sold.  Another,  those  trees  that  remain  unsold,  are  kept  in  a  dwarf  condi- 
tion for  several  years  and  are  fit  for  sale,  which  otherwise  would  become 
too  large.  He  attains  this  end  by  cutting  off  the  tap-root,  by  means  of  a 
sharp  instrument  thrust  under  the  tree.  The  tree  thus  used  lives,  it  is  true, 
but  its  main  root  is  gone  and  will  never  be  reproduced.  The  tree,  that 
nature  formed  with  a  strong  main  root  that  it  might  withstand  the  force  of 
storms  and  have  unharmed  its  burden  of  fruit,  is  mutilated  and  deprived 
of  its  characteristic  and  essential  organ,  which  by  art  is  replaced  by  one 
in  no  wise  fitted  for  its  condition.  Who  has  not  experienced  this  evil  result- 
ing from  such  a  practice,  that  has  ever  raised  a  fruit  tree  ?  They  must  be 
staked  or  propped  up,  or  they  soon  stand  obliquely  or  fall  down  under  the 
weight  of  fruit.  The  same  course  should  be  pursued  in  transplanting  a  fruit 
tree  as  in  transplanting  an  oak  or  pine.  We  should  dig  down  below  the 
roots,  and  gather  the  main  root  and  as  many  of  its  branches  as  possible, 
and  then  set  it  in  a  deej)  hole  ;  broad,  if  you  choose,  but  deej)  anyhow.  This 
principle  teaches  us,  also,  the  earlier  fruit  trees  are  set  in  the  places  in 
which  they  are  to  grow,  the  better.  If  the  ground  were  prepared,  and  the 
seed,  for  the  stocks,  were  planted  where  the  trees  were  to  grow,  and  grafted 
or  budded,  in  their  natural  positions,  there  would  be  no  falling  down  or 
leaning  trees,  if  cared  for  during  the  first  year  or  two,  and  we  should  have 
fruit  orchards  for  a  generation.  The  practice  now  pursued,  with  a  rich 
surface  soil,  and  only  surface  roots,  the  tree  out  of  the  ground,  is  pushed 
forward  far  beyond  any  means  of  support  developed  under  ground.  The  two 
should  correspond,  and  let  nature  have  her  own  way  and  she  will  make 
them  do  so. 

In  the  rotation  of  crops,  in  field  or  garden  culture,  regard  should  be  had 
to  the  kind  of  roots  that  succeed  each  other.  The  tap-rooted  should  always 
succeed  the  forciculated  after  fresh  manuring.  Succeed  onions  by  beets  or 
turnips  in  the  garden  ;  Irish  potatoes  or  beans,  by  cabbages,  parsnips,  or 
carrots. 

In  the  above  remarks  I  do  not  know  but  I  may  have  come  in  conflict  with 
plantation  practice  in  some  particulars,  but  that  the  principles  are  correct, 
there  is  no  doubt,  as  my  experiments,  on  a  small  scale,  have  abundantly 
proved  ;  and  had  space  permitted,  I  should  have  been  pleased  to  have 
recorded  experiments  on  this  subject,  especially  in  the  growth  of  corn  and 
cotton. 

In  all  cases  it  is  presumed  that  the  soil  is  perfectly  broken  up,  that  the 
whole  storehouse  of  materials  is  opened  to  the  application  of  the  plant  ; 
otherwise  the  conditions  of  successful  cultivation,  of  any  crop,  are  not  com- 
plied with. —  Cotton  Planter  and  Soil. 


t,     »  »  m     .<- 


EOSES. 

Roses  vary  much  according  to  the  character  of  the  season.  A  Rose  which 
is  indifferent  this  year,  and  which  you  feel  inclined  to  discard,  astonishes 
you  next  year  by  its  beauty  ;  wliile  on  the  other  hand,  one  that  you  have 
thouglit  highly  of  proves  to  be  worthless  on  further  trial.  Thus,  last  year  I 
had  Louise  Odier  poor  and  thin  in  the  extreme,  very  little  better  than  the 

"ne;  my  idea  was  at  one  time  to  discard  it;  however,  I  let  it  alone,  and  this 


year  it  has  been  very  beautiful,  full,  and  brilliant  in  colour.  Had  I  measured, 
on  the  other  hand,  my  old  friend  Geant  by  his  performances  this  year  I 
should  have  pronounced  him  but  a  poor  leader,  for  the  intense  heat  com- 
pletely took  away  all  his  brilliant  colour  ;  and,  again,  I  have  grown  for 
some  two  or  three  years  Leon  des  Combats,  but  I  never  saw  in  it  anything 
remarkable  ;  whereas  this  year  it  has  been  especially  beautiful.  I  do  not 
think  this  is  sufficiently  borne  in  mind  by  amateurs  ;  they  do  not  wait  to 
prove  their  flowers,  and  pronounce  them  worthless,  when  another  season 
would  perhaps  make  them  alter  their  opinion. 

And  then  there  is  the  insatiable  craving  for  novelties. — Have  you  got  any  neio 
Roses,  is  the  first  question  put  to  a  nurseryman  ;  if  he  say  no,  you  at  once 
set  him  down  as  behindhand  ;  if,  on  the  other  hand,  he  shows  you  some, 
how  readily  do  you  overlook  many  blemishes  because  they  are  new  ;  you 
persuade  yourself  that  thej^  must  be  much  better  than  the  older  varieties  ; 
you  buy  them,  and  after,  when  better  and  cooller  judgment  returns,  you 
find  that  you  have  foolishly  preferred  a  new  to  an  old  face — a  fault  not  con- 
fined to  Rose  growers. 


-»♦    -  •  -    -4- 


VISITS    TO    COUNTRY    PLACES.  — No.    XIV. 

Ijlcar   ^hincilcn,  '§,.  |. 

UR  series  of  visits  to  Country  Places  has  been  post- 
poned for  the  sake  of  variety,  and  in  obedience  to 
the  demands  of  correspondents.  Princeton  neigh- 
borhood occupied  our  last  notice,  but  was  left  in- 
complete. 

'Woocllawn,  the  seat  of  Richard  Stockton  Field,  Esq., 
presents  so  many  features  of  beauty  and  good 
planting,  that  we  return  to  it  once  more.  Its  grand 
feature  is  the  beauty  and  symmetry  of  the  ever- 
greens, planted  comparatively  only  yesterday,  and 
really  only  twelve  to  fourteen  years  ago.  The 
White  Pines  are  thirty  to  thirty-five  feet  high,  with  proportionate  breadth, 
though  two  of  them  have  assumed  the  precise  shape  of  the  old  Lombardy 
Poplar,  growing  into  a  cone-like  form  which  is  entirely  unusual,  and  for 
which  no  apparent  cause  can  be  assigned. 

But  the  beauty  is  by  no  means  confined  to  the  White  Pines.  Mr.  Field 
has  assembled  such  a  large  family  of  evergreens  as  we  rarely  meet  with, 
and  he  understands  their  wants  so  entirely  that  all  seem  grateful  inmates  ; 
the  rarer  kinds  hold  a  prominent  place  ;  the  generall}'- naked  Thuja pendula, 
or  Japan  AVeeping  Arbor  Vitfe,  here  has  really  a  dense  and  admirable 
growth.  In  juxtaposition  with  this  weeping  Asiatic,  is  the  Washingtonia 
gigantea,  the  giant  tree  of  California  ;  (in  the  open  centre  of  one  of  these 
trees,  in  its  native  haunt,  it  is  practicable  to  drive  a  Conestoga  wagon.) 
We  opine  that  this  tree  will  be  one  of  the  most  rapid  growers  of  all  our 
hardy  evergreens,  and  are  happy  to  say  many  specimens  inspected  this 
spring  indicate  its  adaptation  to  our  northern  climate. 

Mr.  Field's  Abies  Frazerii  is  about  twenty-five  feet  high,  round-hes 


358  VISITS    TO    COUNTRY   PLACES. NO.  XIV. 

of  a  beautiful  silvery  green,  and  an  exceedingly  rare  specimen.  It  is  very 
conspicuous  among  a  cluster  of  an  excellent  variety  of  some  of  our  native 
red  cedar  ;  it  requires  a  nice  eye  to  detect  some  varieties  of  this  neglected 
native  from  the  high  priced  and  incense  bearing  Juniper  of  Spain. 

The  dense-headed  Austrian  black  pine  makes  a  prominent  feature  amongst 
other  pyramidal  trees.  The  Cedar  of  Lebanon  has  always  been  regarded  as 
one  of  the  stubborn  foreigners,  but  here  it  grows  with  almost  the  rapidity 
of  a  White  Willow  ;  in  about  fifteen  years  it  has  attained  to  the  height  of 
thirty  feet,  and  stood  all  but  unscathed  during  two  late  hard  winters.  One 
of  the  causes  we  ascertained  to  be  the  nature  of  the  soil  in  which  it  grows  ; 
this  is  a  prominent  ridge  of  a  yellowish  loam  on  a  subsoil  of  gravel  pecu- 
liarly favorable  to  such  evergreens. 

Having  in  a  previous  article  noticed  the  principal  trees  of  rarity  of 
beauty,  we  cannot  repeat,  but  it  would  be  unpardonable  if  we  overlooked, 
(we  cannot  forget)^  a  plant  of  Juniperus  squamata,  the  most  interesting 
and  curious  specimen  we  have  ever  encountered.  The  lower  branches  form 
a  basin  in  vigorous  growth,  with  an  upright  center  of  about  five  feet  in  tlie 
exact  form  of  a  fountain—  an  actual  evergreen  fountain  situated  in  a  recess 
formed  by  a  wing  of  the  mansion.  This  unique  plant  would  amply  repay  a 
connoisseur  for  a  visit  to  this  noble  place. 

We  have  another  feature  in  the  outline  that  cannot  be  overlooked  ;  the 
useful  has  been  brought  into  happy  juxtaposition.  Pear  trees  of  distinct 
forms,  showing  the  judgment  and  care  of  the  proprietor  and  his  assistants, 
yield  abundance  of  fruit  for  the  home  and  its  visitors.  You  can  from  the 
roads  discern  the  best  kinds,  and  point  out  the  peculiar  conical  form  of  the 
Seckel,  the  tapering  cone-shaped  Lawrence,  the  pyramidal  Urbaniste,  the 
large  spreading  arms  of  the  Duchesse,  and  the  poplar  form  of  the  Buflfum. 
This  pear  tree  in  the  absence  of  the  un^varrantably  discarded  Lombardy 
should  not  be  overlooked  by  the  planter  who  would  introduce  a  useful  con- 
ical object.  It  is  hinted  that  the  finest  Buffum  is  to  give  way  for  the  con- 
templated new  pinetum,  but  that  one  specimen  we  hope  may  be  spared. 

Princeton  and  its  vicinity  contains  many  beautiful  places,  and  is  histor- 
ically interesting  from  its  colleges,  and  the  worthies  of  note  who  have  suc- 
cessively filled  its  learned  chairs. 

Iforven,  the  property  of  Commodore  Stockton,  is  a  fine  old  place  of  the 
times  of  the  Revolution,  having  been  in  the  family  ever  since  the  first  set- 
tlement of  the  State.  It  was  a  part  of  a  tract  of  land  purchased  of  William 
Penn  by  the  Commodore's  ancestor  more  than  a  century  and  a  half  ago,  and 
has  now  some  fine  Elms  planted  by  the  signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Inde- 
pendence, Richard  Stockton.  A  row  of  very  large  Catalpas,  extending  more 
than  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  were  in  full  bloom  at  our  late  visit,  presenting  a 
magnificent  appearance.  The  proprietor  resides  alternately  in  Philadelphia 
and  at  the  sea-side.  Morven  has  consequently  been  somewhat  neglected 
of  late,  and  it  shows  the  effects. 

Prospect,  late  the  residence  of  Thomas  F.  Potter,  and  now  that  of  his 
widow,  is  on  a  fine  site  overlooking  the  county  of  Monmouth  ;  the  view  is 
so  extensive  that  it  is  easy  to  fancy  one's  self  in  sight  of  the  sea,  which  in 
fact  is  not  very  distant.  Mr.  Potter  died  soon  after  the  completion  of  the 
mansion,  which  in  all  its  details  exhibits  the  good  taste  of  its  architect, 
Notman,  who  has  introduced  a  conservatory  attached  to  the  house,  and  a 
fine  grapery  now  very  productive,  that  adds  material  beauty  to  the  winter 
scene  ;  the  grounds  possess  great  capabilities. 


3£r.  Senator  Thomson''s  residence  is  almost  in  the  town,  consisting  of 
about  four  acres,  well  planted  and  giving  many  fine  eifects.  A  visit  to  it 
convinces  the  eye  that  it  possesses  the  requisites  of  a  country  seat.  There 
is  a  fine  collection  of  evergreens,  a  grapery  and  green  house,  and  every- 
thing is  kept  in  the  finest  order.  Mr.  James  Potter  has  a  place  of  about  the 
same  size  ;  it  is  also  distinguished  for  its  fine  evergreens,  and  has  a  fine 
grapery.  Here  we  would  remark  on  the  beauty  and  gentility  which  even  a 
few  evergreens  give  to  a  rural  scene  ;  they  warm  up  everything  near  ; 
without  them,  dreariness  comes  over  the  eye  and  the  spirits. 

The  places  of  Richard  Stockton,  and  John  P.  Stockton,  (the  latter  now 
our  minister  to  Rome,)  sons  of  the  Commodore,  are  comparatively  new,  but 
are  largely  planted,  and  their  trees  are  growing  finely.  Notman's  taste  is 
hei'e  again  apparent. 

Of  Princeton  College,  we  could  say  much,  but  may  only  note  a  few  of 
its  celebrated  Presidents.  The  first  was  Jonathan  Dickinson,  whose  ap- 
pointment was  made  in  1746,  and  from  whom  descended  our  townsman,  the 
late  John  Sergeant. 

Aaron  Burr  succeeded  Dickinson,  having  married  the  daughter  of  the 
celebrated  Jonathan  Edwards  ;  he  left  a  son,  the  too  celebrated  Aaron  Burr, 
who  in  spite  of  his  illustrious  parentage,  became  what  we  know  him  to  have 
been.  The  residence  of  President  Burr  is  still  extant  ;  and  the  murderer 
of  Hamilton  rests  near  by. 

Jonathan  Edwards  succeeded  his  son-in-law  as  President.  His  i-eputa- 
tion  is  world-wide,  and  needs  no  comment  here.  Samuel  Davies,  Samuel 
Finley,  Dr.  John  Witherspoon,  Dr.  Samuel  Stanhope  Smith,  Dr.  Ashbel 
Green,  Dr.  James  Clernahan,  and  now  Dr.  John  Maclean,  have  each  and  all 
added  to  the  fame  of  this  celebrated  seat  of  learning,  which  numbers  on  its 
roll  of  alumni  very  many  eminent  scholars,  divines,  lawyers,  and  politi- 
cians, and  is  still  in  the  full  career  of  its  usefulness. 


NEW    PLANTS. 


Begonia  Rex.  Nat.  Ord.  Begoniacece. — No  description  can  give  an  ade- 
quate idea  of  this,  the  most  striking  of  all  the  Begonias  we  have  seen,  which 
throws  every  other  into  the  shade,  and  fully  justifies  its  specific  name,  being 
decidedly  the  "  King"  of  this  fine  tribe.  Its  great  attraction  consists  in  its 
splendid  foliage,  which  measures  about  ten  inches  across,  the  centre  of  a 
deep  olive-green,  reflecting  a  metallic  blue,  surrounded  by  a  broad  silvery 
white  band,  which  is  again  encompassed  with  a  wide  edge  of  olive-green. 
The  flowers  are  also  of  large  size,  and  rose-colored.  It  is  a  native  of  Assam, 
where  it  inhabits  the  temperate  region  of  the  Himalayas,  and  was  discovered 
by  Mr.  Simons.  Messrs.  Rollinson  possess  the  stock,  and  are  about  to  send 
it  out. — Botanical  Magazine. 

Campylobotris  Argyroneura.  Nat.  Ord.  Biihiacece. — A  charming  little 
species,  growing  six  or  eight  inches  high,  and  closely  allied  to  C.  Discolor., 
but  distinguished  by  the  silvery  nervures  of  the  leaf,  the  edges  of  which  are 
(especially  in  the  case  of  the  young  ones)  margined  with  rose,  and  fringed 
with  cilisea  of  the  same  color  ;  their  upper  surface  is  of  a  fine  olive  or 
brownish  green,  with  a  satiny  appearance.  It  will  be  cultivated  chiefly  for 
its  beauty  as  a  plant  with  ornamental  foliage.  From  Chiapas,  where  it  was 
detected  through  the  indefatigable  zeal  of  Mr.  Ghiesbreght. — Ibid. 


RUSTIC    FURNITUEE. 


RUSTIC   FURNITURE.— SECOND  ARTICLE. 

In  apple  wood,  gnarled  and  bossed  into  natural  rosettes  by  frequent 
pruning,  and  nature's  efforts  to  heal  the  wounds,  will  be  found  material  well 
suited  to  the  purpose  of  making  Rustic  Furniture.    The  old  wood  of  Kalmia 

from  the  Southern  swamps  is  much  em- 
ployed in  Baltimore,  where  an  extensive 
manufactory  has  been  established  by  an 
individual  who  began  in  a  very  small 
way,  but  now  supplies  a  large  region  of 
countrj'-.  Pear,  plum,  and  oak,  especially 
the  white  oak,  are  also  suitable  from  the 
frequent  bendings  and  elbows  of  their 
growth.  The  wood  should  be  dry  before 
working  ;  it  may  be  either  used  with 
the  bark  on  and  a  coat  or  two  of  paint 
applied  after  the  manufacture  of  the  ar- 
ticle, or  the  bark  may  be  removed  and 
the  work  finished  with  a  coat  of  "  out- 
side" varnish.  This  is  far  preferable,  as 
the  bark,  if  the  paint  is  not  renewed,  is 
apt  in  a  year  or  two  to  separate  and  peel 
off.  By  revarnishing  in  spring  they  will 
look  "  as  good  as  new."  Figure  6  is  an- 
other pattern  of  a  chair. 

FiQ.  6. 

Figure  *r,  an  arm  chair.  Care 
must  be  taken  that  sufficient  symme- 
try is  preserved.  Employ  the  same 
means  as  suggested  for  No.  6,  in 
the  last  number.  The  two  front  legs, 
it  will  be  observed,  are  braced  by 
natural  limbs,  and  the  arms  have 
been  selected  from  what  would  have 
formed  "knee  j^jints"  for  the  ship 
builder,  had  they  remained  long 
enough  in  growth. 

Flower  baskets,  such  as  shown  at 
figure  8,  may  be  manufactured  by 
covering  old  butter  firkins,  or  other 
packing  cases  with  split  hazel  rods, 
either  perpendicularly  applied,  as 
trellis,  or  in  any  other^  decorative 
arrangement  ;  taste  in  such  matters 
speedily  growing  with  the  exercise 
of  the  habit  of  construction. 

Fig.  9  is  produced  bj'  employing 
the  same  means  with  the  base,  and 
by  taking  a  hoop  to  attach  upright 
slats  made  as  fancy  may  direct  or 
employing  hazel  rods. 


;2S^-^ 


'c^t^ 


RATS,    AND    OTHER    MATTERS. 


361 


The  laborer  who  has  tried  and  succeeded  in  making  some  of  these  simple 
appendages  to  his  garden  will  soon  be  led  on  to  the  construction  of  rustic 
fences,  porches,  &c.  He  will  learn  to  weave  the  branches  into  grotesque 
and  picturesque  combinations — to  pave  the  floor  with  pebbles  or  with  short 


iJl_Q_ 


Fio.  8. 


Fig 


pieces  of  the  branch  sawn  across  and  placed  perpendicularly  in  sand.  With 
the  decoration  and  improvement  of  his  cottage  and  garden  self  respect  and 
comfort  in  his  home  will  grow,  increased  by  this  occupation  of  his  time, 
and  his  house  will  become  what  it  ought  to  be,  attractive  to  himself  and 
family. 


RATS,  AND  OTHER  MATTERS. 

Some  people  believe  that  Rats  take  a  tenth  of  the  farmer's  produce.  They 
are  certainly  very  destructive  pests,  both  iu  town  and  country  ;  the  person 
who  would  invent  a  certain  mode  of  destroying  them  would  confer  a  vast 
benefit  on  his  species.  The  only  approved  methods  are  to  employ  tar  around 
their  holes  and  runs,  and  if  possible  to  catch  one  of  the  enemy,  tar  him  well 
and  let  him  go,  or  so  to  balance  the  top  of  a  barrel  that  it  will  turn  easily, 
and  deposit  the  vermin  in  water.  Among  the  volumes  on  our  table,  is  the 
new  London  book  of  Francis  T.  Buckland,  son  of  the  geologist,  entitled 
"  Curiosities  of  Natural  History,"  in  which  we  find  two  capital  chapters  ; 
the  first,  "  A  Hunt  in  a  Horse  Pond,"  describing  the  wonders  of  insect  life  ; 
and  the  second,  an  "  Essay  on  Rats."     On  the  subject  of  traps,  he  says  : 

"  The  iron  wire  cage  traps,  and  the  common  hutch  traps,  are  sometimes 
useful  in  houses,  but  they  soon  lose  their  efl&cacy,  because  after  one  or  two 
rats  are  caught,  the  others  find  out  that  it  is  a  dangerous  machine  and  do 
not  go  into  it.  The  traps  then  do  more  harm  than  good,  because  the  rats 
smell  the  bait,  come  to  it  from  all  parts,  and,  as  we  have  seen,  news  flies 
quickly  among  them,  you  get  your  neighbors  rats  as  well  as  your  own  into 
your  premises.     They  play  round  the  bait,  but  do  not  go  into  the  trap  ; 


Vol.  VIII.— August,  1858. 


24 


then,  being  hungry,  both  the  strangers  and  the  original  rats  of  the  place 
begin  foraging  about,  and  make  holes  in  the  corn  bins,  cupboards,  &c. 
The  same  thing  holds  good  with  the  fly-papers  ;  it  is  true  you  catch  some 
of  the  flies,  but  you  get  double  your  share  of  flies  in  the  room,  as  they  are 
attracted  by  the  poison  placed  for  them." 

Mr.  Buckland  tells  a  curious  story  of  "  the  trumpet  rat,"  which  has  deceived 
numbers  of  naturalists,  but  at  last  has  been  found  out.  They  are  manufac- 
tured for  sale  to  amateurs  !  thus  :  take  two  rats,  tie  their  hams  firmly  on  a 
board,  the  nose  of  the  one  close  to  the  end  of  the  tail  of  the  other  ;  with  a 
penknife  or  lancet  make  an  incision  into  the  nose  of  the  rat  which  is  hinder- 
most,  and  graft  it  into  the  incision  of  the  nose  ;  tie  firmly  the  muzzle  to  the 
tail,  and  leave  the  rats  in  this  position  for  forty-eight  hours.  At  the  end  of 
the  time  the  union  has  taken  place,  and  the  two  parts  have  grown  together  ; 
then  cut  ofi"  the  tail  of  the  rat  which  is  in  front  to  the  required  length,  and 
let  him  go,  but  still  keep  the  other  tied  to  the  board,  but  with  his  head  loose, 
and  give  him  something  to  eat.  At  the  end  of  a  month  or  more  the  wound 
is  perfectly  healed  ;  and  the  eyes  of  the  most  curious  would  not  see  a  trace 
of  the  grafting.  This  is  done  by  Zouaves,  it  is  said  ;  it  is  true  that  the  spur 
of  a  chicken  may  be  grafted  into  its  comb  ;  but  in  the  rat  experiment,  we 
must  say  the  difiiculty  of  holding  the  patients  still  and  without  biting  ren- 
ders the  story  apochryphal. 

Our  author  is  full  of  anecdote  ;  of  a  certain  caterpillar,  he  says  :  "  There 
is  a  genuine  case  of  a  living  creature  becoming  converted  into  a  vegetable. 
It  occurs  in  a  caterpillar  that  lives  in  New  Zealand  and  in  Australia.  There 
are  several  specimens  at  the  College  of  Surgeons.  We  see  a  caterpillar  as 
hard  as  if  it  was  carved  out  of  wood,  and  from  it  is  growing  a  long  stem. 
The  history  of  it  is  as  follows  :  The  caterpillar  eats  a  fungus,  or  the  sporules 
of  a  fungus,  and  these  immediately  begin  to  grow  in  its  inside.  The  beast 
feels  uncomfortable,  and  possibly  thinking  it  is  going  to  turn  into  a  chry- 
salis, buries  itself  in  the  ground,  and  there  dies.  The  fungus  goes  on 
growing  and  absorbing  the  entire  contents  of  the  skin,  taking  the  exact 
form  of  the  creature.  Having  done  this,  it  throws  out  a  shoot,  and  this 
always  at  a  certain  fixed  spot,  namely,  at  the  pole  at  the  back  of  the  head. 
This  caterpillar  is  found  also  in  China,  where  it  is  used  for  food." 

A  barber  told  Mr.  Buckland  that  he  was  in  the  habit  of  selling  the  human 
hair  clipped  from  customers  at  six  pence  a  bushel  to  a  farmer,  who  declared 
that  the  places  where  he  had  put  the  hair  did  not  require  manure  for  three 
years  afterwards. 


HYBRIDIZING. 

BY    WM.    N.    WHITE,    ATHENS,    GEORGIA. 


In  the  preceding  article  we  endeavored  to  establish  that  the  vine  pre- 
sents unusual  obstacles  to  cross  fertilization.  In  the  present,  we  shall  give 
the  evidence  we  promised,  that  hybridizing,  though  readily  effected  in  cer- 
tain exceptional  and  rare  cases,  is  in  general  by  no  means  an  easy  matter  ; 
and  that  when  effected,  the  beauty  and  brilliancy  of  our  greenhouses  and 
flower  gardens  may  be  greatly  increased  ;  still  the  vinegrower  or  or- 
chardist  can  expect  little  benefit.  We  shall  also  at  the  same  time  endeavor 
to  show  why  this  process  has  been  thus  successful  in  the  domains  of  Flora, 


while  in  those  of  Pomona  "  the  efforts  of  the  hybridizer  are  yet  to  be  heard 
from,"  and  in  conclusion,  touch  upon  the  most  successful  metFiod  of  originat- 
ing new  varieties  of  fruit. 

I.  As  in  the  nature  of  things  there  are  reasons  why  we  should  not  expect 
fruitful  hybrids  to  be  numerous,  for  if  man  could  without  limit  produce 
crosses,  species  and  genera  would  soon  be  obliterated,  and  unlimited  con- 
fusion supplant  the  present  orderly  arrangement  of  nature  ;  so  do  we  find 
in  fact  that  h^'brids  are  not  common,  while  fruitful  ones  are  still  more  rare. 
In  the  animal  kingdom,  no  man's  wealth  will  be  much  increased  by  the  pro- 
geny of  his  mules.  In  the  vegetable  world,  I  for  one  do  not  expect  our 
markets  to  be  freely  supplied  with,  or  otir  goblets  to  overflow  with,  the 
juices  of  hybridized  fruits.  What  is  the  testimony  of  those  botanists  who 
have  made  this  subject  a  speciality  ?  "  The  experiments  of  Kohlreuter  on 
the  hibiscus  and  cucurbitacee  prove  that  there  are  certain  species  that  can- 
not be  crossed,"  (De  Candolle.  Veg.  Physiologic,  p.  104.)  "Many  cases  are 
recorded  of  nearly  allied  species  refusing  to  intermix.  Mr.  Knight  could 
not  succeed  in  eifecting  a  cross  between  the  common  and  the  Morello  cher- 
ries-," (species  nearly  allied,  with  blossoms  convenient  for  operating,)  and 
Dr.  Lindley  records  his  vain  endeavors  to  cross  the  gooseberry  and  currant. 
Such  plants  as  the  apple  and  pear,  the  raspberry  and  blackberry,  though 
very  closely  connected  have  not  been  known  to  intermix,"  (Lond.  Hort.  Mag., 
quoted  in  Horticulturist,  July,  1848.)  "It  might  be  expected  that  hybrid- 
ization would  be  much  more  easy  in  dioecious  than  in  hermaphrodite  plants  ; 
the  females,  being  more  removed  from  the  males,  ought  more  readily  to 
receive  a  strange  pollen  ;  but  M.  Lecoq  remarks,  that  the  observed  facts 
seem  contrary  to  this  expectation,  there  being  very  few  hybrids  of  dioecious 
plants  ;  as  if  being  more  exposed  t©  mixture  they  are  protected  by  an  organ- 
ization more  fixed  which  admits  the  action  only  of  the  pollen  of  its  own 
species,"  (D.  C.  Veg.  Phys.  p.  T05.)  "  These  circumstances  "  (to  wit,  difi'erent 
species  not  blooming  together — the  necessity  of  the  stamens  of  the  plant 
acted  on  being  removed,  fertilization  taking  place  under  special  integu- 
ments, and  the  preponderating  influence  of  a  plant's  own  pollen,)  "render 
natural  hybridization  more  rare  than  one  thinks,"  (ibid,  p  706.)  ''Hybrid 
fecundation  in  general  is  less  perfect  than  natural.  Gaertner  cites  many 
proofs.  In  cross  fecundations  made  by  him  with  the  greatest  care  upon 
nineteen  flowers  of  Nicotiana  Langsdorfii,  fertilized  with  N.  Marylandica,  and 
also  in  fourteen  of  the  same  fertilized  with  N.  paniculata,  only  five  succeeded. 
In  nine  of  the  same  species,  fertilized  with  N.  quadrivalis,  only  one  suc- 
ceeded ;  in  some  cases,  however,  all  succeeded,"  (ibid,  114.)  The  nicotiana, 
or  tobacco  tribe,  by  the  by,  is  one  of  the  easi(;st  to  cross.  "  The  number 
of  fertilized  seeds  in  each  fruit  in  cross  fertilization  is  much  less  than  in 
those  which  are  natural  ;  thus  the  papaver  somniferum  contains  ordinarily 
two  thousand  seeds,  crossed  with  the  glaucium  luteum,  only  six  were  found," 
(ibid.) 

Again  ;  "Recent  experiments  have  led  to  the  following  results  :  (1.)  It 
is  a  much  more  difficult  operation  to  produce  hybrids  even  under  every  ad- 
vantage than  is  usually  supposed.  The  number  of  species  capable  of  being 
impregnated  even  by  skillful  management,  is  very  few  ;  and  in  nature  the 
stigma  exerts  a  specific  action  which  not  only  favors  and  quickens  the  opera- 
of  the  pollen  of  its  own  species,  but  resists  and  retards  that  of  another 
that  the  artist  has  not  only  to  forestall  the  natural  operation,  but  to 


N^       36 1  HYBRIDIZING. 

perieiice  opposition  to  his  conducting  the  artificial  one.  (2.)  Even  when 
impregnation  is  effected,  very  few  seeds  are  produced.  Still  fewer  of  these 
ripen  ;  and  fewest  of  all  become  healthy  plants,  capable  of  maintaining  an 
independent  existence.  (3.)  The  offspring  of  a  hybrid  has  never  yet  been 
known  to  possess  a  character  foreign  to  those  of  its  parents  ;  but  it  blends 
those  of  each,  whence  hybridization  must  be  regarded  as  a  means  of  obliter- 
ating, not  creating,  species.  (4.)  The  offspring  of  hybrids  are  almost  inva- 
riably  barren,  nor  do  we  know  of  an  authentic  instance  of  the  second  gener- 
ation maturing  its  seeds.  (5.)  In  the  animal  kingdom,  hybrids  are  still 
rarer  in  an  artificial  state  ;  are  all  but  unknown  in  a  natural  one,  and  are 
almost  invariably  barren."  (Hooker  and  Thompson's  Flora  Indica,  quoted 
by  A.  Gray,  in  Silliman's  Journal,  January,  1856.) 

"  With  I'egard  to  the  facility  with  which  hybrids  are  produced,  the  preva- 
lent opinions  are  extremely  erroneous.  Gaertner,  the  most  recent  and  care- 
ful experimenter,  who  appears  to  have  prosecuted  his  inquiries  in  a  most 
philosophical  spirit,  says,  that  ten  thousand  experiments  ^ipo7i  seven  hundred 
species  produced  only  tv)o  hundred  and  fifty  true  hybrids.  It  would  have 
been  most  interesting  had  he  added  how  many  of  these  produced  seeds  ; 
how  many  of  the  latter  were  fertile,  and  for  how  many  generations  they 
were  propagated."  (J.  D.  Hooker's  Flora  of  New  Zealand,  quoted  in  Silli- 
man's Journal,  vol.  l*!,  new  series,  p.  335.) 

Finally,  "  An}'  continued  effects  of  hybridization  in  uncontrolled  nature 
seems  to  be  thoroughly  guarded  against  in  two  ways  ;  first,  by  the  consti- 
tutional debility  if  not  the  invariable  sterility  of  the  hybrid  offspring,  ren- 
dering it  of  transient  duration  ;  secondly,  by  the  fact  that  when  prolific  at 
all,  they  usually  become  so  through  fertilization  by  one  or  the  other  of  the 
parents  when  the  offspring  reverts  to  that  specific  type."  (A.  Gray,  Silli- 
man's Journal,  17,  p.  344.)  Such  is  the  evidence  that^V^,  general  hybridizing 
is  no  easy  matter.  Whether  the  vine  is  a  special  exception  I  do  not  care 
just  now  further  to  discuss  as  with  the  present  evidence  my  own  opinion  is 
unchanged.  Five  years  will  show,  (with  so  many  zealous  experimenters  in 
the  field,)  whether  to  hybridize  it  is  in  general  a  practicable  thing,  and 
whether  such  hybrids  if  obtained  would  be  of  any  value.  But  these  points 
I  will  not  entirely  pass  over  now. 

II.  We  know  there  are  a  few  genera,  such  as  Rhododendrons,  Pansies, 
Fuchsias,  Roses,  Verbenas,  &c.,  in  which  the  species  do  readily  hj'bridize. 
These  genera  are  very  few  ;  but  our  critics  insist  that  the  vine  is  one  of  them. 
Grant  it  for  tlie  moment,  will  not  "  the  constitutional  debility,  if  not  the 
invariable  sterility  of  the  hybrid  offspring"  be  likely  to  render  it  useless  in 
the  vineyard?  If  a  plant,  in  the  greenhouse  or  flower  garden,  have  even 
but  a  moderate  constitutional  vigor,  sterility  renders  it  all  the  more  de- 
sirable. In  a  fertile  plant,  says  De  Candolle,  the  withering  and  fall  of  the 
coral  of  a  flower  is  determined  by  a  perfect  fertilization,  and  takes  place 
more  or  less  promptly  as  the  fecundation  is  more  or  less  complete.  Theu 
all  the  accumulated  nourishment  and  juices  of  the  plant  go  to  perfect  the 
seed.  If  no  fecundation,  or  an  imperfect  one  takes  place,  a  part  of  the 
juices  of  the  plant  continue  to  nourish  and  sustain  in  beauty  and  freshness 
the  corollas  already  expanded,  while  the  remaining  elaborated  nourishment 
is  diverted  to  the  formation  of  new  flowers.  It  is  from  not  seeding  freely  that, 
the  case  of  double  flowers,  each  individual  flower  continues  longer  ex- 
ded  before  withering,  a  fresh  succession  of  blooms  is  thrown  up,  and 


■  ^^^^.^^J^' 


still  the  plant  is  far  less  exhausted  thau  if  it  had  borne  seed.  Single  dahlias 
continue  in  bloom  but  a  short  time,  and  each  flower  is  transient,  and  the 
small  tubers  show  how  little  nourishment  is  laid  up  for  another  season. 
The  double  dahlia  on  the  contrarj--,  blooms  through  the  season,  and  in  this 
case,  as  in  general,  the  more  double  the  flowers  of  a  plant  may  be  the  longer 
will  each  flower  remain  fresh  ;  the  more  continuedly  will  it  be  in  flower  ; 
and  if  a  perennial,  the  better  state  will  it  be  in  for  blooming  finely  the  en- 
suing year.  Hybrid  plants  seldom  or  never  producing  perfect  seed,  their 
unfertilized  flowers  retain  the  nourishment  nature  destines  for  the  germ, 
gorging  the  existing  petals  with  accumulated  juices  ;  another  portion  of 
Avhich  often  goes  to  develope  new  petals,  rendering  the  flower  more  or  less 
double  ;  or  if  the  plant  still  remains  single,  yet  from  the  same  cause,  (its 
sterility,)  presenting  a  like  persistance,  profusion,  and  renewal  of  its  bloom. 
To  produce  and  ripen  its  seed,  is  the  greatest  drain  upon  its  vitality  to 
which  a  plant  is  subjected.  Annuals  and  biennials,  if  not  suffered  to  seed, 
can  often  be  made  of  perennial  duration.  On  the  contrary,  who  has  not 
seen  vines  and  fruit  trees  which  have  exhausted  themselves  and  perished  in 
maturing  too  large  a  crop  ?  But  the  hybrids  of  the  flower  garden  being 
generally  subjected  to  the  most  favorable  conditions  as  to  care  and  nour- 
ishment, especially  as  they  are  seldom  taxed  with  maturing  seed,  can  be 
kept  in  health  and  beauty  even  if  there  does  exist  some  tendency  to  consti- 
tutional debility.  Here,  then,  hybrids  are  deservedly  great  favorites,  and 
the  accomplishment  of  more  than  we  expected  from  our  efibrts  in  hybridizing 
flowering  plants  has  led  us  to  expect  more  than  we  are  likely  to  accomplish 
by  our  efi"orts  in  hybridizing  fruit  bearing  ones.  While  our  fruit  books  are 
filled  with  the  names  of  chance  seedlings  of  great  excellence,  the  labors  of 
the  hybridizer  thus  far  have  given  us  only  the  promise  of  good  things  to  come. 
Not  a  single  hybrid  fruit  is  yet  in  general  cultivation. 

Do  we  owe  much  more  to  cross-breeding  ?  Of  the  nearly  three  thousand 
varieties  described  in  the  new  edition  of  Downing's  Fruits,  are  there  thirty 
that  with  any  show  of  reason  are  claimed  to  be  cross-bred  ?  Of  these,  are 
there  over  three  first  class  fruits  ?  All  the  results  of  Mr.  Knight's  trials  in 
crossing  the  pear,  with  one  exception,  (Pengethby,)  are  placed  by  Downing 
in  the  third  class  among  the  rejected.  Mr.  Berckmaus  writes  me,  that  "  Dr. 
Brinckle  has  tried  cross  fertilizing.  I  have  all  his  grafts,  over  five  hundred 
with  pedigree  and  lineage.  His  chance  seedlings  from  good  pears,  super- 
cede all  his  laboriously  fertilized  ones,  most  of  which  present  a  very  dubious 
character,  some  being  entirely  wild,  slender  or  sickly."  No  one  will  claim 
that  the  proportion  of  good  fruits  hitherto  raised  by  crossing  varieties  has 
been  greater  than  from  the  chance  seedlings  of  the  same  varieties  without 
cross  impregnation.  If  Providence  had  left  mankind  from  the  creation  until 
Knight  was  born  to  depend  upon  cross  fertilization  for  good  fruits,  very 
possibly  he  might  have  been  born  into  a  world  where  no  fruit  trees  were 
left  to  be  crossed.  They  would  already  have  been  exterminated  as  worth- 
less. 

To  originate  improved  varieties  of  fruit,  let  us  then  no  longer  look  to 
hybridization  ;  for  if  the  operation  is  successful,  the  resulting  plant  is  very 
likely  to  be  debilitated,  if  not  sterile  ;  neither  to  cross  fertilizing  varieties, 
for  the  manipulation  requires  the  nicest  care  ;  and,  as  we  have  seen,  is  quite 
uncertain  in  its  results.  Even  if  as  is  claimed  we  could  in  hybridizing, 
thereby  combine  all  the  separate  excellences  of  the  two  species  crossed, 
(''and  the  ofispring  of  a  hybrid  has  never  been  known  to  possess  a  charac- 


'^^ 


HYBRIDIZING. 


ter  forei^^n  to  its  parents,")  we  could  at  best  obtain  in  the  result  only  the 
sum  of  the  excellences  of  the  two  parents.  So  iu  crossing  varieties.  By  what 
blending  all  the  excellences  of  the  two  best  pears  existing  seventy-five 
years  since,  could  we  have  reached  the  matchless  flavor  of  Belle  Lucrative 
or  Seckel  ?  Could  any  crossing  among  our  harsh  and  worthless  native  grapes 
by  combining  existing  flavors,  have  produced  such  grapes  as  Lenoir  and 
Warren  ?  And  yet  without  the  slightest  proof  of  such  intermixture,  and  still 
less  of  a  foreign  cross,  what  a  number  of  really  valuable  native  varieties 
have  sprung  up  the  last  few  years.  These  fruits  are  not  merely  the  sum  of 
existing  excellences.  Even  the  Isabella  is  something  more  than  equal  to 
Fox  grape  plus  Summer  grape  ;  and  in  Delaware,  Lenoir,  Warren,  and 
Rebecca  how  vast  is  the  advance. 

III.  How,  then,  shall  new  varieties  be  obtained  ?  Obviously  by  follow- 
ing the  practice  of  those  who  already  really  have  succeeded.  Let  us  take 
advantage  of  the  tendency  to  sport,  more  or  less  inherent  in  all  fruit-bearing 
plants,  that  have  already  left  in  some  degree  the  wild  state,  or  which,  while 
still  wild  and  harsh,  are  by  cultivation  subjected  to  new  influences  and  con- 
ditions. It  is  not  enough,  however,  merely  to  sow  the  seeds  of  good  fruits, 
as  "  Poiteau  tells  us,  that  Duhamel  during  the  long  course  of  his  scientific 
career  planted  the  seeds  of  all  the  best  fruits  which  were  eaten  at  his  table, 
without  being  able  to  produce  a  single  fruit  worthy  of  cultivation.  The 
Alfroys  had  during  three  successive  generations  adopted  the  same  course, 
and  with  no  better  success,"  (Kenrick.)  Van  Mon's  first  seedlings,  also 
from  the  old  decayed  varieties,  such  as  Choumontel,  St.  Germain,  &c.,  Mr. 
Berckmans  informs  me,  gave  him  no  good  result,  but  returned  at  once  to 
their  wild  state.  He  presently  found,  other  things  being  equal,  "  the  older 
a  pear  is  of  any  cultivated  variety,  the  nearer  will  the  seedlings  raised  from 
it  approach  the  wild  state."  "  He  was  more  successful  in  the  progeny  of 
these  wildings,  but  still  more  so  when  he  resorted  to  the  seeds  of  the  then 
recently  improved  varieties  originated  by  Duquesne,  and  Hardenpont,  &c. 
From  the  seeds  of  such  renovated  varieties  as  Glout  Morceau,  Napoleon, 
Marie  Louise,  and  especially  Passe  Colmar,  his  best  pears  were  derived. 
Passe  Colmar  was  considered  the  standard  of  good  seeds,  and  its  genera- 
tions have  filled  our  catalogues  with  most  delicious  fruits."  In  originating 
improved  varieties,  he  found  "  the  art  to  consist  in  regenerating,  in  a  direct 
line  of  descent,  and  as  rapidl}^  as  possible,  taking  care  that  there  shall  be 
no  interval  between  the  generations."  He  says,  to  sow  and  resow,  in  short, 
to  do  nothing  but  sow,  is  the  practice  to  be  pursued,  and  which  cannot  be 
departed  from  ;  and  in  short  this  is  the  whole  secret  of  the  art  I  have  em- 
ploj'ed."  Again,  "the  result  of  attempts  to  vary  is  to  ameliorate  :  a  fruit 
ceases  to  change  only  when  it  can  be  no  further  ameliorated,  and  becomes 
fixed  at  its  ultimate  point  of  perfection."  "  I  have  arrived  at  a  point,  as  I 
had  foreseen,  where,  instead  of  as  at  first  gaining  only  one  good  fruit  among 
an  infinity  of  bad,  I  have  only  one,  or  rather  no  bad  among  an  infinity 
of  good  or  tolerable."  "  Those  who  have  followed  my  method,  and  sown 
seeds  of  my  new  varieties,  have  already  obtained  some  excellent  fruits." 
Van  Mons  tried  all  fruits,  but  Mr.  Berckmans  states,  "  soon  left  all  except 
the  'rebel'  pear  tree.  He  told  me,  that  after  three  generations  of  peaches, 
plums,  and  apples,  all  were  good  and  that  'it  was  disgusting'  to  stick  to 
uch  experiments.  He  was  enamored  of  difficulty,  and  found  the  pear 
thing  to  keep  his  energy  of  mind  alive."     This  method  pursued  by 


^^ 


HYBRIDIZING. 


Mons  was  so  successful,  that  in  the  words  of  de  Jonghe,  "  to  him  we  are 
indebted  for  a  greater  number  of  fine  pears  than  have  been  handed  down 
to  us  from  all  previous  ages,  and  from  all  the  nurserymen  and  pomologists 
of  modern  times."  At  the  death  of  Van  Mons,  all  his  remaining  seedlings 
passed  into  the  hands  of  A.  Bivort.  During  his  life,  his  grounds  having 
been  three  times  encroached  upon  by  public  works,  he  gave  freely  to  his 
con-espondents  in  America,  Belgium,  and  France,  of  his  seedlings  still  un- 
tested. Among  the  recipients  were  Manning,  Poiteau  (800  at  once).  Tou- 
gard,  Demeraire,  Diel,  Drapiez,  Millot  four  or  five  hundred.  Bonnet  and 
Leon  le  Clerc  of  Laval.  From  these  originated  the  best  of  the  French  (so 
called)  seedlings.  In  the  sum  of  the  results  of  the  Van  Mons  theory,  we 
must  include  then  not  only  the  great  number  of  choice  fruits  that  have  his 
name  attached  to  them,  in  our  Catalogues  and  Fruit  books,  but  likewise 
those  credited  to  Bivort  and  others  who  came  into  possession  of  his  seed- 
lings. Consider  also  that  every  year  is  still  bringing  for  the  first  time  into 
fruit  desirable  varieties  of  the  Van  Mons  collection.  Add  to  these  the  nu- 
merous varieties  originated  by  Esperin,  Berckmans,  and  his  other  disciples, 
and  tell  me  if  he  was  not  right  in  his  theory,  that  the  seeds  of  netcly  obtained 
or  renovated  varieties  are  more  apt  to  produce  good  residts.  Why  in  a  little 
garden  in  Jodoigne,  Gregoire,  by  dropping  promiscuously  a  few  seeds  of 
recently  obtained  varieties  of  the  pear,  has  reared  at  least  twenty  sorts  of 
great  merit.     (L.  Berchmans.) 

Before  Van  Mens  or  his  theory  existed,  his  practice  had  been  in  a  manner 
successfully  inaugurated.  I  refer  to  the  successive  reproductions  resorted 
to  in  forming  our  American  orchards  (See  Downing,  Fruits,  p.  1).  Our 
fathers  brought  from  the  old  world  seeds  of  their  best  fruits.  Probably  the 
immediate  seedlings  of  these,  like  the  first  trials  of  Van  Mons,  returned  in 
a  measure  to  their  wild  state.  Still  from  the  best  of  these  seedlings,  the 
children  of  the  colonists  as  they  moved  westward,  or  opened  new  lands  at 
home,  planted  their  own  orchards.  In  this  manner — by  sowing  and  resow- 
ing — have  been  produced  our  unrivalled  American  apples.  Even  our  Cher- 
okee Indians  within  sixty  years  have  thus  raised  more  fine  varieties  of  the 
apple  ("  of  surpassing  quality,"  Charles  Downing  says,)  and  suited  to  our 
climate,  than  there  are  cross-bred  fruits  described  in  our  books.  Thus  origi- 
nated such  pears  as  Seckel,  Sheldon,  Ott,  Tyson,  Kirtland,  Dix,  Kingsessing, 
Brandywine,  and  Washington.  Are  there  as  fine  ones  to  be  met  with  among 
those  cross-bred?  In  like  manner  have  been  produced  all  we  need  desire 
in  the  way  of  cherries  and  plums,  and  a  list  of  peaches  Europe  cannot  rival. 
In  this  immediate  section,  the  seedling  peach  orchards  have  furnished  a  list 
of  Clings  as  large  as  that  of  your  Catalogue's,  equal  in  flavor,  and  prolong- 
ing the  peach  season  here  fully  two  months.  By  a  collection  made  in  a 
single  season,  from  a  wider  area,  the  duration  of  good  Freestone  varieties 
was  equally  extended.  We  have  already  alluded  to  the  rapid  amelioration 
our  native  grapes  are  undergoing.  The  best  of  these  are  of  unknown  parent- 
age, (except  as  to  the  species,)  but  the  Louisa,  Mary  Ann,  Diana,  Tokalon, 
Anna  and  Emily  sprung  from  recently  obtained  varieties,  while  the  Concord 
seems  to  have  been  raised  from  a  wilding,  exactly  on  the  Van  Mons  method. 
So  successful  have  we  been  in  gaining  good  varieties  of  fruit  by  these 
repeated  reproductions,  that  we  could  to-day  give  "back  to  Europe  more  and 
better  varieties  than  we  have  retained  of  those  she  has  originated. 

Is  it  not,  then,  evident  to  those  who  have  followed  me  through  this  Ion 
article,  that  if  we  wish  to  gain  still  more  improved  varieties,  we  will 


MOKE   NOTES    ON   PEARS. 


well  to  SOW  the  seeds  of  an  improved  fruit,  recently  originated,  and  trust  to 
nature  and  chance  for  the  result  ?  In  this  waj'^  we  have  hitherto  done  passa- 
bly well.  The  hybridizers,  I  wish,  may  do  as  well  or  better.  Gentlemen, 
if  you  have  already  done  so,  bring  on  your  grapes. 


MORE  NOTES  ON  PEARS. 

BY  JOHK  B.  EATON,  BUFFALO,  NEW  YORK. 

Among  the  few  varieties  which  I  had  an  opportunity  of  observing  and 
tasting  last  season,  were  several  of  those  sorts  which  have  not  yet  become 
so  widely  known  as  to  be  considered  old,  respecting  which  I  myself  am 
always  glad  to  obtain  information,  and  assume  that  the  same  desire  exists 
with  others  of  your  "  parish." 

The  extremely  unfavorable  season  undoubtedly  detracted  much  from  the 
excellence  of  some  sorts,  and  rendered  them  smaller  than  they  would  other- 
wise have  been.  Not  less  marked  was  its  influence  on  the  gross  amount  of 
the  crop,  leaving  many  trees  which  should  have  fruited  without  a  single 
specimen,  and  others  with  but  enough  for  a  taste.  Still  individual  trees 
were  finely  loaded,  among  which  I  now  remember  a  Doyenn^  d'Ete,  a  Flem- 
ish Beauty,  a  Bartlett,  and  a  Beurre  d'Anjou,  which  were  perfect  spectacles 
of  fruitfulness.  The  two  former  were  standards  (planted  in  1849),  the 
others  dwarfs. 

The  Beurre  d'Anjou  I  was  well  pleased  with.  Although  not  quite  so  high- 
flavored  as  some  of  the  specimens  which  I  have  seen  in  Boston  (and  much 
smaller  owing  to  the  large  crop),  its  nearly  uniform  size,  fine  appearance, 
and  profusion  of  fruit,  with  the  fine  growth,  and  habit  of  the  tree,  formed  a 
combination  of  good  points  much  to  be  desired.  I  have  fruited  it  two  or 
three  times  before,  but  in  small  quantities,  and  generally  under  unfavorable 
circumstances.  I  find  that  trees  received  for  Doyenne  Boussock  have 
proved  to  be  of  this  variety.  Not  a  very  near  approach  to  correctness  in  no- 
menclature. 

Fruit,  rather  large,  irregular  obovate,  nearly  covered  with  dull  brownish 
red,  somewhat  russeted,  stalk  short,  stout,  and  curved.  Calyx  small,  open, 
basin  deep  and  regular,  flesh  a  little  coarse,  very  juicy,  melting,  and  sub- 
acid.    Very  good.     Last  of  November. 

Beurre  St.  Nicolas  (or  Duchesse  d'Orleans)  promises  to  prove  a  fine  fruit. 
I  ripened  but  one  specimen  last  season.  It  served,  however,  to  remind  me  of 
former  fine  specimens.  Fruit  large,  oblong-pyriform,  greenish-yellow,  stalk 
1|-  inches  long,  stout,  curved.  Calyx  closed,  basin  shallow  and  irregular. 
Flesh  not  very  fine  grained,  juicy,  melting,  and  subacid.  Last  of  September. 
Very  good. 

Beurre  Superfine  is  another  fruit  of  fine  promise.  Having  had  but  a 
specimen  or  two  at  a  time,  I  cannot  speak  of  its  bearing  qualities  with  cer- 
tainty, but  have  the  impression  that  it  is  a  little  shy. 

Fruit  large,  pyriform,  dull  yellow,  slightly  russeted.  Stalk  1^  inches 
long,  stout,  curved.  Calyx  very  small,  basin  narrow  and  rather  deep. 
Flesh  somewhat  coarse,  melting,  and  subacid.   First  of  October.  Very  good. 

Colmar  Precoce  fruited  last  year  for  the  first  time,  and  appears  to  be  iden- 
tical with  the  Jaminette. 

Columbia  does  not  fulfil  its  promises.     A  few  years  since  the  specimens 


MOKK   NOTES    ON   TEARS. 

were  large,  fair,  handsome,  and  good.  Of  late  they  are  of  moderate  size, 
and  crack  badly — not  like  the  cracking  of  the  White  Doyenne,  but  with 
long  and  large  cracks  penetrating  nearly  to  the  core,  as  I  have  seen  Van 
Mons  Leon  le  Clerc  and  other  sorts  affected. 

Doyenne  d'Ete,  as  I  before  stated,  bore  a  large  crop,  and  the  fruit  Avas  of 
better  quality  than  I  have  usually  found  it.  It  grows  finely,  forming  a  vig- 
orous upright  tree,  nearly  as  erect  as  a  mountain  ash.  I  have  rarely  been 
able  to  color  it  well,  and  have  scarcely  ever  seen  it  so  brilliant  as  it  has 
been  figured  in  colored  plates. 

Fruit  small,  roundish-turbinate,  greenish  yellow  with  a  slight  blush  in  the 
sun.  Stalk  long,  slender,  calyx  small,  erect,  basin  shallow.  Flesh  a  little 
gritty,  juicy,  melting,  and  sweet.     Very  good.     Middle  of  August. 

Duchesse  de  Berri  (d'Ete)  improves  upon  acquaintance.  I  at  first  did  not 
think  it  any  acquisition,  but  it  has  since  proved  to  be  quite  good,  although 
from  its  small  size  and  later  maturity  than  the  last  described  sort,  I  do  not 
consider  it  of  much  value.  Fruit  small,  turbinate,  yellow,  with  a  little  rus- 
set. Stalk  short,  rather  stout.  Calyx  small,  open,  basin  shallow  and  indis- 
tinct. Flesh  coarse,  melting,  very  juicy  and  sweet.  Very  good.  Ripe 
about  the  tenth  of  September. 

Fortunee  fruited  for  the  first  time,  and  proved  a  larger  fruit  than  I  had 
supposed  it  to  be,  being  about  the  size  and  shape  of  a  large  Belle  Lucra- 
tive. It  ripened  in  the  latter  part  of  December,  I  think,  and  was  of  good 
quality  ;  but  having  neglected  to  make  any  memoranda  respecting  it,  I  am 
unable  to  describe  it. 

Oswego  Beurre  fruited  profusely,  and  most  of  the  specimens  were  of  fine 
size,  some  of  them  very  large  ;  but  notwithstanding  its  reputation  of  being 
a  fine  pear,  not  one  was  eatable.  This  has  now  fruited  for  several  years,  and 
I  have  never  yet  found  a  specimen  which  I  could  rank  higher  than  "  indiffer- 
ent," a  fact  for  which  I  am  unable  to  account. 

Fruit  large,  roundish,  sometimes  rather  flattened,  stalk  short,  stout,  in- 
serted in  a  deep  cavity.  Calyx  rather  large  and  open,  basin  deep  and  rather 
wide,  skin  bronze  yellow,  considerably  russeted.  Flesh  coarse,  wanting  in 
juice,  astringent,  and  scarcely  edible.     November. 

St.  Andre  fruited  well,  and  proved  good — not  so  fine,  however,  or  so  large, 
as  I  had  been  led  to  expect.  It  being  its  first  year  of  bearing,  I  hope  for  an 
improvement  in  both  respects. 

Suzette  de  Bavay,  I  verily  think,  is  rather  a  humbug.  It  is  very  small,  the 
best  specimens  being  about  as  large  as  Duchesse  de  Berri,  the  smaller  ones 
mere  buttons.  It  keeps  pretty  well,  and  is  of  fair  quality,  having  a  very 
sweet,  pleasant  flavor  ;  but  for  a  winter  pear  its  exceeding  smallness  ren- 
ders it  undesirable. 

Swan's  Orange  is  an  annual  disappointment  to  me.  Its  large  handsome 
fruit  leads  one  involuntarily  to  expect  an  interior  of  at  least  fair  quality, 
corresponding  in  some  degree  with  the  prepossessing  external  appearance  ; 
but  all  the  specimens  that  I  have  tasted  have  the  invariable  insipid  acidity 
which  I  have  become  persuaded  belongs  to  the  variety.  If  it  is  anywhere 
else  of  "  very  good"  quality,  I  should  be  gratified  to  know  it. 

Fruit  quite  large,  obovate,  tapering  obtusely  to  the  stalk,  and  somewhat 
irregular.  Stalk  generally  short,  stout,  and  obliquely  inserted.  Calyx 
pretty  large,  partially  closed.  Skin  fine  golden  yellow,  with  russet  streaks 
and  patches.  Flesh  coarse,  juicy,  not  very  melting,  and  of  a  quite  acid 
flavor.     Indifferent.     October. 


W4 


310  THE    MARKET    GARDENERS    OF    LONDON. 

Triomphe  de  Louvain  is  a  pear  which  I  have  not  before  seen,  and  I  do  not 
remember  to  have  heard  it  named.  It  bore  a  most  abundant  crop,  and  is 
externally  a  rather  prepossessing  fruit,  having  much  of  the  appearance  of 
the  Fulton.  Fruit  medium,  or  rather  large,  roundish,  considerably  flattened. 
Stalk  quite  short  and  stout.  Calyx  large,  open,  with  short  erect  segments. 
Skin  dark  brownish  russet,  paler  in  the  shade.  Flesh  coarse,  rather  dry,  and 
of  a  flat,  indifferent  flavor.     October. 

Rateau  Gris.,  or  Beurre  de  Louvain,  is  an  enormously  large  fruit,  some- 
what resembling  in  form  and  size  the  Catillac,  but  Mnth  a  dark  green  skin, 
covered  with  large  rougli  dots,  and  much  russeted.  It  keeps  quite  late,  and 
cooks  finely ;  but  is  quite  as  inedible  as  a  turnip  in  a  raw  state,  the  flesh 
being  hard,  dr}',  and  tough.  It  is  fit  for  cooking  all  winter  ;  but  I  have 
never  succeeded  in  ripening  one.     It  is  somewhat  addicted  to  cracking. 

Triomphe  de  Jodoigne  has  fruited  two  or  three  times,  but  has  invariably 
been  blown  from  the  tree  before  reaching  full  maturity. 

Van  Assche  has  proved,  so  far,  quite  small  and  not  very  enticing,  either 
in  appearance  or  flavor.  The  tree  is  not  in  a  very  vigorous  state,  however, 
and  the  fruit  may  improve  with  the  health  of  the  former. 

Fruit  medium  size,  sometimes  quite  small,  roundish-turbinate,  greenish 
yellow,  dotted,  and  tinged  with  red.  Stalk  of  moderate  length,  rather  slender, 
inserted  in  a  slight  cavity.  Calyx  small,  open,  basin  wide  and  shallow. 
Flesh  coarse,  a  little  gritty,  tender,  juicy  and  sweet.  Good.  October  the  first. 

Vicompte  de  Spoelberch  has  not  yet  come  up  to  its  reputation.  It  has 
never  proved  better  than  "  good,"  and  rarely  that,  sometimes  being  quite  in- 
ferior. 

Fruit  scarcely  medium  size,  obtuse  pyramidal,  generally  one  sided,  pale 
yellowish  green.  Stalk  long,  curved.  Calyx  small,  closed,  basin  wide, 
rather  shallow.  Flesh  juicy,  not  very  melting,  with  a  pleasant  but  rather 
insipid  flavor.     Indifferent.     November. 


»■  *  «  »  ■« 


THE  MARKET  GARDENERS  OF  LONDON. 

"  The  market  gardeners  of  London,"  says  a  gardener  of  judgment,  "  are 
skillful,  industrious  men.  Some  time  ago  I  was  engaged  for  three  or  four 
months  along  side  a  market  garden  of  twelve  or  fifteen  acres  in  the  neigh- 
borhood ;  things  were  exceedingly  well  done.  In  it  there  were  small  frames 
to  the  number  of  fifty  or  sixty  lights,  the  greater  part  of  which  were  full  of 
young  lettuces  sown  in  November  as  thickly  as  mustard  and  cress.  The 
lights  of  course  were  off"  in  the  day,  and  the  young  stuff"  looked  green  and 
beautiful.  The  greater  part  of  the  garden  or  land,  which  is  light  and  work- 
able at  all  times,  had  been  turned  up  to  the  weather.  About  the  1st  of 
March  they  put  about  half  of  the  garden  in  long  beds  six  feet  wide,  and 
about  eighteen  inches  apart.  These  were  sown  with  turnip  radish  seed, 
a  bushel  to  the  acre,  and  finished  well.  Two  lads  with  pistols  and  rattles, 
and  voices  strong  enough,  were  employed  running  up  and  down  the  garden 
to  keep  the  birds  off". 

"  The  men  next  nicely  smoothed  the  other  half  of  the  ground  with  rakes, 

for  the  reception  of  the  lettuces,  the  London  or  Brighton  cos,  which  were 

^'     planted  a  foot  apart  all  ways.    They  were  planted  so  beautifully  and  exactly 

that  they  seemed  to  be  in  straight  rows  from  all  points  of  view.   The  frames 


were  then  put  on  half  sunk  Yiew  beds  of  warm  dung,  and  into  them  were 
planted  cucumber  plants  which  thrived  and  bore  well  ;  a  money-making 
crop.  The  radishes  were  ready  about  the  first  week  in  May,  if  I  remember 
aright,  and  sold  for  40/.  an  acre  ;  twelve  or  thirteen  women  were  employed 
in  bunching  them.  The  lettuces  were  soon  ready  ;  got  a  bit  of  bast  about 
them  a  few  hours  before  thej''  were  pulled,  and  sent  to  Covent  Garden  ; 
brought  10/.  an  acre  more  than  the  radishes.  Vegetable  marrow  succeeded 
the  radishes,  and  French  beans  the  lettuces,  generally  speaking.  After 
these  came  a  crop  of  cabbage,  or  what  are  called  coleworts,  for  winter. 
There  were  small  patches  of  other  vegetables — here  a  bed  of  rhubarb,  there 
a  corner  of  cauliflower,  and  just  against  the  gate  a  I'ood  of  ten-week  stock, 
the  double  ones  for  cut  flowers  and  the  single  ones  for  seed." 


KINGSESSING    PEAR.* 


Leech's  Kingsessing  is  a  synonyme  of  this  fruit ;  origin  in  the  grounds  of 
Isaac  Leech,  near  Philadelphia.  Fruit  large  ;  obtuse-pyriform,  or  truncate 
conic  ;  skin  greenish  yellow,  thickly  sprinkled  with  minute  green  or  gray 
dots  ;  stalk  medium  or  long,  curved,  and  fleshy  at  its  insertion  in  a  broad, 
uneven  cavity  ;  calyx  closed,  set  in  a  shallow,  irregular  basin  ;  flesh  whit- 
ish ,  somewhat  coarse  and  granular,  juicy,  buttery  and  melting,  with  a  sweet, 
rich,  perfumed  flavor  ;  ripe  in  September. —  Charles  Doioning. 


DOWNER'S  PROLIFIC  SEEDLING  STRAWBERRY. 

At  the  request  of  J.  S.  Downer,  proprietor  of  Forest  Nursery,  near  Elkton, 
Ky-.  ■^s,  the  undersigned,  met  at  his  house  on  the  29th  day  of  May,  1858,  to 
examine  a  seedling  strawberry  raised  by  him,  and  now  bearing  its  third 
crop  of  fruit,  and  after  a  careful  examination  of  the  plants  and  fruit,  and  a 
comparison  with  a  number  of  the  most  popular  varieties  of  this  fruit  under 
the  same  state  of  cultivation,  such  for  instance  as  McAvoy's  Superior, 
Hovey's  Seedling,  Hooker's  Seedling,  Burr's  New  Pine,  Mj'att's  Deptford 
Pine,  Longworth's  Prolific,  etc.,  we  submit  the  following  report  and  descrip- 
tion : 

Vines  remarkably  large  and  vigorous,  of  a  pale  green  color,  resembling 
Peabody's  New  Hautbois  ;  fruit-stalks  long  and  erect,  fruit  of  the  largest 
size,  roundish  oval,  of  a  bright  scarlet  color.  Flesh  moderately  firm,  rich, 
juicy,  highly  flavored  and  excellent.  Ripens  early,  and  continues  in  bearing 
for  a  long  time.     Flowers  hermaphrodite. 

We  regard  the  introduction  of  this  strawberry,  which  we  propose  to  call 
Downer's  Prolific  Seedling,  as  a  triumph.  Its  productiveness  surpasses  any 
thing  that  we  had  ever  conceived  of  in  this  fruit.  We  counted  upwards  of 
fifty  very  large,  ripe  berries  upon  a  single  plant,  with  a  great  number  of  un- 
ripe ones,  in  the  various  stages  of  development,  from  the  bloom  to  the  per- 
fect berry,  and  this,  perhaps,  was  not  more  than  an  average  of  the  entire 
bed. 

Some  of  us  have  had  considerable  experience  in  strawberry  culture,  and 

*  See  Frontispiece. 


CAN    PEARS    BE    PROFITABLT    GROWN    FOR    MARKET? 


we  are  unanimously  of  the  opinion  that,  taking  all  the  qualities  of  this 
strawberry  into  consideration,  it  is,  for  this  latitude,  worth  more  than  every 
other  variety  of  this  fruit  with  which  we  are  acquainted. 

L.  B.  Hickman,  M.D. 
H.  W.  Darnall,  M.D. 

E.    S.    fcxEWART,  M.D. 

A.  Webber,  M.D. 

B.  E.  Randolph. 
S.  C.  Mercer. 

Elkton^  Todd  Co.^  Ky, 

State  of  Kentucky, 
Todd  County^  S.  Ct. 
I,  Ben.  T.  Perkins,  Clerk  of  the  Todd  County  Court,  for  the  County  and 
State  aforesaid,  do  hereby  certify  :  That  I  have  this  day  examined  the 
original  certificate,  of  which  this  is  a  true  copy  ;  and  I  do  further  certify, 
that  I  am  well  acquainted  with  the  aforesaid  Committee,  and  I  unhesitat- 
ingly say  they  are  among  the  best  citizens  of  our  section  of  country  ;  they 
are  gentlemen  noted  for  their  scientific  and  legal  attainments. 

lu  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereto  set  my  name, 
(Seal.)  and  affixed  the  seal  of  said  County  Court, 

this  the  23d  day  of  June,  1858. 

Ben.  T.  Perkins, 

Clerk  Todd  Co.  Court. 


p.  »  »  »  .4- 


CAN   PEARS   BE   PROFITABLY   GROWN   FOR  MARKET? 

BY    F.    R.    ELLIOTT,    FORMERLY   OF    CLEVELAND,    NOW    OF    ST.    LOUIS,    MISSOURI. 

Under  this  head  Mr.  L.  F.  Allen  has  recently  detailed  his  experience  in 
the  planting  and  growing  of  pears.  As  Mr.  Allen  says,  "  one  swallow  does 
not  make  a  summer,  neither  should  one  man's  experience  condemn  or  sub- 
stantiate the  policy  and  profit  of  pear  growing."  It  is  now  about  sixteen 
years  since  I  commenced  planting  pear  trees  to  produce  fruit,  and  without 
any  of  the  enthusiasm  with  which  Mr.  Allen  says  he  was  imbued.  I  argued 
against  planting  the  pear  except  when  grown  upon  seedling  pear  stocks. 
To  the  use  of  Suckers,  or  Apple-mountain  Ash,  Quince,  or  Thorn  stocks,  as 
likely  to  produce  a  long-lived  healthy  tree  with  the  ordinary  American 
orchardist's  cultivation,  I  was  opposed;  and  as  a  nurseryman  at  the  time, 
I  reduced  my  receipts  very  materially  by  such  opposition.  I  argued  that 
the  orchardist  should  select  such  varieties  as  grow  moderately  vigorous 
upon  the  pear  stock,  and  on  that  stock  which  came  early  into  bearing.  Of 
such  I  planted,  not  by  hundreds  or  thousands,  but  by  dozens.  I  obtained 
fruit  in  three  years  from  planting  ;  and  those  trees,  less  ten  per  cent,  are 
now  in  existence  and  bearing  annually  moderate  crops.  The  soil  was  grav- 
elly sand  underlaid  with  more  or  less  of  bog  iron  ore. 

In  1848-9,  about  the  time  of  Mr.  Allen's  enthusiastic  commencement,  and 
when  all  the  Horticultural  and  Agricultural  Journals  teemed  with  Dwarf 
Pears  and  the  profits  of  growing  them,  I  commenced  an  entirely  new  pi 


I 


CAN   PEAES   BE   PROFITABLY   GROWN  FOR   MARKET? 


soil,  mostly  a  stiff  clay  loam  ;  subsoil,  stiff  yellow  clay,  by  many  considered  a 
most  unpromising  soil  for  any  purposes  of  fruit  growing.  At  that  time  the 
sort  of  stock  for  dwarfing  was  a  question  open  to  as  many  different  views  as  is 
the  subject  now  under  consideration  ;  and  being  then  in  the  nursery  business, 
I  budded  Pears  on  White  Thorn,  Mountain  Ash,  Common  Seedling,  Quince, 
and  Angers  Quince.  Of  such  propagating,  I  sold  to  suit  the  wants  of  my 
customers,  and  planted  out  pretty  extensively  of  trees  one  year  old  from 
the  bud  upon  each  and  all  of  these  stocks.  As  a  matter  of  experiment  also, 
and  to  help  decide  the  question  as  to  what  varieties  would  do  well  as  dwarfs, 
I  planted  from  three  to  five  trees  of  a  sort  of  something  over  two  hundred 
sorts.  My  soil  was  simply  subsoil  ploughed,  (it  should  have  been  under- 
drained,)  and  my  trees  mostly  planted  so  that  the  stock,  whatever  it  was, 
was  all  underground.  The  results  have  been  as  follows  :  All  lived  ;  many 
grcAv  the  first  season.  The  second  season,  many  sorts  without  regard  to 
stock  died.  Some  twenty  or  more  kinds  grew  finely.  The  third  season,  all 
on  Mountain  Ash.  Thorn  and  Seedling  Quince  departed  this  life  ;  and 
many  of  the  sorts  on  Angers  also  ;  others  stood  still.  The  fourth  season, 
and  on  to  this  year,  most  of  them  have  fruited  abundantly.  Many  of  the 
kinds,  however,  became  stationary  in  their  growth,  while  others  continued 
healthy  and  vigorous.  At  this  time,  therefore,  I  can  say  that  out  of  my 
planting  nine  or  ten  years  since,  there  are  only  about  one  hundred  or  one 
hundred  and  ten  kinds.  Of  these,  perhaps  twenty  sorts  may  be  said  to 
have  grown  healthily,  and  suiSciently  vigorous,  while  of  the  remainder, 
many  have  not  inci-eased  in  size  for  the  past  four  years  ;  others  have  grown 
beautifully  less. 

About  the  same  time,  or  perhaps  one  year  later,  I  planted  out  something 
over  two  hundred  Standard  Pears  ;  these,  however,  of  only  a  few  sorts. 
The  result  has  been  that  my  Standards  have  produced  for  three  years  a 
quantity  full  as  great  as  I  have  considered  desirable,  and  the  trees  continue 
healthy  and  vigorous. 

Cultivatio7i.  My  Dwarf  Pears  have  been  annually  manured  in  the  fall ; 
and  the  manure  lightly  forked  or  spaded  under.  In  the  spring  they  have 
been  hoed  ;  and  during  summer  some  have  been  mulched  with  new-mown 
grass  ;  others  have  been  regulai'ly  hoed  around,  say  once  a  month.  Pruning 
has  been  done  whenever  I  found  it  convenient.  I  prefer  August  or  October, 
but  practice  to  suit  my  convenience.  Many  of  my  sorts,  when  I  had  three 
or  five  of  a  kind,  I  have  left  one  tree  without  any  pruning.  Such  course  I 
cannot  advise,  as  the  tree  runs  up  too  high,  compared  with  its  breadth  ; 
and  while  it  does  not  break  off,  its  leverage  is  such  as  often  to  loosen  the 
ground  and  break  many  of  the  small  roots  of  the  quince  stock. 

I  have  in  this  time  lost  two  trees  by  insect  blight,  and  four  or  five  trees 
by  blight  of  cimistration. 

Like  Mr.  Alien,  I  consider  this  story  "  a  very  useless  one,"  but  in  order 
to  help  make  up  the  "  summer,"  I  have  concluded  to  give  your  readers  my 
experience.  • 


M 


EHUBARB WHICH    IS   THE    BEST? 


RHUBARB— WHICH   IS  THE  BEST? 

BY    C.    W.    GRANT,    NEWBURGH,    N.  Y. 

To  the  child  of  twenty  years  since,  the  word  Rhubarb  was  suggestive  of 
anything  rather  than  the  most  delicious  pastry.  And  when  late  in  the  season, 
wanting  the  brisk-flavored,  aromatic  Spitzenberg  or  Newtown  Pippin  for  a 
refreshing  dietetic  pie,  which  a  dinner  of  roast  beef  always  calls  for — and 
these  could  not  be  had — the  small,  tough,  stringy,  footstalks  of  the  old  Turkey 
Rhubarb  came  to  be  used  as  a  bad  substitute.  But  the  "  change  of  the 
name"  to  "pie  plant"  did  not  work  a  "change  in  the  thing,"  nor  could  the 
skill  of  the  pastry  cook  so  far  obscure  the  flavor  and  odor  peculiar  to  the 
root  of  that  variet}^  with  which  the  stalks  are  always  in  some  degree 
flavored,  that  the  idea  of  the  apothecary's  shop  was  not  always  too  sensibly 
present  at  its  use. 

John  Bull,  perceiving  the  rudiments  of  great  excellence  in  this  candidate 
for  tlie  cuisine,  and  stimulated  by  his  wants,  resolved  to  attempt  by  cultiva- 
tion and  improvement  to  obliterate  the  forbidding  feature  of  its  character. 
Of  the  steps  taken  in  the  progress  of  amelioration,  and  the  names  of  varieties 
produced,  no  mention  need  at  present  be  made,  until  we  come  to  the  "Vic- 
toria," which  was  originated  by  Mr.  Myatt,  of  Deptford.  This  fully  realized 
the  highest  hopes  entertained  of  its  improvement  ;  having  no  vestige  of 
ofl'ensive  odor,  of  gigantic  size,  and  very  productive.  It  was  largely  im- 
ported, and  very  highly  valued  ;  still  it  was  covered  with  a  thick  skin  which 
was  some  trouble  to  remove,  and  was  rather  troublesomely  acid,  besides 
coming  much  later  than  some  of  the  smaller  varieties. 

The  next  great  improvement  was  in  a  variety  originated  by  Mr.  Charles 
Downing,  at  Newburg.  It  was  named  Downing's  Colossal  ;  and  in  addition 
to  its  great  size,  and  much  less  degree  of  acidity,  it  had  a  fine,  rich,  aromatic 
flavor,  in  which  it  greatly  surpassed  all  predecessors.  This,  too,  has  been 
surpassed  by  Mr.  Myatt,  in  the  "  Liuneas,"  whose  excellence  in  every  im- 
portant characteristic  has  placed  it  for  the  last  four  or  five  years  in  rank 
far  before  any  other  variety — Mr.  Downing  himself,  greatly  preferring  it  to 
the  Colossal,  which  is  its  nearest  competitor,  and  to  which  it  has  a  strong 
resemblance.  Besides  being  the  earliest  of  all,  and  most  productive,  as  well 
as  finest  flavored,  and  least  acid,  it  has  a  skin  so  thin  that  removing  it  is 
quite  unnecessary,  and  its  pulp  when  stewed  has  the  uniform  consistence  of 
baked  Rhode  Island  Greening,  and  it  continues  equally  crisp  and  tender 
throughout  summer  and  early  autumn. 

Although  the  cultivation  of  Rhubarb  for  market  is  quite  simple,  it  has 
some  wants  that  must  be  complied  with  to  secure  a  profitable  crop.  It 
delights  in  a  rather  retentive  soil,  but  is  so  much  earlier  in  a  dry,  light,  or 
porous  soil,  that  opinions  would  differ  as  to  the  most  advantageous.  The 
ground  must  be  well  manured,  and  if  well  worked  with  a  plough,  to  the 
depth  of  eighteen  inches,  a  very  remunerative  crop  may  be  obtained,  rang- 
ing at  from  two  hundred  to  four  hundred  dollars  per  acre,  in  the  latitude  of 
New  York.  As  earliness  is  important,  a  locality  mox'e  southern  would  be 
advantageous. 

To  obtain  the  best  results,  more  care  and  expense  than  just  indicated  are 
required.  If  the  ground  is  deeply  worked,  (to  the  depth  of  three  feet,)  and 
enriched,  the  quantity  produced  per  acre  is  almost  incredible — but  at 
three  times  as  much  as  can  be  obtained  by  ploughing  alone — with 


AMERICAN   POMOLOGICAL   SOCIETY.  375 

further  advantages  of  some  days  in  eai'liness,  as  well  as  superiority  of  qual- 
ity, in  favor  of  trenched  ground. 

A  plan  which  I  adopted  a  few  years  since,  may  perhaps  be  advantageous 
under  similar  circumstances.  I  trenched  a  field  of  nearly  an  acre  for  Pears. 
In  such  cases  the  ground  needs  cultivation,  and  should  be  occupied,  until 
the  trees  require  it  all,  hj  some  crop  that  does  not  injure  the  ti'ees,  or  ex- 
haust the  ground  for  their  future  use.  I  found  the  Ehubarb  a  vei'y  pleasant 
and  profitable  occupant  of  the  spare  room,  and  not  sensibly  injurious  to  the 
Pears.  The  cultivation  may  be  done  b}'  the  horse  cultivator  in  early  spring, 
but  soon  the  leaves  of  the  Rhubarb  will  so  cover  the  ground  that  a  little 
pulling  of  weeds  will  be  all  that  can  be  required. 

For  a  few  years  past,  supply  and  demand  have  both  been  rapidly  increas- 
ing, and  with  about  equal  pace.  The  best  methods  of  preparing  it  for  the 
table,  either  for  pies  or  sauce  for  meat,  or  as  a  stewed  fruit  for  the  tea  table, 
like  the  Tomato,  requires  some  skill  and  judgment  on  the  part  of  the  house- 
wife, for  if  its  acidity  is  entirely  overcome  by  simple  refined  sugar,  it 
becomes  too  rich  or  concentrated  for  free  and  abundant  use,  which  when 
well  understood  will  be  no  more  restricted  throughout  the  entire  year  than 
that  of  the  Tomato  ;  and  when  its  preparation  and  use  are  as  well  under- 
stood, it  will  not  be  esteemed  second  to  that  Fruit  in  usefulness,  nor  be 
absent  many  days  in  the  year  from  the  table  where  it  is  known.  I  do  not 
hazard  much  in  putting  forth  the  opinion,  that  as  a  tonic,  dietetic  aperient, 
it  has  no  equal.  On  the  great  western  prairie,  and  wherever  acid  fruits  are 
not  abundant,  it  will  be  invaluable. 

The  chief  feature  in  the  produce  around  London,  tending  towards  market, 
is  carts  in  inconceivable  numbers,  loaded  with  Rhubarb,  even  there  during 
the  short  season  of  the  Gooseberry,  eclipsing  that  of  its  competitor,  which 
there  in  its  perfection  has  an  excellence  to  us  unknown. 


*'     •  •  m.      .<- 


AMERICAN   POMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. 

The  Seventh  Session  of  this  National  Institution  will  commence  at  Mozart 
Hall,  663  Broadway,  in  the  City  of  New  York,  on  Tuesday,  the  14th  day  of 
September  next,  at  10  o'clock,  A.M.,  and  will  be  continued  for  several  suc- 
cessive days. 

Among  the  objects  of  this  meeting  are  the  following  :  To  bring  together 
the  most  distinguished  Pomologists  of  our  land,  and,  by  a  free  interchange 
of  experience,  to  collect  and  diffuse  such  researches  and  discoveries  as  have 
been  recently  made  in  the  science  of  Pomology — to  hear  Reports  of  the 
various  State  Committees  and  other  district  associations — to  revise  and 
enlarge  the  Society's  catalogue  of  Fruits— to  assist  in  determining  the 
synonyms  by  which  the  same  fruit  is  known  in  America  or  Europe — to 
ascertain  the  relative  value  of  varieties  in  different  parts  of  our  country — 
what  are  suitable  for  particular  localities — what  new  sorts  give  promise  of 
being  worthy  of  dissemination — what  are  adapted  to  general  cultivation  ; 
and,  especially,  to  concert  measures  for  the  further  advancement  of  the  art 
and  science  of  Pomology. 

The  remarkable  and  gratifying  progress  which  has  recently  been  made 
in  this  branch  of  rural  industry,  is  in  no  small  degree  attributable  to  the 
establishment  and  salutary  influences  of  our  Horticultural  and  Pomological 
Societies,  the  proceedings  of  which  have  been  widely  promulgated  by 


^       376  AMERICAN   POMOLOGICAL    SOCIETY. 


Press.  A  great  work  has  been  already  performed,  but  a  greater  still  remains 
to  be  accomplished.  It  is,  therefore,  desirable  that  every  State  and  Territory 
of  the  Union  and  the  Provinces  of  British  America  should  be  ably  and  fully 
represented  in  this  Convention,  and  the  Pomological,  Horticultural,  and 
Agricultural  Societies,  within  these  limits,  are  hereby  requested  to  send 
such  number  of  delegates  as  they  may  deem  expedient.  Nurserymen,  Fruit 
growers,  and  all  others  especially  interested  in  Pomology,  are  also  invited 
to  be  present,  and  to  participate  in  the  deliberations  of  the  meeting. 

Held  as  this  Assembly  will  be,  in  the  great  commercial  emporium  of  our 
country,  easily  accessible  from  all  parts  of  this  continent,  and  at  the  same 
time  when  the  Convention  of  the  Editors  of  the  Agricultural  Press  will  be 
in  session,  it  is  anticipated  that  the  attendance  will  be  larger  than  on  any 
former  occasion,  and  the  beneficial  results  proportionably  increased. 

In  order  to  increase  as  much  as  possible  the  utility  of  the  occasion,  and  to 
facilitate  business,  members  and  delegates  are  requested  to  forward  speci- 
mens of  fruits  grown  in  their  respective  districts,  and  esteemed  worthy  of 
notice  ;  also,  papers  descriptive  of  their  mode  of  cultivation — of  diseases 
and  insects  injurious  to  vegetation — of  remedies  for  the  same,  and  to  com- 
municate whatever  may  aid  in  promoting  the  objects  of  the  meeting.  Each 
contributor  is  requested  to  make  out  a  complete  list  of  his  specimens,  and 
present  the  same  with  his  fruits,  that  a  report  of  all  the  varieties  entered 
may  be  submitted  to  the  meeting  as  soon  as  practicable  after  its  organ- 
ization. 

For  the  purpose  of  eliciting  the  most  reliable  information,  the  several 
Fruit  Committees  of  States,  and  other  local  associations,  are  requested  to 
forward  to  Hon.  Samuel  Walker,  General  Chairman  of  the  Fruit  Committee, 
Roxbury,  Mass.,  or  to  P.  Barry,  Esq.,  Secretary  of  the  Society,  Rochester, 
N.  Y.,  a  definite  answer  to  each  of  the  following  questions,  at  an  early  date, 
and  prior  to  September  1st : 

What  six,  twelve  and  twenty  varieties  of  the  Apple  are  best  adapted  to  a 
family  orchard  of  one  hundred  trees,  and  how  many  of  each  sort  should  it 
contain  ?  What  varieties,  and  how  many  of  each,  are  best  for  an  orchard 
of  one  thousand  trees,  designed  to  bear  fruit  for  the  market  ? 

What  six  and  tioelve  varieties  of  the  Pear  are  best  for  family  use  on  the 
Pear  stock  ?  What  varieties  on  the  Quince  stock  ?  What  varieties,  and 
how  many  of  each  of  these,  are  best  adapted  to  a  Pear  orchard  of  one  hun- 
dred or  of  one  thousand  trees  ? 

What  are  the  six  and  twelve  best  varieties  of  the  Peach  for  a  family 
orchard  ?  What  are  the  best  varieties,  and  how  many  of  each,  are  best 
adapted  to  a  Peach  orchard  of  one  hundred  or  of  one  thousand  trees  ? 

Answers  to  these  questions  should  be  made  from  reliable  experience,  and 
with  reference  to  the  proximity  or  remoteness  of  the  market. 

Societies  will  please  transmit  to  the  Secretary  at  an  early  day  a  list  of 
the  Delegates  they  have  appointed. 

Gentlemen  desirous  of  becoming  members  can  remit  the  admission  fee  to 
Thomas  P.  James,  Esq.,  Treasurer,  Philadelphia,  who  will  furnish  them  with 
the  Transactions  of  the  Society.  Life  Membership,  twenty  dollars  ;  Bien- 
nial, two  dollars. 

Packages  of  Fruits  may  be  addressed  to  AVm.  S.  Carpenter,  Esq.,  468 
Pearl  street,  N.  Y. 

Marshall  P.  Wilder,  President,  Boston^  Mass 
Barky,  Esq.,  Secretary,  Rochester^  N.  Y.^  July  1,  1858. 


Y^!2^- 


:»S=^? 


© 


editor's  table. 


377 


Communications,  Letters,  Catalogues,  Periodicals,  &c.,  &c.,  intended  for 
the  perusal  of  the  Editor,  should  be  uniformly  directed  to  the  Horticulturist, 
Gennanioicn,  { Philadelphia,)  Fa.  Packages  by  Express,  &c ,  should  be 
directed  to  the  Editor,  as  above,  by  name  ;  they  will  thus  reach  him  almost 
beyond  a  doubt. 


Canada  and  the  Canadians. — We  have  as  Horticulturists  remarkably  little  knowledge 
of  the  doings  of  our  near  neighbors,  the  Canadians.  Prompted  by  a  stronjy  desire  to  ascertain 
what  they  were  accomplishing,  we  have  paid  them  a  visit  recently,  and  shall  have  something  to 
tell  in  our  next  of  their  great  proficiency  in  the  culture  of  fruits  and  flowers,  in  doors  and  out, 
a  proficiency  far  beyond  our  anticipatione. 

Excuses. — During  an  absence  from  home,  our  table  has  become  loaded  with  communications, 
letters  of  valued  correspondents,  &c.,  &c.,  all  of  which  shall  secure  attention  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble. The  extent  of  the  duty  must  be  our  apology  to  those  who  do  not  immediately  hear  from 
us. 

Fruit  Grower's  Society  of  Western  New  York.— The  meeting  held  at  Rochester, 
on  the  30th  of  June,  was  an  interesting  one.  Strawberry  cultivation  was  freely  discussed,  and 
a  vote  taken,  which  resulted  in  the  following : 


For  Amateurs. 

Hooker, 12 

Burr's  New  Pine, 7 

Early  Scarlet, 7 

Hovey's  Seedling, 4 

Wilson's  Albany, 4 

Genesee, 5 

Jenny  Lind, 2 

McAvoy's  Superior, 2 

Triomphe  de  Gand, 2 

Peabody's  Seedling, 2 

Trollope's  Victoria, 2 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 


For  Market. 

Eariy  Scariet, 8 

Crimson  Cone, 7 

Wilson's  Albany, 7 

Genesee, 5 

Hooker, 4 

Hovey, 4 

Cashing, 2 

Scott's  Seedling, 2 

Iowa, 2 

Longworth's  Prolific, 2 

Burr's  New  Pine, 2 


Walker, 1  Walker, 1 

Crimson  Cone, 1  Fremont, 1 

Gushing, 1  Peabody, I 

Chilian, 1  Triomphe  de  Gand, 1 

Richardson's  Cambridge, 1  Chilian, 1 

Longworth's  Prolific, 

The  conclusion  regarding  the  curculio  seems  to  have  been  that,  shaking  the  enemy  off"  is 
the  best  course.  He  has  attacked  the  pear  and  cherry.  A  light  dressing  of  salt  and  ashes  was 
recommended  round  the  trees  in  early  spring. 

Pinching  the  pear  was  recommended,  and  a  discussion  had  on  pruning  the  grape,  in  which 
the  established  systems  were  more  or  less  recommended.    The  cherry  was  stated  to  have  become 


<1 


S^: 


N.  S. :  Vol.  VIII.— August,  1858. 


25 


378  editor's  table. 


diseased  and  sickly  in  Western  New  Yoi'k,  and  the  diseased  state  of  the  peach  trees  and  the 
curled  leaf  was  lamented.  Mr.  Barry  thought  there  was  no  cause  for  discouragement,  and  that 
the  old  and  diseased  trees  should  be  replaced  with  those  young  and  vigorous.  The  finest  cli- 
mates in  the  world,  he  remarked,  even  Florida  and  Italy,  have  periodical  changes  and  extremi- 
ties which  destroy  staple  crops. 

Fruit  growing  has  its  troubles  as  well  as  every  other  business,  but  persevering  men  like  the 
members  of  this  society  will  conquer  them  if  anybody  can. 

Terra  Cotta  Ornaments. — A  most  estimable  lady  has  called  our  attention  to  an  able 
artist  in  Terra  Cotta,  and  we  are  anxious  to  make  hira  better  known  to,  our  readers.  Mr. 
Terry,  No.  1194  Broadway,  New  York,  is  an  Italian,  educated  for  and  with  peculiar  qualifica- 
tions for  modelling  either  original  articles  required  or  copying  the  best  specimens,  and  he  is 
extremely  desirous  to  introduce  his  manufacture,  which  is  perfectly  adapted  to  stand  our 
climate.  He  produces  Statues,  Fountains,  Vases,  and  in  short  everything  that  can  be  demanded 
in  his  line  for  ornament,  and  we  will  add  that  unless  he  receives  immediately  some  patronage 
he  will  be  obliged  to  leave  America.  He  has  fixed  his  establishment  so  far  up  Broadway  that 
he  has  been  little  noticed,  but  we  are  sure  those  who  visit  him  will  be  gratified  with  the 
progress  the  art  is  now  making  among  us.  His  flower  pots  are  so  ornamental  as  alone  to  be 
worthy  of  a  visit.     See  his  advertisement. 

The  "  Example  and  a  bit  of  Advice  "  in  our  June  number  has  been  well  received  by 
the  gentleman  who  prompted  it.  His  reply  is  of  sufficient  interest  to  allow  of  an  extract  or  two 
for  general  benefit.  He  says:  "  The  rage  for  speculation,  too  long  rife  in  our  favored  land,  has 
hitherto  stifled,  in  a  great  measure,  the  love  of  rural  pursuits.  But  as  the  nursing  of  trees, 
fniits,  and  flowers  is  found  upon  examination  to  be  more  captivating  than  the  race  for  the 
'  Dollar,'  the  indications  around  us  are  unmistakable  of  a  growing  fondness  for  this  communion 
with  nature.  Perhaps,  therefore,  not  the  least  beneficial  result  of  the  late  financial  storm,  is 
the  impetus  it  has  given  in  the  American  bosom  to  that  taste  for  rural  enjoyment  which  for 
centuries  has  been  a  '  ruling  passion  of  the  mother  country.' 

"  Specially  was  I  pleased  with  the  advice  to  drive  the  cart  of  berries  to  the  depot  one's  self, 
'  should  Jacob  be  sick,'  as  this  conforms  to  my  own  notions  of  the  true  digmtij,  and  independence 
of  country  life.  With  me  a  very  important  advantage  of  a  residence  in  the  counti-y  is  this  very 
independence,  the  let-your-neighbor-alone-spirit  which  prevails  there.  True  comfort  in  the 
country  is  embraced  in  that  comprehensive,  blessed  word,  freedom.  Freedom  from  the  artificial 
restraints  and  conventionalities  of  city  life ;  freedom  from  the  pomps  and  affectations,  the  flum- 
mery and  fudge  which  such  a  life  too  often  engenders  ;  freedom  to  behold  in  the  gorgeous  sky 
in  the  fullness  of  splendor  of  the  rising  and  setting  sun  ;  freedom  to  drink  in  the  beauties  which 
God  has  lavished  over  hill  and  plain  ;  freedom  to  breathe  and  to  think,  to  talk  and  act  in  defer- 
ence only  to  the  manifest  laws  of  decency  and  right,  and  in  the  dignity  of  manhood,  without 
measuring  one's  breath,  moulding  one's  thoughts,  twisting  one's  tongue,  and  shaping  one's 
actions  in  servile  obedience  to  the  capricious  mandates  of  silly  fashion." 

Our  valued  correspondent  has  the  right  views ;  their  publication  is  due  to  their  excellent  ap- 
preciation of  the  true  objects  to  be  combined  in  a  country  residence.    We  all  know  how  much 
"  Our  sleeping  visions,  w-aking  dreams, 
Receive  their  shape  and  hue  from  what 
Surrounds  our  life." 

An  agreeable  writer  says  :  where  the  counsels  of  wisdom  preside  over  parental  love,  where 
those  whom  God  has  united  remain  in  unity  under  the  bonds  of  a  beautiful  affection,  than  which 

"  All  other  pleasures  are  not  worth  the  pains ;" 
where  woman  appears  in  her  true  gentleness,  and  the  children  grow  up  in  the  love  of  parents 
and  the  fear  of  God,  there  is  a  home  of  taste,  a  home  of  virtue,  of  mental  discipline,  a  home  of      0 
moral  worth,  and  domestic  affection,  and  religious  aspiration.    Round  it  all  the  Muses  sing  ;  the       W 


..^^.6 


editor's  table. 


simplest  things  acquire  grace  and  meaning ;  vulgarity,  meanness,  and  vice  dare  not  cross  the 
threshold— ennni  cannot  find  its  way  there,  petulance  is  smiled  out  of  countenance,  and  temper 
is  rebuked  by  little  ruddy  faces  and  curly  heads  of  hair,  and  eyes  that  i^parkle  with  enjoyment. 
.  .  .  .  Who  then  w^ould  not  have  a  home  of  Taste  ?  If  you  have  it  already,  dear  reader, 
prize  it,  and  continually  strive  to  make  it  more  and  more  perfect. 

A  Garden  Box  or  Tub. — The  ever  recurring  rouiid  cedar  tub  for  lemon  trees,  myrtles, 
&c.,  &c.,  may  be  varied  very  beautifully  in  a  simple  manner.  The  makers  of  paper  hangings 
employ  square  caiTed  blocks  with  the  pattern  of  the  paper  well  developed,  some  with  flowers, 
running  vines,  and  designs  appropriate  to  the  purpose.  By  taking  four  of  these,  of  ditferent 
patterns  if  you  please,  nailing  them  together,  and  putting  a  rim  at  top,  and  a  bottom,  you  have 
a  good  and  most  substantial  box.  Next  paint  and  sand  it,  and  when  completed,  with  its  tree 
growing,  it  represents  a  stone  carved  vase,  and  but  for  the  shape  might  serve  for  a  ''  Maltese." 
The  blocks  are  thick,  and  consequently  heavy,  but  such  boxes  answer  also  very  well  to  stand 
a  potted  plant  in.  Altogether  it  is  quite  an  adaptation  of  a  worn  out  article  to  a  useful  and 
ornamental  purpose.  The  old  blocks,  and  those  "  out  of  fashion"  are  generally  burned.  Thus, 
with  the  use  of  spent  hops  for  mulching,  and  these  old  blocks,  two  W'Ortliless  articles  may  be 
introduced  to  practical  value. 

The  Wandering  Jew. — A  little  runner  with  an  ivy  leaf  and  neat  flower,  w-hich  is  per- 
fectly hardy  in  our  latitude  and  still  further  north,  the  Linaria  cymbalaria,  sometimes  called  the 
Wandering  Jew,  is  a  great  favorite.  In  a  wall  it  becomes  a  perpetual  object  of  beauty  ;  it  will 
grow  between  stones,  or  bricks,  about  a  cellar  window,  and  at  the  foot  of  the  wall  it  makes 
partially  successful  attempts  at  climbing.     We  commend  it  to  the  attention  of  amateurs. 

Chrysanthemums. — The  Chrysanthemum  is  becoming  extremely  popular,  new  interest 
having  been  created  by  the  increase  of  varieties,  and  by  the  knowledge  of  the  best  modes  of 
culture  and  training.  The  best  are  placed  in  ten-inch  pots,  and  trained  so  as  to  hide  the  latter 
with  foliage  and  flowers,  presenting  more  the  appearance  of  well  grown  Chinese  Azaleas  than 
of  Chrysanthemums  under  ordinary  management.  This  is  efiected  by  judicious  training,  which 
is  commenced  about  the  middle  of  August  after  they  have  received  their  final  shift,  and  con- 
tinued as  may  be  requisite  until  they  have  fairly  set  their  bloom.  Under  this  treatment  the 
plants  are  literally  masses  of  flowers,  none  of  the  buds  having  been  thinned  out.  Thus  a  good 
succession  is  obtained  and  the  plants  have  a  more  natural  appearance,  and  last  longer  in  beauty 
than  if  they  had  been  disbudded,  as  is  sometimes  done  in  the  case  of  plants  for  exhibition  when 
one  bloom  only  is  allowed  to  a  shoot. 

The  Illustrated  Bouquet,  London.— There  are  now  three  quarterly  numbers  of  this 
illustrated  work  issued  —  June,  September,  and  February,  with  five  large  "Bouquets"  in 
each.  The  Bouquet  of  Gloxinias  has  ten  kinds  in  it.  That  of  new  Fuchsias,  last  February, 
has  four  most  splendid  flowers,  two  light  and  two  dark  kinds ;  Rose  of  Castile  and  Guiding, 
being  the  two  whites ;  and  Prince  Frederick  William  of  Prussia  and  Loch  Katrine,  the  two 
dark  ones ;  Begonia  Rex  occupies  one  page  itself,  as  also  does  a  magnificent  figure  of  Eucharis 
amazonica ;  another  Bouquet  is  filled  up  with  two  new  large  double  Petunias,  which  were 
shown  last  summer  at  the  Regent's  Park,  by  Mr.  Grieves,  of  Culford  Hall,  one  of  which  is 
compared  with  that  of  a  double  Hollyhock,  the  other  with  a  Camellia-flowered  Balsam, 
together  with  a  new  hybrid  Begonia,  between  Fuchsioides  and  Ivgrami,  "  a  fine  addition  to  the 
shrubby-habited  Begonias  which  are  in  the  hands  of  Messrs.  Bainbridge  and  Hewison,  Nur- 
serymen, York."  The  new  Gesnera  cinnaharina  makes  a  "Bouquet"  of  itself,  and  a  most 
brilliant  nosegay  it  is.  Gesnera  densiflora,  another  new  one,  introduced  by  Linden,  in  the  way 
of  elongata  and  Monochatum  ensiferum,  make  up  another  gorgeous  picture  of  a  nosegay  of  rose, 
orange,  crimson,  scarlet,  and  yellow,  with  two  shades  of  green  leaves  on  the  white  ground  of 
the  page ;  altogether  a  drawing-room  drawing,  and  the  written  account  is  plain  common  sense. 


yScyj- 


:^fi;: 


EDITOR'S    TABLE. 

and  business-like,  while  the  information  about  culture,  propagation,  and  the  proper  kinds  to 
grow,  read  exactly  as  if  it  were  printed  from  a  large  memorandum  book  full  of  dog's  ears — but 
looking  fresh  from  the  potting  bench,  or  from  a  shelf  in  the  propagating  house — all  simple, 
sound,  and  single-handed,  that  is  to  say,  nothing  is  taken  for  granted,  but  everything  is  tried 
and  proved  in  the  establishment  before  it  is  recommended.  None  but  the  best  kinds  of  the 
most  popular  plants  are  figured  in  these  "  Illustrated  Bouquets,"  and  the  best  selections  of  each 
family  are  given  under  each  Bouquet.  The  work  may  be  procured  of  G.  M.  Thorburn,  Newark, 
New  Jersey. 

AcHiMENES  AND  GLOXINIAS. — Mr.  Beaton  describes  his  method  of  treating  these  favorites, 
thus : 

We  manage  a  select  collection  of  Achimenes,  and  a  very  choice  assortment  of  hybrid  Gloxi- 
nias, without  forcing,  and  the  way  we  do  them  may  be  confidently  relied  on. 

We  have  them  in  bloom  in  the  conservatory  from  the  end  of  June  to  the  latter  part  of 
September ;  but  they  would  do  in  the  smallest  greenhouse  just  as  well,  and  also  in  living-rooms, 
where  Geraniums  are  flowered.  When  the  bloom  is  nearly  over,  we  keep  the  pots  rather  dry ; 
and  as  the  flowers  and  foli.age  begin  to  look  seedy,  we  move  them  out  of  sight  to  the  top  shelf 
along  the  back  wall,  close  up  to  the  light,  and  under  the  constant  draught  of  air,  in  and  out, 
night  and  day,  till  after  the  middle  of  November ;  by  that  time  the  soil  is  as  dry  as  Scotch 
suuif,  and  the  "roots"  are  as  thoroughly  ripe  as  if  the  pots  were  in  an  Orchid  house. 

After  the  roots,  or  tubers,  are  thus  ripened,  we  have  proved  most  conclusively  that  they  will 
keep  all  through  the  winter  as  safely  and  as  long  as  late  Potatoes,  if  they  are  kept  quite  dry, 
and  free  from  frost,  and  from  the  influence  of  the  air.  The  whole  secret  for  resting  Gloxinias  and 
Achimenes  for  a  very  long  period,  or  from  the  fogs  of  November  to  the  April  showers,  is  to  keep 
them  carefully  excluded  from  the  air.  The  simplest  way  to  do  that  is  to  shake  all  the  soil 
from  them,  and  to  put  each  kind  into  a  separate  bag  of  coarse  paper,  with  its  name,  or  tally,  or 
number  stick,  along  with  it ;  the  name  might  also  be  written  on  the  outside  of  each  bag.  The 
mouth  of  each  bag  is  tied  as  close  as  a  bladder,  and  all  the  bags  are  put  loosely  into  a  basket, 
and  the  basket  is  put  by  in  a  warm  closet  in-doors.  I  have  grown  thousands  of  seedling  Gloxi- 
nias before  there  was  a  hybrid  in  the  family,  and  had  my  share  of  them  ever  since ;  but  I  confi- 
dently assert,  that  I  never  had  a  finer  or  more  plump  looking  set  of  bulbs  than  I  saw  last  week, 
when  one  set  of  the  Gloxinias  were  unbagged. 

Improvements  in  Flower  Pots. — For  all  the  common  purposes  of  plant  cultivation, 
the  Flower  Pots  in  general  use  are  all  that  can  be  desired ;  but  there  are  many  tribes  and 
plants  which  do  not  thrive  in  our  hands  without  difficulty ;  and  others,  again,  which  we  desire 
to  grow  to  gi-eater  perfection  than  usual,  m  which  the  structure  of  the  pot  is  no  mean  question. 
The  culture  of  the  Heath,  the  Epacris,  and  other  hard  wooded  plants,  has  so  far  not  only  baf- 
fled the  majority  of  our  cultivators,  but  also  baffled  them  in  this,  that  they  can  give  no  satisfac- 
tory explanation  of  the  failure.  They  are  supposed  not  to  be  able  to  endure  the  heats  of  our 
summers,  yet  the  temperature  of  their  places  of  natural  growth  often  exceeds  our  own.  Mr. 
Buist,  in  his  valuable  Catalogue  of  Select  Greenhouse  plants,  just  issued,  says  of  the  "  Erica," 
"  they  delight  in  a  very  sandy,  dark  soil,  and  in  an  elevated  northern  climate,  and  to  be  pro- 
tected from  hot  suns,  and  heavy  rains."  Such  being  our  friend's  experience,  it  is  more  than 
probable  that  the  constant  dryings  and  waterings  which  our  hot  suns  entail  on  these  delicate 
rooted  plants,  is  one  great  cause  of  their  failure ;  and  equally  probable  that  a  peculiar  form  of 
flower  pot  would  supply  the  defect.  Some  years  since,  the  English  growers  invented  a  pot  with 
hollow  sides,  by  which  it  could  be  filled  with  water  when  occasion  required  ;  but  as  we  have 
heard  nothing  of  it  for  some  time  past,  it  has  probably  been  found  in  some  respects  objectionable. 
Our  friend  Colonel  D.  S.  Dewey,  of  Hartford,  in  a  private  letter,  makes  a  suggestion  which  we 
think  might  be  turned  to  good  account  in  this  connection.     He 

AR  Sir, — Judging  from  certain  items  in  your  monthly  "  Gossip,"  and  also  from  su 


V'zA 


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editor's  table. 


381 


"W 

I 


illustrations  in  the  Horticultunst,  passim — I  have  decided  that  ideas  combining  novelty  and 
utility  are  always  pleasing  and  interesting  to  you.  For  this  reason,  I  took  the  liberty  of  intro- 
ducing to  your  notice,  in  December  last,  a  description  of  my  invention  for  postmarking  letters, 
&c. ;  and  now  I  propose  to  call  your  attention  to  another  "  crotchet"  of  mine,  having  reference 
to  what  I  think  may  be  an  improvement  in  Flower  Pots. 

I  propose  to  substitute  any  reasonable  number  of  smaller  holes,  in  place  of  the  one  hole  in 
the  bottom  of  each  flower  pot  as  now  made.  One  object  of  this  is,  to  insure  more  uniform 
drainage  and  aeration  ;  and  another  is,  to  incline  the  rootlets  or  plants  to  a  more  natural  and 
spreading  growth. 


I  propose  that  flower  pots  for  certain  classes  of  plants  should  be  made  with  a  flange,  of  the 
same  material,  projecting  a  little  from  the  outside  edge  of  the  bottom  of  the  pot  all  around,  and 
then  turned  up,  say  to  half  the  height  of  the  pot,  and  say  an  inch  distant  from  it  all  the  way ;  thus 
leaving  the  pot  free,  as  to  drainage,  and  port  holes  for  roots,  (through  which  to  shoot,)  but  with 
a  small  reservoir  of  water  in  the  deep  saucer,  the  object  of  which  is  to  supply  the  lower  half, 
(more  or  less.)  of  the  soil,  &c.,  inside  of  the  pot  with  moisture  from  the  external  surrounding 
of  water ;  and,  also,  incidentally,  to  check  evaporation,  (which,  by  the  way,  is  often  of  much 
more  consequence  than  may  be  supposed  by  many.)  In  place  of  water  in  this  lip,  or  saucer, 
wet  moss,  or  some  similar  substance,  may  be  placed  for  this  last-mentioned  purpose. 

As  a  further  illustration,  place  a  flower  pot  six  inches  high,  and  with  an  average  diameter  of 
four  inches,  inside  of  another  flower  pot  three  inches  high,  and  average  diameter  of  six  inches, 
and  cement  the  bottoms  closely  together,  making  the  drainage  holes  to  correspond  exactly. 

Yours  truly,  D.  S.  Dewey. 

Apios  Tuberosa. — This  tuber  is  again  discussed  as  a  substitute  for  the  potato.  It  was 
called  Glycine  Apios  by  Linnaeus ;  Apios  tuberosa  by  modern  botanists,  and  Saa-gaa-han,  by 
some  of  the  North  American  Indians,  is  a  small  trailing,  tuberous  perennial,  with  pinnated 
leaves,  narrow  lanceolate  leaflets,  and  small  brownish  pui'ple  flowers,  rather  sweet-scented,  and 
growing  in  axillary  racemes,  which  are  shorter  than  the  leaves. 

It  is  described  by  North  American  botanists,  as  growing  in  damp,  rich  soils,  along  the  margins 
of  swamps  in  Carolina  (Ellit)tt,  "Fl.  Carol."  ii.  232),  and  in  moist  shady  places  from  Canada 
to  Florida,  west  to  Missouri  (Torrey  and  Gray,  "  Flora  of  North  America,"  i.  282);  but  Pursh 
asserts  that  it  inhabits  hedges  and  mountain  meadows  from  Pennsylvania  to  Carolina  ("  Fl.  Amer. 
Sept."  ii.  473).  Its  roots,  that  is  to  say,  its  tubers,  are  described  by  Elliott  as  small,  and  as 
having  formed  an  article  of  food  to  the  aborigines ;  Nuttall  calls  them  "  oblong  cylindrical 
tubers,  edible  and  farinaceous,  much  like  those  of  Lathyrus  tuherosus,  sold  in  some  of  the  Ger- 
man markets,  and  rarely  larger,  though  very  numerous"  ("  Genera  of  North  American  Plants," 


'^^i<^ 


382  EDITOR'S   TABLE. 


ii.  113);  Piirsli  is  the  only  author  that  we  can  find  who  speaks  of  them  differently;  he  says, 
that  the  roots  "  sometimes  grow  to  an  enormous  size." 

The  plant  itself  is  no  stranger  to  our  gardens.  It  is  figured  in  the  "  Botanical  Magazine,  t. 
1198,  and  in  other  works.  A  rude  woodcut,  indeed,  is  to  be  found  as  early  as  1640  in  Parkin- 
son's "  Theatrura,"  fol.  1062,  at  which  time  the  plant  was  cultivated  in  England  under  the 
name  of  "  Terrce  glandes  Americana  swe  VirginiancE — Virginia  Earthnuts."  The  latter 
appellation  seems  to  indicate  in  what  estimation  the  plant  was  then  held ;  it  was  regarded  as  a 
mere  curiosity,  with  a  "tuberous  browne  roote,  which  multiplies  itself  into  sundry  others." 

AVhen  examined  microscopically,  the  tubers  are  found  to  consist  principally  of  a  mass  of 
large  oval,  very  thick-sided  cells,  filled  with  starch,  among  which  are  scattered  irregularly  in 
the  centre  several  woody  bundles,  composed  of  strangulated  porous  vessels  of  considerable  size, 
very  irregular  and  unequal  laticiferous  vessels,  also  much  strangulated,  and  a  few  spiral  vessels. 
Near  the  circumference,  just  within  the  bark,  these  bundles  are  arranged  in  distant  narrow 
plates,  forming  short  rays,  and  offering  indistinct  traces  of  concentric  zones.  A  considerable 
quantity  of  truncated  prismatical  raphides  is  found  among  the  cellular  tissue ;  and  around  the 
central  bundles  of  woody  tissue  are  series  of  prosenchyinatous  cells,  which  seem  chiefly  to  con- 
tain gum. 

In  a  raw  state,  the  tubers  taste  like  Earthnuts,  or  perhaps  between  an  Earthnut  and  an 
Acorn.  When  boiled,  they  are  firm,  sweetish,  of  a  dirty  yellow  color,  and  in  texture  and 
flavor,  may  be  compared  to  a  mixture  of  sweet  Chestnuts  and  Parsnip. 

It  may  be  readily  cultivated,  but  it  is  not  a  large  tuber  till  the  second  year;  some  think  it 
not  entirely  wholesome.     Have  any  of  our  correspondents  tried  it? 

How  TO  Raise  Seedling  Pears. — Planting  Pear  pipe  for  the  purpose  of  raising  new 
varieties,  is  a  very  interesting  employment.  Some  8-inch  pots  should  be  kept  at  hand  filled  to 
within  an  inch  of  their  rims  with  tolerably  fine  mould,  and  when  a  fine  Pear  is  eaten  or  one 
decays  the  pips  should  immediately  be  planted  in  the  pots  about  half  an  inch  deep.  A  piece  of 
perforated  zinc  or  woven  wire  should  then  be  placed  over  the  pot,  to  keep  out  the  mice  and 
birds,  and  allow  the  rain  to  enter.  The  pots  may  remain  out  of  doors  all  the  winter.  In  March 
or  April  the  young  plants  will  make  their  appearance,  the  wire  covers  may  then  be  removed, 
and  as  soon  as  the  young  plants  have  made  six  leaves  they  may  either  be  potted  into  single  pots 
and  planted  out  in  a  rich  border  in  May.  or  at  once  transplanted  from  the  seed  pot  to  the  border. 
They  will,  if  the  soil  be  rich,  each  make  a  shoot  from  1  to  2  feet  in  length  the  following  season ; 
this  will  make  a  graft  or  grafts,  which  should  be  grafted  on  strong  stocks  on  the  branches  of 
bearing  ti'ees,  and  in  a  few  years  fruit  may  be  expected. 

The  raising  of  Pears  from  seed  may  be  made  nmch  more  interesting  if  the  sorts  from  which 
they  are  raised  be  known ;  for  this  purpose  only  one  kind  should  be  sown  in  a  pot  and  its  name 
placed  with  it.  In  a  very  few  years  they  show  their  origin  iij  their  leaves  and  shoots,  and 
seem  to  go  in  races.  I  have  at  this  moment  a  number  of  seedlings  raised  from  Ne  plus  Meuris, 
they  nearly  all  look  alike,  some  of  them  have  born  fruit  exactly  like  their  parent ;  one  or  two, 
however,  much  larger,  but  unfortunately  they  ripen'3d  in  October,  and  were  not  remarkably 
good.  I  have  also  a  batch  of  seedlings  from  Beurre  d'Aremberg,  these  with  one  or  two  excep- 
tions, are  appai'ently  of  the  same  race:  one  of  them  bore  some  fine  fruit  the  past  season,  exactly 
like  the  Beurre  d'Aremberg,  but  they  ripened  on  the  tree  the  first  week  in  September,  and 
were  of  the  most  delicious  flavor,  so  that  if  an  early  Pear  of  the  same  flavor  were  wanted  it 
would  be  an  acquisition.  Seedlings  from  Passe  Colmar  and  Gh»ut  Morceau  retain  their  family 
likeness  in  their  habits  very  remarkably,  and  this  will  account  for  many  of  the  new  Pears  being 
so  much  like  our  older  varieties ;  there  are  some  eight  or  ten  new  Pears  of  the  Passe  Colmar 
race,  among  our  new  sorts  ripening  at  different  periods,  and  nearly  as  many  of  the  Glout  Mor- 
ceau tribe,  among  which  Beurre  Bachelier  seems  hardier  than  its  parent ;  Victoria  late 


EDITOR'S   TABLE.  383       W 


f 


To  me,  a  lover  of  Pears,  it  is  most  intei'eeting  to  watch  the  development  of  character  in 
seedlings,  and  I  beg  earnestly  to  recommend  the  raising  of  them,  in  the  manner  I  have  directed, 
to  those  of  your  readers  wlio  have  leisure — a  garden,  and  are  gardening  lovers.  Disappoint- 
ment must  be  expected,  for  a  fine  looking  seedling  Pear  will  often  prove  anything  but  fine  in 
flavor.  When  young  trees  give  their  first  fruit  the  best  method  is  to  ask  your  friends  to  the 
first  tasting,  and  then  if  they  prove  very  bad  indeed  it  gives  occasion  for  a  hearty  laugh.  I 
once  had  a  seedling  raised  from  Hacon's  Incomparable,  which  was  as  large  as  a  Catillac  Pear, 
or  say  a  moderate-sized  garden  Turnip,  and  of  a  blight  orange  color.  I  watched  it  with  intense 
interest,  and  when  it  ripened  invited  my  neighbors  to  the  tasting;  in  doing  so  I  think  we  all 
burst  into  a  roar,  for  it  was  a  horrid  compound,  in  which  acid  and  bitter  and  sweet  struggled 
hard  for  the  ascendancy.  I  have  had  other  laughable  adventures  with  seedling  Pears,  but  hope 
in  gardening  matters  never  flags. —  T.  Rivers. 

Fumigation  made  Easy. — First,  as  to  the  fumigating  material.  Buy76ome  good  leaf 
tobacco.  Mind,  leaf,  not  roll.  Next,  make  "  touch"  of  it.  Every  boy,  whether  he  be  a  grow- 
ing boy  of  fifteen,  or  a  grown  boy  of  thirty,  knows  how  to  make  •'  touch."  But  as  your  lady 
readers  may  not  be  so  w^ise,  I  will,  for  their  sake,  add,  that  the  way  to  make  "  touch"  is  to  take 
some  nitre  and  dissolve  it  in  warm  water.  About  a  table-spoonful  of  crushed  nitre  to  a  pint  of 
water.  Steep  brown  paper  in  this  solution,  dry  it,  and  you  have  touch.  Now,  instead  of 
brown  paper  steep  the  tobacco  leaves  in  the  solution,  and  then  dry  them.  You  have  then 
"  touch  tobacco,"  which  will  burn  rapidly,  without  fiimigating  bellows  or  any  other  implement 
of  the  kind. 

The  plan  I  follow  is  this :  I  have  an  old  flower-pot  with  a  hole  pierced  through  the  side  on 
a  level  with  the  floor.  Then,  inside,  I  have  a  piece  of  perforated  zinc,  to  prevent  the  tobacco 
from  falling  to  the  bottom,  and  thus  choking  the  draught  of  air  through  the  hole.  I  place  a 
couple  of  lighted  matches  on  the  perforated  zinc,  throw  in  the  touch  tobacco,  rush  out  of  the 
house,  shut  the  door,  and  keep  it  so  till  morning. 

I  have  often  tried,  and  succeeded,  by  laying  the  matches  on  the  floor,  and  heaping  the  touch 
tobacco  over  them ;  but  of  all  the  plans  I  tried,  the  old  pot  is  the  best.  I  have  just  done  it 
now,  and  I  suppose  that  the  time  which  elapsed,  from  my  going  into  the  house  and  leaving  my 
fumigator  in  full  operation,  was  not  two  minutes. 

Some  friends,  to  whom  I  have  communicated  it,  have  found  it  most  useful  as  well  as  easy. 
The  nitre  evidently  adds  to  the  efiects  of  the  tobacco. — Simplex. 

On  Planting  Dwarf  Pear  Trees. — When  it  was  first  recommended  to  plant  them  so 
deep  that  the  point  of  junction  of  the  gi'aft,  or  bud  and  stock,  should  be  beneath  the  surface  of 
the  ground,  I  conceived  the  plan  to  be  a  good  one,  and  did  not  hesitate  to  put  it  in  practice 
myself,  or  to  advise  my  friends  and  customers  to  do  so ;  after  a  trial  of  some  five  years  I  regret 
to  be  compelled  to  say  my  experience  falls  far  behind  my  anticipations  of  the  benefit  I  expected 
to  witness. 

Without  any  equivocation  or  mental  reservation  I  now  denounce  and  henceforth  abandon  the 
practice;  and  it  is  for  the  benefit  of  those  whom  I  may  by  my  advice  have  led  astray,  as  well 
as  others  who  may  not  have  had  any  experience  in  the  line  of  planting,  that  I  now  give  and 
record  the  result  of  my  own. 

One  half  or  more  of  all  the  trees  I  have  thus  planted,  in  from  one  to  three  years,  have 
rotted  off  at  the  point  where  the  bud  was  inserted  ;  this  is  particularly  the  case  with  all  those 
that  are  slow  growers  on  the  quince  stock. 

Nor  is  this  all ;  I  have  killed  a  few  which  had  been  planted  in  the  ordinary  manner,  by  heap- 
ing the  earth  up  around  the  trunk,  and  all  by  rotting  as  above  mentioned. 

There  are  a  few  varieties  which  have  succeeded  and  grow  very  well,  but  they  are  the  hardy 
'\i      vigorous  varieties,  such  as  Louise  Bonne  de  Jersey,  Kostiezer,  Duchess  D'Angouleme,  &c.,      (T; 
^)      which  you  know  will  grow  almost  any  way.  (p 

0^f^>.v.._^  — — — — — ■ — ^ rr:z^r:iS-g;^-5!(^V ' 


■_^.j- 


-gJg^SQS 


384  editor's  table.  >r 


Those  that  have  thus  far  lived  do  not  appear  to  grow  any  more  vigorously  than  do  those 
which  were  planted  at  the  depth  they  grew  in  the  nursery,  and  if  there  is  any  difference  it  is 
in  favor  of  the  latter. 

All  that  I  can  say  in  favor  of  the  practice,  is,  that  it  hides  the  ugly  appearance  in  those  cases 
when  the  tree  outgrows  the  stock ;  a  very  small  matter,  when  brought  alongside  of  the  loss 
of  a  large  portion  of  the  trees  planted,  as  my  experience  testifies. 

I  hope  others  may  have  had  better  success  than  your  humble  servant ;  were  it  necessary  I 
could  give  you  the  similar  experience  of  some  others,  but  prefer  to  hear  from  those  having  had 
longer  and  more  extensive  trials,  in  other  sections  of  country. — J.  Van  Buren,  Clarksville,  Ga. 

Ehode  Island  Horticultural  Society.— Our  report  of  the  June  exhibition  of  this 
Society,  gives  us  reason  to  believe  it  is  one  of  the  best  they  have  ever  held.  The  Roses  were 
especially  fine  and  numerous.  Mr.  H.  S.  Mansfield  contributed  fine  peaches  from  an  orchard 
house,  Zante  currants,  and  Guava  jelly  made  from  fruit  raised  by  himself,  quite  superior  to  the 
imported.  Figs,  strawberries  of  the  best  kind,  and  the  rarer  products  of  the  greenhouse  were 
most  abundant. 

The  London  Rose  Show. — Up  to  the  time  of  goin»  to  press,  we  have  not,  of  course, 
received  the  account  of  the  London  Rose  Exhibition,  which  took  place  in  early  July.  Thirty- 
six  silver  cups  were  the  prizes.  An  amount  of  interest  was  awakened,  the  results  of  which  we 
shall  record  in  our  next  issue. 

PoMOLOGiCAL  SOCIETY. — Especial  attention  is  called  to  the  circular  of  the  American  Po- 
mological  Society  on  page  375.     This  meeting  will  be  an  important  one. 

Mr.  W.  N.  White's  article  on  Hybridizing  is  full  of  information ;  it  will  well  repay  perusal. 

Horticultural  Society  of  Morrisania.— J.  Jay  Smith,  Esq.— As  doubtless  you  feel 
interested  in  every  thing  passing  round  you,  horticulturally,  we  take  pleasure  in  informing  you, 
that  we  have  just  succeeded  in  organizing  a  Horticulturist  Society  in  this  village.  At  the  pre- 
liminary meeting,  F.  W.  Gilley,  Esq.,  of  West  Morrisania  was  chosen  President, /?/-o  tern,  and 
Wm.  H.  Wilcocx,  Esq.,  the  originator.  Secretary.  Great  enthusiasm  prevailed,  and  it  was 
declared  most  emphatically,  that  it  was  desirable  and  feasible  to  establish  a  society  on  proper 
principles. 

A  grand  September  Exhibition  is  proposed,  which  will  beyond  doubt  be  a  success,  especially 
as  most  of  our  substantial  residents  have  taken  great  interest  in  the  matter.  The  name  of  the 
society  is  the  "Horticultural  Society  of  Morrisania." 

Respectfully,  Jeffreys,  Jr. 

Morrisania,  July  20,  1858. 

Catalogues,  «&,c..  Received.— Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  ornamental  Trees, 
Shrubs,  Roses,  &c.,  cultivated  and  for  sale  at  the  Coverdale  Nurseries,  Dr.  Edward  Taylor, 
proprietor,  Cleveland,  Ohio.     A  well  considered  list. 

Journal  of  the  United  States  Agricultural  Society  for  1857.  Edited  by  Benjamin  Perley 
Poore.    Washington,  1858. 

Illinois  State  Fair,  at  Centralia,  Marion  County.  Regulations  and  Premiums— to  be  held  on 
Sept.  14th,  15th,  16th  and  17th.    Fifteen  thousand  dollars  are  offered  iu  premiums. 

New  Jersey  State  Agricultural  Society.  List  of  Premiums  and  Regulations  of  the  Fourth 
Annual  Exhibition,  to  be  held  at  Trenton,  Sept.  14th,  15th,  16th,  and  17th. 

Premiums  and  Regulations  of  the  9th  Annual  Fair  of  the  Warren  County,  Ohio,  Agricultural 
Society.     To  be  held  at  Lebanon  on  the  28th,  29th  and  30th  of  September. 

Effects  of  Carburetted  Hydrogen  Gas  on  a  collection  of  exotic  plants.  By  George  W. 
Fahuestock.     From  the  proceedings  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,  Philadelphia. 

Synopsis  of  North  American  Willows.    By  N.  J.  Anderson,  Professor  of  Botany  in  the  Uuiver- 


editor's  table. 

sity  of  Stockholm,  Sweden.  Cambridge,  Mass.  No  doubt  published  under  the  auspices  of  Dr. 
Gray,  and  it  is  full  of  research. 

Statistical  Illustrations  of  the  past  and  present  condition  of  Lancashire,  England.  By  Heniy 
Ashworth,  Esq.     Highly  curious. 

Letter  from  David  Landreth  of  Philadelphia,  to  the  Commissioner  of  Patents.  Biting 
and  strongly  put. 

Cotton :  Its  cultivation,  manufacture,  and  uses.  A  paper  read  before  the  Society  of  Arts, 
London,  March  1858.     By  Henry  Ashworth,  Manchester,  1858. 

Address  before  the  Chester  County  Horticultural  Society,  June,  1858.     By  Z.  Collins  Lee. 

Wilcox  &  Felt's  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fi-uit  Trees  cultivated  and  for  sale  at  the  West 
Feliciana  Nurseries,  Bayou  Sara,  Louisiana.     A  very  fine  and  sui-prising  collection. 

Errata. — In  the  article  on  grapes,  written  by  W.  T.,  Germantown,  New  York,  in  the  last 
number  the  following  errors  occur:  33d  line  "in  cleaning  up  hedges  I  frequently  have  occasion 
to  dig  out,"  should  have  added  "  many  an  ancient  fox  grape  apparently  three  score  and  ten  ;" 
and  in  34th  line,  "top  roots"  should  read  "tap  roots;  37th  line  "arranged,"  should  read  "occa- 
sion;" 43d  line  "badly,"  should  read  "boldly." 


ANSWERS  TO  COREESPONDENTS. 


BiGNONiA  Venusta.— P.  P.  T.— The  treatment  of  this  fine  stove-climber  requires  that  it 
should  not  have  too  much  pot  room.  Confine  the  roots,  give  it  poor  soil  and  plenty  of  water  dur- 
ing the  growing  season,  and  keep  the  temperature  at  that  time  at  about  75°  by  day  and  10°  less  by 
night,  and  you  will  have  no  reason  to  complain  of  want  of  bloom.  In  autumn  it  requires  to  be 
cut  in  rather  freely,  as  bloom  is  produced  on  shoots  made  the  same  year.  The  branches  should 
be  spread  out  so  as  to  cover  a  trellis,  or  hung  below  the  glass  to  show  the  full  effect  and  allow 
plenty  of  light  to  get  to  the  leaves,  instead  of  being  tied  in  a  bundle,  as  is  often  done.  It  is  one 
of  the  most  showy  and  beautiful  objects  that  you  can  possess. 

Primula  Mollis. — Adeline. — This  is  a  most  beautiful  plant  with  large  cordate  leaves  of 
from  two  to  three  inches  diameter,  covered  with  soft  hairs.  From  the  centre  of  this  large  tuft 
of  leaves  springs  up  the  flower  stem,  which  attains  about  a  foot  high,  and  all  along  it  are  whorls 
of  handsome  flowers  of  a  fine  purple  colour,  which  last  a  long  time  in  perfection,  and  as  the 
lower  stem  grows  higher,  the  blossoms  keep  coming  out.  It  is  really  a  beautiful  thing,  and 
should  be  in  everybody's  garden. 

Vine  Borders. — S.  W. — We  can  give  you,  perhaps,  no  better  advice  than  the  following, 
which  we  clip  from  Dr.  Lindley's  newspaper:  Were  I  to  make  a  Vine  border,  the  following 
would  be  my  plan  :  First,  I  would  commence  inside  the  house  near  the  front  wall,  and  excavate 
to  the  depth  of  twenty-one  inches  and  to  the  width  of  nine  feet.  I  am  supposing  the  front  wall 
to  be  on  arches,  which  I  should  stop  for  the  present  with  rough  brickwork.  On  the  surface  of 
this  excavation,  which  should  have  a  fall  of  at  least  six  inches,  I  would  place  a  good  layer  of 
some  hard  material — cement,  concrete,  broken  slates  bedded  in  mortar,  or  in  fact  anything  to 
prevent  the  roots  from  going  downwards.  A  trench  nine  inches  or  a  foot  should  be  dug  here 
the  whole  length  of  the  house,  thus  securing  good  drainage.  At  this  point,  nine  feet  from  the 
front  of  the  house,  and  at  the  side  of  the  trench  nearest  the  border,  I  would  run  up  a  brick  on 
edge  wall,  leaving  openings  in  it  through  which  any  superfluous  moisture  might  pass  into  the 
trench.  In  this  way  a  box  would  be  provided  nine  feet  wide  and  eighteen  inches  deep,  with 
good  drainage  the  length  of  the  house ;  this  might  be  filled  with  a  compost  something  like  the 
following:  Fresh  turfy  loam,  rather  stifl"  than  otherwise  (but  not  clayey),  about  a  third  flakey 
leaf  mould  and  good  dung,  not  too  rotten ;  also  a  liberal  supply  of  brickbats,  broken  stones,  or 


"^        386  EDITOR'S    TABLE. 


charcoal.  By,  say  March,  this  would  have  settled,  when  T  should  plant  the  young  Vines,  one 
to  each  rafter,  first  soaking  their  balls  and  carefully  washing  all  soil  from  their  roots,  which 
should  be  barely  covered  with  compost  and  watered  slightly  with  a  rosed  pot.  I  should  now 
cover  the  whole  border  a  few  inches  in  depth  with  droppings  from  an  old  Mushroom  bed.  As 
the  Vines  commenced  and  continued  growing  the  border  should  be  watered  occasionally  with 
weak  liquid  manure,  giving  enough  at  each  watering  to  wet  the  whole  mass.  I  need  scarcely 
add  that  the  atmosphere  should  be  kept  moist.  In  autunm  at  pruning  time  the  droppings  and 
loose  soil  should  be  raked  off  down  to  the  roots,  when  I  would  substitute  a  top  dressing  of  good 
fresh  loam  and  a  moderate  sprinkling  of  guano,  mulching  with  droppings  as  before.  This  I 
would  do  annually  until  I  found  that  my  border  was  either  too  full  of  root  or  the  Vines  required 
more  to  feed  upon,  when  I  would  add  three  feet  more  to  the  border  outside  the  arches  in  front 
of  the  house,  or  at  the  back  inside,  of  course  filling  up  the  trench  and  making  another  if 
required.  It  will  be  observed  that  I  have  not  given  over  stimulating  food  to  the  young  Vines 
or  in  great  quantities,  because  I  hold  that  a  moderate  amomit  well  digested  is  better  than  a 
larger  quantity  and  of  a  richer  kind  than  the  system  requires.  My  chief  object  is  to  keep  the 
plants  and  soil  in  a  healthy  state,  and  to  have  complete  conti'ol  over  the  whole,  both  root  and 
branch.     If  these  instructions  are  followed  there  need  be  no  fear  of  the  result.  D.  D. 

E.  H.  CocKLix,  Black  Hawk  co.,  Iowa. — Your  grass  is  Tricodium  laxiflorum ;  named  from 
the  Greek  word  for  hair,  on  account  of  its  capillary  inflorescence. 

M.  E. — The  beautiful  trailing  plant  from  the  White  Mountains  is  Chiogenes  hispida,  or 
Box-berry,  and  you  will  find  it  highly  ornamental  for  rock-work,  &c.,  &c. 

E.  Y.  Teas,  Kichmond,  Indiana. — Spirea  tomentosa.  In  forwarding  plants  it  is  well  to  include 
a  flower,  and  to  say  whether  native  or  foreign. 

A  Subscriber,  New  York. — After  your  Strawberry  seeds  have  dried  in  a  bed  of  pure  sand 
about  a  month,  sow  them  in  a  light  soil,  in  a  partially  shaded  spot.  Carefully  water,  and  in  winter 
protect  them  with  a  covering  of  straw;  in  spring,  transplant  them,  one  plant  in  a  place  and  two 
feet  apart ;  carefully  remove  all  runners  until  the  plants  have  borne ;  select  the  best  for  trial. 
If  means  exist,  a  better  plan  is  to  sow  the  seeds  and  sand  in  a  cold  frame  in  a  northern  expos- 
ure, and  transplant  as  above. 

S. — Your  plant  is  Styrax  grandifolium,  a  most  valuable,  hardy,  fragrant  plant ;  we  should  be 
especially  obliged  by  your  forwarding  us  a  few  seeds. 

J.  L.  S.,  Virginia. — Pray  send  the  flower  or  fruit.  The  leaves  are  not  a  sufficient  guide 
always.     Is  it  an  annual  ? 


GOSSIP. 

The  amount  of  fruit  trees  that  may  be  placed  in  a  sinall  garden  has  frequently  been  noticed. 
A  recent  paragraph  from  California  will  be  remembered  by  our  readers.  We  now  find  it  stated 
that  a  Mr.  Caprotte,  near  Paris,  has  three  thousand  yards  long  of  trellis  covered  with  the  Chas- 
selas  de  Fontainbleau  grape,  producing  him  annually  on  small  premises  two  thousand  five  hun- 
dred dollars. 

We  regret  to  announce,  says  the  London  Gardener's  Chronicle,  the  decease  on  the  10th,  at 
Turnham  Green  of  Mr.  George  McEwen,  in  the  thirty-eighth  year  of  his  age.  During  the 
fourteen  months  that  he  acted  as  Superintendent  of  the  Garden  of  the  Horticultural  Society  he 
evinced  so  much  skill  and  energy  as  to  make  it  a  subject  of  the  most  lively  regret  that  so  great 
a  spirit  should  have  dwelt  in  so  frail  a  body. 


'H         The  good  that  might  be  done  by  teaching  the  use  of  one's  eyes  to  the  young  is  illustrated  by      ft 


aft^>^' 


t 


the  Rev.  J.  S.  Henslow,  of  England,  who  has  a  school  m  which  poor  children  are  Instructed  in 
Botany  and  the  names  of  trees  and  plants.  He  has  lately  offered  two  prizes  to  his  scholars  of 
tweiitj'-fiTC  dollars  and  fifteen  dollars  for  the  best  collections  of  dried  wild  flowei's  and  plants 
growing  within  four  miles  of  the  school.  When  shall  we  have  teachers  in  our  public  schools 
who  know  a  willow  tree  from  a  gooseberry  bush. 

The  Messrs.  Henderson,  of  the  Wellington  Eoad  nurseries,  London,  says  a  correspondent, 
have  the  fdllowing  new  plants  :' 

A  new  Aucuba,  from  Japan,  as  hardy  as  Aucuha  Japonica,  with  as  large,  if  not  larger,  leaves, 
and  all  the  leaves  as  dark  green  as  those  of  the  Portugal  Laurel.  This  will  make  a  splendid 
addition  to  our  hardy  evergreens.  It  was  got  over  by  Dr.  Sicholst,  who  has  an  experimental 
garden  at  Bonn,  on  the  Rhine. 

A  new  Rondeletia,  from  China — perhaps  the  free-flowering  kind  ;  but  it  is  very  different  from 
Rondcktia  Outmpioni,  having  leaves  more  like  a  Portugal  Laurel  on  long  footstalks,  and  with 
the  underside  as  glaucous  as  the  leaves  of  Magnolia  glauca. 

A  new  Conoclinium,  with  leaves  more  like  those  of  Gesnera  zehrina.  Gardenia  citriodora,  hav- 
ing the  growth  like  Burchellia  Capends,  and  flowering  in  clusters  at  the  joints  of  last  year's 
wood,  pure  white,  and  as  wide  as  a  shilling.  A  most  valuable  acquisition  to  our  sweet-smelling 
plants.     Blue  Allamanda  is  here  also. 

They  have  also  Cliamcecyparis  Ihuriferw,  which  is  selling  off  like  "  wild  fire."  This  was  the 
Conifer  which  was  balloted  for  at  the  Horticultural  Society.  Cupressus  Lawsoni,  McNabiana, 
and  Brcgeoni,  Tkiija  gigantea  (Low),  and  ditto  (Veitch);  the  two  appear  to  be  quite  distinct. 
Thidopsis  borealis,  Fodocarpus  nubigeiia,  Finns  Bungeana,  and  many  others ;  Picea  bracteata, 
and  lots  of  "  fly  flappers,"  or  real  standards  of  Deutzia  gracilis,  from  three  to  five  feet  high  in 
the  stem.  Everything  is  eagerly  made  into  standards  now,  and  gets  a  ready  sale ;  this  winter 
house  is  half  full  of  standards  of  all  kinds,  and  there  is  a  most  valuable  sort  of  fountain  Cactus, 
of  the  Mallisoni  section.  I  recommend  this  Cactus  to  the  whole  world,  and  I  never  saw  or 
heard  of  it  before.  It  is  the  work  of  some  amateur,  the  kind  is  called  Scotica.  The  old  plant 
is  trained  up  round  a  pillar  to  a  height  of  seven  feet.  D.  B. 

Nettles. — Most  gardeners  look  upon  the  Nettle  as  their  enemy,  and  hence  it  has  been 
driven  forth  into  by  places,  or  waste  laud,  or  the  shadow  of  hedgerows.  Nevertheless  its  fibre 
makes  good  linen  as  the  Dutch  have  found ;  the  leaves  when  young  are  a  delicate  esculent ; 
horsedealers  use  the  seeds  to  give  their  cattle  spirit  and  a  fine  skin ;  and  finally  the  roots  when 
boiled  with  the  addition  of  alum  and  a  little  salt  form  a  good  yellow  dye.  Thus  it  appears  that 
eveiy  part  of  a  Nettle  may  be  usefully  employed  in  rural  economy  or  in  art.  Horned  cattle 
find  it  a  safe  and  sound  fjod,  for  it  is  early  and  easy  to  grow;  the  worst  soils  suit  it;  it  requires 
no  care,  will  bear  any  kind  of  weather,  and  propagates  itself.  It  may  be  cut  five  or  six  times  a 
year  ;  and  in  the  spring,  when  cattle  want  food,  it  supplies  them  ^'ith  it  abundantly.  It  may 
be  cut  young,  and  given  green  ;  or  it  may  be  left  to  stand  longer  for  hay ;  but  in  the  latter  case 
it  must  not  stand  too  long,  or  cattle  will  not  eat  its  coarse  haulm. — French  Papir. 

An  inquiry  instituted  by  the  Belgian  government  merits  attention.  For  some  years,  a  notion 
had  grown  into  a  belief  that  certain  manufactories  were  prejudicial  to  health  and  vege- 
tation, and  so  much  disquiet  arose  thereon,  especially  in  the  province  of  Namur,  that  the 
governor  rejjorted  it  to  the  home  department  at  Brussels.  A  commission  was  appointed,  two 
chemists  and  two  botanists,  who,  commencing  their  inquiry  in  June,  1855,  pursued  it  carefully 
for  several  months,  confining  themselves  to  factories  in  which  sulphuric  acid,  soda,  copperas, 
and  chloride  of  lime  were  made.  The  two  chemists  watched  the  processes,  and  noted  the 
escape  of  gases  from  the  chimneys.  They  consider  soda  fiictories  to  be  the  most  noxious,  and 
tall  chimneys  more  hurtful  than  short  ones,  because  of  the  greater  surface  over  which  they 
diffuse  the  vapors ;  and  tall  chimneys,  by  quickening  the  draught,  discharge  gases  which  other- 


editor's  table. 

wise  would  be  absorbed  in  the  passage.  Hence,  contrary  to  the  commonly  received  opinion  in 
this  country,  they  hold  that  there  is  less  dispersion  of  deleterious  vapors  with  a  short  chimney 
than  a  tall  one. 

The  botanists  on  their  part  show,  as  might  be  anticipated,  that  the  effect  on  vegetation  is 
most  shown  in  the  direction  of  the  prevalent  winds,  and  more  during  rains  and  fogs  than  in 
clear  weather.  They  establish  beyond  a  doubt  the  hurtful  influence  of  smoke,  due  to  the  pres- 
ence of  hydrochloric  and  sulphuric  acid,  and  they  find  that  the  greatest  distance  at  which  the 
mischief  is  observable  is  two  thousand  metres  (a  little  over  an  English  mile) ;  the  least  six 
hundred  metres.  Tliey  enumerate  thirty-four  kinds  of  trees  which  appear  to  be  most  suscept- 
ible of  harm,  beginning  with  the  common  hornbeam  {Carpinus  Bttulus),  and  ending  with  the 
alder;  and  between  these  two  occur,  in  sequence,  beech,  sycamore,  lime,  poplar,  apple,  rose, 
and  hop.  As  regards  the  effect  on  the  health  of  men  and  animals,  the  commission  find  the  pro- 
portion of  deaths  per  cent  to  be  lower  now  in  the  surrounding  population  tlian  before  the  fac- 
tories were  established :  from  1  in  58  it  has  fallen  to  1  in  66.  One  I'eason  for  this  improvement 
may  consist  in  the  better  means  of  living  arising  out  of  the  wages  earned  in  the  factories. 
However,  the  commission  wind  up  their  report  with  an  assurance  that  health,  either  of  men  or 
horses,  suffers  nothing  from  the  factories,  and  vegetation  so  little,  that  farmers  and  graziers  may 
dismiss  their  fears,  and  the  government  refrain  from  interfering. 

An  ingenious  mode  of  rearing-  birds  is  practised  in  France.  The  young  birds  with  the  nest 
are  placed  in  a  small  cage,  and  tied  up  near  the  place  in  which  the  nest  itself  lay.  I  have  seen 
the  old  birds  come  and  attend  to  the  nursing  of  their  offspring  in  this  way  with  the  utmost  zeal 
and  success.  When  we  consider  how  much  more  skillful  they  are  in  finding  the  best  food,  and 
administering  it  in  the  best  manner,  we  cannot  be  surprised  that  in  this  way  the  great  losses, 
otherwise  sure  to  occur,  are  avoided. 

In  France,  M.  Beelard  has  made  some  curious  experiments  on  the  Influence  of  Light  on 
Animals,  and  finds  that  those  creatures  which  breathe  from  the  skin,  and  have  neither  lungs  nor 
branchite,  undergo  remarkable  modifications  under  different  colored  rays.  He  exposed  the  eggs 
of  flies  {Miiscn  carnaria)  imder  bell-glasses  of  six  different  colors:  little  maggots  were  hatched 
from  all ;  but  those  under  the  blue  and  violet  rays  were  more  than  a  third  larger  than  those 
under  the  green.  Frogs,  which  by  reason  of  their  naked  skin,  are  very  sensitive  to  light,  give 
off  half  as  much  more  carbonic  acid  in  a  given  time  under  the  green  ray  as  under  the  red ;  but 
if  the  frogs  are  skinned,  and  the  experiment  is  repeated,  the  excess  then  is  with  those  under 
the  red  ray.  ,__^^Frog8  placed  in  a  dark  chamber  lose  one-half  less  of  moisture  by  evaporation, 
than  when  placed  in  common  daylight. 


->K— •«•«- 


Indicator  Bee  Stand. — An  ingenious  lover  of  bees  has  invented  a  plan  for  weighing 
his.honey  as  collected,  and  gives  the  following  account  of  his  method : 

Having  lately  devised  a  plan  by  which  to  increase  my  own  enjoyment  of  bee-keeping,  it  has 
occurred  to  mo  that  many  others  who  take  an  interest  in  the  subject  may  like  to  follow  my 
example,  and  I  submit  herewith  a  sketch  of  an  "Indicator  Bee  Stand,"  constructed  with  a  view 
of  enabling  the  bee-keeper  to  note  the  progress  of  a  colony  in  honey  gathering  all  through  the 
season,  so  as  to  compare,  if  needful,  the  influence  of  a  period  of  fine  weather,  say  for  a  week 
or  a  few  days,  in  increasing  the  weight  of  the  hive.  The  indicator  is  a  spiral  spring  fitted  inside 
a  hollow  post,  and  on  the  spring  is  a  short  piece  playing  freely  into  the  socket,  and  on  this  piece 
the  hive-board  is  placed.  A  new  swarm,  hived  in  a  new  hive,  would  form  the  most  interesting 
subject  for  a  first  experiment.  When  placed  on  the  stand  the  weight  of  hive,  bees,  and  board 
will  be  indicated  on  the  dial  plate  by  means  of  the  finger  which  is  attached  to  the  spring,  and 


editor's  table. 

as  the  process  of  comb-maUing,  breeding,  and  honey-collecting  goes  on,  the  increasing  weight 
acting  on  the  spring  will  at  all  times  indicate  the  gross  weight  snperincumbent  on  it.  The  one 
I  have  made  registers  up  to  60  lbs.,  but  I  purpose  making  one  to  register  to  100  lbs.,  so  as  to 
serve  for  a  set  of  the  large  Stewarton  or  Tegetmeier's  boxes,  both  of  which  I  have  and  pur- 
pose stocking  with  double  swarms  this  season.  The  construction  of  the  stand  is  most  simple ; 
the  hollow  post  is  of  inch  stuff",  and  the  short  piece  that  supports  the  hive  is  carefully  fitted  and 
smoothed  with  black  lead  to  make  it  play  freely,  and  as  its  range  of  motion  perpendicidarly  is 
only  3  inches,  the  action  of  the  spring,  even  in  taking  a  heavy  super,  cannot  by  any  possibility 
cause  a  jerk.  The  spring  is  japanned,  to  preserve  it  from  the  action  of  the  weather;  without 
being  so  prepared  it  could  hardly  be  expected  to  last  through  a  season.  The  cost  of  the  stand 
including  spring,  carpenter's  work,  and  engraving  of  the  plate  was  18s.,  but  any  one  enjoying 
sufficient  leism-e  and  handy  in  the  use  of  tools  might  make  it  for  5s,  or  6s.  less.  As  my  bees 
promise  to  swarm  shortly  I  hope  soon  to  set  the  stand  in  action,  and  anticipate  much  pleasur- 
able instruction  in  the  daily  record  of  progress  which  the  dial  plate  will  afford  me. — Shirley 
Hibberd,  in  London  Gardener'' s  Chronicle. 

Bees. — It  is  well  to  place  hives  within  a  little  distance  of  a  small  pond,  or  shallow  stream  ; 
but  if  there  is  no  water  near,  you  ought  to  sink  some  large  dish  or  milk-pan  in  the  ground  close 
by,  in  a  warm  nook  if  possible,  where  the  sun  always  shines  in  the  afternoon.  Fill  it  with 
stones,  or  pieces  of  wood,  for  the  bees  to  light  upon,  without  risk  of  drowning,  when  they 
come  to  drink.  They  cannot  do  without  water  iu  spring  or  summer;  and  if  they  find  none 
near,  they  will  go  long  distances  in  search  of  it,  especially  in  dry  weather. 

In  handling  bee-hives  you  must  go  quietly  to  work :  touch  them  very  gently,  so  as  not  to 
knock  or  jar  them  ;  and,  above  all,  never  breathe  upon  your  bees.  A  knock  will  rouse  them  in 
a  minute,  but  the  breath  of  man  or  woman  makes  them  vicious. 

Keep  on  watching  your  bees  through  March  and  April ;  never  let  a  day  pass  without  looking 
after  them,  if  you  want  them  to  do  well.  If  they  go  on  taking  large  quantities  of  pollen  into 
their  hive,  all  is  well ;  but  it  will  sometimes  happen  that  they  cease  doing  so  by  degrees, — less 
and  less  every  day.  This  is  the  worst  possible  sign.  As  soon  as  you  discover  auy  idleness  in 
your  bees  like  this,  and  they  cease  carrying  polleu  into  their  hive  in  spring,  you  had  better  take 
up  3'our  hive  at  once,  and  get  what  honey  you  can  out  of  it.  The  bees  which  remain  in  the 
hive  (and  there  are  often  a  good  many  of  them)  will  do  nothing  but  amuse  themselves  with 
flying  in  and  out  on  fine  days,  and  eating  up  the  honey  while  it  lasts,  or  till  they  die.  The 
honey  you  see  had  better  be  stored  up  in  your  cupboard,  than  wasted  upon  idle  bees.  Either 
the  queen-mother  is  dead,  or  she  is  getting  old  and  worn  out. 

Bananas  in  Texas. — According  to  a  Texas  paper  the  Banana  perfects  itself  in  parts  of 
Texas,  the  ti-ee  thriving  as  well  as  in  its  native  latitude. 

f^:NuRSERY  OF  Parsons  and  Co.— We  find  the  following  in  the  Country  Gentleman:  Dur- 
ing a  recent  visit  to  this  celebrated  nursery  at  Flushing,  Long-Island,  we  observed  many 
objects  of  interest.  It  is  well  known  as  one  of  the  best  iu  this  country.  It  occupies  about 
one  hundred  acres  of  land.  A  larger  portion  than  in  most  nurseries  is  devoted  to  ornamental 
trees,  evergreens,  &c.  There  is  a  propagating  house  100  feet  long,  and  several  thousand  feet 
of  cold  frames  and  pits,  belonging  to  the  hardy  department ;  in  addition  to  which  there  is  a 
grapery  120  feet  long;  a  house  40  feet  long  and  20  wide  fur  stove  plants  and  orchids;  one  for 
rhododendi-ons,  azaleas  and  camellias,  100  feet  long,  and  another  for  camellias  exclusively,  the 
same  length;  one  for  Ericas,  Epacris,  Borronias,  Aphelexis,  and  New  Holland  plants,  100  feet 
long;  another  of  the  same  length  for  geraniums,  roses,  and  calceolarias;  one  of  50  feet  for 
acacias,  daphnes,  and  green-house  plants;  and  one  40  feet  for  bulbs.  Connected  with  this 
department  there  is  a  100  feet  propagating  house,  and  about  400  running  feet  of  brick  and  stone 
pits.     These  structures  and  the  open  ground  contain  perhaps  the  largest  collections  of 


^;        390  EDITOK'S    TABLE. 


Rhododendrons,  Stuartias,  Andromeda  arborea,  &c.,  in  this  country.  The  cultivation  of  rare 
plants,  and  those  of  difficult  propagation,  distinguishes  this  establishment;  and  we  observed 
that  tlie  grafting  of  evergreens  was  conducted  with  great  success.  Wc  observed  in  flower  the 
"  Liliiim  gigantemn,^^  a  new  plant  from  the  Himalayan  mountains — so  far  as  we  are  aware,  the 
first  that  has  bloomed  in  this  country.  The  stem  grows  rapidly,  was  about  seven  feet  high,  and 
the  flowei's,  of  which  there  were  several,  were  seven  or  eight  inches  long,  funnel  shaped,  yel- 
lowish white,  and  streaiied  inside  with  dark  purple.  The  leaves  are  cordate.  It  is  a  cold 
green-house  plant  of  easy  culture ;  the  bulb  of  this  was  three  years  old. 

A  Chinese  Garden. — Mr.  Fortune  gives  a  'curious  description  of  a  Chinese  Garden  in  a 
recent  letter,  from  which  we  make  the  following  extracts : 

"  The  plants  consist  of  good  specimens  of  southern  Chinese  things,  all  well  known  in  Eng- 
land, such,  for  example,  as  Cymbidium  sinense.  Olea  fragrans,' Oranges,  Roses,  Camellias, 
Magnolias,  etc.,  and,  of  course,  a  multitude  of  dwarf  trees,  without  which  no  Chinese  garden 
would  be  considered  complete.  In  the  alcove  alluded  to  there  are  some  nice  stone  seats,  which 
look  cool  in  a  climate  like  that  of  southern  China.  The  floor  of  this  building  is  raised  a  few 
feet  above  the  ground  level,  so  that  the  visitor  gets  a  good  view  of  the  water  and  other  objects 
of  interest  in  the  garden.  That  this  is  a  favorite  lounge  and  smoking  place  with  the  Chinese, 
the  following  Chinese  notice,  which  we  found  on  one  of  the  pillars,  will  testify: — 'A  careful 
and  earnest  notice:  This  garden  earnestly  requests  that  visitors  will  spit  betel  outside  the  rail- 
ing, and  knock  the  ashes  of  pipes  also  outside.'  Several  fine  fruit-trees  and  others  are  growing 
near  the  walks,  and  afford  shade  from  the  rays  of  the  sun.  On  one  of  these  we  read  the  fol- 
lowing: 'Ramblers  \\Qi-e  will  he  ezciwecZ  plucking  the  fruit  on  this  tree.'  How  exceedingly 
polite ! 

'•  Near  the  centre  of  the  garden  stands  a  substantial  summer-house,  or  hall  named  the  '  Hall 
of  Fragrant  Plants.'  The  same  notice  to  smokers  and  chewers  of  betel-nut  is  also  put  up 
here;  and  there  is  another  and  a  longer  one  which  I  must  not  forget  to  quote.  It  is  this: 
'  In  this  garden  the  plants  are  intended  to  delight  the  eyes  of  all  visitors ;  a  great  deal  has  been 
expended  in  planting  and  in  keeping  in  order,  and  the  garden  is  now  beginning  to  yield  some 
return.  Those  who  come  here  to  saunter  about  are  earnestly  prayed  not  to  pluck  the  fruit  or 
flowers,  in  order  that  the  beauty  of  the  place  may  be  preserved.'  And  then  follows  a  piece  of 
true  Chinese  politeness ;  '  We  beg  persons  who  understand  this  notice  to  excuse  it !'  Passing 
through  the  Hall  of  Fragrant  Plants,  we  approached,  between  two  rows  of  Olea  fi-agrans,  a 
fine  ornamental  suite  of  rooms  tastefully  furnished  and  decorated,  in  which  visitors  are  received 
and  entertained.  An  inscription  informs  us  that  this  is  called  the  '  Fragrant  Hall  of  the  Woo- 
che  tree.'  Leaving  this  place  by  a  narrow  door,  we  observed  the  following  notice  :  '  Saun- 
terers  here  will  be  excused  entering.'  This  apparently  leads  to  the  private  apartments  of  the 
family.  In  this  side  of  the  garden  there  is  some  fine  artificial  rockwork,  which  the  Chinese 
know  well  how  to  construct,  and  various  summer-houses  tastefully  decorated,  one  of  which  is 
called  the  '  Library  of  Verdant  Purity.'  Between  this  part  of  the  garden  and  the  straight 
walk  already  noticed  there  is  a  small  pond  or  lake  for  fish  and  water-lilies.  This  is  crossed  by 
a  zigzag  wooden  bridge  of  many  arches,  which  looked  rather  dilapidated." 

Diseases  of  the  Pear. — Tlie  Pear  has  several  times  in  this  countiy  been  subject  to  the 
most  fatal  epidemics.  Men  and  animals  are  not  alone  the  victims  of  pestilence,  but  Nature 
suffers  these  violent  perturbations  through  all  her  dominions.  It  is  not  sui'prising  that  the  sud- 
den loss  of  one  tenth  of  a  fine  pear  orchard  should  discourage  and  alarm  the  fruitgrower ;  still  he 
ought  not  to  forget  that  its  cause  is  exceptional,  and  will  pass  away.  These  diseases,  though 
prevailing  for  several  seasons  in  succession,  occur  only  at  long  intei"vals ;  and  the  period  of  a 
disease  being  tenninated,  we  may  usually  calculate  upon  exemption  from  it  for  a  considerable 
time. 

Winter,  or  Frozen  Sap  Blight. — The  diseases  of  the  Pear,  known  by  Pomologists  as 


^'  EDITOR'S   TABLE.  391       "k/ 


Blight,  Summer-Blight,  Winter-Blight,  Insect-Blight,  and  Frozen-Sap-Blight,  are  generally,  at 
present,  recognized  under  the  two  latter  terms,  though  we  think  the  leaf-blight  an  entirely  dis- 
tinct disease.  There  has  been  so  much  speculation  upon  the  causes  of  Winter  or  Frozen  Sap 
Blight,  and  so  many  remedies  recommended,  that  we  are  not  prepared  to  adopt  any  of  the  theo- 
ries in  explanation  of  it,  or  any  nostrum  as  a  specific. 

The  pear  tree  is  a  greedy  absorber  of  fluids,  and  when  the  warm  rains  of  September  excite  its 
absorbents,  the  gourmand  drinks  up  large  quantities  of  nutriment,  and  a  late  and  rapid  growth 
of  shoots  is  formed.  In  these  succulent  and  unripe  growths,  the  sap  is  retained  without  that 
vitality  of  leaf  which  will  effect  its  maturity  and  assimilation,  beiug  thin  and  watery,  and  not 
sufficiently  matured  to  enable  it  to  resist  the  frost,  and  death  ensues.  In  the  plant  as  well  as 
the  animal,  great  length  of  time  often  elapses  before  the  poison  affects  the  whole  system  and 
causes  death.  It  is  not  unfrequent  that  the  tree,  poisoned  -in  autumn,  survives  till  the  July 
following.  The  bark  of  the  trunk  and  principal  limbs  exhibits  black  spots  ;  and  on  cutting  into 
them,  the  bark  and  wood,  for  some  distance  beneath,  are  found  quite  dead  and  black. 

The  only  remedy  is,  to  cut  away  at  once  all  of  the  tree  that  is  affected,  cutting  below  the 
lowest  spot.  But  few  trees  attacked  with  this  disease  will  be  of  much  value,  even  with  the  best 
treatment  that  can  be  given  them.  Out  of  forty  trees,  six  or  eight  feet  high,  thus  affected  in 
one  season,  we  succeeded  in  saving  the  stumps,  two  feet  high,  of  only  eight  or  ten.  These  trees 
had  been  brought  from  a  distance,  and  planted  the  fall  preceding  the  attack,  and  exhibited  by 
their  large,  thrifty  shoots,  that  rapid  unripe  growth  above  mentioned. 


»'   *  »  » 


S0k5  for  i\t  Hontt 


VINEYARD   CALENDAR  FOR   AUGUST. 

BY    R.    BUCHANAX,  CIXCINJTATI,  OHIO. 

The  work  of  the  vine  dresser  this  month  will  be  light.  Summer  pruning  is  generally  finished 
in  July,  and  in  August,  tieing  up  straggling-  branches  of  the  vine,  and  keeping  the  weeds  down, 
by  the  hoe  or  cultivator,  is  all  tliat  is  necessary.  By  the  middle  of  the  month  all  apprehensions 
of  injury  from  the  grub  are  over,  and  the  only  thing  to  be  dreaded  is  a  hail  storm.  From  other 
casualties  of  the  climate,  the  crop  is  safe. 

Note. — Owing  to  very  wet  weather  in  May,  and  early  June,  succeeded  by  cold  nights  and 
foggy  mornings,  the  mildew  and  rot  have  made  sad  havoc  in  the  vineyards  in  Ohio,  Indiana, 
Illinois,  and  Missouri,  destroying  more  than  half  the  crop.  The  heavy  rains  whilst  the  Grape 
vines  were  in  blossom,  prevented  the  fruit  from  setting  well,  and  left  it  in  an  unhealthy  state, 
easily  subject  to  injury  from  mildew,  and  laying  the  foundation  for  rot,  in  the  larger  berries  not 
affected  by  mildew.  The  sulphur  remedies  could  not  be  applied  early  enough  in  the  season  to 
affVnxl  a  fair  test  of  their  value,  but  some  persons  who  tried  them  late,  thought  them  useful.  It 
will  take  another  year  to  decide  this  question. 


% 


tt^< 


BY  WILLIAM  SAUNDERS,  GERMANTOWN,  PA. 

Propagation  by  Cuttings. — This  is  one  of  the  most  common  and  available  modes  of 
extending  plants.  A  cutting  is  simply  a  part  of  a  plant  taken  oft"  and  placed  in  a  position  to 
form  roots,  and  become  in  all  respects  a  living  representation  of  the  original  from  whence  it 
was  taken.  The  constitutional  conditions,  or  special  proportionate  arrangements  of  the  consti- 
tuents of  plants  most  favorable  for  the  emission  of  roots,  has  not  been  determined.  While, 
therefore,  some  will  throw  out  roots  under  any  conditions,  others  will  do  so  very  tardily  under 
the  most  favorable  circumstances. 

Cuttings  taken  from  extreme  points  of  shoots  will  produce  early  flowering  plants,  and 
frequently  a  tendency  to  bushy  and  dwarf  growth ;  those  from  side  branches,  incline  to  hori- 
zontal growth,  and  in  some  cases  it  is  only  by  securing  an  upright  shoot  from  the  base  of  such 
side  growing  plants  that  upward  growth  is  obtained.  These  peculiarities  are  not  constant,  and 
are  not  considered  important,  although  occasionally  useful  for  particular  pui-poses. 


f 


i^ 


392  editor's  table. 

The  formation  of  roots  is  dependent  upon  the  previous  or  immediate  action  of  leaves;  the 
best  shoots  therefore  for  propagation  are  those  possessing  a  considerable  portion  of  the  organ- 
ized matter  consequent  upon  maturity,  but  in  which  the  processes  of  growth  are  still  in  full 
operation;  in  other  words,  those  shoots  that  have  commenced  to  mature,  but  are  possessed  of 
healthy,  active  foliage. 

Cuttings  of  young  and  succulent  shoots,  are  immediately  dependent  upon  the  simultaneous 
growth  of  the  stem  for  their  successful  rooting,  the  leaves  must  therefore  be  preserved  in  order 
to  assimilate  matter  for  root  formation. 

It  is  necessary  to  suri-ound  the  cuttings  by  an  atmosphere  containing  a  uniform  degree  of 
moisture.  All  moist  bodies,  when  placed  in  a  dry  atmosphere,  lose  moisture  by  evaporation. 
If  the  cuttings  are  subjected  to  aridity  their  contained  sap  will  speedOy  be  exhausted,  and  they 
will  shrivel  and  die.  Hence  the  practice  of  propagating  in  close  fitting  frames,  or  covering 
with  a  bell  ghiss  to  ensure  the  required  atmospherical  temperature  and  contained  moisture. 

Light  in  excess  is  equally  injurious,  shading  is  requisite  from  strong  sunlight ;  cai'e  is  required, 
however,  that  enough  light  be  admitted  to  maintain  a  healthy  leaf  action. 

Every  one  who  has  experience  in  this  mode  of  propagation  is  aware  that  under  certain  con- 
ditions, cuttings  will  grow  and  increase  at  top  without  forming  roots ;  while  under  others  the 
same  kind  of  cuttings  will  produce  roots  without  indicating  the  slightest  symptoms  of  growth 
by  external  buds.  Heat  is  the  great  stimulus  to  the  vital  forces  of  plants,  and  when  the  atmos- 
phere in  which  they  are  placed  is  of  a  higher  temperature  than  the  soil  in  which  they  are 
inserted,  the  branches  are  excited  to  growth.  On  the  contrary,  these  conditions  are  reversed 
when  the  soil  is  a  few  degrees  warmer  than  the  air ;  roots  are  then  encouraged  while  the  stem 
may  remain  stationary.  In  propagating  cuttings  it  is  therefore  a  good  general  rule,  to  place 
them  in  the  lowest  average  atmospherical  temperature  that  they  will  endure,  to  retard  upward 
growth,  and,  on  the  other  hand,  to  raise,  by  the  application  of  artificial  heat,  the  soil  to  the 
highest  average  temperature,  in  order  to  stimulate  into  activity  the  processes  carried  on  in  the 
vessels  beneath  the  surface  of  the  soil,  and  the  more  completely  these  conditions  are  secured, 
the  greater  the  chances  of  success. 

Grapery. — In  cold  houses  the  grapes  will  be  approaching  towards  maturity.  Maintain  a 
healthy,  vigorous  growth,  by  watering  occasionally  with  liquid  manure.  It  is  much  pre- 
ferable to  apply  stimulants  at  this  time  than  to  grow  in  a  highly  enriched  border.  The  fruit 
will  certainly  not  color  or  ripen  to  perfection,  unless  a  vigorous  growth  and  an  abundance  of 
healthy  foliage  is  preserved.  The  close  spurring  and  ch)se  pinching  system  of  management  is 
the  principal  cause  of  badly  colored  grapes.  Allow  the  lateral  growths  to  ramble  now  at  will, 
"  the  maturation  of  the  fruit  is  dependent  upon  the  action  of  leaves  and  roots,  and  the  secretions 
that  it  forms  are  principally  derived  from  the  fonner.  Consequently,  whatever  contributes  to 
the  healthy  condition  of  the  leaves  and  roots  will  have  a  directly  beneficial  influence  upon  the 
fruit." 

EooT  Pruning. — The  root  pruning  of  trees  as  a  means  of  promoting  fruitfulness  does  not 
seem  to  meet  with  much  favor.  As  a  system  for  general  culture  it  will  not,  of  course,  be 
popular,  neither  is  it  necessary.  Occasionally,  however,  it  may  be  practised  with  decided  ad- 
vantage. Where  fruit  trees  are  growing  in  very  rich  soil,  such  as  in  small,  highly  cultivated 
gardens,  and  produce  annually  an  immense  crop  of  branches,  but  no  fruit,  cutting  off  a  few  of 
the  strongest  roots  is  at  once  the  most  simple  and  certain  method  of  checking  growth.  If  this 
is  carefully  performed  early  this  month,  fruiting  buds  may  be  formed  before  tlie  completion  of 
growth. 

Trellis  Work. — In  small  gardens  where  intricacy  and  variety  are  desired,  but  where  the 
limited  space  prevents  the  planting  of  trees  and  shrubbery  in  sufficient  quantities  to  effect  this 
purpose,  an  expedient  may  be  adopted  in  the  form  of  a  screen  of  trellis  work  covered  with 
climbing  plants.  Rustic  work  is  well  adapted  to  form  such  erections,  but  is  expensive  if 
properly  constructed,  and  if  it  is  not,  will  soon  decay.  Smooth  slats  are  perhaps  preferable, 
and  when  painted  of  a  brownish  green  color  are  not  particularly  C(tnspieuous. 

Screens  of  this  kind  should  be  put  up  so  as  to  present  somewhat  of  an  architectural  appear- 
ance, divided  into  panels  by  projecting  piers,  and  the  elevation  relieved  by  mouldings,  &c.  In 
certain  positions  it  may  assume  the  appearance  of  a  gate-way  or  entrance  to  a  part  of  the 
grounds.  Such  screens  may  often  be  advantageously  employed  to  form  a  division  between  the 
vegetable  garden  and  flower  beds.  Much  of  their  efficiency  and  appropriateness  will  depend 
upon  the  manner  in  which  they  are  connected  with  surrounding  objects. 

For  really  effective  growth  the  hardy  grape  vine  is  the  most  reliable  ;  the  Virginia  creeper  is 
next  in  order.  Aristolochia  sipho,  Bignonia  radicans,  the  various  hardy  clematis.  Wistarias, 
&c.,  may  be  also  introduced.  In  summer  any  of  the  free  growing  annual  climbers  may  also 
be  planted. 


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BUMELTA  LYCIOIDES. 


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except  the  Government  Library,  in  which  are  collected  many  treasures  that 
have  not  found  their  way  across  the  border.  The  sandy  soil  of  the  site  is  a 
drawback  to  the  planter,  but  they  are  active  in  public  works,  have  a  long- 
planted  avenue  leading  towards  the  grand  new  college  in  progress,  and 
efforts  are  made  by  private  individuals  to  secure  beauty  and  shade  on  their 
premises  which  have  not  been  in  vain.  Probably  the  talked-of  removal  of 
the  government  officials  to  Ottawa  has  retarded  the  progress  of  Toronto. 
The  Governor's  mansions,  in  town  and  out,  have  some  fine  trees.  Leaving 
till  next  month  a  brief  allusion  to  the  Rapids  of  St.  Lawrence,  we  come  to 

Montreal.  Few  sites  for  a  city  can  ever  expect  to  rjval  Montreal  for 
beauty  of  situation.  The  lov/er  part  is  devoted  to  business,  and  rising  like 
successive  terraces,  the  views  are  as  fine  as  eye  could  wish.  The  winter 
climate,  though  severe,  is  less  so  than  that  of  Quebec,  and  around  both, 
that  of  summer  is  not  exceeded  for  salubi'ity  and  beauty.  Their  flora  may 
be  less  than  that  of  more  southern  latitudes,  but  the  grass  and  trees  are  as 
green  as  any  part  of  the  United  States  ;  if  they  have  fewer  ornamental 
trees  to  select  from,  they  treat  the  very  considerable  number  they  possess 
so  judiciously  that  the  eye  scarcely  misses  the  deficiencies.  In  bulbs, 
roses,  and  bedding  out  plants  they  quite  equal  us — indeed  we  were  some- 
times tempted  to  think  they  exceed  our  average.  Glass  is  so  extensively 
used,  that  they  have  a  great  supply  ready  for  the  first  blush  of  spring  ;  we 
saw  as  good  beds  of  verbenas,  &c.,  as  in  the  most  favored  regions. 

Our  expectations  of  seeing  ornamental  places,  green-houses  and  graperies, 
were  greatly  exceeded  on  our  arrival  here.  Horticulture  is  much  in  favor,  and 
there  are  probably  more  glass  structures  for  fruit  and  flowers  in  Montreal, 
than  in  any  other  city  of  the  same  population  on  our  continent. 

We  found  the  amiable  President  of  their  effective  Horticultural  Societ}', 
James  Ferrier,  Jr.,  Esq.,  son  of  the  Hon.  James  Ferrier,  and  the  able  Sec- 
retary, S.  Jones  Lyman,  Esq.,  prepared  to  receive  us,  and  make  our  stay  in 
every  respect  agreeable  and  instructive.  Mr.  William  Brown,  of  the  Cote 
des  Neiges  Nurseries,  near  the  city,  was  also  in  waiting  to  give  us  his  valua- 
ble time  and  services  in  a  tour  of  inspection.  To  these  and  others  we  are 
under  great  obligations. 

The  old  town  of  Montreal  is  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  the  gentle  first 
ascent  of  which  has  been  finel}^  treated  by  laying  out  wide  streets,  and  cut- 
ting up  the  grouHd  into  large  lots  of  many  acres  each — some  smaller  and 
some  more  extensive.  The  views  thus  obtained  are  of  the  finest  descrip- 
tion ;  city,  river,  and  distant  mountains  afford  an  ever-varying  scene  ;  the 
changes  of  light  from  sunshine  to  storm,  from  the  half  concealment  of  mist 
or  rain,  the  moonlit  distance,  and  the  rising  of  the  sun,  are  here  enjoyed  in 
perfection.  Taking  advantage  of  the  mountain  side,  each  seat  has  some 
novelty  of  scene,  some  variety  of  surface,  some  peculiarity,  which  makes 
an  ever-recurring  anxiety  in  the  visitor  to  discover  who  has  been  most  suc- 
cessful in  selecting  the  commanding  locality.  Where  so  many  are  extremely 
beautiful,  it  is  difficult  to  decide.  We  proceed  in  the  order  in  which  we 
visited  them. 

Seat  of  the  Hon.  James  Leslie ;  Peter  Turner,  gardener.  This  is  a  very 
handsome  and  most  comfortable  and  home-like  residence,  with  a  garden  in 
which  excellent  care  was  evident  in  each  operation  in  progress.  Early  in 
July  everything  had  the  luxuriance  of  spring  ;  the  roses  were  in  perfection, 
and  a  vast  number  of  fine  flowers  and  fruit  trees  grace  every  nook  and 
ner.    Peaches  of  good  quality  are  produced  on  walls,  or  covered  by  matt 


% 


396 


A    TRIP    TO    CANADA. 


on  cold  nights,  precisely  as  in  England  ;  the  Black  Apricot  is  hardy  with 
moderate  shelter.  Mr.  Leslie's  giapery  was  in  excellent  condition.  He 
cultivates  the  Black  Hamburgh,  Black  Cluster,  White  Sweetwater,  Royal 
Chasselas,  Wellington,  &c.,  and  has  a  prospect  of  a  noble  crop.  Mr.  Turner 
has  exhibited  native  grapes  from  the  open  ground,  but  generally  only 
moderate  success  attends  their  culture  in  Montreal. 

Mr.  James  Goo2)er,  a  most  worthy  and  estimable  man,  is  engaged  very 
extensively  as  a  market  gardener.  For  years  he  has  been  one  of  the  suc- 
cessful competitors  at  the  Horticultural  Society's  exhibitions.  His  green- 
houses, containing  a  valuable  collection  of  plants  and  vines,  were  destroyed 
during  the  great  fire,  but  he  has  lately  built  a  commercial  grapery  in  excel- 
lent style,  and  expects  to  be  rewarded  by  the  sale  of  the  fruit,  at  fifty  cents 
the  pound.     His  vines  are  young,  but  very  promising. 

A.  M.  Delisle^  ^sq.,  has  a  young  grapery,  a  conservatory  attached  to  the 
house,  and  a  fine  garden,  filled  with  fruit  and  flowers. 

William  Liimi,  Esq. ;  Mr.  Middleton,  gardener.  Here  we  found  all  the 
accompaniments  of  a  gentleman's  homestead  ;  a  great  extent  of  glass,  and 
more  going  up  ;  large  plots  of  the  newest  verbenas  and  other  showy  bedding 
plants  ;  graperies  in  the  finest  health,  and  a  commercial  business  transacted 
which  evidenced  a  most  extensive  demand  for  the  ornamental,  no  less  than 
the  useful.  Mr.  Lunn  is  an  enthusiast,  who  combines  with  a  love  of  the 
subject  a  spirit  of  enterprise  which  gives  him  the  full  enjoyment  of  his  pur- 
suit, with  no  doubt  a  good  return. 

Mr.  Lunn  has  plantations  of  grapes  in  the  open  air,  including  the  White 
Sweetwater  and  Black  Cluster,  and  has  occasionally  ripened  the  Black 
Hamburgh,  by  great  care,  without  protection.  His  neighbor,  Henry  Cliap- 
rnan,  Esq.,  has  a  very  fine  stove  and  green-house,  containing  a  valuable  col- 
lection of  choice  exotics  and  rare  plants,  maintained  at  considerable 
expense.  The  grounds  are  laid  out  with  taste,  and  evinced  careful  cultiva- 
tion. 

3Irs.  IIolland''s  seat ;  John  Ingles,  gardener.  This  is  a  very  fine  example 
of  successful  planting,  good  keeping,  and  of  a  lovely  home.  The  operations 
of  a  thorough  establishment  are  ably  superintended  by  Mr.  Ingles.  His 
lawns  were  in  the  best  condition  of  an  English  garden  ;  flowers  and  fruit 
seemed  regardless  of  the  winters  they  had  encountered,  and  smiled  and  co- 
quetted with  the  sun  as  if  they  had  never  known  the  absence  of  its  ardent 
rays.  The  grapery  here  is  worthy  of  remark,  but  where  nearly  all  the 
houses  we  visited  were  in  the  best  order,  it  seems  almost  invidious  to  par- 
ticularize. The  English  style  is  conspicuous  everywhere,  and  it  needs  no 
comments  of  admiration. 

Seat  of  J.  B.  Green  shields,  Esq.;  John  Hele,  gardener.  Raywood,  the 
name  of  this  place,  is  finely  managed,  both  in  its  laying  out  and  keeping. 
It  is  situated  on  a  steeper  slope  than  most  we  have  mentioned,  but  nature 
seems  to  have  designed  the  ground-plan,  and  art  has  stepped  in  to  aid  and 
complete  a  scene  that  has  few  compeers  in  America.  By  raising  the  knolls 
here  and  there,  the  finest  possible  views  are  obtained,  and  most  beautiful 
and  comfortable  ornamental  seats  brought  from  Scotland,  are  placed  in  the 
happiest  positions.  A  carriage  road  is  made  to  wind  in  perfect  taste 
among  trees  and  flower-beds,  exotics,  &c.,  to  a  mansion  of  elegance  and 
comfort.  Tlie  fruit  garden  and  grape  house  deserve  notice,  but  we  can 
only  mention  these  features,  here  so  universal. 

it  should  be  observed  that  the  ascent  of  the  mountain  was  covered 


^^:^^-^ 


trees  when  the  improvements  were  commenced  ;  these  have  been  left, 
and  advantage  taken  of  all  that  were  worthy  of  preservation.  Where  a 
mound  or  bank  was  neccssaril}-  to  be  increased,  a  stone  wall  has  been  built 
round  the  butt  of  the  tree  to  admit  air  toits  roots,  sometimes  to  a  very  con- 
siderable height,  and  the  tree  thus  preserved.  Altogether,  we  have  rarely 
seen  anywhere  a  finer  sight,  or  a  countrj'  seat  in  better  taste  ;  Mr.  Green- 
shields  has  set  an  example,  of  which  Montreal  may  well  be  proud  If  one's 
surroundings  are  no  unimportant  adjunct  to  happiness,  Mr.  G.  has  his 
materials  of  enjoyment  in  great  perfection. 

John  Redpath^  Esq.,  has  a  very  fine  site  in  immediate  juxtaposition,  and 
possesses  some  remarkably  fine  evergreens — white  and  black  spruce — with 
other  older  artificial  planting.  His  views  over  the  city  and  be3'ond  are  not 
to  be  outdone  by  any  of  his  neighbors.  Neither  Mr.  R.  nor  his  gardener 
were  at  home,  but  even  without  their  aid  we  made  many  discoveries  of 
beauty,  which  we  have  not  space  to  chronicle. 

Opposite  Mr.  Redpath's  is  the  residence  of  Jolin  Dougall,  JEsq.,  celebrated 
for  his  extensive  collection  of  tulips  and  hyacinths. 

Hon.  Charles  'SVilsoyi  possesses  about  six  acres  ;  John  Carrol,  gardener  ; 
his  lawns  were  in  the  full  glow  of  new  cutting,  his  iron  fences  and  hedges  in 
the  best  condition,  and  all  enlivened  by  views,  flowers,  and  a  laughing 
spring  day.  The  places  of  Mr.  Gkiy,  Mr.  Mosson,  and  3Ir.  JudaKs,  which 
time  precluded  us  from  entering,  are  evidently  also  in  fine  keeping. 

The  Seminary  Gardens,  belonging  to  the  Roman  Catholic  priests,  are  an 
older  formation,  with  features  of  a  large  farm  highly  cultivated,  and  with 
an  endowment  in  the  nature  of  a  Seignorage  over  all  Montreal,  that  has 
long  given  the  establishment  the  advantage  of  a  large  income.  Here  is 
found  the  celebrated  Bon  Chretien  Pear  trees,  planted  by  the  original 
French  settlers,  two  hundred  or  more  years  ago,  and  which  are  still  in  full 
bearing.  This  pear  is  the  great  fruit  of  the  neighborhood,  generally  pro- 
ducing good  crops  on  both  old  and  new  trees.  The  proprietors  have 
planted  large  numbers  of  dwarf  apple  trees,  and  apples  seem  to  be  in  high 
I'avor,  a  staple  product  in  most  of  the  gardens  of  Montreal,  producing  a 
larger  return  than  any  other  orchard  or  garden  fruit.  They  possess  in  this 
an  advantage  over  Quebec,  where  it  is  less  productive  ;  in  many  neighbor- 
hoods at  least. 

Tlie  Hon.  George  Moffat  has  a  fine  place  on  the  St.  Antoine  road  ;  Mr. 
Wheeler,  gardener  ;  a  grapery,  as  usual,  and  the  place  in  good  keeping. 

Ira  Gould,  Esq.,  a  native  of  the  States,  has  a  handsome  house  and 
grounds. 

John  Torrance,  Esq.,  has  a  most  charming  house  and  grounds,  green- 
house and  vinery,  with  every  luxury  that  can  be  desired,  including  a  good 
library,  works  of  art,  &c.,  &c.  These  advantages  seem  to  be  general,  and 
tlie  stranger  is  strongly  impressed  with  the  excellence  of  the  people,  their 
liigh  refinement  and  hospitality. 

Rose  Mount,  the  seat  of  the  Hon.  John  Young,  is  situated  on  the  side  of 
tlie  mountain,  commanding  an  extensive  view  of  the  Island  of  Montreal. 
His  gardener,  John  Archibald,  unites  with  the  experience  of  many  years 
devoted  to  horticulture,  excellent  taste  in  the  management  of  the  grounds. 
This  is  manifest  in  the  successful  cultivation  of  the  flowers  and  fruits,  in 
the  well-trimmed  hedges,  the  extensive  walks,  and  carefully  kept  banks  of 
grass,  as  w^ell  as  the  picturesque  moss-houses  which  adorn  every  part  of 
these  beautiful  grounds.     Every  flower  seemed  the  most  perfect  of  its 


— a  triumph  of  floral  skill.  Mr.  Young  is  a  man  who  has  identified  himself 
with  the  history  of  Canada,  and  the  same  enterprize  and  zeal  which  has 
characterized  him  in  the  service  of  his  country,  is  manifest  in  his  devotion 
to  horticultural  pursuits.  All  that  wealth  can  procure  and  a  cultivated 
taste  can  suggest,  he  has  gathered  around  him  at  his  beautiful  resi- 
dence. 

The  residence  of  Don.  Jloss,  Esq.^  in  the  mountain  notch,  might  appro- 
priately be  called  "  Inter-Montes."  It  has  the  highest  elevation  of  any  of 
the  mansions  which  adorn  Mount  Royal.  Mr.  Lowe,  his  intelligent  gardener, 
has  a  thorough  knowledge  of  his  profession.  The  green-house  is  very 
extensive,  and  contains  fine  collections  of  plants  in  excellent  order.  This 
place  is  comparatively  new,  and  when  the  improvements  now  in  progress 
are  complete,  it  will  be  one  of  the  most  attuactive  on  the  island. 

Returning  to  town,  we  next  visited  the  mansion  of  the  Hon.  James  Fer- 
rier  ;  J.  Nairne,  gardener.  This  well-ordered  place  is  situated  in  the  heart 
of  the  city.  From  the  drawing-room  you  enter  a  beautiful  gothic  arched 
green-house,  from  the  gallery  of  which  a  coup  d'oeil  is  presented  of  "a  large 
collection  of  rare  and  valuable  plants.  Conspicuous  is  the  Fern  tribe,  of 
which  Mr.  F.  has  105  varieties.  The  stove-house  contains  a  beautiful  col- 
lection of  the  Lycopodise  ;  many  varieties  of  the  air  plants  ;  a  specimen  of 
the  Banyan  Tree  ;  and  several  new  Begonias,  which  we  do  not  remember 
to  have  seen  elsewhere  ;  the  whole  in  the  finest  condition.  Mr.  F.  has 
grapes  in  full  bearing  trained  on  the  outside  of  the  green-house,  which 
seems  a  most  favorable  position,  and  at  the  same  time  has  a  very  pretty 
effect.  This  appears  to  most  a  new  application  or  use  of  glass  ;  the  vines 
trained  on  the  outside  receive  benefit  from  the  heat  within,  which  at  night 
may  be  more  or  less  considerable.  In  this  M''ay  we  were  assured  very  fair 
crops  of  Black  Hamburgh  grapes  are  often  produced,  even  out  of  doors,  in 
Montreal.  The  grounds,  though  not  extensive,  contain  all  the  requirements 
of  an  elegant  and  retired  residence.  With  Mr.  Ferrier,  Jr's.,  taste  and 
knowledge  of  horticulture,  and  a  liberal  expenditure,  we  wish  to  see  noth- 
ing more  attractive. 

The  diflSculties  which  are  surrounding  us  in  the  States,  and  the  coldness 
of  many  portions  of  the  northern  continent,  would  seem  to  indicate  the 
necessity  of  employing  Orchard  houses  by  those  who  would  have  fruit  with 
certainty.  Next  month  we  shall  publish  a  description  of  such  structures, 
now  so  general  in  England,  and  beginning  to  be  common  here,  and  give 
their  results. 

In  review  of  our  too  hurried  visit,  our  impressions  are  that  in  the 
residences  more  regard  is  paid  to  comfort  and  substantiability  than  to 
ornament.  The  houses  are  built  with  thick  walls  of  gray  limestone,  with 
double  winter  windows,  rendering  them  comfortable  in  the  coldest  seasons, 
and  delightfull}'  cool  in  summer.  Landscape  gardening  resembles  much 
that  of  England.  The  green-houses  and  vineries  will  challenge  comparison 
with  any  city  in  tlie  Union.  The  fruits  most  successfully  cultivated  are  the 
Apple,  the  Plum,  Gooseberry,  Raspberry,  &c.,  and  a  few  varieties  of  Fears, 
including  Grapes  grown  under  glass,  as  well  as  Melons.  The  market  fur- 
nishes the  finest  Cauliflower,  Cabbages,  Onions,  &c.,  on  the  continent.  The 
Horticultural  Society,  now  in  its  teens,  has  done  good  service  in  promoting 
a  taste  for  horticultural  pursuits.  It  receives  aid  from  Government^  and 
has  its  annual  exhibitions,  at  which  three  hundred  dollars  are  distributed 
in  prizes.     Mr.  Ferrier's  and  Mr.  Lyman's  enthusiasm,  aided  by  a  most 


telligent  set  of  excellent  and  well-educated  gardeners,  as  well  as  a  liberal 
outlay  among  employers,  gives  to  this  society  a  gratifying  eminence. 

Horticulture  is  indeed  making  rapid  strides  in  Montreal  and  in  Canada 
generally.  What  we  might  consider  the  difficulties  of  the  climate,  they 
seem  to  conquer  by  the  wand  of  industry,  and  really  their  achievements  in 
any  climate  would  be  highly  creditable  and  satisfactory.  Summer  here  is  a 
delicious  season — equal  to  any  in  the  world — and  much  resembling  that  of 
England,  with  the  addition  of  some  few  warmer  days  to  ripen  their  fruits. 

The  Cote  des  J^ieges  N-urseries  of  Mr.  William  Brown  are  a  triumph  of 
skill.  The  site  was  taken  up  when  overgrown  with  bushes,  and  reclaimed 
at  great  expense  of  money,  time,  and  labor;  where  the  wild  fern  and  the 
moss  received  the  trickling  rill  from  the  mountain,  now  blooms  the  rose  and 
all  the  varieties  of  ornamental  objects  which  the  climate  will  allow,  in  addi- 
tion to  large  quantities  of  fruit  trees  and  bedding  out  plants.  Mr.  Brown  is 
a  highly  intelligent  and  useful  citizen,  and  by  his  pen  is  qualified  to  en- 
lighten, as  he  has  already  done  in  these  pages,  his  fellow-laborers  in  the 
good  cause. 

But  we  are  anxious  to  confine  ourselves  to  facts,  and  must  reluctantly 
leave  Montreal  till  another  season  can  make  us  more  fully  acquainted  with 
its  inhabitants  and  its  lovely  gardens,  wliich  we  are  afraid  most  visiters 
from  the  Union  have  rarely  seen.  The  highest  civilization  is  always  ac- 
companied by  a  garden;  we  are  almost  prepared  to  say  that  a  neighborhood 
where  the  garden  is  utterly  neglected,  approaches  a  state  of  society  which 
in  other  respects  does  not  mark  progress.  We  might  even  go  further,  and 
declare  that  a  knowledge  of  gardening  is  an  essential  to  the  full  cultivation 
of  the  mind  ;  we  see  it  always  where  education  has  made  the  truest 
progress. 

It  is  within  the  scope  of  this  article  only  to  mention  here  the  Great  Vic- 
toria Tubular  Bridge,  at  Montreal,  connecting  with  the  Portland  road.  The 
piers  are  all  built,  one  section  of  the  tube  is  finished,  and  another  is  in 
progress  ;  it  is  to  cost  $1,150,000  ;  is  two  miles  in  length,  and  calculated 
for  a  single  track  only  ;  at  its  airy  height,  it  looks,  as  you  pass  under  it,  as 
if  it  would  admit  only  a  small  wagon. 

In  our  next  we  must  go  back  to  carry  the  reader  through  the  Rapids  of 
the  St.  Lawrence,  and  then  try  to  picture  Quebec  horticulturally. 


*  *  « — *«- 


RED    SPIDER    UPON    EVERGREENS. 

In  the  last  volume,  at  page  383,  a  correspondent  states  that  his  Norway 
spruces  were  badly  infested  with  red  spider.  I  have  intended  for  some  time 
past,  to  make  a  somewhat  similar  statement  in  regard  to  a  plantation  of 
young  balsam  firs,  in  which  I  was  interested  some  years  since.  In  tlie  sum- 
mer of  1854,  (I  think  in  July,)  they  became  so  completely  overrun  with  this 
insect,  that  I  feared  they  were  permanently  injured.  The  weather  was 
extremely  dry,  and  there  being  several  thousands  of  trees,  mostly  from  two 
to  five  feet  in  height,  it  was  impossible  to  succeed  in  dislodging  the  enemy 
by  any  artificial  application  of  water.  Fortunately,  when  we  had  become  se- 
riously alarmed  for  their  safety,  we  were  favored  with  a  continuance  of  cool 
rainy  weather  for  a  sufficient  length  of  time  to  totally  exterminate  the  insect. 
Indeed,  so  thorough  was  the  destruction  among  them,  that  during  the  re- 
mainder of  that  and  the  following  seasons,  they  did  not  cause  the  least 
trouble.  Juvenis 


s^^^&-. 


400 


MOUNT  VERNON  AND  THE  LADIES. 


MOUNT  VERNON  AND  THE  LADIES. 

EvKRY  patriot  rejoices  at  the  decided  manner  in  which  the  purchase  of 
Mount  Vernon  has  been  undertaken  by  the  ladies  of  the  Union.  Those  as- 
sociated in  the  state  of  New  York  are  doing  tlieir  duty  in  a  highly  praise- 
worthy' manner  ;  and  have  forwarded  us  their  circular,  which  it  gives  us 
particular  pleasure  to  publish  entire. 

What  has  been  determined  on  as  to  the  future  keeping  of  the  place,  it 
would  be  too  earl}'^  to  state  ;  but  we  hear  it  whispered  that  the  services  of 
George  C.  Thorburn,  of  Newark,  N.  J.,  have  been  solicited,  and  probably 
obtained,  to  fill  the  office  of  curator  or  superintendent.  Whoever  may  be 
appointed  to  the  position,  we  feel  sure  will  receive  the  sup[>ort  of  the  public 
so  long  as  he  retains  the  sacred  spot  in  good  taste.  It  is  to  become  the 
shrine  of  worshipping  patriots  for  all  ages  ;  but  in  the  meantime  let  every 
one  remember  that  the  ladies  require  assistance  in  the  form  of  real  money. 

Appeal  to  tlie  ladies  of  the  State  of  New  York  for  the  purchase  of  Mount 
Vernon. 

The  "MOUNT  VERNON  LADIES'  ASSOCIATION  OF  THE  UNION" 
has  been  incorporated  by  the  State  of  Virginia,  and  the  necessary  powers 
have  been  given  to  it,  in  its  corporate  capacity,  to  purchase  and  hold  two 
hundred  acres  of  the  Mount  Vernon  Estate,  including  the  Mansion  and  Tomb 
of  Washington,  the  Garden,  Grounds  and  Landing,  on  the  Potomac  River. 

The  sum  to  be  raised  for  the  purchase  and  future  improvement  of  the 
property,  is  limited  to  five  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

A  Constitution  and  By-Laws  under  this  Charter  have  been  adopted,  by 
which  the  business  of  the  Association  is  to  be  managed  by  a  Council,  com- 
posed of  a  Presiding  OflScer  or  Regent,  and  of  Vice  Regents,  selected  one 
from  each  State  of  the  Union. 

Miss  Ann  Pamela  Cunningham,  of  South  Carolina,  who  for  many  years  has 
been  engaged  in  this  enterprise,  and  through  whose  zeal  and  energy  the 
Charter  was  procured,  and  present  funds  collected,  has  been  appointed  to 
preside  over  the  Council  as  Regent. 

The  Vice  Regent  for  the  State  of  New  York  is  Miss  Mary  ]S[orris  Hamil- 
ton, of  Westchester  County. 

"■An^  citizen  of  the  United  States.,  frov%  lohom  the  Regent.,  any  of  the  Vice 
Regents.,  the  Secretary,  the  Treasurer,  or  any  Local  Board  or  authorized 
agent,  may,  for  that  purpose,  receive  or  recognize  the  receipt  of  the  sum  of 
07ie  dollar,  shcdl  be  a  member  of  the  Association  •  and  the  payment  of  the 
farther  sum  of  one  dollar,  on  or  before  the  22d  of  February,  in  any  year, 
shcdl  entitle  a  member  to  attend  and  vote  at  the  annncd  meeting  of  the  Asso- 
ciation of  that  year." 

On  the  6th  of  April  last  a  contract,  legally  obligatory  in  all  respects,  was 
made  with  the  proprietor  of  Mount  Vernon,  for  the  purchase  of  the  two 
hundred  acres  desired,  embracing  the  Home  and  Tomb  of  Washington, 
Buildings,  Wharves,  etc.,  for  two  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

Eighteen  thousand  dollars  were  paid  down  in  cash. 

Fifty-seven  thousand  dollars  are  to  be  paid  on  or  before  January  1st,  1859, 
and  the  remainder  in  three  equal  annual  instalments,  on  the  22d  of  Febru 
1860,  1861,  1862,  with  the  privilege  of  paying  the  whole  amount 

any  time,  upon  giving  30  days'  notice. 


^^i0  -=1 

MOUNT   A^ERNON   AND    THE   LADIES. 


It  is  the  earnest  liope  of  the  Association  that  tlie  purchase  money  will  all 
be  paid  before  the  next  anniversary  of  Washington's  birth. 

The  Vice  Regent  of  each  State  has  been  duly  empowered  to  organize  a 
Board,  for  collecting  funds  in  the  State  represented  by  her.  The  following 
has  been  adopted  for  the  State  of  New  York,  as  a  simple  and  practical 
method,  and  is  now  offered  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  every  one,  through 
its  length  and  breadth,  to  unite  in  securing  this  national  object,  so  long  de- 
sired, and  so  dear  to  every  American  heart.  What  proportion  of  the  whole 
sum  is  expected  from  our  State  cannot  now  be  named,  but  it  is  confidently 
believed  that,  if  necessary,  the  whole  amount  would  be  forthcoming. 

The  office  of  the  Association  in  the  City  of  New  York  is  in  the  Cooper 
Institute,  Astor  Place.  The  Vice  Regent  will  be  assisted  by  a  Standing 
Committee  of  ladies,  by  a  large  number  of  lady  Managers,  and  by  an  Advi- 
sory Committee  of  gentlemen  from  different  parts  of  the  State. 

The  lady  Managers  will  be  appointed  in  each  county,  city,  and  large  vil- 
lage, by  the  Vice  Regent,  or  by  a  member  of  the  Standing  Committee,  to 
collect  subscriptions,  and  forward  the  amounts  received  to  the  person  ap- 
pointing them. 

The  funds  collected  (deducting  necessary  expenses)  are  to  be  deposited 
in  the  New  York  Life  Insurance  and  Trust  Companj^,  until  required  for  the 
payment  of  the  purchase  moneys  of  the  property,  to  be  drawn  out  only  on 
the  draft  of  the  Vice  Regent,  countersigned  by  at  least  three  of  the  Advi- 
sory Committee  of  gentlemen.  The  name  and  residence  of  each  subscriber, 
from  one  dollar  and  upwards,  will  be  recorded  upon  the  register  of  names, 
to  be  preserved  among  the  archives  of  the  Association  at  Mount  Vernon. 

Regular  meetings  of  the  Committees  for  consultation  and  business  will 
be  held  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  each  month,  at  11  o'clock  A.  M.,  at  the  oflBce 
in  the  City  of  New  York.  The  office  will  be  open  daily,  from  9  A.  M.  to  3 
P.  M.  where  subscriptions  will  be  received  in  person  or  by  letter,  and  any 
further  information  given. 

All  communications  must  he  addressed  hy  mail  or  city  jyost^  to  '■^Ladies'' 
Mount  Vernon  Association^  City  Post  Office.,  Station  Z>,  Neio  York.'''' 

MARY  MORRIS  HAMILTON, 

Vice  Regent  for  Neio  York. 
New  York,  Jidy  20th,  1858. 

Ladies''  Standing  Committee: — Mrs.  Millard  Fillmore,  Buffalo  ;  Mrs.  Pierre 
Van  Cortlandt,  Croton ;  Mrs.  William  H.  Seward,  Auburn  ;  Mrs.  Gouverneur 
Morris,  Morrisania  ;  Mrs.  Washington  Hunt,  Lockport ;  Mrs.  Samuel  Ste- 
vens, Rochester  ;  Mrs.  Horatio  Seymour,  Utica  ;  Mrs.  Johnston  Livingston, 
Livingston;  Mrs.  G.  S.  Silliman,  Brooklyn;  Mrs.  Edward  Cooper,  New 
York  ;  Mrs.  Andrew  J.  Downing,  Fishkill  Landing  ;  Mrs.  George  Bancroft, 
New  York  ;  Mrs.  John  Sherwood,  New  York  ;  Mrs.  Charles  P.  Daly,  New 
York  ;  Mrs.  ^tarshall  0.  Roberts,  New  York  ;  Mrs.  Lewis  M.  Rutherfurd, 
New  York  ;  Mrs.  John  Macgregor,  New  York  ;  Mrs.  Walden  Pell,  New 
York  ;  Mrs.  Edward  M.  Smith,  Albion  ;  Mrs.  C.  M.  Kirkland,  New  York  ; 
Mrs.  Herman  D.  Gould,  Delhi. 

Advisory  Committee : — Hon.  John  A.  King,  Governor  of  New  York 
Samuel  B.  Ruggles,  New  York  ;  Mr.   Washington  Irving,  Tarrytown 
Daniel    S.  Dickinson,  Binghamton  ;    Mr.  Henry  R.  Selden,  Clarkson 
"     'eric  De  Pe3'ster,  New  York  ;  Mr.  Benson  J.  Lossing,  Poughkeepsie  ; 
E.  D.  Morgan,  New  York  ;  Mr.  William  Kelly,  Rhinebeck  ;  Mr.  Erastus 


Corning-,  Albany.;  Mr.  Robert  B.  Minturn,  New  York  ;  Mr.  Charles  Augus- 
tus Davis,  New  York  ;  Mr.  Royal  Phelps,  New  York  ;  Mr.  William  Samuel 
Johnson,  EUicottville  ;  Mr.  James  S.  Wadworth,  Geneseo  ;  Mr.  Thomas  11. 
Bond,  Oswego  ;  Mr.  Edward  Huntington,  Rome  ;  Mr.  Heman  J.  Redfield, 
Batavia  ;  Mr.  E.  W.  Leavenworth,  Syracuse  ;  Mr.  David  Rumsey,  Bath  ;  Mr. 
Daniel  B.  St.  John,  Newburgh  ;  Mr.  James  0.  Putnam,  Buffalo. 

[What  is  doing  in  other  states  on  this  subject  ?     Is  Pennsylvania  mov- 
ing '^.—Ed.'\ 


THE  WALTONIAN  PROPAGATING  CASE. 

REQUENT  references  to  the  Wardian  case  have  made 
most  readers  familiar  with  its  uses,  but  little  has  been 
urged  in  this  country  to  a  special  form  of  a  plant  case 
known  as  the  Waltouian,  in  which  the  principle  of  a  heat- 
ed plant  house  is  brought  to  perfection.  Strict'.y  speak- 
ing, it  is  not  a  Wardian  case  at  all,  but  a  propagating 
pit — in  fact,  a  hot-house  suited  to  the  drawing-room  ;  and 
it  is  considered  of  such  practical  value,  and  withal  so 
simple  in  structure  and  management,  that  it  may  be  ac- 
cepted as  an  adjunct  to  the  very  best  cultural  contriv- 
ances, as  it  will  also  be  found  the  most  efficient  scheme 
the  inexperienced  lover  of  flowers  can  adopt.  We  copy  from 
a  new  English  book  on  Rustic  Adornments. 

"  Mr.  Walton  himself  never  struck  a  cutting  before  he  invent- 
ed the  case  for  himself  ;  but  after  setting  his  first  case  to 
work,  he  learned  to  perform  operations  that  in  the  ordinary 
way  require  years  of  tuition  and  experience.  Now  that  the 
best  form,  the  best  measurements,  and  the  exact  details  of  con- 
struction have  been  determined  by  experiment,  no  one,  how- 
ever previously  ignorant  of  ordinar}'  gardening  operations, 
need  find  it  difficult  to  produce  an  abundance  of  stock  for  the 
garden,  the  green-house,  or  the  window  ;  for  it  may  be  a  hot-house,  an  inter- 
mediate house,  or  a  cool  pit,  just  as  you  please,  by  a  very  simple  regu- 
lation. 

"  The  Waltonian  case  is  fashioned  in  the  style  of  a  garden-frame,  the  frame- 
work being  of  wood,  with  side  and  top  lights,  a  boiler  and  lamp  for  supply- 
ing heat,  and  a  tray  of  sand  on  which  the  pots  are  placed.  The  annexed 
figures  are  drawn  from  the  one  which  I  have  in  use,  supplied  me  by  Mr. 
West,  of  Surbiton,  who  is  the  original  maker  of  the  cases,  to  whom,  indeed, 
we  are  indebted  for  many  improvements  based  on  Mr.  Walton's  first  idea, 
and  the  suggestions  of  that  eminent  horticulturist,  Mr.  Donald  Beaton. 

"  As  this  description  must  be  brief,  I  will  at  once  refer  the  reader  to  the 
perspective  view  of  the  structure,  closely  stocked  with  seeds  and  cuttings, 
as  it  adorns  my  study  window  at  the  moment  of  writing  this.  The  frame- 
work is  of  wood,  and  may  be  either  plain  deal,  as  mine  is,  or  an}''  ornament- 
al wood  with  elegant  mouldings.  The  front  and  the  two  ends  are  fitted 
with  glass  ;  the  back  is  wholly  of  wood  ;  and  on  the  top  are  two  lights  laid 
on  loosely.  There  is  room  inside  for  thirty-two  four-inch  pots,  in  four  rows 
of  four  each,  under  each  light,  and  these  pots  stand  on  a  thin  laj-er  of  silver- 
sand  kept  constantly  damp,  and  heated  by  the  boiler  immediately  beneath  it 
The  lamp  in  front  is  a  common  tin  one,  burning  colza  oil,  and  the  cost 


.^^?<^*ic*=^ 


Vr!>^ 


Hf 


THE    WALTONIAN    PROPAGATING    CASE. 


working  is  barely  a  shilling  a  week.  The  lamp  is  understood  to  burn  eight 
hours,  but  I  fiud  I  can,  if  necessary,  to  trim  it  that  it  will  burn  twelve,  or 
even  fourteen  ;  so  that  five  minutes  twice  a  day  is  all  the  attention  the  case 
ordinarily  requires. 

"  Having  glanced  at  it  so  far,  let  us  now  take  the  case  to  pieces.     The  top 


lights  lift  off  without  troubling  with  hinges,  hooks,  or  attachments  of  any 
kind.  They  are  simple  squares  of  glass  let  into  a  zinc  binding,  and  with  a 
ring  by  which  to  lift  them.  This  plan  allows  them  to  be  shifted  to  give  air 
to  any  extent  that  may  be  necessary.  Having  removed  these,  we  find  the 
pots  standing  on  clean  damp  sand.  When  the  pots  are  removed,  it  is  an 
easy  matter  to  lift  out  the  whole  of  the  heating  apparatus  by  means  of  the 


Fig.  1. 


two  liandlcs  attached  to  the  zinc  tray,  and  its  appearance  is  that  in  figure  1. 
The  upper  tray  B  B,  is  an  inch  deep.,  and  in  this  the  sand,  an  inch  deep,  is 
evenly  spread  all  over.  Attached  to  it  is  the  boiler  A,  which  is  in  reality 
double,  une  portion  enabling  the  hot  air  and  smoke  of  the  lamp  to  circulate 


Fig.  2. 


around  the  tank,  and  escape  by  means  of  the  flue  D,  to  which  the  funnel  E 
is  attached  when  in  operation,  the  tank  itself  being  filled  by  means  of  the 
vapor-tube  C,  on  which  a  cap  fits  to  prevent  any  excessive  escape  of  steam. 
The  boiler  holds  about  two  quarts  of  water.     If  we  turn  the  tray  upside- 


down,  we  have  the  appearance  presented  in  figure  2,  where  F  is  the  boiler, 
and  G  the  entrance  to  the  hot-air  chamber,  into  which  the  flame  of  the  lamp 
enters  when  the  case  is  at  work. 

"  Replacing  the  tray,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  hole  in  the  boiler  fits  over  the 
box  which  contains  the  lamp.  The  flame  of  the  lamp  plays  upon  the  inside 
tank,  and  the  smoke  escapes  by  means  of  the  flue  G,  which  conducts  it  out 
through  the  back  of  the  case,  quite  away  from  the  plants.  Practically 
speaking,  there  is  very  little  smoke,  and  whatever  soot  forms  inside  the 
hot-air  chamber  flakes  off  and  falls  on  the  lamp,  so  that  in  these  respects  the 
case  is  self-acting,  and  cleanses  itself.  The  exact  measurements  of  these 
several  parts  are,  in  the  case  I  am  describing,  as  follows  :  Length  of  the 
tray  B  B,  thirty-four  inches  and  a  half;  breadth,  seventeen  inches.  As  the 
pots  stand  inside  the  tray  and  the  latter  fits  the  frame,  there  is  therefore  a 
working  space  for  plants  of  five  hundred  and  sixty  square  superficial  inches. 
Depth  of  the  boiler  A,  two  inches.  The  entire  case  measures  outside  along 
the  front,  thirty-six  inches  and  a  half;  from  back  to  front,  eighteen  inches 
and  a  half     The  price  of  this  size  and  make  is  forty-eight  shillings. 

"  When  placed  in  a  window  or  green-house,  light  is  admitted  only  at  the 
top,  but  the  case  might  be  made  with  lights  at  the  back,  to  suit  a  low  win- 
dow, and  additional  light  would  be  obtained.  But  as  the  chief  use  of  the 
Waltonian  Case  is  to  raise  seeds  and  strike  cuttings,  a  partial  admission 
of  light  is  usually  sufficient. 

"  In  managing  a  Waltonian  Case,  it  is  important  that  the  sand  should  be 
kept  constantly  moist,  or  the  heat  will  not  rise  freely,  but  any  excessive 
moisture  may  lead  to  damping  off.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  sprinkle  a  little 
silver-sand  over  the  surface  of  the  soil  in  pots  containing  cuttings,  as  this 
is  a  great  safeguard  against  damping* ;  it  is  also  important  to  strike  cut- 
tings, and  indeed  to  sow  seeds  in  small  pots  for  such  a  pit — the  smaller  the 
pots  the  greater  the  safety.  Those  which  require  the  greatest  amount  of 
heat  must  be  placed  towards  the  centre,  immediately  over  the  lamp,  to  be 
succeeded  by  others  as  soon  as  they  are  sufficiently  started  to  be  moved 
towards  the  sides.  I  find  it  a  good  plan  for  lessening  trouble  to  keep  one 
side  partially  open,  and  the  other  quite  close,  and  to  keep  a  regular  shift 
from  the  close  to  the  open  side,  as  the  plants  make  root,  and  demand  more 
air.  The  work  of  re-potting  and  hardening  ofi"  is  as  simple  as  in  any  other 
form  of  tank-bed — the  great  point  being  to  shift  them  before  they  get  drawn 
through  close  confinement  with  bottom-heat.  Watering  must  be  regularly 
attended  to,  and  the  water  must  be  of  the  same  temperature  as  the  air  of 
the  case.  The  pots  may  be  removed  for  watering,  and  drained  well  before 
being  returned  to  the  case  ;  though  I  use  a  fine  rose,  and  water  them  as 
they  stand,  so  as  to  irrigate  the  sand  as  well  as  the  plants  ;  and  if  the  sand 
gets  a  little  too  moist,  I  get  rid  of  it  by  a  little  extra  ventilation. 

"  When  set  to  work,  it  is  really  astonishing  how  much  may  be  done 
with  a  Waltonian  Case.  It  is  a  little  plant  factor}^,  in  which  seeds  and  cut- 
tings of  all  kinds  may  be  started,  and  carried  so  far  with  the  aid  of  bottom- 
heat,  that  they  may  be  safely  hardened  off  for  the  green-house  or  the  win- 
dow, or,  during  spring,  for  planting  out  in  the  garden.  It  has  many  ad- 
vantages over  a  common  hotbed.  In  the  first  place,  we  are  certain  of  heat, 
and  can  regulate  temperature  from  any  degree  up  to  nearly  90"  ;  the  ordi- 
nary temperature,  with  a  partial  admission  of  air  and  the  lamp  freshl}' 
trimmed,  being  75°  to  80°.  It  requires  an  experienced  hand  to  make  up  a 
hotbed  with  dung  that  shall  give  a  steady  heat  for  any  length  of  time,  and 


with  the  most  experienced,  accidents  are  not  at  all  uncommon,  such  as 
damping-  off,  burning-  up,  failure  of  heat,  and  necessity  for  linings  ;  but  here 
we  have  simply  to  fill  the  boiler,  and  light  the  lamp,  and  then  keep  the  case 
as  close  and  damp  as  we  please,  or  give  air  and  light  according  to  circum- 
stances. Besides  this,  there  is  no  soiling  of  the  hands,  no  wetting  of  the 
feet,  no  anxiety  about  frosts  and  mats,  and  the  most  serious  part  of  garden- 
ing econora^'^  is  brought  within  reach  of  a  lady's  delicate  fingers,  and  the 
merest  beginner's  unripe  judgment.  The  limited  size  of  the  case  may  seem 
to  militate  against  it  somewhat  ;  but  though  it  is  not  intended  for  the  com- 
mercial florist,  who  must  strike  cuttings  by  the  thousand,  it  nevertheless 
will  perform  such  an  amount  of  work  when  well  managed  as  to  meet  the 
wants  of  most  amateurs  who  delight  in  a  garden  of  limited  dimensions,  or 
who  require  the  aid  of  close  bottom-heat  in  connection  with  a  green-house 
or  conservatory.  Geraniums,  fuchsias,  calceolarias,  everything  which  comes 
from  cuttings  with  bottom-heat,  may  be  struck  safely,  and  in  quantities 
sufficient  for  all  ordinary  wants  ;  the  work  of  propagation  being  kept  up 
during-  winter,  and  till  the  close  of  May,  after  which  time  most  half-hardy 
plants  may  be  propagated  out  of  doors,  without  any  artificial  heat  whatever. 
In  other  respects  there  is  no  difference  in  the  management  of  seeds  and 
cuttings  in  a  Waltonian  Case  and  in  a  common  hotbed." — IIlhberd''s  Rustic 
AdoTiiments^  London. 


H  *  »  -  >« 


GRAPES  AND  GRAPE  HOUSES. 

BY  JOHN  B.  EATON,  BUFFALO,  NEW  YORK. 

The  culture  of  the  foreign  grape  under  glass  has  become  such  a  palpable 
reality,  and  on  account  of  its  easy  accomplishment  is  of  so  much  practical 
importance,  that  almost  every  one  who  has  indulged  in  the  pursuit  conceives 
himself  privileged  to  give  his  experience  and  opinions.  This  practice  of 
course  leads  to  good  results,  although  it  is  sometimes  a  little  diiScult  to  re- 
concile the  rather  contradictory  views  and  assertions  of  some,  who,  like 
myself,  have  had  but  little  experience,  and  do  not,  in  reality,  know  much 
about  the  matter. 

There  is  one  point,  however,  on  which  the  grape-growing  community  are 
nearly  unanimous;  every  one  desires  a  cheap  grapery,  whether  he  wishes  to 
erect  a  small  and  plain  structure,  or  a  large  and  ornamental  one — conditions 
which  are  sometimes  discovered  to  have  been  somewhat  antagonistic. 

The  form  of  the  house  has  been  a  subject  of  much  discussion,  and  one 
upon  which  there  exists  a  great  diversity  of  opinion.  Your  correspondent, 
Mr.  Saunders,  I  observe  is  inclined  to  take  ground  in  favor  of  right-lined 
roofs,  stating  his  belief  in  the  doctrine  that  a  curvilinear  roof  does  not  "  in 
itself  possess  any  important  advantages,"  and  that  "the  gain  of  more  light 
and  less  opacity,"  which  he  is  willing  to  admit,  "  is  the  only  superiority 
which  such  houses  possess." 

For  myself,  1  am  strongly  in  favor  of  curvilinear  houses,  being  satisfied, 
from  my  experience  and  observations,  that  they  not  only  do  possess  "  im- 
portant advantages"  over  right-lined  houses,  but  are  not  so  much  more 
expensive  as  Mr.  Saunders  seems  to  believe. 

The  first  point  which  naturally  occurs  is  the  superior  beauty  of  an  arched 
roof,  either  for  a  lean-to  or  span-roofed  house,  which  will  hardly  be 
tested.     The  next  is  the  much  greater  amount  of  room  obtained,  both  in 


length  of  the  trellis,  and  in  the  house  itself,  it  being  quite  unnecessary  to 
build  a  front  wall  of  five  or  six  feet  in  height,  in  order  to  permit  a  near  ap- 
proach to  the  vines,  without  thrusting  one's  head  into  the  foliage,  or  through 
the  glass.  The  gain  of  one  or  two  feet  in  length  of  rafter,  with  a  given 
amount  of  ground  surface,  is  certainly  important,  and  in  a  large  house,  will 
afford  room  for  a  suflScient  number  of  additional  bunches  to  make  a  material 
difference  in  the  weiglit  of  the  crop. 

If  one  wishes  cheapness  to  control  every  other  consideration,  it  is  possible 
to  grow  very  decent  grapes  at  a  very  slight  expense,  in  a  roughly  built 
house  of  boards,  such  as  have  been  figured  in  some  of  your  former  volumes. 
Indeed,  a  friend  of  mine  succeeded  in  obtaining  some  quite  respectable 
Black  Samburghs  from  a  vine  which  was  only  protected  by  a  hot-bed 
frame,  which  had  a  sufficient  quantity  of  glass  broken  out  to  afford  ventila- 
tion. I  question  if  this  could  be  done  however  with  inany  foreign  varieties, 
— perhaps  the  Chasselas  de  Fontainebleau  and  some  of  its  congeners  might 
succeed. 

My  experience  so  far  leads  me  to  believe  that  I  could  attend  two  houses, 
planted  with  the  two  sorts  above  named  alone,  with  the  same  amount  of 
time,  labor,  and  expense  which  it  would  be  necessary  to  bestow  upon  one 
house  (all  of  course  being  of  equal  size),  planted  in  the  usual  manner,  with 
a  dozen  or  more  varieties;  consequently,  were  I  growing  for  market,  I 
should  depend  upon  these  two  sorts  almost,  if  not  quite  exclusively.  Per- 
haps Wilmot's  Black  Hamburgh  and  some  still  later  sort  might  be  admitted 
in  order  to  keep  up  a  succession. 

While  upon  the  subject  I  should  like  to  be  positively  resolved  whether 
there  is  a  Royal  Muscadine,  which  is  distinct  from  and  superior  to  the 
Chasselas  de  Fontainebleau  ? 

It  is  contended  by  some  that  there  is  such  a  grape.  Although  I  do  not 
quite  understand  what  are  its  distinctive  and  superior  qualities,  I  suppose 
that  there  is  little  if  any  doubt,  that  what  are  usually  sold  for  Chasselas  de 
Fontainebleau,  Golden  Chasselas,  and  Royal  Muscadine,  (together  with  two 
or  three  other  names,)  are  identically  the  same.  In  some  instances  they 
are  propagated  as  one  variety,  and  the  different  names  affixed  to  please  the 
taste  of  those  who  order  them  as  such. 

If  some  of  your  correspondents  who  possess  the  so-called  "genuine" 
Royal  Muscadine,  will  give  an  account  of  its  peculiarities,  and  a  sketch  of 
its  history,  if  possible,  I  have  no  doubt  that  it  would  tend  to  clear  away 
some  of  the  confusion  which  now  seems  to  exist  respecting  it. 

I  am  somewhat  disappointed  in  the  Black  St.  Peter's,  although  I  acknow- 
ledge that  I  have  scarcely  given  it  a  fair  trial.  It  ripened  last  season 
under  peculiarly  adverse  circumstances,  (but  to  which  most  of  the  others 
were  likewise  subjected,)  and  was  indubitably  the  most  indifterent  grape  in 
my  house.  Perhaps,  owing  to  the  coolness  of  the  season,  and  the  late 
period  of  its  ripening,  it  failed  to  acquire  its  proper  flavor;  and  I  hope  that 
it  will  retrieve  its  character  this  year.  If  it  proves  no  better  than  before, 
I  shall  be  strongly  tempted  to  cut  down  and  graft  my  two  fine  plants,  (now 
nearly  of  full  size,)  however  barbarous  it  ma}^  appear.  The  Grizzly  Fronti- 
gnan  pleases  me  much,  and  is  a  finer  fruit  than  I  anticipated.  Its  peculiar 
soft  pinkish  color  is  not  so  inviting  as  a  deep  black  or  rich  amber,  but 
desirable  for  its  oddity,  and  in  conjunction  with  its  delightful  flavor,  by  no 
means  displeasing. 

Does  any  one,  I  wonder,  grow  the  Chasselas  Musque,  without  its  cr 


\r\g  ?  If  it  is  done,  I  would  like  to  be  possessed  of  the  method  by  which  it 
can  be  accomplished,  for  I  admit  that  it  beats  me.  If  it  wore  not  so  exqui- 
site in  flavor,  I  would  no  longer  be  annoyed  by  it;  but  it  is  really  worth 
some  expenditure  of  time  and  temper  to  ripen  it,  even  in  a  cracked  state. 


NOTES    ON    STRAWBERRIES. 

BY    H.    A.    MISH,    HARRISBURG,    PA. 

Thoi'gh  not  a  veteran,  I  am  not  exactly  a  novice  in  the  culture  of  the 
strawberr}',  having  paid  considerable  attention  to  it  for  several  years,  and 
with  reasonable  success — suflScient  at  least  to  satisfy  me  that  it  is  pleasant 
and  profitable.  I  have  at  present  about  fifty  varieties  under  cultivation, 
some  of  which  have  not  yet  fruited,  and  brief  as  my  experience  has  been,  I 
have  already  thought  it  necessary  to  reject  a  number  of  varieties.  My 
observations  may  not  agree  with  those  of  others,  but  I  give  them  for  what 
they  are  worth,  and  intended  to  apply  only  to  my  own  locality. 

Albany  SeedUng.  (Wilson.)  Plants  received  from  Mr.  Wilson,  the  origi- 
nator, last  fall.  They  were  so  feeble  that  but  about  twenty-five  grew  out' of 
two  hundred,  and  those  remaining  are  not  in  the  most  flourishing  condition. 
The  fruit  is,  with  me,  above  medium  in  size,  heart-shaped,  dark-coloi-ed,  and 
with  a  shining  surface.  Flesh,  solid  and  juicy ;  flavor,  excellent.  Promises 
to  be  pi'oductive  and  valuable. 

JBuisfs  Prize.  Good  size  ;  nearly  round  ;  color,  light  ;  flesh,  rather  soft  ; 
flavor,  good  ;  plant,  a  strong  grower,  and  reasonably  productive. 

Globose  Scarlet.  (Prince.)  Quite  large,  frequenty  1^  inches  in  diameter  ; 
of  a  bright  light  color;  not — as  its  name  would  denote — globose  ;  not  so  much 
so  as  Imperial  Scarlet,  from  the  same  source  ;  flesh,  rather  soft  ;  flavor, 
good  ;  plant,  vigorous  and  very  productive. 

IIovey''s  Seedling  needs  no  description  ;  but  with  me  it  falls  considerably 
below  several  others  in  flavor,  productiveness,  and  average  size. 

Imperial  Scarlet  of  Prince.  In  size,  color,  and  texture  of  fruit,  very 
similar  to  Imperial  Scarlet  ;  but  different  in  form  ;  flavor,  good  ;  plant,  vig- 
orous and  productive. 

Longworth''s  Prolific.  Large,  but  not  often  more  than  an  inch  in  diam- 
eter; flesh,  firm  and  juicy  ;  flavor,  excellent  ;  not  so  prolific  as  might  be 
expected  from  the  name,  but  sufficiently  so  to  be  valuable. 

MyaWs  Prolific  Hautboys.  Long-conical,  rounding  to  both  ends  ;  of  a 
dull,  deep  pink  color,  nearly  white  on  one  side  ;  size,  good,  frequently  an 
inch  in  length  ;  very  sweet,  with  a  peculiar  strong  musky  flavor,  which 
might  not  be  relished  by  such  persons  as  object  to  the  Seckel  and  Bartlett 
Pears,  and  there  are  some  such.  Notwithstanding  the  remark  in  Mr.  Pardee's 
work,  that  it  is  prolific  only  in  "  runners,"  it  is  with  me  one  of  the  most  pro- 
ductive in  fruit,  and  bears  well,  however  much  the  plants  are  crowded.  The 
fruit  is  borne  upon  tall  stalks  keeping  it  out  of  the  I'each  of  dirt. 

McAvoy''s  Superior.  Large,  oval-conic,  frequently  more  than  an  inch  in 
diameter  ;  sometimes  irregular  in  form  ;  flavor,  good  ;  productive. 

Peabody.  This  much-praised  variet}^  has  not  come  up  to  my  expectations, 
though  some  of  the  berries  are  of  fine  size.  I  make  some  allowance,  how- 
ever, for  the  soil  in  which  my  plants  are  growing,  and  am  in  hopes  a  new 
plantation  made  this  spring  will  do  better.     Flavor,  very  good. 


^^ 


THE    GREAT   ENGLISH    KOSE   EXHIBITION". 


Primate.  (Prince.)  Conical  ;  bright  color  ;  medium  size  ;  productive  ; 
not  at  all  equal  to  Mr.  Prince's  description. 

ScotVs  Seedling.  Long-,  of  a  regular  conical  form,  quite  pointed  ;  color, 
brilliant  scarlet  ;  large,  frequently  1^  inches  in  length  ;  rather  dry  ;  not 
very  high,  but  well  flavored  ;  productive. 

Scarlet  Magnate.  (Prince.)  Very  large,  frequently  \\  and  more  inches 
in  diameter  ;  form,  peculiar,  being  compressed  from  the  calyx  to  apex  ; 
color,  dark  scarlet,  with  lighter  shade  on  unexposed  side  ;  flesh,  remarkably 
solid  and  heavy  ;  flavor,  fine  ;  very  productive. 

Trollope's  Victoria.  Ver^' large,  frequently  1^  inches  in  diameter  ;  round- 
heart  shaped ;  color,  brick-red,  shining  ;  flesh,  solid,  juicy,  and  flavor  excel- 
lent ;  not  very  productive. 

Triomplie  de  Gand.  Very  large,  about  equal  to  Trollope's  Victoria,  which 
it  resembles  in  color,  general  appearance,  flavor,  and  productiveness,  but 
not  in  form,  being  generally  compressed  at  the  sides,  or  of  a  cock's-comb 
form. 

'Walkefs  Seedling.  Medium  size  ;  heart-shaped  ;  color,  very  dark  ;  flesh 
of  a  rich  red  color,  firm,  juicy,  and  of  a  delicious  flavor,  though  slightly 
acid  ;  a  good  bearer. 

Read''s  No.  1.  Plants  set  out  this  spring.  The  few  berries  produced 
were  of  good  size,  of  a  broad-conical  form,  very  dark  color  ;  flavor,  sprightly 
and  excellent ;  promises  to  be  productive  and  valuable. 

Yotmg^s  Germantoion,  HeacPs  Black  Pine,  and  a  number  of  other  new 
varieties  have  not  been  sufficiently  tested  for  me  to  express  an  opinion. 

The  Foreign  varieties  which  I  have  tried,  and  which  were  procured  from 
an  English  nurser^^man  of  high  reputation,  have  generally  failed  with  me. 
Ajax,  Admiral  Dundas,  Goliath,  Hooper's  Seedling,  Compte  de  Paris,  and 
Rub}'-,  are  all  injured  in  the  foliage  by  the  sun  ;  and  Sir  Harry,  which  sold 
two  3'ears  ago  at  six  dollars  for  a  dozen  plants,  is  absolutely  worthless. 
Possibly  some  of  them  may  do  better  after  being  fully  naturalized. 

As  the  result  of  my  limited  experience,  I  place  Scarlet  Magnate  at  the 
head  of  the  list  for  the  average  of  all  qualities  necessary  to  constitute  a 
good  strawberry.  1  have  not  had  specimens  of  it  yet  to  equal  the  six-inch- 
in-circumference  berries  of  Hovey's  Seedling  or  the  seven-inch  Peabodys 
which  "  we  read  about,"  but  never  see.  I  am  confident,  however,  that  if 
ever  Hovey  or  Peabody  have  attained  these  sizes,  the  Magnate  may  with 
proper  culture  be  brought  to  equal  size.  One  great  peculiarity  of  this  berrj' 
is  its  solidit}'  and  weight  ;  another,  is  the  uniformity  of  its  size.  While  it 
has  not  yet  produced  any  six-inch  berries,  it  is  difficult  to  find  many  less 
than  three  inches  in  circumference. 


-».  ■•  »  m  .« 


THE    GREAT   ENGLISH    ROSE    EXHIBITION. 

The  (London)  National  Rose  Exhibition,  at  the  close  of  July  last,  was  a 
success.  The  Gardeners'  Chronicle  says  :  "  Half  the  nurseries  in  England 
poured  their  treasures  into  St.  James's  Hall,  and  all  their  value  could  be 
judged  of  in  an  hour.  It  may  indeed  remain  doubtful  whether  General  Jac- 
queminot takes  precedence  of  Lord  Raglan  and  the  Giant  of  Battles,  or 
Joan  of  Ark  of  Madame  Vidot,  or  Madame  Vidot  of  Auguste  Mie,  or  Madame 
Hector  Jacquin  of  Coup  de'Hebe  ;  but  nobody  can  doubt  that  their  glorious 
s  constitute   present   perfection,  as  the  Panachee  d'Orleans,  a  faded 


THE   GREAT   ENGLISH   ROSE   EXHIBITION. 

painted  beauty,  and  the  vulgar  Village  Maid  are  the  reverse.  This,  too, 
was  shown,  that  two-thirds  of  the  varieties  still  in  cultivation  may  be 
now  consigned  to  the  limbo  of  oblivion,  to  the  equal  profit  of  both  buyer 
and  seller. 

"  Three  tables  running  the  entire  length  of  the  body  of  the  building  were 
covei-ed  with  boxfuls  of  Roses  of  every  hue,  both  in  the  shape  of  single 
blooms  and  of  exhibitions  of  three  trusses  of  each  variety.  Encircling  the 
raised  platform  at  the  end  of  the  hall  in  front  of  the  great  organ  was  a 
grand  display  of  blooms,  from  Mr.  Rivers,  of  Sawbridgeworth.  These 
were,  however,  contributed  merely  for  the  decoration  of  the  place,  and 
therefore  were  not  shown  in  competition  with  others.  Among  them  were 
some  of  the  finest  varieties  now  in  cultivation,  and  their  numbers  (they 
occupied  some  20  boxes)  served  to  show  what  kind  of  treat  a  visit  to  Saw- 
bridgeworth at  the  present  time  would  afford. 

"As  regards  prizes  for  the  best  collection,  three  trusses  of  each  variety,  a 
silver  cup,  value  ten  guineas,  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Paul,  of  Cheshunt,  and  a 
second  cup  of  five  guineas  to  Mr.  Cranston,  of  Hereford.  For  collections  of 
one  truss  of  each  variety,  a  five  guinea  cup  was  given  to  Mr.  Francis,  of 
Hertford,  and  a  second  prize  in  the  same  class  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Cant, 
of  Colchester.  For  forty-eight  distinct  varieties  in  single  trusses,  Messrs. 
Paul  had  a  first  prize,  and  Mr.  Turner,  of  the  Royal  Nursery,  Slough,  a 
second.  For  twenty-four,  in  single  trusses,  a  first  prize  was  awarded  to 
Mr.  Cranston,  and  a  second  to  Mr.  Cant.  Other  prizes  were  awarded  to 
Messrs.  Paul,  Hollamby,  and  Francis. 

"  In  the  Class  of  Amateurs  who  regularly  employ  a  gardener,  prizes  were 
also  awarded,  as  well  as  to  amateurs  not  regularly  employing  a  gardener. 

''  In  these  collections  we  observed  charming  trusses  of  the  following 
varieties,  viz.,  Hybrid  Perpetuals  : — Souvenir  de  la  Reine  d'Angleterre, 
Madame  Vidot,  Duchess  of  Norfolk,  Madame  Heraud,  Ravel,  Madame  Hector 
Jacquin,  Victor  Trouillard,  LaVille  de  St.  Denis,  Madame  Masson,  Duchesse 
d'Orleans,  Comte  de  Nanteuil,  Cardinal  Patrizzi,  Madame  Place,  Arthur  de 
Sansal,  Lady  Stuart,  Gloire  de  Vitry,  Queen  Victoria,  Madame  Knorr,  Orne- 
ment  des  Jardins,  General  Simpson,  General  Castellane,  Jacques  Lafitte, 
Gloire  de  Parthenay,  Panachee  d'Orleans,  Madame  de  Cambaceres,  Prince 
Leon,  Amandine,  Geant  des  Battailles,  Mathurin  Regnier,  Lord  Raglan,  Caro- 
line de  Sansal,  William  Griffith,  Noemi,  Jules  Margottin,  Madame  Rivers, 
Louis  Odier,  Glory  of  France,  Triomphe  de  I'E.xposition,  Louis  Peyronny,  Alex- 
andrine Bachmeteff,  Helen,  Auguste  Mie,  Baronne  Pre  vest,  Louise  Magnan, 
Sydonie,  Lion  des  Combats,  La  Reine,  General  Pelissier,  General  Jacque- 
minot, and  Joan  of  Arc.  Gallica  : — Transon  Goubault,  Cynthia,  Boule  de 
Nanteuil,  Colonel  Coombes,  Columella,  Duchess  of  Buccleugh,  Latour  d'Au- 
vergne,  Louis  Philippe,  Prince  Regent,  Daubeuton,  Gloire  de  Colmar,  Melanie, 
William  Tell,  Dido,  Surpasse  Tout,  Letitia,  D'Aguesseau,  Ohl,  Reine  des 
Fran^ais,  Kean.  Bourbon  : — Acidalie,  Souvenir  de  Malmaison,  Coupe 
d'Hebe.  Hybrid  China  : — Brennus,  Gloire  de  Couline,  Chenedole,  Victor 
Hugo,  Madeleine,  Paul  Perras,  Comtesse  Lac6pede,  Madame  Rameau. 
Tea  : — Nephetos,  Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  Narcisse,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  Madame 
Willermoz,  Bougere,  Devoniensis. 

"  It  may  be  interesting  to  know  that  in  some  forty  different  collections 
from  as  many  exhibitors,  blooms  of  the  following  varieties  occurred  in  nearly 
every  one  of  them,  viz. :  Jules  Margottin,  Gen.  Jacqueminot,  Madame  Cam- 
baceres, Caroline  de  Sansal,  Madame  Domage,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  Paul  Perras, 


Vol.  VII L— September,  1858.  27 


THE    GREAT   ENGLISH    ROSE   EXHIBITION, 

Prince  Leon,  Gen.  Castellane,  Paul  Eicaut,  Lord  Raglan,  Madame  Vidot, 
Auguste  Mie,  Gen.  Brea,  and  Baronne  Prevost.  It  may  therefore  be  taken 
for  granted  that  these  are  the  most  popular  kinds. 

"  The  number  of  times  the  following  blooms  appeared  in  the  diiferent  ex- 
hibitions, of  which,  as  has  been  stated,  there  were  about  40,  is  as  follows: — 
Robin  Hood,  5  times;  Triomphe  de  Paris,  1;  Dr.  Marx,  6;  Lady  Alice  Peel, 
3;  Mrs.  Elliott,  8;  Pius  the  Ninth,  10;  Comte  Bobrinsky,  5;  Standard  of 
Marengo,  1;  Brennus,  3;  Dupetit  Thenars,  6;  Devoniensis,  9;  Niphetos,  4; 
Solfaterre,  6;  and  Safranot,  8  times. 

"  The  following  list  contains  some  of  the  very  finest  varieties  selected 
from  the  whole  exhibition.  Blush  : — Madame  Vidot,  Madame  Rivers, 
Duchess  of  Orleans,  Auguste  Mie,  (deep  blush),  Madame  Phclip,  Caroline 
de  Sansal,  and  Mathurin  Regnier.  Scaklet  or  Dark  Crimson: — Lord  Raglan, 
Gen.  Jacqueminot,  Alexandrine  Bachmeteff,  Le  Lion  des  Combats,  General 
Castellane,  Prince  Leon,  Gloire  de  France,  Paul  Ricaut,  and  Sir  J.  Franklin. 
Rose: — Colonel  Rougemont  (very  like  Baronne  Prevost,  and  quite  as  large,) 
General  Brea,  Madame  Hector  Jacquin,  Jules  Margottin,  William  Griffiths 
(round  and  full  as  a  Ranunculus),  Madame  Laffay,  Gloire  de  Vitry,  Prince 
Imperial,  La  Ville  de  St.  Denis,  Coupe  d'Hebe,  Le  Reine,  and  Paul  Perras. 
Yellows: — Oloth  of  Gold,  some  fine  blooms  of  which  were  exhibited  greatly 
superior  to  those  of  Miss  Gray,  Vicomtesse  Decazes,  Persian  Yellow,  and 
Old  Double  Yellow.  Of  Whites  none  are  very  good.  The  best  are  Dr. 
Henon,  Louise  Magnan,  and  Beaute  de  Melan.  Stripes  were  not  good. 
Among  them  we  noticed  Panachee  d'Orleans,  QEillet  Parfait,  and  Perles  des 
Panachees.  Among  Moss  Roses  we  have  little  to  recommend.  What  were 
shown  as  new  were  not  in  good  condition.  Of  Autumnal  ones  Salet  and 
Madame  Ory  seemed  the  best. 

"  Of  Roses  in  vases  and  baskets  there  were  three  or  four  exhibitions. 
That  to  which  the  prize  was  awarded  came  from  Mr.  Turner,  of  Slough.  It 
consisted  of  a  vase  some  two  feet  in  diameter,  on  which  was  reared  a  pyra- 
mid of  Roses  nearly  four  feet  in  height.  The  blooms  wei'e  all  fixed  in  wire- 
work,  in  the  interior  of  which  were  pans  of  water,  in  which  their  stalks 
were  placed  to  keep  them  fresh.  The  blooms  were  well  arranged  as  to 
color,  and  though  a  little  too  formal  in  appearance,  it  was  nevertheless 
striking  and  efiective.  Another  large  device  with  an  angular  base  terminat- 
ing in  a  pyramid  was  not  so  much  admired. 

"  It  will  be  gratifying  to  know  that  during  the  day  upwards  of  =£100  were 
taken  at  the  doors.  Such  encouragement,  we  hope,  will  enable  the  promot- 
ers of  this  in  every  respect  highly  successful  exhibition  to  hold  another 
'  Court  of  Roses  '  next  year." 


""ig^^^;: 


if 


LANDSCAPE   GARDENING. 


^f 


DOWNING'S    LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

A    LETTER    FROM    MR.   DOWNING. 

EADERS  of  the  Horticulturist,  and  especially  the  numerous 
admirers  of  Mr.  Downing,  must  have  rejoiced  to  see  an  adver- 
tisement in  the  late  numbers,  announcing-  a  new 
edition,  under  the  auspices  of  his  friend  and  lit- 
erary executor,  Henry  W.  Sargent,  Esq.,  of  Wo- 
denethe.  No  other  person  that  we  know  in  this 
union,  is  so  well  qualified  for  the  task  of  bringing 
the  work  up  to  the  present  day.  It  must  afford 
pleasure  to  all  lovers  of  rural  art,  that  Mr.  Sar- 
gent has  consented  thus  to  aid  the  dissemination 
of  correct  taste,  and  we  feel  ver^^  sure  that  to  no  other 
person  would  Mr.  Downing  have  so  willingly  consigned 
this  duty  of  respect  and  love.  In  the  enumeration  of  new 
trees  it  will  be  complete,  and  in  each  department  the 
notes  of  our  friend  will  add  much  to  the  value  of  the  publication.  It  will 
not  be  issued  before  next  spring. 

Mr.  Sargent  requests,  in  the  advertisement,  that  our  readers  will  afford 
him  any  information  they  may  possess  respecting  the  character  or  hardihood 
of  any  of  the  newer  evergreen  or  deciduous  trees,  which  have  been  intro- 
duced into  cultivation  within  the  past  ten  years,  as  he  is  desirous  of  com- 
paring the  varied  success  of  the  same  tree  in  the  different  portions  of  the 
United  States.  All  who  have  this  kind  of  information,  will  of  course,  most 
cheerfully  contribute  their  portion  to  so  desirable  a  comparison. 

Some  time  since,  we  published  a  few  "  Familiar  Letters,"  from  Mr.  Down- 
ing which  had  been  preserved  in  a  file  we  chanced  to  be  looking  over.  They 
exhibited  the  man  in  his  private  character,  when  not  dressed  up,  if  one  may 
use  the  expression,  in  his  party  apparel.  They  were  simple  expositions  of 
tlie  excellence  of  his  head  and  heart — mere  commonplaces  between  one 
friend  and  another — and  yet  they  met  with  a  response  in  every  quarter,  and 
correspondents  frequently  ask  for  more.  ,  In  the  following,  which  we  have 
but  just  discovered,  Mr.  Downing  speaks  gracefully  and  modestly  of  his 
professional  engagements,  and  numerous  calls  on  his  time  ;  there  is  no  af- 
fectation of  great  success — he  is  preparing  descriptive  lists  of  fruit  for  the 
catalogue  of  the  nursery,  "  which  cost  me  a  great  deal  of  labor," — is  grate- 
ful for  a  few  criticisms — rejoices  calmly  that  some  of  ''my  castles  in  air" 
wnll  soon  be  brought  into  palpable  form,  and  recapitulates  with  pride  Miss 
Sedgwick's  plan  of  advertising  her  copy  to  lend.  "  I  wash,"  he  says  so  nat- 
urally', and  so  beautifully,  "  the  little  volume  were  perfect,  to  deserve  the 
friends  it  has  made." 

This  letter  was  written  almost  five  years  before  the  commencement  of  the 
Horticulturist,  when  his  fame  was  less  extensively  disseminated  than  after- 
wards, and  when  he  was  just  beginning  to  feel  his  own  powers  ;  he  was 
then  engaged  in  the  nursery  business,  which  was  soon  abandoned  for  the 
pen  ;  a  happy  combination  of  early  practical  knowledge,  with  aspirations 
after  the  true  and  beautiful,  which  so  eminently  made  their  mark  upon  the 
public  taste,  as  for  long  periods  to  constitute  an  era  of  even  historical 
interest. 


LANDSCAPE   GARDENING. 

"  We  never  tire  of  hearing-  about  Downing,"  writes  the  most  agreeable 
of  lady  correspondents  from  the  west ;  "  pray  tell  us  all  that  can  be  known." 
We  can  do  this  in  no  better  mode  than  to  let  him  speak  for  himself,  and  in 
presenting-  the  following-  previously  unpublished  letter,  we  believe  we  are 
occupying  a  little  space  advantageously  and  agreeably.  We  will  only  add 
that  if  any  of  our  readers  possess  relics  of  the  kind,  it  will  confer  a  public 
favor  if  they  will  consign  copies  to  our  hands. 

Newhurgh,  21s«  Oct.,  1842. 
J.  Jay  Smith,  Esq.,  Philadelphia,  Penn. 

My  dear  Friend  : — I  have  just  returned  from  Boston,  after  a  considerable 
absence  from  home,  this  morning  ;  and  your  letter  strikes  with  such  an  iron 
tongue  upon  my  heart,  that  I  sit  down  at  once  to  reply  to  it.  I  assure  you  my 
silence  has  been  as  unwished  for  on  my  part,  as  it  could  possibly  have  been 
on  yours.  But  I  have  never  had  so  absorbing  a  season  as  I  have  since  you 
left  me — having  been  thoroughly  driven  with  business  matters — persons  oc- 
cupying my  time  here,  or  landscape  gardening  journeys  abroad,  constantly  ; 
and  whenever  I  have  had  time  to  write,  I  have  been  driven  to  write  num- 
berless professional  letters,  always  awaiting  me  when  I  come  home  ;  and 
putting  off  those  two  or  three  correspondents  nearer  my  heart.,  because  I 
felt  that  they  could  pardon  my  temporary  silence.  And  I  have  many  times 
reproached  myself  that  I  have  not  before  answered  the  very  kind  letters  and 
notices  from  you  and  others  which  I  have  found  awaiting  me  at  different 
times. 

I  have  been  lately  employed  at  the  state  lunatic  asylum  at  Utica,  a  mag- 
nificent new  establishment,  to  design  the  grounds — at  private  places  at 
Boston,  Albany,  New  Haven,  Long  Island,  Staten  Island,  two  places  in  New 
Jersey,  &c.,  so  that  you  see  my  art  is  flourishing. 

I  am  now  home  for  the  season,  our  busy  autumnal  trade  now  commencing. 
Besides  this,  a  good  deal  of  the  time  I  could  catch  has  been  employed  in 
preparing  the  descriptive  lists  of  fruit  in  our  new  catalogue,  which  cost  me 
a  great  deal  of  labor,  and  which  I  am  sure  will  be  found  valuable  by  all 
interested  in  fruit. 

I  have  your  unanswered  letters  all  before  me,  and  am  greatly  obliged  to 
you  for  the  kind  opinion  you  have  formed  of  my  "  Cottages."  The  criticisms 
I  have  also  noted  for  use,  in  a  new  edition,  with  improvements,  which  I  trust 
may  come  before  a  long  while,  as  the  work  has  been  very  favorably  received. 
Some  of  my  "  castles  in  air"  I  have  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  will  be  soon 
brought  into  palpable  form  by  amateurs  in  different  parts  of  the  country. 
No.  2  is  an  especial  favorite,  and  I  have  just  now  a  letter  from  a  gentleman 
unknown  to  me,  at  Charleston,  who  writes  to  know  where,  and  at  what  price 
he  can  buy  a  place  of  a  few  acres,  on  the  North  river,  to  build  this  cottage 
upon  !  My  friend,  Miss  Sedgwick,  has  written  me  a  letter,  in  which  she 
enters  heartily  into  our  feeling  of  the  subject,  and  says  she  means  to  adver- 
tise her  copy  to  lend^  in  the  Stockbridge  paper,  to  any  of  the  farmers.  I 
wish  the  little  volume  were  perfect,  to  deserve  the  friends  it  has  made  ;  but 
I  shall  be  gratified  if  it  does  its  part  towards  i-ousing  our  good  people  in 
matters  of  architectural  taste.  The  booksellers  all  say  that  now  something 
of  a  more  simple  character  is  wanted,  on  farm  buildings,  &c. 

I  hope  your  health,  which  I  hear  has  been  so  poor,  is  now  well  recovered. 
It  would  have  given  Mrs.  D.  and  myself  great  pleasure  to  have  been  with 
you  again  in  September,  but  we  could  not  achieve  it,  as  my  engagements 


I 


and  the  guests  she  was  receiving  at  home,  put  it  out  of  our  power,  unfor- 
tunately. I  especially  wanted  to  send  something  to  your  horticultural  fair, 
but  was  detained  in  the  North  a  day  or  two  too  late  ;  next  season  I  must  try 
to  do  better,  and  be  more  systematic  in  my  arrangements. 

Some  few  things  you  want  we  have  not  for  sale,  as  the  Virgilia  lutea^  but 
I  will  make  it  up  in  other  things,  and  will  take  care  of  you  in  due  time. 

I  see  there  is  to  be  a  plate  of  Ashland  in  a  popular  life  of  Clay,  in  press  ; 
perhaps  it  will  furnish  something  for  my  use  in  the  edition  of  the  L.  G,  for 
which  I  am  preparing  new  material  for  this  winter  ;  and  in  which  task  I 
shall  at  all  times  be  most  truly  glad  to  have  hints  from  yoti. 

Mrs.  Downing  begs  me  to  present  her  kindest  remembrances  to  you,  and 

we  both  join  in  kind  regards.     Next  summer  we  hope will  join  you 

in  a  visit  to  the  Hudson  Highlands,  and  you  shall  be  made  more  thoroughly 
familiar  with  the  merits  of  the  North  river  than  you  were  this  season. 

I  was  also  in  debt  to  our  friend  Mr.  Notman,  who  wrote  me  a  very  kind 
letter,  which  I  will  soon  answer  hi  extenso.  We  have  a  great  acquisition 
in  Mr.  Upjohn,  the  architect  of  Trinity  Church,  N.  Y.,  (which  is  really 
growing  more  exquisite  every  day,)  a  church  which  will  stand  as  far  before 
all  other  Gothic  structures  of  the  kind  in  this  country,  as  a  Raphael's  Ma- 
donna before  a  tolerable  sign  painting.  Mr.  U.  has  in  progress  also,  some 
noble  and  artistic  alterations  or  improvements  on  the  old  manor  house  of 
the  Van  Rensselaers,  at  Albany,  which  I  have  inspected,  and  like  greatly. 
You  may  judge  of  the  eifect  of  the  whole,  when  I  tell  you  that  these  altera- 
tions alone  cost  $30,000,  and  this  on  a  house  nearly  90  years  old.  Still  very 
fine.     The  hall  50  by  25  feet. 

I  can  now  promise  to  answer  you  more  faithfully,  so  pray  overlook  my 
apparent  neglect  with  your  accustomed  generosity,  and  write  soon  to  yours, 
very  sincerely,  A.  J.  Downing. 


GEORGIA  :  ITS  CAPABILITIES  AS  A  FRUIT-GROWING  STATE,  kc. 

In  looking  forward  to  the  future  of  our  great  cities,  the  mind  must  re- 
vert occasionally  to  the  propitious  climate  of  the  Southern  States,  and  to 
them  as  the  means  of  supply.  Every  information  that  we  can  obtain  on  the 
subject  should  be  studied  ;  we  present  the  following  extracts  from  a  private 
letter  as  curious  and  instructive  : 

"  My  Dear  Sir, — The  climate  is  so  genial,  so  suited  to  my  constitution  and 
habits,  that  I  could  no  more  be  prevailed  to  live  in  the  sour,  hitter  north. 
Balsamic  air  by  day,  balsamic  and  a  little  refreshing  at  night  ;  but  always 
hra/iing.  A  man  can  live  here  outdoors  every  hour  of  the  day  and  night, 
as  in  sweet  Italy :  barring  the  fleas,  and  dust,  and  bald  mountains  of 
that  paradise  peopled  b}^  demons. 

"  How  would  3'ou  enjoy  a  ride  at  six  miles  an  hour  for  three  or  four  hours, 
from  twelve  to  three  P.M.?  and  that  under  a  temperature  i^as  usual)  of 
between  eighty  and  ninety,  or  ninety-four  degrees  1  Well,  I  can  frankly 
tell  you  that  I  do  enjoy  it,  and  that  it  is  less  hot  and  oppressive  than 
seventj'-five  degrees  in  the  North.  Were  it  not  so,  the  South  would  not  be 
inhabited.  Those  who  talk  about  the  South  know  only  such  dens — unfit  for 
men — as  Savannah,  Charleston,  and  New  Orleans.  Live  in  the  open,  broad, 
plateaux,  and  you  will  experience  my  sensations.  The  fact  is,  1  have  been 
out  at  least  fourteen  hours  if  not  sixteen  every  day,  and  have  not  been 


incommoded  by  the  sun.  The  only  thing  I  complain  about  is,  too  much  fine 
weather,  too  many  cloudless  daj's,  and  too  much  of  the  most  luscious  fruit 
of  the  world  ;  always  melons,  peaches,  apples,  plums,  nectarines,  blackber- 
ries ;  you  can  scarcely  refrain  from  eating  too  much  ;  but  still  it  never  hurts 
m-e.  Six  or  eight  melons  a  day,  and  a  basket  of  choice  fruit,  is  just  what 
I  want,  and  am  used  to.  We  have  here  plenty  of  nice  berries,  wild  plums, 
(chickasaw,)  wild  cherries,  (over  sweet,)  blackberries  of  the  finest  quality, 
&c.,  in  the  woods,  besides,  a  perfect  multitude  of  the  finest  flowers  in  succes- 
sion. What  a  wonder  of  creation  is  that  Lagerstroemia,  blossoming  nearly 
six  weeks,  and  the  most  graceful  tree  (bearing  when  a  little  shrub),  that 
can  be  seen  !  and  the  Mimosa,  and  the  Pride  of  China,  and  the  wild  blue 
Glycina  !  Trumpet  vines  are  a  drug  ;  they  are  everywhere.  It  would  take 
me  a  sheet  to  enumerate  the  garden  flowers  scattered  all  over  the  fields  and 
edges  of  woods,  and  in  the  woods.  I  know  that  Canada  is  highly  civilized, 
(horticulturally  speaking,)  but — what  pains  to  be  taken  !  No,  it  would  not 
pay  !  Here  we  take  all  from  the  lavish  hand  of  nature.  People  don't  know 
the  South  I" 

We  hope  to  hear  more  from  our  enthusiastic  correspondent. 


"FOR    MARKET    PURPOSES." 

Your  excellent  remarks  on  this  subject  remind  me  of  another  common  fault 
with  Horticultural  writers  and  speakers,  though  not  by  any  means  confined 
to  them.  I  mean,  omitting  to  tell  the  whole  truth.  A  single  instance  will 
illustrate  my  meaning,  though  many  others  might  be  given.  "  Cahoon's 
Seedling  Rhubarb  "  has  been  written  up  in  the  papers,  and  talked  up  before 
that  very  humorous  association  in  New  York  City,  called  the  "  Farmers' 
Club,"  on  account  of  its  great  size,  but  they  fail  to  tell  you  that  it  is  utterly 
worthless  for  "  market  purposes  "  or  home  consumption,  from  the  fact  that  it 
is  so  late  ;  one  is  tired  of  pie  plant  before  "  Cahoon  "  is  large  enough  to  use, 
and  that  after  it  has  attained  size  it  is  coarse  grained,  without  flavor,  and 
inferior  in  every  way  to  "Linnfeus"  or  "Victoria."  It  belongs  to  that 
numerous  family  annually  distributed  through  the  country  for  the  especial 
benefit  of  the  "  Sparrowgrass  "  and  "  Beach  Tree  "  people.  I  would  advise 
"  Beach  Tree "  in  his  next  experiment  to  use  such  manures  only  as  are 
manufactured  expressly  for  his  class,  such  as  " — 's  Improved  Super- 
Phosphate  of  Lime  " — he  will  run  no  risk  of  killing  his  trees,  nor  anything 
else,  with  them — they  are  very  harmless. 

I  wish  to  add  my  testimony  to  that  already  published  in  favor  of 
"Wilson's  Seedling  Strawberry,"  both  for  "market  purposes"  and  for 
family  use.  It  is  very  productive,  of  handsome  color,  perfect  form,  good 
quality,  of  larger  average  size  than  "  Hovey's  Seedling,"  and  bears  trans- 
portation well.  We  have  picked  three  pints  from  a  single  plant,  (a  pint 
each  time  at  three  different  pickings,)  and  nearly  one  hundred  quarts  from 
one  hundred  and  fifty  plants — ten  times  more  than  Hovey  gave  us. 

I  cannot  agree  with  a  Philadelphia  correspondent  of  the  Country  Gentle- 
m,an,  in  condemning  Peabody's  Seedling.  It  has  done  well  with  me,  and 
though  not  as  large  as  the  picture,  is  fully  equal  to  the  renowned  Hovey 
in  size,  quantity  and  quality,  and  superior  to  it  in  vigor  and  uniformity  of 
growth.  FiTZ  Randolph. 


IRON   FENCING,    ETC. 


415 


IMPLEMENTS  CONNECTED  WITH  THE  GARDEN  AND  THE  HOUSE. 


EXHIBITED    AT   THE    ROYAL    AGRICULTURAL    SOCIETy'8    SHOW,    ENGLAND. 

Besides  most  of  the  usual  implements  serviceable  to  the  gardener,  Messrs. 
Cottam  and  Hallen,  2  Winsley  Street,  Oxford  Street,  exhibited  the  following  : 

Footpath  or  Accommodation  Gate  and  Curve. — These  are  united  and  fixed 
in  a  line  with  strained  wire,  hurdle,  or  continued  fencing,  and  are  remarka- 
bly neat  and  convenient  for  admitting,  whilst  separating,  from  one  part  of 
the  grounds  to  the  other. 


Espalier  Hurdles. — These  are  also  very  neat,  and  we  need  do  no  more 
than  remark  upon  their  durability  compared  with  similar  structures  of  wood. 
They  are  neatest  in  appearance  when  painted  a  greenish  gray,  so  as  to  be 
least  distinguishable  from  the  branches  of  the  tree. 


Wrought-Iron  Tree  Guard. — Where  sheep  or  other  grazing  animals  are 
admitted  upon  grass  within  view  of  the  house,  and  trees  are  planted  in  the 
pasture  or  lawn,  no  guard  is  either  so  ornamental  or  effectual  as  this. — Zf0)i 
don  Cottage  Gardener. 


416  DO   WE   CARE  FOR   GRAPE   VINES   TOO   MUCH? 


DO   WE   CARE   FOR   GRAPE  VINES  TOO   MUCH? 

BY    GEO.    W.    CAMPBELL,    DELAWARE,    OHIO. 

I  NOTICE  in  a  late  number  of  the  Horticulturist,  some  remarks  from  a  cor- 
respondent, whose  argument  seems  to  be,  that  to  have  fine  grapes  we  should 
not  deeply  trench  and  enrich  the  ground  ;  the  vines  should  not  be  pruned, 
and  finally  the  grass  and  weeds  should  be  left  to  grow  undisturbed  1  Exam- 
ples are  also  given  where  this  course  has  been  eminently  successful,  while 
the  carefully  pruned  and  cultivated  vines  have  proved  nearly  worthless. 

I  have  been,  Mr  Editor,  a  cultivator  and  admirer  of  the  Grape — princi- 
pally in  an  amateur  way — for  about  twenty  years,  and  have  also  had  some 
opportunities  for  observation  ;  but  I  must  say  the  above  doctrine  is  directly 
opposed  to  my  whole  experience. 

I  have  never  yet  been  troubled  with  rot,  or  mildew — but  whether  this  is 
owing  to  a  fortunate  locality,  or  to  some  favorable  atmospheric  influence  ; 
or  whether  it  is  fairly  attributable  to  my  mode  of  treatment,  I  will  not  con- 
fidently assert.  But  I  have  seen  many  vines  grown  with  a  degree  of  neglect 
which  I  think  ought  to  make  not  only  knives  and  hoes,  but  even  their  own- 
ers "  blush,"  which  produced  no  well-ripened  fruit,  and  which  suffered  from 
both  mildew  and  rot,  in  the  same  vicinity  where  my  own  grapes  ripened 
perfectly. 

In  regard  to  pruning,  I  have  never  seen  vines  do  well  for  any  length  of 
time,  treated  upon  the  closely  cut  spur  system  ;  and  would  sooner  employ  a 
man  to  prune  my  vines  who  had  never  before  seen  a  grape  vine,  than  trust 
them  to  the  tender  mercies  of  an  opinionated  German,  who  had  dressed 
vineyards  all  his  former  life  in  Germany.  For  our  native  vines,  I  think  the 
true  system  lies  between  the  excessive  pruning  of  the  foreigner,  and  the 
total  neglect  advocated  by  your  correspondent ;  and  that  any  vine  was  ever 
injured  in  fruit-bearing  or  health  by  judicious  pruning  and  cultivation,  I 
cannot  believe.  Vines  are  often  neglected  in  the  early  part  of  the  season, 
until  a  wilderness  of  young  growth,  and  a  great  deal  more  fruit  than  can 
be  properly  matured  is  the  consequence.  Then  the  tyro,  to  make  up  for 
former  neglect,  "  pitches  in,"  knife  in  hand,  and  prunes  with  a  vengeance — 
cutting  out  a  large  portion  of  the  newly-formed  wood  and  leaves,  but  care- 
fully leaving  all  the  fruit.  In  the  fall,  he  wonders  that  many  of  his  grapes 
are  still  green,  when  they  should  be  ripe  ;  part  are  rotten,  and  none  of  them 
have  flavor  or  aroma.  He  wonders,  too,  that  the  following  year  his  vines 
are  feeble  and  unhealthy  ;  and  sighs  for  the  wild  Fox  grapes  he  remembers 
to  have  eaten  in  his  boj'hood,  and  wishes  he  could  still  find  the  same  fragrant 
variety  that  left  his  youthful  appetite  nothing  further  to  desire  ! 

A  grape  vine  should  be  treated  as  Isaac  Walton  handled  his  fish,  "  ten- 
derly, as  though  you  loved"  it.  It  should  receive  frequent  and  careful 
attention,  and  be  so  pi'uned  as  never  to  require  a  wholesale  slashing  to  keep 
it  within  reasonable  bounds.  I  prune  my  vines  upon  what  is  called  the  long 
cane,  or  renewal  system,  and  feel  confident  it  is  the  best.  I  train  up,  dur- 
ing the  gi'owing  season,  strong  new  canes,  between  the  fruit-bearing  branches, 
pinching  off  the  laterals  and  tendrils  their  whole  length.  The  wood  that 
bears  fruit  the  present  year,  I  prune  out  in  the  fall,  usually  in  November, 
and  shorten  the  new  canes  to  the  length  I  wish  them  to  occupy  the  next 
season.  The  following  spring,  each  bud  on  the  new  canes  will  usually 
produce  a  lateral  branch  showing  from  two  to  four  bunches  of  fruit.  As 
soon  as  the  bloom  is  past,  I  cut  out,  except  in  rare  instances,  all  except  one 


bunch,  leaving  the  finest  on  each  lateral,  shortening  them  in  at  the  distance 
of  four  to  six  leaves  beyond  the  bunch.  I  look  over  the  vines  afterwards, 
every  week  or  ten  days,  and  where  these  laterals  again  start,  I  pinch  them 
oflf.  I  commenced  at  the  top  of  the  vine,  and  work  downward  ;  as  checking 
the  growth  above  throws  the  sap  into  the  lower  branches,  which  are  always 
most  feeble.  In  the  meantime,  I  train  up  strong,  healthy  canes  in  the  posi- 
tion of  the  fruit-bearing  branches  of  last  year  for  next  season's  fruit.  This 
course  has  always  given  me  satisfaction,  and  is  sinple,  and  easily  under- 
stood. 

As  to  soil,  I  believe  a  limestone  soil  to  be  the  best,  and  where  the  soil 
does  not  contain  lime  naturally,  it  should  be  liberally  supplied.  The  finest 
growth  I  have  ever  seen  has  been  made  by  vines  planted  beside  new  stone 
walls,  where  considerable  quantities  of  lime  and  sand  had  fallen  in  process 
of  building. 


DR.    ROBERT    BROWN,    D.C.L.,    F.R.S., 

FORKIGN    MEMBER    OF   THE    ACADEMY    OF    SCIENCES    OF    THE    INSTITUTE    OF    FRANCE. 

Last  week  it  was  our  melancholy  duty  to  announce  the  decease  of  one 
who  throughout  the  long  period  of  nearly  half  a  century  has  been  univer- 
sally recognized  as  the  first  of  living  botanists  ;  one,  moreover,  who  has 
proved  himself  to  be  second  to  Linnseus  alone  of  all  his  predecessors  in 
that  department  of  science.  We  should  be  wanting  both  in  respect  to  the 
memory  of  Robert  Brown,  and  in  our  duty  if  we  neglected  to  record  the 
principle  events  of  his  scientific  career,  and  to  add  our  tribute  of  regret  at 
the  passing  away  from  amongst  us  of  a  man  for  whose  talents  and  labors 
we  ever  entertained  the  most  profound  esteem. 

To  some  who  have  worked  as  his  cotemporaries  in  the  great  metropolis  of 
science,  and  to  whom  his  name  is  no  less  familiar  from  its  constant  recur- 
rence in  every  botanical  work  in  this  century,  than  from  the  habitual  defer- 
ence with  which  it  is  pronounced  by  the  scientific  men  of  every  country, 
it  may  seem  strange  that  we  should  think  it  necessary  to  dwell  upon  some 
of  those  features  of  his  history  which  should  be  best  and  most  widely  known  ; 
but,  owing  partly  to  the  length  of  time  that  has  elapsed  since  his  great  dis- 
coveries were  made,  partly  to  the  quiet  and  unostentatious  manner  in  which 
they  were  announced,  partly  to  the  brevity  of  his  style,  and  the  comparatively 
small  bulk  of  his  published  works,  and  most  of  all  to  his  singularly  retiring 
and  unobtrusive  disposition,  it  so  happens  that  many  of  our  intelligent  readers, 
especially  among  j'oung  gardeners,  are  quite  unaware  of  the  real  extent 
and  merits  of  Robert  Brown's  labors,  and  of  the  vast  indirect  influence  they 
have  had  upon  their  own  pursuits.  Nor  are  they  singular  in  the  want  of  in- 
formation ;  the  general  ignorance  of  the  educated  classes  in  England  of 
the  very  existence  of  their  late  countryman  had  become  a  reproach  to  us 
amongst  the  scientific  men  of  the  continent,  who  boast  that  his  name  stands 
at  the  head  of  the  list  of  honorary  fellows  of  more  scientific  academies  than 
that  of  any  other  individual  whatever,  not  even  excepting  Humboldt;  and  that 
an  Emperor,  on  hearing  of  his  arrival  at  one  of  the  capitals  of  Europe,  placed 
a  carriage  at  his  disposal  :  whereas  when  his  name  was  announced  in  the 
British  Parliament  as  the  recipient  of  a  pension,  information  was  demanded 
to  who  was  Robert  Brown  ;  and  that  on  the  occasion  of  his  receiving 
degree  of  Doctorship  of  Laws  at  one  of  the  English  universities,  his 


BK.    KOBERT   BKOWN. 


name  was  greeted  with  a  laugh  and  a  jeer  from  the  assembled  alumni. 
Such  taunts  are  current  on  the  continent,  and  whether  strictly  true  or  not, 
are  suGSciently  suggestive,  and  to  some  extent  merited  ;  the  time  has  how- 
ever passed,  when  science  was  regarded  as  an  inferior  department  of  human 
knowledge,  and  time  will  eventually  show  that  no  one  has  really  done  more 
to  raise  it  to  a  dignified  position  than  this  distinguished  botanist,  though 
his  personal  influence  in  this  respect  was  during  his  lifetime  scarcely  felt  by 
the  public  at  large. 

Dr.  Robert  Brown,  or  Mr.  Brown  as  he  preferred  being  addressed,  was 
born  December  21,  1113,  at  Montrose,  where  his  father  was  a  non-juring 
clergyman,  of  the  Scottish  Episcopalian  Church.  He  was  educated  at  the 
Montrose  Grammar  School,  where  he  was  a  schoolfellow  of  Joseph  Hume. 
He  afterwards  studied  medicine  first  at  Marischal  College,  Aberdeen,  and 
subsequently  at  Edinburgh,  where  his  love  of  botany  was  fully  developed. 

Having  taken  his  diploma,  he  was  appointed  surgeon  and  ensign  to  a 
regiment  of  Scotch  Fencibles  stationed  in  the  north  of  Ireland,  where 
he  pursued  his  botanical  studies  with  great  ardor,  and  formed  a  friendship 
with  an  equally  enthusiastic  botanist,  the  late  Captain  Dugald  Carmichael, 
then  serving  in  the  same  country.  At  this  period  Mr.  Brown  became  known 
to  Sir  Joseph  Banks,  we  believe  through  the  discovery  of  a  rare  and  curious 
Moss,  the  Glyphomitrion  Daviesii,  and  a  friendship  was  thus  commenced  be- 
tween these  eminent  men  which  only  terminated  with  death,  and  which  has 
materially  influenced  the  progress  of  botanical  science  in  England. 

At  the  close  of  the  last  century  the  Admiralty  were  induced  to  fit  an  expe- 
dition for  the  survey  and  exploration  of  the  coast  of  Australia,  and  Mr. 
Brown  was  selected  by  Sir  Joseph  Banks  to  accompany  its  commander.  Com. 
Matthew  Flinders,  R.  N.,  as  Naturalist  in  H.M.S.  Investigator.  Mr.  Brown 
was  accompanied  by  Ferdinand  Bauer  as  botanical  draughtsman,  and  by 
Mr,  Good  as  gardener  ;  and  the  expedition  further  included  as  landscape 
painter  the  late  eminent  artist  Wm.  Westall,  and  among  the  midshipmen 
Sir  John  Franklin,  with  whom  Mr.  Brown  formed  a  most  intimate  friendship. 
The  Investigator  sailed  in  1801  ;  and  after  touching  at  Madeira  and  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  arrived  in  the  following  year  at  King  George's  Sound, 
on  the  south-west  coast  of  Australia.  During  the  three  weeks  devoted  to 
the  survey  of  that  harbor,  Mr.  Brown  collected  no  fewer  than  500  species 
of  plants,  the  great  majority  of  which  were  entirely  new  to  science  ;  the  flora 
of  that  quarter  of  Australia  being  more  peculiar  and  local  than  that  of  anj'" 
other  part  of  the  globe.  After  botanizing  at  various  other  points  along  the 
south  coast,  Mr.  Brown  landed  at  Port  Jackson,  and  remained  there  several 
weeks. 

In  July,  1802,  the  northern  survey  was  commenced  at  Sandy  Bay,  in  lat. 
25°,  and  continued  along  the  northeastern  and  northern  shores  of  Australia 
and  the  Gulph  of  Carpentaria,  to  the  Pelew  and  Wellesley's  Islands,  (where 
the  Livistonia  australis  was  discovered),  and  then  to  Wessel's  Islands,  long. 
136*^  E.  Here  the  rotten  state  of  the  Investigator's  timbers,  the  ill  health  of 
her  commander,  and  the  appearance  of  scurvy  amongst  the  crew,  rend- 
ered it  necessary  to  bear  up  to  Timor,  where  they  obtained  provisions. 
Thence  they  steered  along  the  west  and  south  coasts  of  Australia,  passed  a 
second  time  through  Bass's  Straits,  and  arrived  at  Port  Jackson  on  June  9, 
1803,  having  lost  many  of  their  crew  by  dysentery,  including  Peter  Good  the 
gardener,  after  whom  the  well-known  greenhouse  Leguminous  genus  Good 
was  afterwards  named  by  Mr.  Brown. 


At  Port  Jackson  the  Investigator  was  condemned  as  unfit  for  service,  and 
Capt.  Flinders  sailed  for  England  in  a  hired  vessel,  Messrs.  Brown,  Bauer 
and  Allen  remaining  behind,  with  the  intention  of  exploring  the  colony  for 
eighteen  months,  at  the  end  of  which  period  Capt.  Flinders  hoped  to  rejoin 
them  in  another  ship  for  the  prosecution  of  the  survey.  On  her  homeward 
passage,  however,  the  Porpoise  was  wrecked  in  Torres'  Straits  ;  Flinders 
with  a  few  companions,  escaping  in  an  open  boat,  and,  tracking  the  coast, 
reached  Port  Jackson  in  safety,  where  he  obtained  a  small  schooner,  with 
which  he  returned  and  rescued  the  remainder  of  the  crew.  He  then  proceed- 
ed by  way  of  Timor  and  the  Mauritius,  where  the  leaky  condition  of  his 
craft  obliging  him  to  pat  into  Port  Louis,  his  vessel  was  treacherously 
seized  by  the  French  governor,  who  detained  Capt.  Flinders  partly  in  prison 
and  partly  on  parol,  from  December,  1803,  till  June,  1810. 

Meanwhile  Mr.  Brown  and  his  companions  diligently  explored  the  botany 
of  the  Blue  Mountains  and  other  distant  parts  of  the  New  South  Wales 
settlement,  and  visited  the  islands  in  Bass's  Straits,  and  also  Tasmania, 
where  they  made  extensive  collections,  residing  at  Risdon,  on  the  river  Der- 
went,  for  several  months,  including  tlie  period  of  the  foundation  of  the  town 
of  Hobarton. 

In  consequence  of  the  non-arrival  of  Capt.  Flinders  at  the  time  fixed  by 
him  for  his  return  to  Australia,  the  naturalists  took  advantage  of  an  oppor- 
tunity for  returning  to  England,  where  they  arrived  in  October,  1805.  Most 
of  the  collections  and  drawings  reached  England  in  safety,  though  an  exten- 
sive suite  of  duplicates  of  the  south  coast  plants  perished  in  the. wreck  of 
the  Porpoise,  together  with  all  the  living  plants  obtained  during  the  survey. 

On  Mr.  Brown's  return  he  was  directed  by  the  Board  of  Admiralty  to  pub- 
lish the  botanical  results  of  the  voyage  ;  of  these  one  portion  appeared  in  the 
Prodromus  Florce  Novse  HollandiEe,  and  another  in  the  appendix  to  the  nar- 
rative of  Capt.  Flinders'  voyage,  published  in  1814.  Soon  after  his  return 
he  succeeded  Dr.  Dryander  as  librarian  to  Sir  Joseph  Banks,  iand  he  also 
received  the  appointment  of  librarian  to  the  Linnsean  Society  of  London,  in 
which  capacity  he  read  before  that  Society  a  series  of  most  profound  and 
original  botanical  papers,  to  which  we  shall  hereafter  allude. 

On  the  death  of  Sir  Joseph  Banks  in  1823,  Mr.  Brown  became,  by  his  will, 
the  possessor  of  the  Banksian  herbarium  for  his  life  (after  which  it  was  to 
pass  to  the  British  Museum),  together  with  the  remainder  of  the  lease  of 
Sir  Joseph  Banks'  house  in  Soho  Square,  which  had  became  the  centre  of 
London  Scientific  Society.  The  herbarium  Mr.  Brown  at  once  offered  to  the 
British  Museum,  on  condition  that  he  should  be  appointed  keeper  of  the  Bo- 
tanical Department  with  a  suitable  salary,  which  offer  was  accepted. 
He,  however,  continued  until  his  death  to  occupy  that  portion  of  the  house  in 
Soho  Square  which  looked  into  Dean  Street,  the  remaining  portion  being  let 
by  him  to  the  Linnsean  Society  until  the  expiry  of  the  lease,  soon  after  which 
the  Society  removed  to  Burlington  House,  where  apartments  were  assigned 
to  it  by  the  Government,  as  also  to  the  Royal  and  Chemical  Societies. 

At  the  British  Museum  the  Banksian  collection  formed  the  most  valuable 
part  of  the  national  herbarium,  over  which  Mr.  Brown  presided  until  his 
death. 

For  several  years  Mr.  Brown  held  the  oflace  of  President  of  the  Linnaean 
Society  ;  this  he  resigned  in  1853,  since  which  time  he  has  ceased  to  take 
an  active  part  in  scientific  pursuits  or  societies  ;  but  his  interest  in  the  pi'o- 
gress  of  every  department,  and  especially  in  the  Linnsean  and  Royal  Societies, 


SMOOTH-LEAVED   BUMELIA. 


continued  unabated  to  the  last ;  and  his  wonderful  and  almost  unique  powers 
of  mind,  his  memory  and  his  sagacity,  remained  wholly  unimpaired  till  the 
very  day  of  his  decease.  In  the  spring  of  this  year  he  was  attacked  with 
bronchitis,  from  which  he  recovered,  but  which  left  him  for  some  weeks  in 
a  very  enfeebled  state.  Dropsy  and  loss  of  appetite  supervened,  under 
which  he  gradually  sunk;  suffering  little  pain,  perfectly  conscious  of  his 
condition,  and  retaining  to  the  end  his  singularly  placid  demeanor,  his 
affectionate  interest  in  all  who  were  dear  to  him,  and  a  most  tranquil  and 
peaceful  frame  of  mind. 

In  a  future  number  we  shall  endeavor  to  give  some  slight  account  of  his 
labors  and  writings,  and  of  their  influence  on  the  progress  of  botany. — 
Gardeners''   Chronicle, 


SMOOTH-LEAVED  BUMELIA,  OR  IRON  WOOD.* 

A  SMALL  and  rather  elegant  tree,  from  twelve  to  forty  feet  high,  chiefly  an 
inhabitant  of  low  wet  forests,  from  Carolina  to  Florida,  and  in  Louisiana, 
not  far  from  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi  ;  but  it  is  never  met  with  in  Cana- 
da, as  stated  by  Wildenow  in  the  "  Species  Plantarum."  It  was  first  in- 
troduced into  France  from  the  Mississippi  by  the  French  Canadians,  under 
the  name  of  the  Milk-wood  of  the  Mississippi,  from  the  fact  that  the  young 
branches,  when  cut,  yield  a  milky  juice.  The  wood,  according  to  Elliott, 
though  not  used  by  mechanics,  is  extremely  hard,  heavy,  and  irregularly 
grained,  agreeing  in  this  respect  pretty  nearly  with  the  species  of  Sideroxy- 
lon  of  the  West  Indies,  deriving  their  name  from  the  hardness  of  their 
wood,  which  is  compared  to  iron.  One  of  the  tropical  species  has  wood 
nearly  of  the  same  yellow  color  and  close  grain  as  that  of  the  box  tree. 

The  younger  infertile  branches  generally  produce  axillary  spines,  which 
often  increase  in  size  with  the  advancing  growth  of  the  wood.  The  bark 
of  the  trunk  is  gray  and  smooth,  at  length  cloven  into  narrow  longitudinal 
chinks  ;  that  of  the  branches  is  brownish  gray  and  smooth.  The  leaves, 
at  first  somewhat  silky — pubescent  and  whitish  beneath,  are  rather  narrow 
and  lanceolate,  somewhat  obtuse,  smooth  and  reticulated  above,  attenuated 
below  into  a  moderate  and  slender  petiole,  brought  together  usually  in  la- 
teral clusters  ;  in  the  centre  of  which,  surrounded  by  the  round  clusters  of 
flowers,  issues  occasionally  a  spine.  The  leaves,  at  length  smooth,  are  about 
three  inches  long  including  the  petiole,  and  an  inch  or  less  in  width. 

The  flowers,  small  and  greenish,  are  in  axillary  or  lateral  rounded  clusters  ; 
the  peduncles  simple,  all  of  a  length,  and,  as  well  as  the  calyx,  quite  smooth. 
The  stamens  are  five  in  number,  and  about  the  length  of  the  corolla.  The 
leaves  on  the  infertile  branches  are  more  decidedly  lanceolate  than  the  rest. 
The  berries  are  oval,  juicy,  black  when  ripe,  and  about  the  size  of  small 
peas.  A  tree  now  in  Bartram's  Botanic  Garden,  at  Kingsessing,  in  rather 
an  unfavorable  shady  situation,  probably  forty  years  old  or  more,  has  at- 
tained the  height  of  about  forty  feet,  but,  being  slender,  is  not  more  than 
eight  inches  in  diameter  ;  it  appears,  however,  as  though  it  might  attain  a 
still  larger  growth,  and  is  perfectly  hardy  in  this  climate. 

■™"  See  Frontispiece. 


PEAR   AND    GRAPE   CULTURE. 


PEAR    AND    GRAPE    CULTURE. 

BY    A.    HUIDEKOPER,    MEADVILLE,    PENN. 

The  emphatic  negative  given  by  Mr.  Allen,  in  the  May  number  of  the 
Horticulturist,  to  the  question,  "  Can  Pears  be  profitably  g-rown  for  the 
market,"  has  brought  out  by  way  of  reply,  equally  ardent  articles  in  the 
aflBrmative  from  those  who  have  been  more  successful.  I  trust  Mr.  Allen's 
impulsive  and  enthusiastic  way  of  presenting  any  cause  which  he  adopts, 
will  not  subject  him  to  the  fate  of  the  French  editor,  who,  for  his  remarks 
upon  the  manners  of  the  military,  was  compelled  to  accept  challenges  to 
fight  one  hundred  lieutenants,  seriatim,  provided  he  survived  the  onslaught 
of  the  first  ninety-nine. 

Local  reasons  may  be  assigned  for  Mr.  Allen's  failure,  but  the  same  local 
reasons  prevail  prettj^  extensively  elsewhere,  and  Mr.  Allen  with  his  mis- 
fortunes will  be  regarded  by  a  considerable  class  of  pomologists  as  a  re/:>re- 
sentative  man.  That  upon  sundry  belts  and  strips  of  territory  in  the  State 
of  New  York,  where  the  heat  and  cold  of  the  respective  seasons  are  modified 
by  the  proximity  of  large  bodies  of  water,  that  about  Boston  and  Rochester, 
and  within  circumscribed  limits  elsewhere,  the  Pear  under  favorable  features 
in  the  climate,  and  friendly  aliments  in  the  soil,  can  be  grown  with  great 
success  is  undoubtedly  true,  and  that  the  delicious  character  of  the  fruit 
there  grown  justifies  all  the  enthusiasm  exhibited  by  the  producers  is  equally 
true.  But  is  also  certain  that  a  large,  very  large  proportion  of  all  the  pear 
trees  set  out  north  of  31°  30'  perish  in  the  course  of  eight  or  ten  years  after 
planting. 

Nurserymen  and  planters  may  criminate  and  recriminate  each  other,  but 
the  great  diflSculty,  I  apprehend,  will  be  found  to  be  in  the  severity  of  our 
northern  winters,  and  the  violent  changes  of  temperature  at  times  incident 
to  our  climate.  On  the  highlands,  where  the  hills  reach  an  altitude  of  four 
or  five  hundred  feet,  and  where  the  temperature  is  lower  and  more  uniform 
than  it  is  in  the  valleys,  the  durability  of  the  Pear  tree  is  greater  and  the 
chances  of  fruiting  it  better  ;  but  on  the  low  grounds  throughout  the  west- 
ern country,  within  the  last  five  years,  not  only  have  the  peach,  pear,  and 
cherry  trees  been  destroyed,  but  thousands  of  apple  trees  of  thirty  and  forty 
years'  growth  have  been  killed  to  the  ground.  Within  eighteen  years,  I 
have  grown  up  and  lost  two  sets  of  pear  trees  with  varied  success  as  to 
fruiting  them.  The  third  set  in  my  garden  were  covered  last  fall  before  any 
cold  weather  set  in,  and  the  straw  left  on  them  until  about  the  first  of  May ; 
yet  on  heading  them  back,  the  wood  was  found  to  be  considerably  discolored. 
And  though  they  are  making,  with  the  abundant  rains  we  have  had,  a  vigo- 
rous growth,  and  may  not  this  year  exhibit  any  bad  effects  from  it,  yet  I 
doubt  whether  a  tree  can  be  affected  to  discoloration  for  several  seasons 
without  ultimately  exhibiting  disease  and  premature  decay.  There  is  much 
that  is  compensatory  in  the  interest  created  by  fruit  culture  even  with  indif- 
ferent success.  A  series  of  mild  winters  occasionally  allows  to  the  cultiva- 
tor a  full  reward  for  his  labors,  and  while  the  chances  in  the  pomological 
lottery  remain,  even  as  good  as  they  now  are,  there  is  not  much  danger  of 
a  failure  in  either  the  supply  or  demand,  even  should  the  blanks  as  well  as 
the  prizes  be  presented  for  the  consideration  of  the  public. 

Those  who  are  discouraged  with  frosts,  and  the  curculio,  with  blight,  and 
black  knot,  can  enjoy  a  great  variety  of  the  most  wholesome  fruit  in  the 

■g; 


422  PEAR    AND    GRAPE   CULTURE. 

world  for  four  or  five  months  in  the  year,  by  growing  grapes  under  glass. 
And  while  on  this  subject,  permit  me  to  say  that  Mr.  Saunders  and  mj'self 
do  not  differ  much  in  practice  in  giving  free  nocturnal  ventilation  after  the 
fruit  has  set.  In  a  late  article,  he  points  out  that  permitting  a  change  of 
from  thirty  to  thirty-five  degrees  between  the  temperature  of  the  day  and 
night,  is  better  than  the  eight  or  ten  degrees  recommended  in  the  books. 

I  have  not  found  that  a  change  even  of  forty  degrees  does  any  apparent 
harm  to  the  vines,  which  I  suppose  is  as  great  as  ever  occurs  at  Philadelphia, 
but  here  we  have  occasionally  greater  extremes  ;  thus  on  the  twelfth  of  this 
month,  (June,)  the  thermometer  sank  to  forty  degrees  ;  and  on  the  twentieth 
of  June  last  year  it  sank  to  forty-five  degrees.  Such  violent  changes,  I 
think,  should  be  counteracted  by  closing  the  house,  and  to  this  I  suppose 
Mr.  S.  would  assent. 

I  made  a  report  to  i\iQ  Horticulturist  two  years  ago,  upon  some  vines  fruited 
the  second  season  after  planting,  and  the  products  of  a  grapery  only  twenty 
by  twenty-two  feet.  The  yield  has  continued  to  be  over  four  hundred 
bunches  per  year,  ranging  from  half  a  pound  to  a  pound  and  a  quarter  in 
weight.  Last  season,  long-continued  rains  injured  a  portion  of  the  crop 
with  mould — a  diflSculty  1  believe  experienced  elsewhere  as  well  as  here. 
For  two  nights  in  succession  this  spring,  on  the  26th  and  27th  of  April,  the 
temperature  fell  according  to  a  self-registering  thermometer  in  the  grapery 
to  within  nineteen  degrees  of  zero.  The  first  and  strongest  buds,  then 
some  three  inches  grown,  were  destroyed,  and  the  crop  will  this  year  be 
somewhat  lighter  than  it  was  last. 

I  have  never  used  any  fire  heat,  nor  have  ever  before  had  the  fruit  injured 
to  any  extent  by  the  frost.  I  would  advise  any  one  building  a  cold  grapery 
to  make  arrangements  for  a  stove  to  guard  against  the  above  contingencies. 

All  my  experience  demonstrates  the  very  great  superiority  of  a  grapery 
with  an  east  and  west  over  one  with  a  southern  exposure.  The  sun  break- 
ing out  some  cool  day  when  the  ventilators  are  closed,  heats  up  the  latter 
as  suddenly  as  a  hot  bed,  and  it  requires  fully  double  the  attention  in  this 
respect  that  the  other  does.  I  noticed  last  year  that  some  Hamburgh  grapes, 
growing  high  upon  the  .trellis,  where  they  no  doubt  got  rather  too  much 
sun  and  heat,  were  mere  skin  and  juice,  while  those  growing  more  in  the 
shade  and  among  the  foliage  were  more  palatable,  with  a  sweeter  and  more 
substantial  pulp.  The  Diana,  unlike  what  its  alleged  parent,  the  Catawba, 
is  said  to  do,  grows  thrifty  and  fruits  well  under  glass. 

The  controversy  about  the  genuineness  of  the  Rebecca  grape  vines  sup- 
plied from  Massachusetts,  seems  to  have  been  put  at  rest  by  establishing 
the  purity  of  the  article  with  a  North  River  responsibility  as  to  the  quality. 

We  are  often  told  about  the  propriety  of  purchasing  from  regular  dealers, 
if  Ave  want  a  good  article  from  the  nurseries.  I  trust  the  regular  dealers 
will  not  compromise  the  good  character  they  enjoy,  hy  sending  out  any 
more  such  insignificant  plants,  as  were  some  of  these  Rebecca  grapes.  It 
is  fair  enough  to  charge  a  high  price  for  a  new  vine  of  superior  merit,  but  to 
give  a  buyer  a  plant  of  microscopic  proportions  which  requires  a  bell  glass 
for  a  fortnight  to  coax  it  into  vitality,  is  not  what  he  expects  for  his  money, 
nor  does  a  cultivator  wish  to  spend  four  years  in  growing  up  a  vine  which, 
if  properly  started,  can  be  produced  in  half  of  the  time. 

I  shall  be  pleased  to  learn  through  Mr.  Saunders  or  some  of  the  Phila- 
delphia cultivators,  whether  the  Emily  grape  proves  hardy  enough  for  out- 
culture  without  protection 


:^S7C-!i 


RINGING    THE    GRAPE    VINE. 

Those  who  wish  to  try  this  mode  of  culture  may  do  it  with  good  effect.  I 
am  not  acquainted  with  any  fruit-bearing-  tree,  of  which  the  fruit  can  be  so 
much  improved  and  accelerated  to  maturity  by  ringing'  as  that  of  the  Vine. 
By  this  process  the  ripeness  is  forwarded  about  a  fortnight,  and  the  berries 
are  nearly  double  in  their  size.  The  result  is  just  the  same,  whether  the  vine 
is  growing  out  of  doors  or  under  glass.  I  have  practised  upon  both  for  the 
last  twelve  or  fourteen  years,  at  various  seasons  of  the  vine's  growth,  and 
to  some  considerable  extent.  Having  a  favored  situation  round  my  home 
here,  of  course  I  have  been  enabled  to  do  as  I  liked. 

One  of  my  walls  is  fourteen  yards  long,  facing  the  south  ;  and  another 
wall  is  ten  yards,  facing  the  east  ;  and  the  whole  about  seven  feet  and  a 
half  in  height.  The  whole  of  the  walls  are  covered  with  vines.  The  soil 
is  good,  and  the  situation  is  good  ;  but  the  wall  is  not,  being  old  and  in  bad 
condition.     It  is  not  my  own  property,  or  I  would  remove  this  evil. 

The  vines  are  generally  cultivated  upon  the  Hoare  system,  or,  as  it  is 
called,  the  long-rod  system  /  but  they  are  not  so  cultivated  in  every  case,  for 
sometimes  an  old  bearer  is  spurred  back  to  one  or  two  buds,  to  cany  its 
crop  another  year.  My  vines  are  very  strong,  and  the  rods,  or  branches, 
stand  at  least  three  feet,  or  even  three  feet  six  inches,  distant  from  each 
other,  when  winter  pruned.  This  allows  just  sufl&cient  room  for  the  fruit- 
bearing  laterals,  and  a  young  rod  to  come  up  between  every  two  bearers. 
This  young  rod,  of  course,  to  be  the  bearer  of  laterals  the  following  year. 

Thus,  no  vines  cultivated  on  any  other  system  are  so  capable  of  being 
rung,  without  the  disadvantage  of  killing  or  losing  the  future  useful  part 
of  the  tree  ;  because,  on  Hoare's  long-rod  system,  the  whole  of  the  previous 
year's  bearers  will  have  to  be  cut  entirely  away. 

The  very  right  time  to  perform  this  ringing  is  just  after  the  berries  are 
all  set,  or  have  attained  the  size  of  No.  2  shot,  or  small  peas.  In  ringing, 
cut  with  a  shai'p  knife,  clean  round  the  branch  between  two  joints.  Or,  if 
you  are  going  to  ring  the  laterals  carrying  the  fruit,  leave  either  two  or 
three  buds  and  leaves  beyond  the  main  stem,  and  make  the  ring  just  in  the 
middle,  between  the  third  and  fourth  leaves,  or  joints.  As  I  said  before, 
make  two  cuts  clean  through  the  bark,  quite  down  into  the  wood,  one  inch 
apart,  and  remove  the  bark  clean  away,  all  round  the  branch  or  lateral.  By 
this  means,  if  you  are  in  the  habit  of  spur  pruning,  the  hinder  buds  are  left 
all  right  to  spur  back  to  the  following  year.  If  you  prune  upon  the  long- 
rod  system,  you  may  ring  the  rod  just  wherever  you  please, — the  whole 
branch  if  you  like, — as  this  ringed  part  will  have  to  be  cut  away  entirely 
after  the  fruit  is  gathered. 

The  ringing  is  performed  just  the  same  on  an  old  whole  branch  as  in  that 
of  the  young  lateral  carrying  one  or  two  bunches.  I  have  repeatedly  rung 
old  branches,  that  have  been  carrying  from  twenty  to  thirty  bunches  of 
grapes,  with  the  same  good  effect  ;  only  it  has  been  such  branches  that  I 
have  intended  to  cut  entirely  away  the  following  autumn.  Of  course,  thin- 
ning out  the  berries  of  the  bunches,  and  the  bunches  too,  if  excellence  is  to 
be  aimed  at,  is  of  the  utmost  importance.  The  process  of  thinning  cannot 
be  too  early  attended  to.  I  always  begin  as  soon  as  the  fruit  is  fairly  set, 
and  continue  to  remove  all  inferior  berries,  and  this  with  a  good  pair  of 
scissors,  and  clean  fingers, — using  my  eyes  to  see  what  I  am  about,  so 
not  to  injure  the  berries  by  handling  and  mauling  them. 


f 

4 


By  thus  practising  ringing,  I  have  produced  for  the  last  twelve  or  four- 
teen years,  grapes,  out-of-doors,  that  have  puzzled  many  a  tyro  and  others 
too. 

Our  indefatigable  editors  have  both  watched  my  progress  in  the  vine  cul- 
ture, for  years.  My  grapes  have  many  a  time  puzzled  the  late  Mr.  Elphin- 
ston,  when  he  was  gardener  to  the  late  speaker  to  the  House  of  Commons, 
now  Lord  Eversley,  although  I  used  to  compete  against  him,  with  both  in- 
door and  out-door  grapes,  at  our  Hampshire  horticultural  show,  in  November. 
As  a  matter  of  course,  I  had  read  of  ringing  fruit  trees,  &c.,  but  it  never 
struck  me  to  put  the  same  into  practice  until  about  fourteen  years  ago,  when 
my  attention  was  called  to  it  in  an  amateur  friend's  garden,—  Mr.  Frampton, 
glass  and  paint  merchant  of  this  city.  I  happened  to  walk  in  and  look  at 
some  vines,  to  which  he  was  paying  great  attention  at  that  time.  This  was 
in  the  month  of  September,  and  here  I  first  saw  the  ringing  process  of  the 
vine.  Seeing  a  few  bunches  of  the  Slack  Hamhurgh  so  large  in  the  berry, 
and  all  ripe,  I  began  to  inquire  into  the  particulars,  when  Mr.  Frampton 
kindly  showed  me  where  the  branches  were  rung,  and  that  the  ringing  was 
the  cause  of  their  being  so  very  large  and  so  early.  I  then  wanted  to  know 
whence  Mr.  Frampton  obtained  his  information,  when  he  showed  it  to  me  in 
the  "  Penny  Cyclopaedia,"  from  the  pen  of  Professor  Henslow, — Thos.  Wea- 
ver, gardener  to  the  Warden  of  Winchester  College. . 

[It  is  quite  true  that  we  have  watched  for  some  years,  with 
great  interest,  the  experiment  on  ringing  vines  carried  on  by 
Mr.  Weaver,  and  we  can  authenticate  his  statement  of  the  mode 
of  ringing,  and  its  results.  It  must  not  be  done  in  that  petty, 
timid  manner  hinted  at  by  a  cotemporary.  There  must  be  a 
ring  of  bark  perfectly  removed  ;  the  cuts  being  made  boldly 
down  to  the  very  young  wood,  or  alburnum,  and  every  particle 
wiiM^^  of  bark,  inner  and  outer,  must  be  removed  between  the  cuts. 
(See  engraving.) 

This  drawing  represents,  faithfully,  the  ringed  part  of  a  rod 
at  the  close  of  autumn,  and  shows  how  the  removal  of  the  band 
of  bark  checked  the  return  of  the  sap,  and  how,  in  consequence, 
the  rod  above  the  removed  band  increased  in  size  beyond  that 
portion  of  the  rod  below  the  band. 

The  effect  upon  the  berries  was,  in  every  instance,  to  advance 
their  early  ripening  a  fortnight,  and  to  about  double  the  size 
and  weight  of  the  berries,  when  compared  with  those  grown 
on  unrung  branches  of  the  same  vine.  Nor  was  the  color  and 
bloom  of  the  berries  diminished  ;  indeed,  so  excellent  were 
they,  that  we  have  seen  them  exhibited  deservedly  by  the  side 
of  grapes  grown  under  glass,  and  they  were  sold  in  November, 
at  Winchester,  for  half-a-crown  a  pound. 

Ringing  the  branches  of  fruit  trees,  to  render  them  fruitful, 
was  practised  in  France,  and  recommended  there  in  print,  about  one  centu- 
ry and  a  half  since.  There  are  various  letters  upon  the  subject  in  the  early 
volumes  of  the  Horticultural  Society's  transactions,  and  in  one  of  them  (Vol. 
I.,  p.  101),  published  in  1808,  Mr.  Williams,  of  Pitmaston,  gives  full  direc- 
tions for  ringing  the  grape  vine.  He  tells  the  result  in  these  words  :  "  I 
invariably  found  that  the  fruit  not  only  ripened  earlier,  but  that  the  berries 
were  considerably  larger  than  usual,  and  more  highly  flavored." — Ed.  Cot- 
tage Gardener^ 


EDITOK'S    TABLE. 


Communications,  Letters,  Catalogues,  Periodicals,  &c.,  &c.,  intended  for 
the  perusal  of  the  Editor,  should  be  uniformly  directed  to  the  Horticulturist, 
Gennantown,  (Philadelphia,)  Fa.  Packages  by  Express,  &c ,  should  be 
directed  to  the  Editor,  as  above,  by  name  ;  they  will  thus  reach  him  almost 
beyond  a  doubt. 


-¥t — »  »  m. 


Fruit.— With  the  exception  of  the  smaller  fruits  and  melons,  this  has  not  proved  a  favorable 
season.  Apples  and  pears  are  scarce,  and  the  latter,  where  there  are  any,  are  greatly  infested 
with  vi^orms,  so  as  to  fall  off  prematurely.  Peaches  in  moderate  quantity  have  made  their 
appearance.  We  regret  to  see  by  Mr.  Buchanan's  report,  on  another  page,  that  the  grape 
crop  is  poor  at  Cincinnati.  There  are  discouragements  in  all  businesses,  but  it  vs^ill  not  do  to 
pgive  up. 

Cat.\logues  Received.— Wholesale  catalogue  for  autumn  of  1858.  Du  Page  County  Nur- 
series, Napierville,  111.,  Lewis  Ellsworth  &  Co. ,  proprietors.  A  very  full  list  which  purchasers 
would  do  well  to  note.     Also  Supplement  to  Meehan's  Hardy  Trees  and  Shrubs. 

Experimental  Garden.  It  is  gratifying  to  know  that  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural 
Society  has  taken  the  initiatory  step  for  creating  an  experimental  garden,  by  appointing  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  of  a  location.  We  trust  it  will  not  stop  here.  Eodney  King.  Esq's.,  speech 
on  the  occasion,  exhibited  a  perfect  grasp  of  the  subject,  and  Mr.  Buist  was  not  less  encour- 
aging in  his  views. 

Badge  of  American  Freedom.— In  a  late  Oration,  by  Z.  Collins  Lee,  Esq.,  before  the 
Horticultural  Society  of  AVest  Chester,  Pa.,  he  regretted  that,  while  the  Lily  of  France,  the 
Rose  of  Burgundy,  the  Shamrock  and  the  Thistle,  &c.,  were  emblems  of  nations,  with  us, 
not  one  of  the  many  beautiful  productions  of  our  soil  is  the  badge  of  American  freedom.  Like 
the  song  which  animates  us  in  battle,  he  says,  let  us  hereafter  also  point  to  some  flower  of  our 
land  which  will  meet  us  in  the  field,  cheer  us  in  absence,  and  delight  us  among  strangers,  and 
which,  to  the  dying  patriot's  eye,  shall  revive  the  recollections  of  his  home  and  country.  He 
commends  the  subject  to  our  fair  country-women,  who  will  present  it  as  a  gift  from  the  beauti- 
ful to  the  brave,  with  which  to  return  victorious  or  to  return  no  more.  "  Botanicus,"  whom  v\e 
strongly  suspect  to  be  the  amiable  and  learned  Dr.  Darlington,  suggests  that  the  Kalmia— our 
indigenous  American  Laurel — be  everywhere  recognized  as  the  emblem  of  our  Great  Republic, 
and  worn  as  the  cherished  badge  of  a  patriotic  people,  on  all  public  occasions.  The  suggestion 
is  not  a  bad  one.  Others  have  named  the  beautiful  little  early  flower,  the  Epigtea ;  another,  the 
Tulip  Tree,  or  its  flower,  and  the  Rhododendron,  but  to  all  these  may  be  urged  some  objection. 
What  say  the  ladies  ? 

Bagley's  Perpetual  Raspberries.— A  basket  of  these  raspberries  was  received,  but  in 
a  state  that  does  not  allow  of  description,  being  utterly  destroyed  before  they  arrived.  We 
welcome  everything  that  promises  well,  but  especially  are  we  looking  out  for  an  improvement 
in  the  raspberry:  to  make  it  known,  we  copy  the  following  from  Mr.  Bagley's  circular: 


t^^' 


N.  S.:  Vol.  YIIL— September,  1858. 


28 


Ti 


»       426  EDITOR'S    TABLE. 

"  Baqhifs  Perpetual  Raspberries,  New  Haven,  Conn. — This  is  a  new  variety,  ovigiuated  in  New 
Haven,  has  been  cultivated  four  years,  and  has  proved  itself  one  of  the  best  raspberries  for  mar- 
ket and  private  gardens.  It  is  perfectly  hardy ;  needs  no  protection  during  the  winter.  The 
canes  are  about  four  feet  high,  and  form  a  beautiful  branching  bush  that  supports  itself,  and 
needs  no  stakes  or  training,  and  are  entirely  smooth  and  free  from  prickers.  The  old  canes 
bear  a  bountiful  crop  of  delicious  fruit  during  the  month  of  July,  when  the  new  canes  com- 
mence bearing,  and  continue  to  bear  until  frost.  The  same  cane  bears  another  crop  the  following 
year.  They  have  received  premiums,  and  high  commendations  from  all  parts  where  they  have 
been  exhibited,  as  well  as  from  hundreds  of  persons  in  New  Haven,  and  other  places,  who  have 
seen  and  tasted  them  the  present  season." 

Dr.  Gray's  "How  Plant.s  Grow." — The  London  Leader  says  truly  of  this  work,  "The 
volume  is  remarkably  meritorious  in  its  classification  of  subjects,  clear  and  precise  in  them- 
selves, and  is  assisted  by  upwards  of  five  hundred  illustrative  wood  cuts.'"  It  is  received  both 
at  home  and  abroad  as  a  great  improvement  on  any  former  publication,  and  being  particularly 
lucid  and  understandable  by  the  young,  it  will  be  introduced  by  those  who  have  the  good  of  the 
public  schools  more  at  heart  than  the  interests  of  favored  publishers  of  less  valuable  books. 

Pleasures  of  Insect.s.— At  a  meetinjy  of  young  people,  it  was  agreed  as  a  plan  to  exhibit 
their  several  acquirements  in  composition,  imagination,  and  so  forth,  that  each  should  produce 
a  short  account  of  insect  life.  A  young  lady  almost  instantly  handed  in  the  following,  which 
received  the  award  of  merit,  as  it  well  deserved.  "  Insects  generally,  must  lead  a  truly  joviid 
life.  Think  what  it  must  be  to  lodge  in  a  lily.  Imagine  a  palace  of  ivory  or  pearls,  with  pil- 
lars of  silver  and  capitals  of  gold,  all  exhaling  such  a  perfume  as  never  rose  from  human  censer. 
Fancy,  again,  the  fun  of  tucking  yourself  up  in  the  folds  of  a  rose,  rocked  to  sleep  in  the  ge% 
tie  sighs  of  summer  air  ;  nothing  to  do  when  you  awake  but  to  wash  yourself  in  a  dew-drop, 
and  fall  to  and  eat  your  bed  clothes.' ' 

A  Bottle  of  Smoke. — We  had,  says  Chamhers'  Journal,  such  an  article  placed  in  our  hands 
not  long  since.  It  was  an  ordinary  glass  bottle,  such  as  those  into  which  expert  packers  force 
a  quart  of  porter;  but  which  never,  by  any  known  process,  can  be  compelled  to  disgorge  more 
than  a  pint  and  a  half  It  contained  a  thin  liquid  of  a  bluish-gray  color;  and  we  were  instructed 
to  pour  a  certain  proportion  into  such  brine-pans  as  contained  hams  or  other  comestibles,  for 
the  purpose  of  imparting  thereto  the  flavor  peculiarly  appertaining  to  smoked  meats. 

So  we  did:  and  very  excellent  we  found  the  receipt  to  be. 

Now,  this  liquid  was  not  the  cunningly  devised  product  of  chemistry,  possessing  the  taste  of 
smoke,  without  any  approximation  to  the  reality.  It  was  real  bonH-fidc  smoke,  procured  from 
wood,  and  bottled  up  in  its  unadulterated  purity,  and  was  obtained  in  this  wise  :  In  South  Wales, 
there  exists  an  establishment  for  the  manufactory  of  pyroligneous  acid,  an  article  much  in 
favor  with  the  great  pickling-houses.  What  is  generally  supposed  to  be  white-wine  vinegar,  i.s 
often,  in  reality,  the  product  of  these  works  ;  and  it  is  well  for  the  consumer  if  more  deleterious 
ingredients  are  not  used.  As  its  name  indicates,  this  acid  is  obtained  from  burning  wood,  of 
which  large  quantities  are  annually  consumed.  For  some  time,  the  smoke  arising  therefrom 
was  allowed  to  escape  ;  but  these  are  not  the  times  to  waste  anything.  So,  without  the  constrain- 
ing influence  of  an  act  of  parliament,  the  proprietors  of  the  pyroligneous  acid  works  resolved  on 
economizing  and  utilizing  their  smoke.  For  this  pm-pose  they  built  over  the  pyre,  a  condensing 
chamber,  and  the  smoke  entering  therein,  and  having  no  outlet,  became  converted  into  a  fluid, 
such  as  we  have  described.  In  this  state  it  was,  and,  we  presume,  still  is,  bottled  off"  for  pub- 
lic consumption  ;  and  its  use  effecting  a  great  saving  of  expense  in  the  curing  of  such  meats  as 
require  to  be  smoked  for  the  gratification  of  epicurean  palates,  a  considerable  demand  for  it  has 
arisen.  So  that  "  a  bottle  of  smoke  "  is  no  longer  the  impossible  fiction  which  it  was  supposed 
to  be  in  the  good  old  times  of  our  youth,  but  has  been  resolved  into  a  substantial  reality,  and 
■  ,i|  claims  its  place  amongst  those  ingenious  appetizers,  which  "  no  good  housekeeper  should  be 
without."    Is  not  this  pyroligneous  acid? 


fe^a^" 


-_^i 


& 


editor's  table. 


:27  W 


427 


The  Golden  Hamburgh  Grape.— Frequent  applications  to  know  more  of  this  grape  are 
made  by  American  correspondents.  It  has  been  di|tributed  to  some  extent  among  our  grape 
growers,  and  veiy  probably  some 
may  already  have  fruit  coming 
forward,  of  which  we  shall  have 
report  in  due  season.  Meantime, 
we  reproduce  the  cut  inserted 
in  1856,  for  the  information  of 
those  who  may  not  have  seen  it. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  British 
Pomological  Society  soon  after 
this  superb  grape  was  i)rought 
forward,  it  was  resolved  unani- 
mously that  "  the  Golden  Ham- 
burgh is  the  finest  of  all  white 
grapes,  the  Muscats  only  except- 
ed." The  Trentham  Black  also 
received  a  premium.  Later  ac- 
counts agree  as  to  the  value  of  the 
former  in  a  remarkable  manner. 
This  and  the  Muscat  Hamburgh, 
the  one  a  fine,  j'ellowish,  transpa- 
rent grape,  and  in  shape  the  very 
counterpart  of  the  Black,  and 
the  other  a  black  grape  with  a 
Muscat  flavor,  are,  most  prob- 
ably, destined  to  be  among  the 
greatest  favorites  of  our  graper- 
ies, a  Muscat  flavor  in  a  black 
fruit  being  very  valuable. 

The  bunches  of  the  Golden 
Hamburgh  are  large,  loose, 
branching,  and  shouldered,  va- 
rying from  six  to  nine  inches  in 
length,  and  the  foot  stalks  are 
short  and  stout.  Berries  large, 
and  haijg  loosely  on  the  bunches, 
an  inch  long,  and  seven-eighths 
of  an  inch  wide,  and  of  a  uni- 
form oval  shape,  skin  thin  and 
tender,  of  a  pale  yellow  color, 
but  when  highly  ripened,  of  a 
pale  amber.  Flesh  delicate  and 
melting,  very  juicy,  and  remark- 
ably rich,  sugary,  and  vinous,  leaving  on  the  palate  a  full  and  luscious  flavor, 
tains  from  two  to  three  seeds. 

Cooks  and  Cooking. — Many  is  the  good  thing  spoiled  by  the  cook  ;  it  might  almost  be 
doubted  in  some  parts  of  our  country,  whether  we  had  any  cooks,  so  awfully  is  everything  over- 
done, underdone,  or  served  by  slovens.  The  great  hotels  might  set  an  example,  but  they  go 
beyond  the  needs  of  the  case,  and  give  such  frightful  names  to  their  dishes  that  plain  people 
are  at  a  loss  what  to  ask  for.  If  our  good  people  who  are  interested  in  education,  would  open 
cook's  school  in  every  section,  life  would  be  greatly  prolonged  ;  indeed  we  are  not  sure 


GOLDEN  HAMBIJKG  GRAPE. 


Each  berry  con- 


one  of  the  questions  of  the  life  insurance  companies,  should  not  relate  to  the  quality  of  the  food 
usually  consumed.  Cooks,  we  know,  ar*  jealous  of  lectures,  but  they  ought  to  be  willing  to 
learn  what  will  keep  those  that  pay  tliera  alive. 

The  Spartan  cooks,  even  when  their  art  was  curbed  and  checked  by  the  puritanical  laws  of 
their  country,  and  their  skill  was  doomed  to  evaporate  in  the  steam  of  black  broth,  were  as 
jealous  of  their  honor  as  the  most  tenacious  of  modern  artistes.  One  has  gone  down  to  all  ages 
as  reproving  a  monarch  with  equal  boldness  and  wit,  whilst  resenting  an  insult  to  his  own  skill. 

The  king  murmurs  over  the  legal  repast  of  his  country — "the  broth  was  naught." 

"  It  lacks  its  seasoning,"  was  the  reply. 

"What  is  that?" 

"Labor  and  exercise,  O  king." 

We  suppose  almost  all  readers  know  the  story  of  the  bet  made  by  the  French  gourmands, 
one  of  whom  asserted  that  he  could  detect  the  component  parts  of  any  dish  put  before  him ; 
the  other,  betting  at  gi'cat  odds  that  he  would  not  be  able  to  tell  the  luaterials  wherewith  his 
cook  would  prepare  a  "  savory  dish  "  for  them.  The  bet  was  taken  ;  one  confident  in  his  quick 
natural  sense ;  the  other  in  the  skill  of  his  cook.  The  matter  was  of  importance  beyond  a 
mere  gambling  transaction,  because  the  fallen  fortunes  of  a  noble  family  would  be  raised  by  the 
timely  pecuniary  help.  The  cook — a  Frenchman  of  course — exerted  all  his  talents,  and  sur- 
passed all  praise.  The  dish  was  placed  before  the  knowing  epicure.  He  tastes,  smacks  his 
lips,  tastes  again,  smells  it — your  epicures  don't  stand  on  elegance  of  manner  in  such  a  case ! — 
tastes  again.  Alas  !  it  is  redolent  of  all  rich  odors ;  such  sauces,  so  marvelously  blended ;  such 
gravy,  such  solids— so  soft,  tender !  What  can  it  be?  A  wondrously  prepared  tripe?  No! 
Calves'  head  in  a  new  shape  ?  No,  no,  no! — a  thousand  "  Nos. "  Our  epicure  gives  it  up. 
"  It  is  old  white  kid  gloves  .'"  is  the  cool  explanation,  when  the  bet  is  resigned  up  as  lost. 

To  come  again  to  American  cookery ;  half  the  ill-health  that  so  many  people  complain  of  is 
owing  to  the  constant  employment  of  improper  or  imperfectly  cooked  food.  With  all  the 
French  names  in  your  bill  of  fare,  the  vegetables  are  but  half  done,  while  in  the  South  all  the 
young  ladies  call  for  fresh  bread  "  red  hot."  An  inspector  of  kitchens  would  be  a  useful  pub- 
lic servant. 

Willows. — Anderson's  Synopsis  of  North  American  Willows  closes  thus: 

It  appears  that  of  the  58  North  American  species,  24  are  identical  with  European  ones,  24 
belong  to  the  same  types,  and  only  10  western  or  arctic  forms  seem  to  be  peculiar  to  this  great 
continent :  and  further,  that  of  the  Scandinavian  Flora  only  a  single  indigenous  species  or  type 
is  not  found  in  America  (a  type  which  appears  as  if  composed  of  almost  every  other),  while  48 
more  or  less  related  species  or  types  are  common  to  the  New  and  Old  World,  but  more  luxuri- 
ant and  varying  in  America,  where  we  also  find  a  number  of  other  types.  All  this  leads  us  to 
look  to  America  as  the  chief  abode,  perhaps  the  original  home,  of  the  willows,  and  the  country 
where  the  genus  ought  to  be  especially  studied.  Therefore  we  may  call  upon  American  bota- 
nists to  apply  themselves  to  the  investigation  of  this  genus  and  its  intricate  forms,  as  they  have 
already  done  to  another  vast  genus  (Carex)  which  presents  an  analogous  distribution. 

Science,  which  prefers  facts  to  hypotheses,  has  not  yet  sufficient  materials  to  assure  us  whether 
and  by  what  means,  or  in  what  ways,  the  original  species  were  first  difiused  from  single  centres 
over  distant  parts  of  the  earth ;  but  all  we  know  of  the  arctic  and  northern  regions  shows 
that  their  vegetation  is  very  homogeneous.  This  synopsis  may  help  to  show,  with  regard  to 
willows,  that  there  are  many  links  connecting  Europe  and  America. 

Note  by  Dr.  Asa  Gratj. —There  are  about  ten  species  oi  Salix  from  Oregon  and  the  Eocky 
Mountains  described,  and  two  or  three  of  them  figured,  in  Nuttall's  North  American  Sylva, 
which  remain  unknown  to  Prof  Anderson ;— all  or  most  of  them  he  may  be  able  to  identify, 
when  the  volume  reaches  him  with  species  enumerated  m  this  synopsis. 

Climatology.— In  the  United  States  and  British  America,  the  migratory  masses  have  now 


reached  the  limits  of  known  climates,  and  are  ready  to  advance  over  the  immense  areas  of  the 
iuterior  of  the  West.  The  climate  of  these  is  the  first  question,  since  most  other  conditions  es- 
sential to  occupation  are  the  incident  of  this,  or  rather  are  defined  when  this  is  defined.  In 
equable  and  moderate  climates  the  soil  is  always  cultivatable,  and  in  desert  climates  rarely  so. 
Mountains  and  surface  configurations  affect  these,  but  it  is  hardly  possible  that  mild  and  favora- 
ble conditions  should  be  largely  neutralized  by  configuration  alone.  A  man,  before  he  builds  a 
frame  house  should  investigate  whether  or  not  there  are  hurricanes  in  his  location  which  may 
carry  it  entirely  away.     Hence,  the  importance  of  the  study  of  Climatology. 

Culture  in  a  Fernery. — A  situation  for  a  fernery  should  be  chosen  in  a  retired  spot,  and 
should  be  formed  by  throwing  up  a  mound  of  earth,  and  facing  it  on  both  sides  with  rocks  and 
roots  of  trees ;  or  two  banks  of  earth,  fiiced  similarly,  and  facing  each  other,  with  a  walk  be- 
tween, would  answer  admirably.  One  bank  should  face  the  north,  and  the  other  the  south.  On  the 
north  side,  near  the  base,  the  moisture-loving  species  should  be  planted,  and  higher  up  on  the  bank 
such  as  love  shade.  On  the  south  bank,  plant  towards  the  base  all  that  grow  on  hedge  banks  ; 
and  towards  the  top,  such  species  as  inhabit  mountainous  rocks,  old  walls,  &c.  By  these  judi- 
cious arrangements,  nearly  the  whole  hardy  species  may  be  grown  successfully  in  a  compara- 
tively-speaking small  space  of  ground.  Suitable  soils  for  such  species  must  be  put  in  for  them. 
The  dead  fronds  should  be  allowed  to  remain  through  the  winter,  to  protect  the  roots  from  the 
frost.  In  the  spring  cut  them  all  away,  and  make  the  fernery  neat,  adding  a  little  fresh  soil 
around  the  plants. 

In  one  house,  ferns  from  every  quarter  of  the  globe  may  be  cultivated,  provided  the  heat  is 
sufficient  for  the  tropical  species ;  for  though  the  natives  of  a  hot  climate  will  not  thrive  well  in 
a  low  temperature,  the  species  from  cold  climates  will  flourish  in  a  much  higher  heat  than  their 
native  wilds. 

This  is  a  great  encouragement  to  an  ardent  cultivator,  who  is  desirous  of  growing  a  large  col- 
lection of  these  curious^aud  singularly  beautiful  plants.  A  good  collection  of  ferns,  to  a  lover 
of  plants,  is  as  attractive  and  pleasing,  if  not  more  so,  than  any  other  tribe  of  plants,  "  always 
excepting  Orchids." 

The  Florence  Flask. — The  common  Florence  Flasks,  in  which  salad  oil  is  imported, 
make  very  pretty  and  useful  vessels  for  the  culture  of  minute  flowering  plants  and  ferns,  and  for 
the  preservation  of  the  lowest  forms  of  either  terrestrial  or  aquatic  vegetation.  A  row  of  these 
flasks  may  be  suspended  in  a  study  window  along  a  brass  rod,  each  con- 
taining specimens  of  plants  that  would  be  inconspicuous  in  a  general  col- 
lection, though  full  of  interest  individually.  The  pretty  wall-rose,  the 
tnie  maiden-hair,  the  adder's  tongue,  &c.,  may  be  thus  grown.  Some 
of  the  spleenworts,  with  lycopods  and  mosses,  flourish  in  sandy  peat 
carefully  dropped  into  the  flask  ;  while  in  others,  half  filled  with  water' 
specimens  of  Eiccia,  Lemna,  Nit  dla.  Conferva,  and  other  aquatics, 
make  quite  a  garden  of  curiositi(  s,  worthy  at  any  time  of  a  quiet  and 
studious  inspection.  Each  flask  should  be  covered  with  a  piece  of  oiled  silk,, kept  round  the 
mouth  by  means  of  a  small  India-rubber  band,  so  that  it  can  be  removed  instantly  for  the  sup- 
ply of  air  and  water.  The  only  matter  of  importance  in  the  management  of  such  a  collection  is 
to  keep  the  sun  off" of  it,  or  at  least  to  allow  only  his  fiiintest  morning  beams  to  shine  upon  it; 
for  an  exposure  for  an  hour  at  midday  may  cause  the  destruction  of  the  whole.  For  raising 
seedling  ferns,  these  flasks  are  admirable  in  the  absence  of  other  appliances. — H'Merd's  Rustic 
Adornments. 

A  flask  or  bottle  of  clear  glass  with  a  wider  mouth,  and  those  having  a  flat  bottom  might  also 
be  experimented  with  to  advantage. 

Letter  from  Georgia. — Mr.  Editor, — From  all  parts  of  the  North  my  friends  write 
me  that  the  fair  promises  of  the  spring  will  not  be  realized ;   that  fruit  is  dropping  from  the 


kditor's  table. 

trees,  and  that  in  some  districts  fruit  crops  will  prove  altogether  a  failure.  Not  so  with  us  in 
the  South.  I  never  saw  such  an  abundance  of  luscious  fruit.  Uncle  Sara  has  got  such  a  large 
garden,  that  there  must  always  be  some  surplus  in  some  corner,  and  he  is  of  such  fast  and 
go-ahead  habits,  that  the  deficiency  in  one  part  can  be  readily  supplied  by  the  abundance  in 
another.  Tliousands  of  boxes  of  peaches,  nectarines  and  early  apples ;  cartloads  of  melons  and 
vegetables  have  been  carried  by  rail  and  by  paddle  to  your  Northern  markets  ;  and  that  can  be 
kept  up  for  the  next  two  mouths  at  least,  if  you  want  more  of  our  products. 

As  this  is  the  first  summer  I  have  spent  in  the  South,  I  made  it  my  duty  to  take  careful  notice 
of  all  the  products  of  the  woods,  fields,  and  orchards  as  they  followed  in  quick  succession ;  and 
as  you  wish  me  to  give  my  opinion  about  the  resources  of  this  section,  I  will  state  a  few 
facts  and  data  taken  from  my  note  book,  or  from  memory.  The  section  where  I  actually  reside 
is  three  miles  north  of  Augusta,  Richmond  county,  Georgia.  Our  location  is  an  extensive  pla- 
teau or  table-land,  overlooking  a  distant  horizon,  and  exposed  to  all  the  free,  welcome  breezes 
from  all  points  of  the  compass.  It  is  not  a  selected  nook  in  some  happy  valley,  sheltered  or 
protected  from  extremes  of  cold  or  warmth,  but  a  very  exposed  location,  which  must  be  taken 
as  one  of  the  main  features  of  the  interior  of  Georgia,  so  far  as  the  condition  and  succession  of 
products  are  concerned. 

Our  soil  is  varied,  but  the  sub-soil  is  a  deep  bed  of  red  clay  or  loam,  with  almost  in  all  parts  a 
black  or  brown  sandy  loam  on  the  surface,  smooth  as  muck,  or  mixed  with  small  pebbles. 
The  rock  is  very  deep.  Wells  of  fifty  feet  do  not  strike  it.  The  soil  is  rolling,  and  covered 
with  belts  and  groves  of  oak,  tulip,  maple,  pine,  and  nearly  all  the  northern  deciduous  forest 
trees,  growing  side  by  side  with  the  short  and  Zono--leaved  Southern  pines ;  more  graceful  and 
taller,  and  of  a  deeper  hue  than  the  Italian  pine,  which  it  resembles  somewhat  in  its  form  of  a 
dome.  So  much  for  general  features  and  graphic  descriptions  ;  and  now  to  the  main  point,  the 
fruits.  In  April  we  begin  to  live  on  strawberries — ripening  early  in  the  spring.  They  yield 
fruit  as  long  as  the  spring  showers  last,  and  with  good  cultivation,  and  especially  with  irrigation, 
their  fruit  continues  large  and  fine  till  August,  as  I  have  occasit)na]ly  a  plate  now,  (end  of  July,) 
but  they  are  discarded  for  the  more  luscious  peach.  Towards  June  we  have  raspberries — but 
these  require  careful  cultivation — apricots,  and  soon  the  early  Northern  and  Southern  apples : 
Early  Harvest,  red  and  white  Astracan,  Carolina  Red  June,  Red  Margaret,  (a  delicious  small 
apple,)  by  this  time  the  first  planted  melons  come  in,  and  by  planting  every  fortnight,  we  have 
musk  and  water  melons  during-  the  remainder  of  the  summer.  In  the  woods  are  thousands  of 
wild  plums,  Chickasaws  of  all  varieties  as  large  as  gages,  but  clingstones — exceedingly  refresh- 
ing however,  and  fine  for  cooking  and  pies.  The  finest  highbush  blackberries  I  ever  tasted, 
grow  here  in  abundance.  We  have  lots  of  Damask  plums,  gages,  &c. ;  the  curculio  not  seeming 
to  like  this  fruit  here  as  it  does  in  the  North. 

At  the  end  of  June  and  beginning  of  July,  to  get  that  noble  fruit  the  peach,  in  its  thou- 
sand shapes,  flavors,  and  varieties  —  the  nectarines,  the  late  apricots,  apples,  strawberries, 
and  mehms  always  going  on— until  satiated  of  peaches,  we  pick  with  new  pleasure  the  ripe  Ca- 
tawba, the  Chasselas  grapes— white  and  black,  (perfectly  hardy  in  open  air;)  and  now  we  shall 
have  until  November,  peaches,  grapes,  many  varieties  of  figs,  (one  of  my  favorite  fruits,)  apples, 
melons,  pears — a  most  splendid  fruit  in  Georgia !  I  must  stop  here,  as  my  experience  does  not 
go  further.  All  over  the  country  grows  a  weed — a  pest  of  the  fields — the  Passiflora,  or  May 
grass.  If  it  were  not  for  the  many  seeds  it  contains,  I  should  prefer  it  to  the  finest  confection- 
ary. It  contains  one  of  the  most  luscious,  rich,  glutinous  pulps ;  but  although  it  is  eagerly 
sought  for  and  relished  by  most  people,  I  cannot  be  prevailed  to  swallow  the  seed — so  adherent 
to  the  pulp  that  it  cannot  well  be  separated  from  it.  Many  other  small  berries  grow  spontane- 
ously in  the  woods.  Crab  apples  can  be  gathered  in  quantities — all  that  maybe  good  for  vinegar 
and  cider — but  we  have  too  many  good  apples  at  hand  to  care  much  for  wild  fruit. 

And  now,  my  dear  sir,  think  of  an  actual  frugivora,  not  a  pomologist,  but  a  liver  on  fruit, 
who  can  enjoy  from  the  first  of  April  till,  perhaps,  the  middle  of  November,  strawberries,  peaches. 


'■^^^^^^ik 


\ 


melons,  plums,  blackberries,  grapes,  apples,  pears,  figs,  and  pomegranates,  besides  the  pine  apple 
and  the  orange  from  Havana,  if  he  wants  these,  and  you  will  readily  allow  him  to  plant  some 
trees  in  that  quarter,  and  to  sow  some  more  hills  with  the  musk  and  water  melon,  free  from  the 
bug,  and  some  plum  trees  almost  free  from  the  curculio. 

It  would  be  almost  an  endless  task  to  describe  the  varieties  of  fruit  whose  excellency  is 
I'arely  if  ever  attained  the  other  side  of  the  Delaware.  Let  me  only  say  that  Bartletts  are  ripe 
and  luscious !  that  Catawbas,  Isabellas,  Chasselas,  are  ripening ;  and  that  I  have  eaten  Doyenne 
d'Ete,  Madeleine,  and  Jargonelles,  about  the  first  of  July,  all  of  the  finest  quality.  To  fully 
understand  what  is  a  good  peach  and  a  good  water  melon,  one  should  taste  these  fruits  in  the 
South,  where  they  acquire  a  sugar  flavor,  size,  and  appearance,  from  the  steady  influence  of 
the  sun,  which  they  cj^nnot  get  in  a  very  variable  climate — as  New  Jersey  and  New  York. 
Our  Red  Astracan  apples,  Summer  Rose,  &c.,are  decidedly  better  than  in  the  North,  and  more 
richly  colored,  but  Northern  winter  varieties  of  apples  will  not  do  here  ;  fortunately  we  have 
native  Southern  varieties,  till  April,  gf  the  best  qualities,  of  which,  more  anon. 

P.  S. — Though  sorely  tempted,  I  will  not  talk  about  our  flowers  ;  that  splendid  Lagerstroe- 
mia,  the  Yucca  gloriosa,  now  open  in  front  ^  my  retreat,  both  in  sight  of  my  desk,  the  one  a 
stately  white  pyramid  of  bells ;  the  other,  now  some  six  weeks,  always  a  cloud  of  pink,  deli- 
cate flowers  ;  our  creeping  vines  of  all  sorts,  our  Spireas,  our  Trumpets,  &c. 

Death  of  Mrs.  Loudon. — The  widow  of  J.  C.  Loudon,  the  eminent  botanical  writer 
and  landscape  and  architectural  gardener,  died  in  the  second  week  of  July  last,  leaving  a  place 
vacant  in  society  and  letters.  Thirty  years  ago — then  Miss  Webb — she  made  her  first  appear- 
ance in  print,  in  a  remarkable  novel  called  "  The  Mummy,"  which  won  for  her  not  only  public 
applause,  but  the  hand  of  J.  C.  Loudon.  In  Mr.  Loudon's  works,  she  bore  a  share;  and  on  her 
own  separate  account  has  produced  a  number  of  beautiful  and  important  books,  well  known  in 
every  lady' s  library,  and  one  of  which  was  thought  worthy  of  being  edited  by  our  own  Downing. 

Dawson  Turner  has  also  paid  the  debt  of  nature.  He  was  distinguished  in  early  life  for 
his  botanical  studies,  and  afterwards  for  his  antiquarian  knowledge.  He  and  Robert  Brown — 
long  united  by  friendship — expired  within  one  week  of  each  other.     Turner,  at  the  age  of  73. 

AiME  BoNPLAND,  the  veteran  naturalist,  has  also  been  numbered  among  the  dead,  at  the 
age  of  85,  at  Montevideo. 

Agricultural  Exhibitions  for  the  year  1858. 


Alabama,  Montgomery,  Oct.  18  to  22. 
California,  Marysville,  Aug.  23  to  27. 
Connecticut,  Hartford,  Oct.  12  to  15. 
Georgia,  Atlanta,  Oct.  10  to  23. 
Illinois,  Centralia,  Sept.  14  to  17. 
Indiana,  Indianapolis,  Oct.  4  to  9. 
Iowa,  Oscaloosa,  Sept.  28  to  Oct.  1. 
Kentucky,  Louisville,  Oct.  5  to  8. 
Maine,  Augusta,  Sept.  21  to  24. 
Maryland,  Baltimore,  Oct.  19  to  22. 
Michigan,  Detroit,  Sept.  28  to  Oct.  1. 
Missouri,  St.  Louis,  Sept.  6  to  11. 
New  Hampshire,  Dover,  Oct.  6  to  8. 
New  Jersey,  Trenton,  Sept.  14  to  17. 


New  York,  Syracuse,  Oct.  5  to  8. 
North  Carolina,  Raleigh,  Nov.  2  to  6. 
Ohio,  Sandusky,  Sept.  15  to  19. 
Pennsylvania,  Pittsburg,  Sept.  28  to  Oct.  1. 
Rhode  Island,  Providence,  Sept.  28  to  Oct.  1. 
South  Carolina,  Columbia,  Nov.  9  to  12. 
Vermont,  Burlington,  Sept.  14  to   17. 
Virginia,  Petersburg,  Nov  2  to  6. 
Wisconsin,  Madison,  Oct.  4  to  9. 
United  States,  Richmond,  Va.,  Oct.  25  to  30. 
Horse  Exhibition,  Springfield,  Mass.,  Sept.  14 

to  17. 
Canada  East,  Montreal,  Sept.  28  to  Oct.  1. 
Canada  West,  Toronto,  Sept.  28  to  Oct.  1. 


The  American  Agriculturist  is  now  also  printed  in  German,  and  no  doubt  to  advantage 
of  reader  and  publisher.  We  should  prefer  it  in  its  English  dress,  but  no  doubt  it  reads  "  all 
the  same  in  Dutch"  to  those  who  understand  it. 


Mr.  Editor, — At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Horticultural  Society  of  Morrisauia,  the  following 
officers  were  elected  for  the  ensuing  year  : 

Fresident,  Samuel  Munn.  Vice  Presidents,  "Wm.  W.  Fox,  Robt.  H.  Elton,  L.  R.  Osborn, 
Carp.  Moger,  Thos.  W.  Ball,  H.  M.  Morris,  Thos.  E.  Sutton,  Francis  I.  Smith,  Benj.  D.  Whit- 
lock,  Adrian  James,  F.  W.  Gilley,  Lewis  G.  Morris,  David  Milliken,  G.  W.  Alexander,  Jas. 
Garner,  Andrew  Eichardson,  Jordan  L.  Mott,  Jr.,  F.  Grote.  Secretary,  William  H.  Wilcox. 
Treasurer,  Jas.  L.  Parshall.     Librarian,  James  Stillman. 

It  was  decided  to  hold  an  exhibition  in  the  village  of  Morrlsania  on  Wednesday  and  Thursday 
the  6th  and  7th  of  October  next,  and  Messrs.  Samuel  Munn,  Wm.  H.  Wilcox,  Geo.  H.  Pollock, 
Thos.  E.  Sutton,  H.  P.  Sandford,  G.  W.  Alexander,  and  Gilbert  Dayton,  were  appointed  a 
Committee  of  Arrangements  for  the  same.  ^ 

Eespectfully  yours,  Wm.  H.  Wilcox,  Secretary. 

Morrisania,  August  9,  1858. 

Grapes — A  new  Enemy  with  a  Defence  against  him — J»  jAY  SMITH,  EsQ. — Last  season  I 
noticed  a  singular  kind  of  spot  on  some  of  my  grapes,  which  at  first  induced  me  to  think  they 
were  about  coloring  very  early,  but  which  afterwards  proved  to  be  something  of  a  very  different 
nature.  All  such  soon  became  hard  and  dropped  off.  I  then  examined  them,  "  but  not  very 
minutely,"  yet  made  no  discovery.  Had  this  attacked  only  those  that  were  subject  to  rot,  it 
would  not  have  puzzled  me  so  much;  for  wiser  ones  than  I,  have  been  and  are  yet  in  the  dark 
as  to  the  cause  of  the  dry,  purplish  speck  which  is  so  common  in  the  grape-rotting  seasons,  and 
which  at  this  time  threatens  to  destroy  all  my  Catawbas ;  although  the  Louisa,  which  entwines 
with  one  of  them,  is  perfectly  clear  of  it.  But  to  return  to  the  first  subject,  different  persons 
wrote  to  me  inquiring  what  that  meant,  whether  I  knew  the  cause,  or  could  suggest  a  remedy. 
Each  one  stated  that  it  was  different  from  the  common  rot,  but  quite  as  fatal — a  fact  demon- 
strated to  me  to  my  mortification  on  my  own  grounds.  It  appeared  upim  all  my  grapes — Louisa 
and  Cassady  excepted — whether  refined,  or  Fox,  with  a  skin  as  thick  as  calf-skin. 

About  ten  days  since,  I  observed  the  same  thing  making  its  appearance  on  a  covered  vine, 
but  paid  no  particular  attention  to  it.  But  it  so  happened  that  I  gave  all  my  vines  a  thorough 
dusting  with  lime,  air-slacked,  and  flour  of  sulphur,  equal  quantities,  applied  after  Mr.  Read's 
mode,  where  the  vines  were  trained  high,  but  flinging  it  among  them  broadcast  with  the  hand 
where  it  could  be  done.  In  a  hot  day,  in  passing  these  vines  the  sulphurous  smell  is  quite  ap- 
parent— to  me,  not  offensive,  but  insects  seem  to  have  a  dislike  to  it.  That  seemed  to  put  an 
immediate  stop  to  the  disease,  as  I  then  thought  it,  but  which  I  now  feel  satisfied  is  caused  by 
an  insect  of  the  curculio  class  ;  as  on  examination,  I  discovered  a  worm  in  almost  every  one 
thus  blotched,  or  rather  a  diffused  color  with  sometimes  a  darker  vein  running  through  it.  One 
was  at  least  half  an  inch  long,  others  half  that  length,  and  some  so  small  that  it  took  a  magnify- 
ing glass  to  discern  them  distinctly.  The  disappearance  of  these  injuries  on  the  application  of 
lime  and  sulphur,  together  with  the  discovery  of  the  grub  in  the  fruit,  goes  far  to  establish  in 
my  opinion  that  it  is  a  species  of  curculio.  Can  it  be  that  the  rascals  are  like  Caesar  of  old, 
when  the  plums  are  all  destroyed,  they  iceep  for  another  world  to  conquer?  Lime  and  sulphur 
is  too  much  for  them,  in  the  present  case  at  least,  but  must  be  renewed  when  washed  oft'  by 
rains.  All  my  vines,  native  and  foreign,  are  free  from  mildew,  except  one,  Canadian  Chief, 
which  I  forgot  to  apply  sulphur  to  ;  this  was  almost  gone,  having  lost  nearly  all  its  leaves  before 
I  was  aware  of  it. , 

Twenty-five  native  varieties  are  showing  fruit  with  me  this  season,  but  it  is  discouraging  to 
find  that  some  which  we  pay  high  prices  for,  under  high-sounding  names,  tui'n  out  to  be  old 
acquaintances.     Isabella  will  have  about  a  dozen  extra  names  after  a  while.  s.  M 

August  2,  1858. 

Knipiiofia,  or  Tritoma  Uvaria. — Dear  Sir, — With  this  I  send  you  a  cut  .specimen  of  this 

which  lias  been  so  much  praised  in  the  English  journals.     I  think  you  will  say  that  the       '^ 
cial  premium  awarded  it  by  the  Pennsylvania   Ilorticultui'al  Society  last  mouth,  is  well 


tx 


editor's  table. 

merited.  I  believe  it  is  very  nearly  or  quite  hardy.  It  is  a  very  free  bloomer  in  the  open 
border.  I  have  an  idea  that  when  more  common,  it  will  be  as  popular  a  summer  and  fall-bloom- 
ing plant,  as  the  Dielijtra  spectabilis  is  now  for  the  spring.  (If  hardy,  it  is  valuable,  and  cer- 
tainly very  beautiful. — Ed). 

I  also  hand  you  a  specimen  of  the  Spirae  Billardii,  with  flowers  as  deep  in  color  as  S.  cal- 
losa  ;  with  a  piece  of  the  white  S.    salicifolia,  from  which  it  was,  I  presume,  raised. 

Not  to  cloy  you  with  sweets,  however,  I  also  send  a  bloom  of  the  Clematis  revoluta,  a  herb- 
aceous species,  rising  about  two  feet,  and  flowering  very  freely.  Thos.  Meehan. 

Germantoicn. 

Tulips  and  Hyacinths. — Mr.  Editor,— Some  twenty-five  years  ago,  it  was  the  custom 
of  a  neighbor  of  our's,  to  throw  open  his  garden  gates  on  a  certain  Sunday  in  each  year,  when 
multitudes  from  town  and  country,  would  flock  together  to  see  the  tulips,  of  which  there  was 
perhaps  a  greater  display  than  in  any  one  other  garden  in  the  whole  county. 

Your  correspondent,  then  being  but  a  stripling  of  a  boy,  whose  parents  thought  proper  to 
keep  out  of  such  crowds,  was  sorely  vexed,  for  even  then  I  admired  flowers ;  but  thanks  to  the 
kind  proprietor,  (an  old  bachelor,)  who  would  take  me  through  his  garden  on  a  week  day,  show 
me  his  flowers,  his  trees,  wild  geese  and  ducks,  domesticated  Guinea  fowls,  rare  hens,  &c. 
Ob,  how  these  little  incidents  call  me  back  a  quarter  of  a  century,  and  make  me  feel  almost 
young  again. 

Well .'  tulips  and  hyacinths  were  ever  after  favorites  witjj  me,  but  I  never  had  a  choice  one 
of  my  own,  until  my  interest  was  again  excited  by  seeing  a  report  of  the  Philadelphia  exhibi- 
tions for  several  years,  wherein  I  noticed  in  nearly  all  instances  Peter  Eaab,  (our  florist  friend,) 
of  Seventh  and  Parrish  streets,  Philadelphia,  took  the  highest  premiums. 

Last  summer  I  ordered  from  him  some  bulbs  of  both  tulips  and  hyacinths ;  owing  to  the 
delay  of  the  vessel  which  imported  the  bulbs,  I  did  not  get  them  until  December,  and  thought 
it  would  be  a  poor  aflair  ;  yet  I  planted  them  as  well  as  I  knew  how.  This  spring  they  started 
early ;  and  such  hyacinths  !  why,  the  very  best  I  could  find  in  well-kept  gardens  here,  were 
no  comparison  to  the  very  poorest  of  mine.  Every  color,  from  pure  white  to  nearly  black ; 
double  and  single,  had  spikes  neariy  a  foot  long.  They  were  the  admiration  of  every  one. 
Every  one  ordered  roots,  but  I  had  to  tell  them  they  were  not  for  sale.  Instead  of  selling 
what  I  have,  my  order  for  some  hundreds  more  has  been  sent  to  Europe  some  time  ago.  Any 
one  who  has  once  seen  such  hyacinths  as  those  will  not  think  of  being  without  them.  The 
tulips  were  equally  fine,  and  showed  the  country  people  here  what  tulips  are.  M. 

Blackberry  Wine.— It  is  a  fact  which  ought  to  be  universally  known,  that  the  blackberry 
yields  a  wine  of  the  utmost  value.  Not  only  is  it  very  delicious  when  it  is  properly  made,  the 
flavor  being  not  unlike  that  of  the  better  class  of  wines  in  the  south  of  France,  but  it  is  held 
by  many  judicious  physicians  to  be  preferable  to  any  other  wines  for  certain  diseases.  Until 
quite  recently,  I  was  not  aware  either  of  the  delicate  flavor  of  the  blackberry  wine,  or  of  its 
excellent  medicinal  properties.  A  week  or  two  since,  while  on  a  visit  to  Nonvalk,  I  called 
upon  my  old  friends  Messrs.  George  Seymour  &  Co.,  who  have  done  so  much,  as  your  readers 
are  no  doubt  aware,  in  cultivating  and  disseminating  the  plant  of  the  Lawton  or  New  Rochelle 
blackberry.  Mr.  Seymour  showed  me  a  specimen  of  this  wine,  made  from  the  berries  of  last 
season,  of  a  quality  which  I  had  not  supposed  this  fruit  capable  of  yielding.  Mr.  Seymour 
informed  me  that  it  was  made  with  very  little  labor  and  expense,  and  recommends  that  those 
who  cultivate  the  New  Eochelle  blackberry  largely,  should  produce  more  or  less  wine.  For 
himself,  he  intends  to  make  at  least  one  hundred  barrels. 

By  the  way,  everybody  and  everybody's  wife  and  sister,  within  fifty  miles  of  Norwalk, 
ought  to  visit  Mr.  Seymour's  nursery  and  see  these  blackberries.  If  it  does  not  prove  to  every 
visitor  to  be  the  most  astonishing  exhibition,  in  the  way  of  small  fruit— I  had  almost  said  of 
any  kind  of  fruit— I  will,  during  the  remainder  of  my  days,  consent  to  hide  my  diminished  head. 


r'vJi'S*?"*"'^*'''- 


434  EDITOR'S    TABLE. 

whenever  anything  is  said  on  the  subject  of  blackberries.  There  is  no  use  in  telling  stories 
about  this  extraordinary  variety.  Nobody  will  believe  them.  People  must  go  and  sec  for 
themselves,  before  they  can  be  convinced  of  the  credibility  of  other  eye  witnesses.     F.  c.  w. 

Note  on  Mastodon  Giganteus. — Most  of  the  skeleton  of  a  mastodon  giganteus  was 
found  during  the  winter  of  1851  and  '52,  three  and  a-half  miles  north  of  Natchez,  Mississippi, 
in  a  better  state  of  preservation  than  any  we  believe  to  have  been  discovered  within  the  United 
States.  They  belong  to  Andrew  Brown,  Esq.,  of  Natchez,  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  the 
following  particulars,  and  who  was  at  the  spot  shortly  after  the  discovery  of  the  bones,  which 
were  imbedded  in  a  compact,  blue  clay,  at  the  depth  of  eighteen  or  twenty  feet.  The  contents 
of  the  stomach — found  nearly  entire  between  the  ribs — presented  a  mass  of  imperfectly  masti- 
cated twigs  and  leaves,  belonging  to  species  similar  to  those  now  growing  in  that  vicinity. 
These  contents  crumbled  to  pieces  soon  after  being  exposed  to  the  air,  while  portions  of  wood 
found  among  the  other  bones  are  still  in  a  good  state  of  preservation.  While  washing  the  dirt 
from  the  bones,  the  glutinous  matter  exuding  from  them,  caused  the  fingers  to  stick  together, 
after  which  Mr.  Brown  caused  them  to  be  removed  to  a  remote  room  on  his  premises  to  dry ; 
where  the  decay  of  their  animal  matter  became  so  exceedingly  offensive,  that  they  had  to  be 
removed  again  to  a  distant  out-building,  where  they  remained  at  least  a  year,  before  thej'  were 
free  from  their  disagreeable  odor.  Mr.  B.  says  the  scent  coming  from  the  building  resembled 
that  of  an  old  slaughter  house  ;  or  that  of  animals  recently  dead.  Mr.  B.  has  nearly  the  entire 
skeleton ;  portions  of  the  big  bone^and  part  of  the  upper  jaw  are  still  wanting.  He  estimates 
the  animal  to  have  been  about  thirteen  feet  in  height.  Its  tusks,  found  entire,  are  eight  feet  in 
length.  S.  B.  Buckley. 


^m~^i- 


ANSWERS  TO   CORRESPONDENTS. 

Felten's  Improved  Albany  Seedling. — Several  correspondents  have  written  to  know 
about  this  strawberry,  advertised  in  the  last  number.  It  may  be  all  that  is  claimed  for  it,  but 
certainly  it  would  have  been  better  to  have  had  it  endorsed  by  some  society,  or  some  well-known 
pomologist,  instead  of  flashing  it  before  the  public  in  the  manner  it  has  been  done.  One  writer 
says,  "  How  has  the  Albany  been  improved  ?  or  how  can  a  strawberry  whose  character  has 
become Jized,  be  improved  or  changed?  Its  seed  may  be  sown,  and  another  variety  established, 
different  and  perluqjs  better  than  the  parent,  but  this  is  another  strawberry,  and  should  not  claim 
the  same  name."  We  rather  think  it  might  have  been  better  to  have  called  it  simply  Felten's 
Seedling,  and  if  better  than  Wilson's  it  would  soon  be  known.  Altogether,  taking  the  mode  in 
which  it  has  been  sprung  upon  the  public,  it  might  be  best  for  the  public  to  wait  a  little. 

P.  P. — Weeds  in  Lawns. — We  are  too  much  crowded  with  matter  to  reply  this  mouth. 
Send  your  address. 

Worcester  Co.,  Mass. — Consult  Downing's  "Landscape  Gardening,"  and  "Brock's 
Flower  Garden,"  for  the  list  you  desire.  Delphinium  formosum,  and  D.  Hendersoni,  with 
Dielytra  spectabilis,  should  be  added  to  the  old  lists. 

James  S.  Negley,  Pittsburg,  Pa. — The  thirty-inch  long  cucumbers,  without  spines,  came  in 
good  order.  They  are  quite  remarkable  as  having  been  grown  in  a  frame  without  artificial  heat 
and  an  excellent  kind,  are  received. 

Double  Petunia, — Isaac  Collins,  Columbia,  S.  C. — The  English  and  French  florists 
have  now  many  varieties  of  double  Petunias — doubtless  some  of  our  entei"prizing  florists  have 
them  imported  and  under  propagation;  but  we  have  not  seen  any  offered  for  sale.  We  cannot 
say  whether  yours  is  equal  to  or  better  than  any  of  these.  It  may  be  worth  more  than  any  of 
them.    The  double  white  (P.  imperialis)  is  the  only  one  much  known  as  yet. 

Seedling  Philadelphus,  or  Syringa.— J.  W.  S. — You  must  not  expect  infalhbility  in      *;^ 
a  committee  of  a  society  any  more  than  in  an  individual.    All  are  liable  to  err.     In  the  case 


in  question,  they  are  undoubtedly  wrong  in  reporting  a  new  variety  "  similar  to  P.  coronarius 
hut  fragrant."  Philadt'lphus  coronarius  is  the  sweetest  of  the  genus,  and  its  comuion  name  of 
"  Mock  Orange,"  is  given  to  it  on  account  of  its  purity  and  fragrance. 


Lord  St.\nley,  before  quitting  the  Colonial  Office,  authorized  a  grant  of  lOOOi.  towards 
defraying  the  cost  of  a  complete  account  of  Australian  vegetation. 

Seeds. — There  are  numerous  gardeners  as  well  as  amateurs  all  over  the  country  who  have 
no  idea  what  to  do  with  seeds  when  they  get  them.  Of  this  a  notable  instance  occurred  some 
30  years  ago.  A  gentleman  having  given  a  cone  of  a  new  pine  tree  to  his  gardener,  with  orders 
to  raise  it,  upon  inquiring  some  months  afterwards  how  many  plants  had  come  up,  was  told  that 

none  had  been  raised.     "That  is  very  extraordinary,  for  my  neighbor,  Mr.  H ,  has  plenty  of 

seedlings,  and  they  are  now  potted  off.  Let  me  see  what  you  have  done."  Imagine  the  sur- 
prise of  the  gentleman  when  upon  examining  the  seedpot  he  found  that  his  gardener  had  soicn 
the  cone  !  This  happened  30  years  ago,  but  we  fear  it  is  still  possible  to  find  people  who  would 
sow  a  pine  cone. 

;  A  New  Dodge  in  the  Pot  Culture  of  Grapes  to  gain  a  Prize. — Draw  a  fine 
strong  stem  through  the  bottom  hole  of  a  pot,  fill  the  pot  with  good  mould,  let  the  latter  hang 
or  otherwise.  When  the  grapes  are  ripe  and  just  before  the  show,  cut  off  the  vine;  it  will 
not  flag  before  you  gain  the  prize,  and  perhaps  get  home.  I  wish  to  ask  is  this  an  honest  plan 
of  pot  culture,  or  do  you  think  it  as  bad  as  borrowing  plants  and  fruits  of  neighbors,  to  help  to 
gain  a  prize  1 — James  Cuthill,  Camberwell.     [Such  practice  is  roguery.] 

The  fourth  part  of  volume  V.  of  "  Walpers'  Annales  Botanices  Systematicae  "  has  appeared. 
It  commences  with  Chrysobalaneee,  and  ends  among  Melastomacese. 

The  "  Journal  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  Linneean  Society,"  No.  S,  completes  the  second 
volume  of  this  really  valuable  work.  The  part  contains  the  completion  of  Dr.  Ferdinand 
Mueller's  interesting  report  on  Gregory's  N.  Australian  expedition  ;  and  another  important 
paper  on  the  Flora  of  India,  by  Drs.  Hooker  and  Thomson.  There  is  also  a  discussion  con- 
cerning the  well-known  allegation  that  Linueaus  called  a  plant  Bufonia  in  ridicule  of  Bufibn, 
the  great  French  zoologist ;  the  result  of  the  inquiry,  by  Prof  Fe,  of  Strasburgh,  and  of  Mr. 
Bennett,  is  to  acquit  Linnaeus,  and  to  show  that  nobody  was  to  blame.  Among  the  crowd  of 
Indian  novelties  described  by  the  learned  botanists  just  mentioned,  are  two  "  genuine  species 
of  Lonicera,"  vsith  large  obicular  reflexed  stipules  ! 

The  following  new  and  important  facts  concerning  the  vine  disease,  form  the  subject  of  a 
paper  just  presented  to  the  French  Academy  of  Sciences,  by  M.  de  laVergne:  I.  The  oidium 
does  not  spread  to  any  alarming  extent,  except  when  the  temperature  is,  day  and  night,  above 
twenty  degrees  Centigrade  (68  Fahrenheit),  as  is  the  case  in  the  neighborhood  of  Bordeaux, 
from  the  end  of  May  to  that  of  September.  Whenever  northern  winds  prevail  in  the  interval, 
or  frequent  rains  lower  the  temperature  considerably,  the  growth  of  the  oidium  is  stopped,  to 
acquire  fresh  vigor,  as  soon  as  the  sun  adds  warmth  to  the  humidity  with  which  the  parasite  is 
saturated.  The  same  vine  plant  is  not  always  equally  subject  to  the  attacks  of  the  oidium,  nor 
at  the  same  time  of  the  year ;  nor  are  different  species  of  vines  equally  invaded  in  different 
soils  or  situations.  Hence,  the  operation  of  sulphuring  need  not  extend  to  every  point  attacked, 
or  to  be  repeated  during  the  whole  duration  of  the  malady. 

Along  with  a  singularly  beautiful  conservatory,  Mr.  Ormson  exhibited  lately,  at  Chiswick,  an 
apparatus  which  combined  the  power  of  ventilating  in  cold  weather,  as  well  as  heating,  better 

i^ysg;^!  '.  ~  .  — 


than  anything  we  have  yet  seen.  At  short  interTals,  the  usual  hot-water  horizontal  pipes,  are 
connected  by  square  chambers,  also  filled  with  hot  water.  Tiiese  chambers  are  cased  with 
iron.  The  cases  are  connected  on  one  hand  with  the  open  air,  by  means  of  horizontal  iron 
flues  passing  through  the  wall,  and  fitted  on  the  outside  with  sliding  doors ;  on  the  other  hand 
they  open  directly  into  the  house  through  a  grating  formed  on  the  inside  of  the  cases.  Although 
this  is  only  an  improvement  on  a  method  of  heating  already  well  known,  yet  it  is  an  improve- 
ment, inasmuch  as  by  no  conceivable  negligence  can  fresh  air  be  either  burnt,  or  cooled  down 
in  its  passage  through  the  cases  into  the  house.  The  fault  of  the  contrivance  appeared  to  us  to 
consist  in  the  gratings  being  far  too  small.  It  is  said  that  hot- water  pipes  thus  fitted  up  cost 
more  than  the  usual  apparatus,  wliich  we  think  likely.  It  costs  us  more  to  wear  both  a  coat 
and  shirt,  than  a  coat  only ;  but  we  prefer  the  extra  expense  for  the  sake  of  the  extra  comfort. 

Camellia  Japonicas  may  be  excited  when  piaking  their  growth,  but  not  when  the  bloom 
has  set.  Therefore  all  shifting  to  larger  pots  is  better  done  while  they  are  growing,  and  if  it  be 
inconvenient  to  shift  them,  liquid  manure  may  be  given  once  in  four  times  watering.  But  there 
are  many  sorts  of  liquid  manure ;  a  good  shovelful  of  well-rotted  dung,  in  ten  gallons  of  water, 
well-stirred  up  for  a  day  or  two,  and  then  the  clear  water  used,  makes  an  excellent  liquid 
manure,  but  it  should  never  be  given  to  any  plant  that  is  at  rest.  - 

We  hear  of  glass  promenades  and  glass  walls,  springing  up  in  every  direction  for  fruits  ;  why 
has  no  one  thought  of  applying  them  for  the  growth  of  a  very  ornamental  class  of  plants — 
namely,  green-house  climbers,  which  are  veiy  rarely  done  justice  to,  or  get  what  they  deserve 
— the  full  range  of  a  glass  roof,  without  which  they  rarely  thrive  well ;  certainly  not  so  as  to 
show  their  graceful  gi-owth,  nor  yet  to  bloom  with  that  profuseness  and  continuousness  which 
they  will  do,  when  their  roots  are  allowed  to  ramble  in  the  free  soil  of  a  border,  and  their  tops 
to  take  their  own  pleasure  under  the  glass  roof? 

A  plant  to  hide  hot-water  pipes  in  a  warm  conservatory,  would  be  Ficus  stipulata,  made  to 
run  over  a  wooden  trellis,  or  a  rough  wall.  Give  it  a  mixture  of  loam,  peat,  and  lime-rubbish, 
though  it  is  not  at  all  particular  as  to  soil,  and  requires  but  little.  Some  of  the  species  of 
Cissus,  such  as  antarctica,  or  capensis,  would  cover  the  spac^  qvdeker.  But  they  are  more 
rambling,  and  we  question  if  they  would  stand  the  heat  of  the  pipes  equally  well. 

The  Hydrangea  is  cultivated  and  pruned  in  two  different  ways,  for  pot-culture,  and  the  prun- 
ing for  out-door  plants,  is  a  third  mode.  The  grape  vine  is  also  pruned  three  or  four  ways  for 
different  styles  of  culture :  and  to  prune  the  vine,  or  the  Hydrangea,  or  any  other  plant,  in  a 
different  way  from  that  which  it  needs,  under  a  particular  system  of  culture,  is  sure  to  end  in 
failure.  The  safest  way  to  prune  the  Hydrangea,  for  out-door  culture,  i"  never  to  cut  back  one 
morsel  of  the  young  wood  till  it  has  done  flowering,  and  then  to  cut  it  bick  entirely  to  the  old 
wood ;  never  to  cut  back  the  old  wood  until  it  gets  too  crowded,  and  t'len  to  cut  back  to  a 
promising  young  shoot ;  to  thin  out  the  young  shoots  when  they  are  three  joints  long,  if  they 
come  much  crowded,  and  not  to  allow  suckers  to  grow  from  the  roots  on  any  account  whatever. 
There  is  nothing  differing  in  principle  between  pruning  a  gooseberry  bush  and  a  Hydrangea 
bush  :  the  old  thumb  rule,  and  the  best  rule  for  gooseberry  pruning,  is — "  What  you  cut,  cut 
clean  out,  and  what  you  leave  do  not  touch  with  the  knife."  But  the  drooping  kinds  of  goose- 
berries require  some  of  the  points  of  the  young  shoots  to  be  cut  back — so  much  the  worse  for 
them. 

Curiosity  of  Vegetation. — The  correspondent  of  a  Rural  paper  lately  declared  that, 
"  The  fact  is  this  :  upon  a  grape-vine  growing  in  this  town,  and  having  for  its  support  a  hickory 
tree,  was  found,  some  weeks  ago,  a  fruit  of  this  description :  The  outside  husk  and  general 
appearance,  that  of  a  hickory  nut,  though  not  quite  so  large  as  the  nuts  upon  the  tree,  com- 
pletely filled  with  a  hard,  sour,  grape  pulp,  and  in  the  centre,  what  appeared  like  several  grape 
seeds,  crowded  and  joined  together.*     This  specimen  was  examined  by  several  persons  likely 

*  It  must  have  looked  very  much  like  sour  mush  and  milk,  with  a  fe^v  Jiigh-hred  blacklierry  seeds  in 
would  sell  well  to  the  bulls  and  bears  of  Wall  street  if  they  could  get  a  good  stock  ! — P.  D. 


ls^r^<^ 


to  be  interested  in  such  matters,"  and  so  on,  and  he  tlien  asks  whether  the  grape  may  not  be 
worked  on  the  hicliory ;  we  give  him  the  benefit  of  the  next  paragraph  ;  he  says,  "  I  assert,'' 
notwithstanding  the  fact,  "  no  such  probability,  but  suggest  the  query  for  the  curious."  So  much 
for  the  credit  of  the  editor  and  his  communicant. 

Now,  we  confess  ourselves  among  the  "  curious"  part  of  mankind,  and  wonder  the  controler 
of  the  press  did  not  make  further  inquiries  regarding  the  existence  of  so  rare  a  fruit,  for  which 
Barnum  would  have  exchanged  his  most  celebrated  curiosities.  In  this  spirit  of  curiosity  we 
suggest  the  following  "  queries"  to  be  solved  by  the  parties  concerned  in  the  promulgation  of 
this  peculiarity : 

1.  Did  either  of  you  make  further  search,  for  the  pleasure  and  advantage  of  science?  If 
not,  why  not  1 

2.  Was  the  fruit  of  a  green  color,  or  was  it  deep  read  ? 

3.  Have  you  any  idea  of  the  hardness  of  the  shell  of  the  hybrid  ?  Could  you  crack  it  with 
your  teeth,  like  a  soft  shelled  almond  ? 

4.  Were  the  seeds  and  pulp  like  the  haw,  or  would  you  suppose  a  botanist  seeing  them  (or 
the  paragraph),  would  be  tempted  to  cachinate  thus— Aa.'  ha  !  !  haw  ■' ! ! 

5.  Wouldn't  you  think  it  would  be  a  hickory-nut  on  one  side  and  a  grape  on  the  other ;  one 
side  hard  and  one  side  soft  ?  And  how  thick,  think  you,  would  be  the  skin  of  the  grape  side  ? 
Could  the  curculio  penetrate  it  ? 

6.  What  description  of  wine  would  the  fruit  make  ?  would  it  be  Tokay,  or  simply  O.K.? 

7.  If  it  is  a  reasonable  question,  look  you,  what  kind  of  a  raisin  grape  would  it  be  ?  And 
would  not  the  shell  interfere  in  making  a  jam  ? 

8.  As  a  good  name  is  important,  how  would  it  do  to  call  it  the  " Eural's  Foundling?" 

9.  If  cleft-grafted  on  the  sloe  would  it  make  white  wine  vinegar  ?  and  would  this  make  a 
dressing  for  gammon  1  if  on  the  oak  would  it  make  galls  ? 

10.  In  making  a  border  for  them  in  a  cool  grapery  could  a  mus-ca<  flavor  be  imparted  by 
burying  kittens  at  the  root  ?  Would  not  the  hickory  limbs  poke  through  and  break  the  upper 
sashes  of  glass? 

11.  Is  it  likely  to  be  much  in  vogue  "for  market  purposes?"  How  does  it  taste  with  your 
roasted  goose  1 

12.  Would  the  branches  be  better  than  birch  for  the  little  boys  who  don't  "  promise  well?" 
or  coiald  they  be  turned  to  advantage  to  smoke  '.  And  finally,  can  your  most  bellicose  corres- 
pondent translate  "  Hinc  illce  lachrymce?" 

Somebody  adds :  "  As  our  friend  Sairey  Gamp  would  say,  '  What  they  ses,  they  knows,  and 
whht  they  knows,  they  '11  sticlv  to ;  and  if  the  expogure  has  done  nothing  else,  it  has  taught 
people  things  as  they  didn't  know  afore.  And  as  Mrs.  Harris  said,  only  last  Friday  as  ever 
was,  Sairey,  says  she,  nobody  never  knows  too  much  of  nothing.'  "  When  people  get  very 
unruly  they  require  a  little  American  Punching.  A.  Sport. 


An  Important  Item. — From  the  single  port  of  Norfolk,  Va.,  there  were  shipped  during 
June  and  to  the  present  time  in  July,  97,000  packages  of  early  fruit  and  vegetables,  valued  at 
$336,000. 

A  Shower  of  Flies. — A  recent  number  of  the  St.  Louis  Democrat  says  :  "  On  the  down 
trip  of  the  steamer  '  Editor '  in  the  Illinois,  the  other  night,  at  nine  o'clock  a  shower  or  stream 
of  the  Mormon  or  Shad  iiy  poured  upon  her  decks,  to  the  depth  of  six  inches,  and  it 
very  difficult  matter  to  shovel  them  overboard.     They  were  so  numerous  as  to  put  out 


EDITOK'S   TABLE. 

watchman's  light  and  envelop  everything  in  midnight  darkness.  The  trees  along  the  shore 
look  as  if  borne  down  by  these  short-lived  insects.  The  visitation  is  said  to  prognosticate  a 
sickly  season." 

Seats  and  Chairs. — At  the  late  Chiswick  exhibition,  seats  and  chairs  were  shown  in 
abundance.  Some  were  admired  for  their  cheapness  ;  others,  like  Dean's  and  those  from  the 
Pauklibanon  Company,  for  the  beauty  of  their  castings.  Patterns  of  small  chairs  for  one 
person  only  from  the  last-named  company,  were  especially  deserving  of  notice.  They  had 
moveable  cane  bottoms,  and  could  be  otherwise  folded  up  so  as  to  go  into  small  compass. 
Some  of  these,  all  except  the  seat,  were  black  as  ebony  ;  others  were  bronzed,  and  all  were 
of  elegant  design  and  very  comfortable  to  sit  on.  We  also  observed  some  nice  earthenware 
seats  in  the  form  of  stumps  of  trees.  One,  representmg  a  piece  of  a  trunk  of  an  elm  tree,  had 
bark  on  it  excellently  formed  and  covered  with  lichen.  Another,  not  quite  so  natural  in 
appearance,  was  in  the  shape  of  a  block  of  oak  with  a  sprig  of  ivy  running  round  it.  Such 
seats  as  these  must,  we  should  think,  be  regarded  as  a  great  improvement  on  the  old  Chinese 
seats  that  were  wont  to  be,  and  are  now  in  some  places,  so  much  in  fashion. 

Salad  Sauce. — The  sauces  or  mixtures  in  use.  says  the  "  Gardeners'  Chronicle,"  "  are 
either  detestable  or  indigestible.  Stuff,  sold  under  the  name  of  salad  cream,  is  both,  whatever 
the  dura  ilia  messorum  or  their  masters  may  say  to  the  contrary.  Mayonnaise  sauce  is  the 
thing.  Make  it  thus.  Take  the  yolks  of  two  new  laid  eggs ;  throw  away  the  whites.  Add 
to  the  yolks  a  dust  of  cayenne  pepper,  and  a  teaspoonful  of  fine  salad  oil.  Rub  the  mixture 
with  a  spoon  until  it  is  perfectly  smooth  ;  add  another  spoonful  of  oil  and  again  rub  the  mix- 
ture down  till  it  is  smooth,  and  thus  proceed  until  one-third  of  a  pint  of  oil 'has  been  used. 
Then,  and  not  before,  add  a  tablespoonful  of  water,  mixing  it  well  with  the  spoon  as  before. 
Finally  dissolve  in  three  tablespoonfuls  of  vinegar  a  little  sugar  and  a  little  salt.  Bray  them 
once  more  till  the  mixture  is  smooth,  and  you  have  a  salad  sauce  fit  for  a  queen.  But  if  your 
oil  is  not  quite  sweet  and  good,  all  your  trouble  will  have  been  thrown  away. 

Scarlet  Rhododendrons. — Everybody  loves  scarlet, — of  course  the  lover  of  flowers 
whose  taste  is  matured  loves  all  colors,  including  scarlet ;  but  ask  the  unsophisticated  school- 
boy what  colored  flowers  he  would  prefer,  and  odds  are,  that  the  answer  will  be,  "  Scarlet,  sir, 
if  you  please."  "  Well,"  says  the  '  Cottage  Gardener,'  "  lose  no  time  in  paying  a  visit  to  the 
Royal  Botanic  Gardens, — always  worth  a  visit  in  June,  but  now  pre-eminently  so  by  the  attrac- 
tion of  Mr.  John  Waterer's  Scarlet  Rhododendrons.  There  are  other  colors,  rich,  gorgeous, 
most  attractive ;  but  the  scarlets  we  verily  believe  to  be  unequalled :  they  alone  are  worth  a 
journey  from  John  O'Groats  to  see." 

Beauty  of  the  Sea-weeds. — Of  all  the  sea-weeds  for  an  aquarium,  the  Green  Laver  is, 
perhaps,  the  veiy  best.  It  is  very  pretty,  from  its  delicate  green  color,  and  the  various  folds 
and  puckers  into  which  it  throws  itself  Its  power  of  expiring  oxygen  seems  to  be  almost 
unlimited.  I  have  in  my  aquarium  a  large  plant  of  this  species,  which  generally  lives  very 
contentedly  in  the  place  where  it  had  been  deposited.  But,  a  few  days  ago,  the  sun  shone 
brightly  enough  to  pierce  through  the  veil  of  smoke  with  which  the  metropolis  is  generally 
hidden  from  his  presence,  and  consequently  there  was  a  greater  abundance  of  light  than  usual. 
On  looking  at  the  aquai'ium,  I  found  that  the  ulva  had  risen  in  the  water,  and  was  hanging  in 
most  elegant  festoons  from  the  surface,  forming  emerald  caves  and  grottoes,  such  as  the  sea- 
nymphs  would  love.  Even  at  a  little  distance  it  was  a  pretty  sight,  but  a  closer  inspection 
revealed  still  more  beauties ;  for,  being  excited  by  the  unwonted  light,  the  plant  had  poured 
forth  so  much  oxygen,  that  its  entire  surface  was  thickly  studded  with  tiny  sparkling  beads, 
that  had  buoyed  up  the  whole  plant,  each  bubble  acting  as  a  miniature  balloon.  When,  how- 
ever, a  black  cloud  came  over  the  sun,  the  bubbles  soon  detached  themselves,  ascended  to  the 
surface,  and,  as  there  were  no  more  to  take  their  place,  down  dropped  the  plant  to  the  bottom. 
{The  Common  Objects  of  the  Sea-shore,  by  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Wood.) 


All  the  Acacias,  Mimosas,  and,  indeed,  all  the  Pea-flowerinff  plants  from  most  parts  of  the 
world,  will  stand  a  touch  of  boiling  water,  and  many  of  them  will  hardly  vegetate  without  a  d\\) 
in  boiling  water,  a  fact  which  is  as  common  to  gardeners  as  their  pruning  knives,  but  not  the 
less  interesting  nevertheless. 


fatts  for  tire  lontlr. 


VINEYAED   CALENDAR   FOE,   SEPTEMBER. 

BY    R.    BUCHANAN,  CINCINNATI,  OHIO. 

But  little  work  is  required  in  the  vineyard  this  month.  Weeds  may  be  kept  down  by  the 
hoe,  or  a  light  plowing— which  some  vine-growers  think  useful  to  the  ripening  of  the  fruit.  I  do 
not,  however,  and  prefer  letting  the  vineyard  alone,  except  to  tie  up  loose  or  ftillen  branches. 
The  gi'apes  will  begin  to  color  the  first  week  in  this  month — and  in  forward  seasons,  to  ripen 
about  the  last  week  in  it — but  the  vintage  should  not  commence  until  the  first  or  second  week 
in  October,  or  until  the  fruit  is  thoroughly  ripe.  The  yield  will  not  be  so  great,  but  the  wine 
will  be  much  better.  The  practice  of  breaking-  ofl'  the  ends  of  the  bearing  wood  intended  for 
next  year,  is  a  bad  one,  and  should  be  abandoned.  The  wood  ripens  better  without  this  effort 
to  force  its  maturity,  and  the  danger  of  starting  the  young  buds  prematurely  will  be  avoided. 

Previous  to  the  commencement  of  the  vintage,  the  press,  tubs,  and  casks,  must  be  well 
cleansed,  first  with  warm,  and  then  with  cold  water;  and  everything  about  the  wine-house  and 
cellar,  put  in  the  most  perfect  order.  Neatness  and  cleanliness,  is  as  necessary  in  making 
wine,  as  in  making  butter. 

In  the  calendar  for  August,  "  grub,"  was  printed  for  rot. 

Note. — The  rtt  during  July,  and  early  in  August,  was  so  destructive  in  the  vineyards  of  the 
"West  and  Southwest,  as  to  leave  scarcely  more  than  one-fourth  or  one-fifth  of  an  average  crop 
on  the  vines.  There  are  a  few  good  crops  in  particular  localities ;  but  very  few.  Kelly's 
Island,  in  Lake  Erie,  opposite  Sandusky,  is  one  of  those  favored  spots. 


BY  WILLIAM  SAUNDERS,  GERMANTOWN,  PA. 

Hardiness  of  Pl.^nts.  — The  amount  of  cold  that  plants  are  capable  of  resi.«ting  is  a  ques- 
tion of  much  interest  to  fruit  cultivators  ;  and  it  becomes  the  more  interesting  when  we  reflect 
that  this  power  is  dependent  upon  circumstances,  which  are,  to  a  certain  extent,  under  the  con- 
trol of  the  cultivator.  It  is  no  uncommon  circumstance  to  find  a  plant  at  one  time  killed  with 
a  less  degree  of  cold  than  it  had  previously  endured  without  the  slightest  injuiy ;  even  the 
hardiest  of  trees  will  be  injm-ed  by  slight  frost  if  they  are  subjected  to  it  when  their  power  of 
repelling  cold  is  at  its  minimum,  and  this  is  a  frequent,  secret  and  unseen  cause  of  disease  and 
death. 

While  it  cannot  be  shovsm  that  frost  is  actually  beneficial  to  plants,  we  know  that  its  injurious 
effects  are  not  always  immediately  visible,  and  that  it  is  a  growing  and  well-based  opinion, 
founded  upon  close  observation,  that  many  of  the  diseases  of  trees  are  the  result  of  repeated 
injuries  from  the  frosts,  and  extreme  changes  of  temperature  during  winter. 

Notwithstanding  the  importance  of  this  question,  it  has  not  received  that  attention  from  prac- 
tical men  that  it  deserves,  and  even  the  contributions  of  science,  although  highly  valuable,  have 
not  been  of  a  nature  to  render  much  practical  aid  in  this  department  of  horticulture. 

The  theory  propounded  by  De  Candolle,  may  be  heri3  quoted,  namely,  that,  as  a  general  rule, 
the  power  of  plants  to  resist  extremes  of  temperature  is :  First,  in  the  inverse  ratio  of  the 
quantity  of  water  which  they  contain.  Secondly,  in  proportion  to  the  viscidity  of  their  fiuid.s. 
Thirdly,  in  the  inverse  ratio  of  the  rapidity  with  which  their  fluids  circulate.  Fourthly,  in  pro- 
portion to  the  size  of  the  cells,  so  is  the  liability  of  plants  to  freeze.  Fifthly,  the  power  of 
plants  to  resist  the  extremes  of  temperature,  is  in  exact  proportion  to  the  amount  of  confined 
air  which  the  structure  of  the  plants  themselves  enables  them  to  contain.  These  and  other 
principles  are  promulgated ;  and  apart  from  practical  observation  are  sufficient  to  form  the 


n' 


EDITOK'S    TABLE, 

groundwork  for  theory.  There  is  not  much,  however,  in  the  above  calculated  to  be  of  material 
aid  to  the  cultivator.  He  cannot  ascertain  the  dimensions  of  the  cells,  any  more  than  he  can 
measure  the  quantity  or  decide  upon  the  quality  of  the  fluids  with  which  they  are  filled.  The 
wood  of  the  orange  tree  is  to  all  appearance  as  close  and  hard  as  an  oak,  yet  the  former  will 
not  stand  our  winters.  The  willow  and  the  fig  have  the  softest  and  the  lightest  of  wood,  the 
one  is  hardy  and  the  other  is  not. 

Although  physiologists  have  not  been  able  to  give  us  broad  and  well-defined  distinctions,  or 
any  definite  explanation  why  one  plant  is  hardier  than  another,  except  that  its  constitution  is 
adapted  to  its  natural  climate;  we  know  that  all  plants  are  rendered  more  capable  of  resisting 
extremes  when  their  wood  is  properly  matured,  or  ripened. 

The  ripening  process  consists  in  the  slow  and  complete  removal  of  watery  matter,  and  the 
conversion  of  fluid  organizable  matter  into  the  more  solid  substances  which  ai'e  necessary  to 
form  the  woody  secretions  of  the  plant.  This  is,  so  far,  in  accordance  with  the  theory  of  De 
Candolle,  since  the  riper  the  wood,  the  dryer  is  its  tissue,  and  the  more  solid  its  secretions. 

The  eflfects  of  thorough  ripening  of  the  wood  is  not  only  seen  in  the  power  it  confers  of  resist- 
ing cold ;  a  more  important  result  is  that  it  provides  an  abundance  of  the  secretions  necessary 
to  sustain  the  growth  of  the  following  spring,  and  produce  the  flower  buds  upon  which  the 
hopes  of  the  florist  as  well  as  the  orchardist  are  founded ;  it  is  well  known  that  flowers  will  not 
be  produced  upon  the  apple,  pear,  or  strawberry  any  more  than  upon  the  camellia  or  rose, 
unless  the  elements  of  growth  have  been  sufficiently  abundant,  and  presented  in  due  relative 
proportions  to  perfect  previous  growth. 

Referring  to  these  well-known  facts,  we  see  how  far  it  is  in  our  power  to  assist  nature  in 
supplying  the  reqtiisites  for  perfect  maturation  of  growth.  The  fruit-grower  will  be  careful 
that  his  trees  are  not  planted  in  wet,  or  highly  enriched  soil,  that  would  tend  to  prolonged  growth 
in  the  fall — that  his  strawberry  plants  are  not  overgrown  by  weeds  after  the  crop  is  gathered, 
but  are  carefully  cleaned  and  thinned — that  his  raspberry  plants  have  been  divested  of  all  old 
wood  as  soon  as  the  crop  was  removed,  and  the  young  growth  thinned  to  proper  distances,  and 
disposed  to  the  full  enjoyment  of  light  and  air. 

The  florist  will  learn  how  his  tender  roses  may  be  rendered  more  hardy,  and  the  absurdity  of 
attempting  to  force  flowers  on  a  camellia  in  spring,  that  had  not  formed  the  flower-buds  during 
the  previous  summer. 

And  tlie  amateur  may  also  experiment,  and  with  great  hopes  of  success,  upon  his  Cryptomerias, 
Deodars  and  Washingtouias,  that  are  growing  excessively  luxuriant ;  by  an  early  check  to  growth, 
either  by  covering  the  ground  to  prevent  the  ingress  of  water  to  their  roots,  or,  sever  a  few  of 
the  main  roots  sometime  previous  to  the  natural  completion  of  growth,  so  that  the  shoots  will 
become  dry  and  hard,  the  buds  plump  and  ripe ;  and  the  plant,  before  being  overtaken  by  frost, 
be  in  a  comparatively  dormant  state,  and  the  shoots  and  bark,  instead  of  being  unripe  and  full  of 
sap,  be  mature,  hard,  firm,  and  quite  prepared  for  sudden  and  extreme  changes  of  temperature. 
A  few  years  of  such  treatment  would  probably  induce  permanent  hardiness,  as  many  plants  per- 
fectly hardy  when  old,  are  easily  killed  down  when  young.  This  we  consider  the  most  impor- 
tant, and  indeed  the  only  true  safeguard  against  injury  from  frost. 

Strawberries. — There  is  no  better  strawberry  for  general  purposes  than  the  true  "  Wilson's 
Albany  Seedling."  It  is  gradually  superceding  all  otliers  wherever  introduced.  It  bears  re- 
markable crops.  "  Peabody's  Seedling"  does  not  seem  to  have  come  up  to  the  high  anticipations 
expected  to  be  realized  from  it.  Being  a  strong  robust  grower,  it  requires  to  be  cultivated  in 
hills,  and  the  runners  kept  under.  When  thus  treated,  it  has  produced  a  fair  crop  of  magnifi- 
cent fruit.     Its  peculiar  flavor  is  highly  relished  by  many  persons. 

Ornamental  Water. — When  appropriately  introduced,  the  effect  of  water  in  pleasure 
ground  scenery  is  always  pleasing,  and  frequently,  strikingly  beautiful.  The  first  requisite  is, 
of  course,  an  ample  supply  of  water ;  there  cannot  well  be  a  more  unsatisfactory  feature  in  a 
pleasure  ground  than  a  lake  or  pond  when  the  supply  of  water  is  not  sufficient  to  keep  it  prop- 
erly filled.  The  best  and  most  constant  supply  is  that  afforded  by  a  running  stream,  and  in  this 
case  the  lake  will  appear  more  natural  if  a  dam  is  thrown  at  the  lowest  point  so  that  the  sheet 
of  water  will  appear  as  a  simple  widening  of  the  stream.  Most  beautiful  irregularities  of  out- 
line will  genei'ally  be  produced  by  this  mode  of  treatment.  Simple  basins  of  water  in  flower 
gardens,  or  pleasure  grounds,  can  scarcely  be  out  of  character  in  any  situation  ;  with  such,  no 
attempt  should  be  made  to  aim  at  a  rugged  or  what  is  generally  called  a  natural  looking  outline. 
The  attempt  so  frequently  insisted  upon  in  all  rural  accompaniments  to  make  them  "  natural 
looking"  is  a  perversion  of,  instead  of  being  in  accordance  with,  good  taste.  With  equal  pro- 
priety might  it  be  argued  that  the  best  model  for  the  front  of  a  dwelling,  would  be  a  rocky 
precipice,  and  the  front  door  like  the  entrance  to  a  cave. 

Where  natural  facilities  for  a  good  supply  of  water  do  not  exist,  artificial  lakes  had  better 
not  be  attempted.  The  casual  supply  derived  from  winter  rains  is  not  sufficient  to  meet  the 
evaporation  of  summer,  and  ponds  or  lakes  wiiich  are  dependent  for  a  supply  of  water  from  this 
source,  do  not  only  present  a  miserably  deficient  appearance,  but  are  injurious  to  health 


■i^^g^^r^ 


i.  '' 


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>T(?/>- 


^^.      . 


<^TTl 


ROLLOPES  YlCHO'Rlk.  2^IC0MTE  HERICART  J)E  THURY  3.PPJT^CESS  ROYAL. 
4."V/ILS01^'S  ALEANY  SEEDLIIR}.  5.EILLM0RR.     6.  JEEIIY'S.   SEEELmG. 
TM^AYOrS  SUPERIOR.  S.LOITGWORTH'S  RROLIEIC.  9.BURR'S  REW  PINE. 


il  i 


»     m 


I 


■^M 


A   TRIP    TO    CANADA NO.    11. 

once  every  year.  What  a  lovely  site  ;  what  a  world  of  moving,  fresh, 
brimming  water  to  gaze  on  by  sunlight  and  by  moonlight,  in  storm,  in  ice, 
in  snow.  Ah  !  young  Englishman,  scion  of  some  old  house  at  home,  airing 
your  Greek  and  Latin  in  the  New  World,  what  think  you  of  this  ?  "  Think," 
is  the  reply,  "  why  I  have  had  the  most  glorious  sport  in  the  world,  I  have 
shot  the  ra2nds  f"  That  corild  not  have  been  all  he  felt,  but  that  was  all  we 
cared  to  hear.  Would  you  worship  at  nature's  own  most  attractive  shrines, 
visit  Niagara  leisurely,  and  descend  the  St.  Laiorence.  Would  you  study 
nature,  buy  an  island  in  it,  and  there  feel  your  own  insignificance  ;  your 
stay  would  be  lonesome  mayhap,  but  you  might  feel  what  Chateaubriand 
describes  as  the  most  agreeable  sensationof  his  hero's  life;  when,  among  these 
scenes,  he  simply  exclaims,  "  and  I  enjoyed  a  night  amid  the  magnificence 
of  the  New  World  l^"*  One  would  enjoy  to  the  full  that  life's  capacities  will 
admit,  a  night  here,  with  the  moon  in  half  shadow,  the  mind  one  long  poem, 
and  the  heart's  thoughts  in  heaven. 

How  one  would  like,  too,  to  have  the  Lachine  Eapids  at  the  foot  of  one's 
garden,  and  the  ocean  on  its  front.  The  gardens  we  love  so  much  would 
jneld  in  interest  to  the  ever  active,  varying  and  beautiful  scene  ;  but  we 
might  discover  ^-\^\,  happiness  after  all,  if  it  be  to  be  found,  is  in  that  to  be- 
cherished  spot,  the  mind,  alone.  These  scenes,  these  fairy  spots,  are,  how- 
ever, so  beautiful,  so  entirely  those  of  enchantment,  that  ever  afterwards, 

In  vacant  or  in  pensive  mood, 
They  flash  upon  the  inward  eye, 
Which  is  the  bliss  of  solitude  ; 
And  then  my  heart  with  pleasure  fills. 
And  dances  with — 

not  Wordsworth's  "daffodils,"  but  with  the  rapids  of  the  St.  Lcmrence.  All 
who  have  seen  them  may  well  exclaim,  "  And  we  too  have  been  in  Arcadia!" 

Having  passed  Montreal  ^described  in  our  last),  the  voyage  to  Quebec, 
being  of  less  interest,  is  performed  partly  in  the  night.  The  majesty  of  the 
river,  before  and  and  after  it  passes  out  of  Lake  St.  Peter,  is  less  striking, 
and  the  imagination  is  so  full  of  the  beauties  of  the  rapids,  that  we  may  be 
excused  for  coming  at  once  upon 

Quebec. — A  walled  city  will  long,  we  trust,  be  a  novelty  to  our  people; 
but  it  is  a  curiosity,  and  this  sight  alone  would  repay  a  visit.  Historical 
interest  of  no  common  kind  attaches  to  it,  but  our  business  is  with  its  sur- 
roundings, which  space  compels  us  to  make  brief  account  of 

John  Gilmore,  Esq..,  has  a  large  and  beautiful  spot  at  Wolfe's  Cove,  so 
named  because  it  is  the  scene  of  Wolfe's  landing.  Evidences  of  its  former 
history  are  displayed  in  a  pile  of  large  cannon  balls  in  front  of  the  piazza, 
taken  from  the  battle-field.  The  Plains  of  Abraham  are  betv/een  the  man- 
sion and  Quebec,  and  beneath  a  fine  bluff  flows  the  majestic  St.  Lawrence, 
with  busy  men  loading  numerous  huge  ships  with  lumber  and  produce,  for 
distant  European  markets.  Mr.  Gibnore  has  everything  about  him  in  the 
best  and  most  liberal  condition.  His  stables  are  models  of  extent  and  com- 
fort. The  garden,  large  and  well  filled,  displays  a  variety  of  elegant  flowers, 
fruit  and  vegetables.  As  much  as  thirty  bushels  of  gooseberries  have  been 
picked  from  his  bushes  in  one  season.  They  certainly  are  remarkably  fine. 
Potatoes  are  produced  here  of  a  superior  quality,  free  from  the  rot.  The 
planting  is  excellent.  For  evergreens,  there  are  the  black  and  white 
spruce,  of  great  age  and  beauty.  Take  the  views,  the  cultivation,  and  the 
the  extent  of  improvement,  with  the  refinement  within  doors,  and  add  the 


A   TRIP   TO    CANADA NO.    II. 


kindness  and  suavity  of  the  host  and  hostess,  and  every  one  who   visits 
Wolfe's  Cove  must  come  away  delighted. 

James  Gihb,  Esq.,  at  Woodficld,  possesses  one  of  tlie  most  charming 
places  on  the  American  Continent.  Thoroughly  English  in  its  appurten- 
ances and  laying  out,  its  views  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  its  lawns,  trees,  and 
superb  garden  are  together  a  model  of  what  may  be  accomplished.  The 
whole  scene  was  enchanting.  The  traveller  felt  as  if  he  was  transported  to 
the  best  parts  of  old  England,  and  our  whole  party  united  in  an  exclamation 
of  pleasure  and  gratification.  Here  is  everything  in  the  way  of  well-kept 
lawns,  graperies  and  green-houses,  out-buildings  for  every  possible  contin- 
gency of  weather;  gardens,  redolent  of  the  finest  flowers,  in  which  bulbs  of 
the  best  lilies  make  a  conspicuous  figure,  and  every  species  of  fruit  that  can 
be  grown.  Mr.  Gibb  is  a  self-made  man,  is  now  President  of  the  Quebec 
Bank,  and  a  very  useful  citizen.  The  traveller  who  does  not  see  Woodfield 
has  not  seen  Canada  in  its  best  trim. 

Thomas  Gihb,  Esq..,  at  Bellevue,  occupies  the  place  originally  laid  out  by 
his  brother  James,  and  is  in  possession  of  a  house  with  few  compeers.  His 
garden  is  well  taken  care  of,  and  eminently  beautiful  and  successful,  as  are 
his  graperies  and  green-houses,  no  less  than  his  peach,  nectarine  and  apricot 
house.  In  describing  the  place,  our  kind  cicerone  might  well  say,  "  There  is 
everj'thing  at  Bellevue  except  dirtP  The  front  view  from  the  house  is  ob- 
structed by  shrubbery  and  trees,  which  if  removed  would  add  greatly  to  the 
effects.  Where  lumber  is  so  cheap  as  at  Quebec,  one  need  not  wonder  at 
the  amount  of  outbuildings  we  find  at  all  the  first-class  places.  They  fur- 
nish sheltered  occupation  for  the  long  winter  months.  The  best  melons, 
conspicuous  among  which  is  the  great  Lisbon,  and  grapes  were  ripening 
under  glass,  the  quantity  of  which  is  quite  astonishing.  The  drive  of  a  mile 
or  more  into  the  grounds  here,  is  through  one  of  the  best  avenues  in 
America.  It  is  planted  with  the  native  evergreens,  white  birch,  mountain 
ash,  and  other  good  trees;  and  the  road  being  of  excellent  shale,  it  com- 
pares favorably  with  a  noble  drive  in  Europe.  We  must  not  omit  Mr.  Gibb's 
large  collection  of  the  choicest  standard  roses  ;  these  are  very  superb  and 
well-trained.  Many  of  the  newer  and  rarer  plants,  described  lately,  are 
found  here. 

The  St.  Foy  and  Caroiige  Hoads  reveal  a  succession  of  excellent  man- 
sions, with  well-kept  grounds.  We  can  only  name  those  of  William  Athin- 
son,  Henry  Burstall,  and  William  Price.,  Esqs.  Suburban  residences  of 
great  beaiity  are  met  with  at  every  turn.  New  roads,  and  streets,  and 
houses  are  everywhere  in  progress,  and  attention  is  specially  given  to  the 
garden. 

The  vicinity  of  Quebec,  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  is  well-settled.  As 
you  ascend  towards  Montreal,  the  country  and  climate  both  improve — the 
summer  is  a  month  longer.  The  first  frost  is  expected  at  Quebec  by  the 
10th  of  September,  and  they  are  consequently  cut  off  from  growing  many 
things  that  at  Montreal  are  successful  ;  nevertheless,  there  is  much  to  en- 
joy.    Apples  in  some  situations  are  abundant. 

The  Falls  of  Montmorency  are  easily  reached  by  a  carriage  drive,  dur- 
ing which  an  excellent  opportunity  is  presented  of  seeing  the  French  habi- 
taus,  and  their  peculiar  houses  and  mode  of  life,  but  these  must  not  detain  us. 
We  will,  however,  look  in  upon 

Dr.  James  Douglass,  adjoining  the  Lower  Canada  Lunatic  Asylum,  of 
which  lie  is  the   fonndcr  and   c^-propriotor.     Dr.   Douglass   is   emphatically 


^ 
^^^= 


a  man  of  taste,  and  of  that  universality  of  admiration  for  the  beautiful  which 
makes  a  country  home  like  his  a  perfect  thing.  Evergreens  of  great  beauty 
and  considerable  age,  make  the  first  impression  ;  next,  a  mansion  eminently'' 
well-furnished  with  all  that  Europe  can  sell,  including  books,  statuary, 
mosaics,  &c.,  is  ensconsed  between  a  first-class  conservatory,  with  the 
plants  in  the  ground,  on  one  side,  and  a  noble  grapery  on  the  other.  The 
view  from  the  drawing-room,  through  two  plate-glass  doors,  struck  us  as 
the  finest  thing  of  its  kind.  The  rarest  plants  in  full  perfection,  the  best 
runners  mounting  the  roofs,  and  fuchsias,  twenty  feet  high,  in  perfection, 
gave  an  air  to  the  place  beyond  describing.  Altogether  Dr.  Douglass 
deserves  the  highest  award  of  admiration  for  what  he  has  accomplished,  in 
our  power  to  bestow.  Note. — In  all  such  establishments,  one  may  be 
allowed  the  expression  of  satisfaction  always  to  see  the  Horticulturist  a 
valued  drawing-room  guest. 

The  Lunatic  Asylum  contains  near!}'  five  hundred  patients  ;  so  well  con- 
ducted is  it,  that  it  is  patronized  by  the  State  to  the  number  of  about  two 
hundred.  Everything  that  alleviates  misfortune  is  here  applied  ;  modern 
science  and  practice  are  so  thoroughly  combined,  that  not  a  single  patient 
was  under  restraint.  The  place  is  as  clean  and  neat  as  any  hospital  in  the 
world. 

Up  to  this  point,  and  still  further  into  New  Hampshire,  every  public  table 
has  been  supplied  with  abundance  of  the  small  wild  strawberry.  It  is  good, 
but  not  equal  to  the  cultivated  kind,  which  in  time  will  be  more  plentiful. 
The  ample  native  supply  seems  to  discourage  cultivators  from  attempting 
the  sale  of  improved  varieties,  but  they  must  and  will  introduce  such  as  the 
Albany  seedling.  Mr.  William  Brown  at  Montreal  is  successful  with  the 
improved  varieties. 

It  would  be  unjust  not  to  record  the  \c\-y  kind  attentions  of  JEdvKird 
Glackmeyer,  Esq.,  himself  a  good  horticulturist,  and  the  esteemed  President 
of  the  Association  of  Lawyers,  who  gave  us  his  time  unstinted  to  the  ex- 
amination of  Quebec  and  its  neighborhood. 

The  White  Moiintains. — Dr.  Gray,  and  a  party  of  geologists  and  botanists, 
were  encamped  on  Mount  Washington,  pursuing  their  interesting  studies. 
At  the  Glen  House,  July  the  10th,  snow  was  visible  on  some  of  the  higher 
peaks  ;  while  the  citizens  of  New  York  were  groaning  with  the  hottest 
night,  the  visitors  and  guides  were  glad  to  cower  over  a  good  fire  in  a 
wood  stove.  It  is  not  within  our  compass  to  enter  upon  the  description  of 
these  mountain  scenes,  and  we  must  proceed,  still  on  the  Grand  Trunk  Rail- 
way, to 

Portland,  Maine. — "  The  early  bird  catches  the  worm,"  is  a  maxim  so- old 
that  it  needs  not  to  be  enforced.  Canada  is  making  extraordinary  exertions 
to  secure  the  commerce  of  the  ocean  and  the  north-western  trade.  She  is 
nearer  to  Europe  than  we  are,  has  a  broad-guage  railroad  to  tide-water  in 
her  own  territory,  which  is  continued  to  Portland  for  winter  use,  no  less 
than  summer  ;  it  has  government  aid  (as  the  Horticultural  Society  has), 
and  altogether  it  becomes  a  question  whether,  with  the  Galway  steamers, 
we  may  not  see  some  great  diversion  of  freight  and  passengers  from  the  old 
routes.  Portland  is  to  be  the  Southampton  of  this  country  ;  with  greater 
rapidity  of  transit  from  London  to  Galway,  and  from  Portland  to  Boston  and 
New  York,  than  can  be  attained  on  the  ocean,  the  earliest  steamers'  netos, 
at  all  events,  must  be  expected  via  Galway.  If  the  Great  Ship  now  makes 
her  appearance  in  the  deep  waters  of  Maine,  there  may  be  a  revolution  ; 


% 


A    TRIP    TO    CANADA — NO.    II.  441 

the  shortest  time  and  the  least  sea-sickness  will  carry  the  day.  A  few 
hours  after  landing  brins^s  the  passcng'er  to  Quebec  or  Boston,  by  a  species 
of  locomotion  on  land  preferred  by  most  people,  especially  the  fast  Ameri- 
can. New  York  must  look  to  her  honors;  though,  indeed,  there  will  surely 
be  business  enough  for  all.  We  were  assured  that  heavy  goods  are  now 
shipped  to  Chicago  from  New  York,  via  Portland  and  the  "  Grand  Trunk." 
Look  forward  to  this  road  extending  to  the  Fraser  River  settlements,  and 
the  wealth  of  the  Indies  pouring  through  the  avenue  I  There  are  people 
alive  who  may  see  it.  What  may  not  Portland  then  be  ?  The  two  wharves 
for  the  Leviathan,  one  for  each  end,  are  completed  by  the  liberality  of  the 
Portlanders. 

The  noble  elm  trees  are  the  theme  of  every  one  who  visits  Portland. 
They  are  everywhere,  and  overshadow  and  meet  across  some  of  the  widest 
streets.  Such  specimens  and  such  numbers  we  have  never  before  seen. 
Graperies  and  green-houses  adorn  this  most  beautiful  of  American  cities. 
New  houses  and  modern  palaces  are  rising,  to  evidence  the  prosperity  of 
this  interesting  place. 

IIo7i.  John  M.  TPbofHias  a  very  remarkable  structure  devoted  to  flowers 
and  grapes.  It  is  in  the  town,  the  whole  grounds  comprising  about  two 
acres. 

IIo7i.  J.  B.  Brown  has  an  elegant  grapery  and  green-house,  probably  not 
equalled  in  the  State.  He  possesses  about  ten  acres  devoted  to  horticulture 
and  agriculture.     It  is  a  new  place,  but  most  promising. 

Hon.  J.  S.  Little  has  about  one  acre,  with  grapery  and  greenhouse, 
within  a  very  showy  and  richly  planted  place. 

T.  C.  Hervey,  grapery  and  green-house  in  progress.  This  is  a  beautiful 
estate  of  five  acres. 

Hon.  William  Willis  and  George  Jetoett.,  Esq.,  have  also  graperies. 

Warren  Sjmrroiv,  about  one  mile  from  the  city,  has  some  twenty  acres 
under  cultivation,  with  an  excellent  orchard,  grapery  and  hot-houses.  We 
might  enumerate  others,  but  must  hold  our  hand  till  a  future  visit  offers 
more  time  for  minuter  inspection. 

Homeioards. — The  ride  from  Portland  to  Boston  offers  glimpses  of  many 
good  towns  and  settlements,  but  a  rail  car  does  not  afford  opportunities  for 
inspection,  much  less  for  description.  From  Boston  to  New  York,  via 
Springfield,  the  route  should  be  all  that  a  traveller  could  desire,  but  was 
materially  marred  to  us  by  a  patent  ventilating  car,  out  of  order.  The  truly 
uncivil  conductor  declared  he  knew  nothing  about  it,  and  seemed  to  have  no 
duty  to  perform  but  to  demand  uncivilly  his  "tickets."  Every  person  within 
the  dismal  car  was  rapidly  covered  with  cinders  and  dust,  from  which  there 
was  no  attempt  even  to  deliver  us,  though  a  clean  and  comfortable  car  was 
attached  behind,  and  nearly  empty.  The  only  cry  was  for  our  tickets,  with 
a  careless,  nonchalant  air,  from  Conductor  Baker,  wlio  would  be  pleased  if 
his  conduct  was  represented.  This  was  respectfully  done  to  the  President, 
Bond,  who  gave  the  document  to  Baker,  to  answer  !  and  future  travellers 
may  now  know  what  to  expect  in  the  Springfield  cars,  and  avoid  them  if 
they  choose.  This  was  the  first  and  last  incivility  and  indignity  in  a  journey 
of  thousands  of  miles.  We  record  the  general  attention  of  the  railroad 
people  with  pleasure  and  the  contrary  with  regret,  and  without  any  hope  of 
reforming  this  monstrous  abuse.  The  President  resigning  to  his  servant  all 
answers  to  complaints,  apparently  can  not  wish  to  make  a  change  for  the 
better,  for  the  advantage  of  his  customers. 


S 


•      GIGANTIC     GRAPE    VINE* 

Much  has  been  written  regarding  the  sizes  and  ages  of  trees,  and  it  is 
certainly  a  most  interesting  topic.  Measurements  of  the  largest  vines  in 
America  we  have  rarely  seen  ;  as  a  contribution,  or  beginning,  we  present 
a  portrait  of  a  native  vine,  as  drawn,  at  our  request,  by  a  most  accomplish- 
ed gentleman  and  scholar,  the  late  Doctor  Samuel  George  Morton,  the  cele- 
brated ethnologist,  and  called  in  Europe  the  Humboldt  of  America  by 
Lepsius  and  others. 

We  first  noticed  this  grape  vine  in  the  Horticulturist,  vol.  1,  1847,  page 
530,  as  follows: 

"Enormous  Grape  Vink. — I  have  lately  made  an  excursion  to  Burlington, 
New  Jersey,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  the  exact  measurement  of  the  most 
extraordinary  grape  vine  I  have  ever  heard  of.  It  stands  on  a  farm  called 
West  Hill,  the  property  of  my  late  brother,  two  miles  from  the  city  of  Burling- 
ton, New  Jersey,  and  the  truth  of  what  I  am  about  to  relate  may  be  readily 
verified,  though  in  print  it  may  really  seem  incredible.  At  three  feet  from 
the  ground,  it  measures  six  feet  one  inch  round  the  trunk,  and  at  ten  feet 
high  it  is  positively  three  feet  in  circumference  !  It  is  a  native  male  grape, 
and  has  been  the  wonder  of  the  neighborhood  as  long  back  as  the  memory 
of  man  reaches.  It  is  still  health}^  and  its  giant  folds  run  over  and  cover 
four  trees,  one  of  which  is  a  full  sized  black  oak,  and  the  others  are  quite 
large. 

"  The  casual  reader,  as  he  glances  over  these  unusual  dimensions, 
scarcely  realizes  the  enormity  of  this  vine.  Let  us  try,  if  we  can,  to  make 
it  comprehensible,  by  a  comparison  or  two.  A  string  six  feet  one  inch 
long  will  enclose  two  tolerably  corpulent  people,  and  these  dimensions  are 
as  large  as  a  good  sized  washing-tub.  You  may  thus  form  an  idea  of  its 
great  growth.  This  vine  grows  near  a  springy  soil,  on  upland,  its  roots  no 
doubt  penetrating  to  the  water.  May  not  this  teach  us  a  lesson,  to  give  the 
rootlets,  wherever  it  is  possible,  access  to  a  spring  or  running  water.  It 
may  be  a  question,  too,  whether  we  do  not  cut  down  our  vines  too  much.  I 
observed  frequently  in  England  that  a  whole  house  was  devoted  to  a  single 
vine,  generally  of  the  Black  Hamburg,  and  I  think  they  uniformly  bore  the 
finest  grapes.  To  carry  a  single  vine  over  a  large  grapery  would  of  course 
require  several  years  of  judicious  trimming  and  management." 

The  dimensions  now  do  not  materially  differ  from  those  of  1841.  In 
May  last  it  was  measured  with  the  following  result:  Two  feet  from  the 
ground  it  measures  6  feet  2|-  inches  in  girth;  four  feet  high  it  is  about  six 
inches  less;  it  there  divides  into  two  branches,  the  largest  of  which  is  3  feet 
3  inches  in  girth,  and  the  smallest  is  34  inches.  The  largest  of  the  trees 
which  the  vine  covers  is  10  feet  in  circumference  at  2  feet  from  the  ground. 
The  vine  is  very  much  decayed,  but  still  puts  forth  leaves  and  young  shoots. 
It  has  never  borne  a  grape  in  the  memory  of  a  lady  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, now  98  years  old,  and  who  has  lived  her  long  life  within  sight,  or 
neai'ly  so,  of  this  gigantic  production,  and  to  whom  it  was  a  wonder  in  her 
youth.  The  largest  tree  is  a  black  oak,  the  others  are  black  or  sour 
gum. 

On  pacing  the  circumference  covered  by  the  branches,  it  was  found  to 
exceed  100  feet. 


■''See  Frontispiece. 


OECIIARD   HOUSES. 

Vines  are  recorded  of  the  known  age  of  600  years.  Statues  have  been 
carved  from  grape  wood,  and  pillars  made  from  it;  even  the  large  doors  of 
the  Cathedral  of  Eavenua  are  made  of  the  grape  tree.  In  some  parts  of 
Italy,  says  Miller,  a  vine  is  considered  young  at  one  hundred  years,  "  and 
there  are  plants  in  existence  which  have  been  cultivated  300  years." 

Have  our  readers  any  greater  American  vine  to  record  tlian  the  one 
figured  ? 


ORCHARD    HOUSES. 


It  is  but  a  few  years  since  when  one  had  only  to  plant  a  peach,  or 
nectarine,  or  plum,  and  be  quite  certain  of  obtaining  the  fairest  and  finest 
fruit;  and  we  were  accustomed  to  look  with  great  compassion  upon  our 
Anglo-Saxon  brethren  across  the  sea,  who  were  compelled  to  resort  to 
walls  and  espaliers  to  raise  any  fruit  at  all. 

The  tables  have  now  turned,  and  the  English  find  far  less  difficulty  in 
raising  the  stone  fruit  than  we  do  ;  in  fact,  throughout  the  largest  portion 
of  the  United  States  nectarines  and  apricots  are  hardly  known,  and  peaches 
and  plums  are  becoming  so  scarce  that  presently  we  shall  "  see  their  faces 
no  more." 

Of  late  years  the  extension  of  the  yellows,  borer  and  curculio  has  become 
so  great  that  it  is  hardly  worth  the  labor  to  plant  the  trees,  for  the  most 
active  attention  produces  the  most  meagre  results.  In  most  country  places 
on  the  Hudson  River  no  nectarines  or  apricots  have  been  cultivated  for  some 
years,  and  most  of  the  plums  and  peaches  are  cut  down  and  not  allowed  to 
cumber  the  ground  any  longer.  If  there  are  remedies  for  these  afflictions, 
the  doctors  at  any  rate  have  not  found  them  out,  and  though  we  have  many 
theories  for  the  yellows  and  remedies  for  the  curculio,  yet  we  are  satisfied 
there  is  nothing  yet  discovered  that  for  general  purposes  is  at  all  available. 
The  white-washing  process  is  extremely  tiresome,  for  the  labor  of  several 
days  is  most  often  washed  away  by  a  shower  of  five  minutes;  and  if  the 
shower  comes  late  in  the  afternoon  or  at  night,  a  great  deal  of  fruit  is  stung 
and  much  damage  done  before  the  white-wash  is  renewed  the  next  day,  and 
you  are  always  liable  to  the  same  difficulties  after  every  rain. 

The  second  method,  of  picking  up  the  stung  fruit  morning  and  evening, 
after  shaking  the  trees,  is  not  a  whit  more  effectual,  unless  the  whole  country 
should  all  agree  to  do  the  same  thing,  because  when  you  have  destroyed 
your  own  curculios,  you  are  not  the  less  free  from  the  visitations  of  your 
neighbors'. 

Under  these  circumstances,  with  an  impossibility  of  growing  the  stone 
fruits  out  of  doors,  the  question  is  now  universally  asked,  "  How  can  we 
have  peaches,  nectarines  and  apricots  again  ?"  and  the  answer  is,  by  means 
of  what  the  English  call  orchard-houses,  which  are  now  very  generally  get- 
ting into  use  in  Great  Britain,  and  can  be  put  up  there,  and  we  suppose 
here  also,  at  comparativel}'-  little  cost.  A  writer  in  the  English  Gardeners' 
Chronicle,  15th  May,  1858,  estimates  the  cost  of  an  orchard-house,  30  feet 
long,  12  feet  wide,  9  feet  high  at  the  back,  and  3  feet  three  inches 
high  in  front,  to  be  about  £13  or  $65,  in  which  all  the  stone  fruits  are 
cultivated  with  the  greatest  success,  in  lo-inch  pots. 

orae  orchard-houses  have  been  recently  erected  on  the  gardens  at  White 
in  England,  which  are  arranged  as  follows  :  The  1st  house,  3  feet 


450  ORCHARD    HOUSES. 

16  feet,  is  planted  with  plums,  cherries  and  pears  (standards),  with  the 
same  varieties  in  pots,  set  upon  the  ground  ;  2d  house,  40  feet  by  10  feet, 
planted  with  standard  apricots  and  plums  ;  the  3d,  32  feet  by  20 
feet,  with  vines  and  figs  in  pots,  set  upon  the  ground  ;  the  4th,  36  feet 
by  22  feet,  and  18  feet  high,  planted  with  standard  peaches  ;  the 
5th,  32  feet  by  20  feet,  planted  in  vines  ;  6th,  40  feet  by  10  feet,  planted 
in  pears,  and  the  same  kind  of  tree  in  pots  set  on  the  surface.  All  these 
houses  are  span-roofed,  ventilated  at  top  and  bottom,  heated  by  hot 
water  pipes.  The  range  is  glass  on  all  sides,  to  within  2  feet  of  the 
ground. 

The  trees  in  pots  were  only  planted  the  previous  year,  and  the  number  of 
fruit  set  on  each  were  as  follows  : 

Pears. — Knight's  Monarch,  174  ;  Bon  Chretien  Fondate,  84  ;  Louise 
Bonne,  16  ;  Williams'  Bon  Chretien,  69  ;  Marie  Louise,  95  ;  Duchesse 
d'Angouleme,  64;  Glout  Morceaux,  112. 

Plums. — Green  Gage,  six  trees,  averaging  170  each;  Angelina  Burdett, 
300. 

Cherries. — May  Duke,  12  trees,  370  each;  Elton  275;  Bigarreau,  215. 

Peaches. — Noblesse,  86;  Bellegarde,  80. 

Nectarines. — Hunts'  Tawny,  78;  Violette  Native,  84. 

Apricots. — Moor  Park,  six  trees,  90  to  100  each;  Peach  Apricot,  70  ; 
Breda,  70  to  80. 

The  peaches  and  nectarines,  as  standards,  60  to  70  each. 

Apricots,  standards,  20  to  30  each.     Plums,  70  each. 

In  the  United  States,  there  are  not,  as  yet,  to  our  knowledge,  any  houses 
erected  distinctly  for  this  purpose,  and  with  the  uncertainty  of  our  climate, 
the  tendency  of  nectarines  and  peaches  to  the  yellows  and  borer,  and  the 
singular  affection  so  peculiar  to  apricots,  with  which  a  tree,  apparently  in 
the  fullest  health,  is  suddenly  stricken  down,  we  should  doubt  the  advisa- 
bility of  planting  standards  ;  but,  instead,  we  would  recommend  pot  culture, 
which  we  have  tried  in  a  simple  green-house  for  some  years  back,  with  the 
greatest  success.  Any  of  the  stone-fruits  planted  in  the  spring  in  3 
gallon  (11-inch)  pots,  and  transplanted  the  succeeding  autumn  into  5- 
gallon  (13-inch)  pots,  for  fruiting,  will  produce  blossoms  and  fruit  the  suc- 
ceeding year,  if  properly  managed  ;  care  being  taken  to  admit  plenty  of 
air  when  the  fruit  is  setting,  and  not  to  allow  the  plants  to  get  dry  at  the 
root  when  the  fruit  would  be  apt  to  fall.  The  trees  should  be  planted  in 
very  rich  compost,  especially  when  bearing,  and  well  packed  in.  A  system 
of  top  dressing  is  also  of  the  greatest  importance,  to  enable  so  small  a  plant 
to  carry  such  a  large  quantity  of  fruit  to  perfection.  For  this  purpose,  a 
thick  layer  of  old,  well-rotted  manure,  of  the  strongest  character,  should  be 
kept  on  the  surface  of  the  pots  as  mulching;  a  few  pinches  of  guano 
occasionally  scattered  over  this  would  not  be  amiss.  This  top  dressing  not 
only  prevents  evaporation — for  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  keep  the 
roots  moist  when  the  plant  is  in  full  vigor — but  the  products  formed  from 
the  decay  of  this  dressing,  when  washed  down  by  the  daily  watering,  con- 
veys to  the  roots  just  the  character  of  food  most  proper  for  them. 

Trees  planted  and  treated  in  this  way,  only  three  or  four  feet  high,  last 
many  years,  affording  the  most  gratifying  returns,  and  can,  in  case  of  acci- 
dent or  death,  be  very  easily  replaced:  whereas,  when  a  tree,  as  a  standard, 
ed  against  a  back  wall  or  trellis,  is  lost,  a  serious  gap  is  made,  and 

any  years  are  required  to  replace  the  damage. 


So  satisfied  have  we  become  that  this  is  the  cheapest,  in  fact,  the  ouly 
way  now  to  grow,  or  rather  fruit,  peaches,  apricots  and  nectarines,  that  we 
have  converted  a  double  curvilinear-house  into  an  orchard-house,  70  feet 
by  20  feet,  and  12  feet  high  ;  erecting  a  platform  in  the  centre,  the 
whole  length,  which  is  sufficiently  wide  to  accommodate  one  row  of  trees. 
On  either  side  are  two  other  platforms,  each  wide  enough  for  two  rows  of 
trees,  thus  enabling  us  to  grow  and  fruit  about  250  trees  of  the  different 
varieties,  which  always  produce  a  great  quantity.  We  have  introduced  hot 
water  into  this  house,  for  the  purpose  of  forcing  a  little,  so  as  to  secure  the 
sotting  of  the  fruit  and  its  reaching  some  size  before  the  appearance  of  the 
curculio,  Avhich  is  sometimes  found  inside  of  fruit-houses,  having  passed 
through  the  ventilators.  By  keeping  j^our  potted  trees  in  a  cellar,  or  back 
pit,  or,  in  fact,  any  place  where  they  are  not  severely  frosted,  and  b}'  intro- 
ducing them  by  tens  and  twenties  once  every  T  or  10  days  into  the  house, 
from  the  1st  January,  or  later,  the  season  can  be  very  much  prolonged,  and 
there  is  certainly  no  cultivation  so  simple  producing  greater  results,  or  one, 
we  think,  which  will  be  more  generally  adopted  when  known,  even  by  those 
who  only  can  afford  the  least  expensive  kind  of  house.  Wodenethe. 


NOTES   ON   NEW  AND  RARE   PLANTS. 

BY    DANIEL    BARKER,    SPRINGFIELD,    MASS. 

Clematis  Lanugtdnosa^  var.  Pallida. — One  of  the  most  beautiful  half-hardy 
climbers  yet  introduced.  It  is  very  I'emarkable  for  the  immense  size  of  the 
flowers,  measuring  from  six  to  ten  inches  in  diameter;  a  small  plant  now 
flowering  here  has  one  flower,  fully  expanded,  eight  inches  in  diameter.  Its 
habit  is  very  similar  to  Florida,  and  will,  therefore,  be  admirably  adapted 
f  n-  trellis  work,  verandahs,  and  other  similar  structures.  In  the  Southern 
States  it  will  undoubtedly  prove  perfectly  hardy,  and  will  be  a  most  valu- 
able acquisition  wherever  climbing  plants  are  grown. 

Ipomea  Hederacea,  Superba  Grandijlora. — A  splendid  addition  to  the 
genus  Ipomea.  Flowers  very  large,  light  blue,  with  a  beautiful  white 
border.  This  beautiful  variety  is  well  adapted  for  summer  duration  in  the 
conservatory,  or  upon  trellis  in  the  open  air.     Annual. 

Cereus  Bonplandii. — A  large,  high-flowering  Cereus.  Flowers  whichhave 
latel}''  expanded  here  measured  twenty  inches  in  diameter.  It  is  a  most 
attractive  thing  when  in  bloom,  but  remains  in  perfection  only  a  few  hours. 

Dianthus  Albo  Nigricans. — A  fine  garden  variety,  and  a  very  useful  plant 
for  forcing  in  the  early  spring  mouths.  Flowers  dark  maroon,  edged  with 
white,  and  remarkably  fragrant. 

Hebeclinium  Jantliinmn. — A  very  beautiful,  free-flowering  stove  plant, 
bearing  large  trusses  of  bright  lavender  ageratum-like  flowers,  which  re- 
main in  perfection  for  several  weeks. 

Fuchsia  Souve7%ier  de  Chisioick. — A  splendid  variety  of  this  elegant  genus. 
Tube  and  sepals,  light  crimson;  the  corolla  a  beautiful  dark  violet,  reflexed 
quite  back  to  the  seed  vessel.     Flowers  very  large. 

Fuchsia  Cafheritie  Hays. — A  very  fine  variety.  Sepals  and  tube  light 
scarlet;  corolla  a  beautiful  light  blue;  sepals  very  finely  reflexed. 

The  flowers  of  the  above  two  beautiful  varieties  are   of  a  very  impr 


form  and  substance,  rendering. them  very  desirable  kinds  for  the  greenhouse 
or  open  air  culture. 

Gloxinia  Erecta,  Alice  Louisa. — A  very  ornamental  variety  of  the  erect 
flowering  gloxinia.  Centre  of  tube  pure  white,  with  circle  of  bright  crimson 
extending  three  parts  of  the  way  up  the  sepals. 

Gloxinia  Erecta,  La  Belle  Jane. — A  very  large  and  beautiful  variety. 
Tube  pure  Avhite  ;  the  sepals  suffused  with  bright,  delicate  carmine  and 
rose.     Quite  new. 


HYBRIDIZING    FRUITS. 

BY   T.    M. 


I  AM  ver}-  glad  to  see,  Mr.  Editor,  the  prominence  your  valuable  journal 
gives  to  such  interesting  subjects  as  that  of  Mr.  W.  N.  White,  in  your 
August  number.  It  would  not  become  me,  as  a  practical  man,  to  depreciate 
tlie  value  of  mere  practical  articles;  they  are  highly  useful  and  very  in- 
structive; but,  at  the  same  time,  if  ever  our  profession  is  to  rise  to  the 
dignity  of  a  science,  it  is  essential  that  we  should  be  able  to  give  a  reason 
for  all  things.  With  practice  on  our  right  hand,  to  observe  and  to  do,  and 
on  our  left  theory,  to  investigate  and  arrange,  we  may  hope  to  arrive  at 
just  conclusions  much  earlier  and  easier  than  by  either  alone. 

I  am  one  who  has  hitherto  had  great  faith  in  the  efforts  of  the  hybridizer 
to  ameliorate  our  fruits,  as  they  have  already  done  the  beauty  and  interest 
of  our  flowers.  Mr.  White's  paper,  tending  to  show  the  impossibility  of 
such  improvement,  is  so  ably  and  forcibly  written,  that  I  am  afraid  it  will 
induce  many  projected  experiments  to  be  abandoned.  I  think  such  a  result 
is  to  be  deplored,  and  I  would  like  to  offer  a  few  suggestions,  per  C07itra,  to 
his  remarks. 

My  greatest  objection  to  your  correspondent's  conclusions  is,  that  tliey 
are  for  the  most  part  derived  from  the  observations  of  authors  who  wrote 
when  the  art  of  hybridizing  was  in  its  infancy.  Mr.  Knight,  Gaertner,  and 
others,  with  their  leisure  and  love  of  the  subject,  had  they  lived  to  the  pre- 
sent day  would  probably  have  come  to  different  conclusions  than  their  first 
experiments  warranted*  Decandolle,  Gray,  and  the  other  authorities 
quoted,  are  indeed  still  living,  but  their  quoted  works  are  either  of  some 
years'  standing,  or  their  ideas  founded  on  Knight's,  or  other  parties,  ancient 
experiments.  One  authority  quoted,  for  instance,  Dr.  Lindley,  has  more  re- 
cently asserted  (Theory  of  Horticulture,  p.  G91),  "but  facts  prove  that  un- 
doubted hybrids  may  be  fertile."  Since  the  doctor  wrote  that,  we  not  only 
have  learned  that  hybrids  Tnay  he,  but  actually  are  fertile.  I  have  at  the 
present  writing,  seedlings  of  the  Veronica  "Imperial  blue,"  a  variety  three, 
four,  or  more  generations  removed  from  an  original  hybrid  between  Y. 
Speciosa  and  V.  Lindleyana,  or  Salicifolia.  I  have  raised  a  brood  of 
Fuchsias,  between  F.  fulgens  and  F.  longiflora,  two  species  as  widely  distinct 
as  it  is  easy  to  suppose  any  specific  terms  to  characterize;  and  from  some 
of  this  progeny  again  to  reproduce  ^seedlings,  though  I  am  bound  to  admit 
some  of  them  produced  berries  with  great  difficulty.  So,  also,  other  parties 
have  had  the  same  experience. 

veil  ten  years  ago  it  was  tliouglit  that  Orchidacea  did  not  perfect  their  seed.     Every  experiment  to  raise 
failed.     Now  they  are  not  considered  difficult  to  raise,  and  even  to  liyliridizp,  not  even  genera  standing  in 
y,  as  a  hybrid  is  recorded  between  Epidendrum  aurantiacum  and  Catlleya  SJdnnerii. 


vT^ 


S5S^S«l: 


The  different  species  of  tropical  Begonias  have  been  found  to  hybridize 
together  so  easil^^,  and  their  progeny  again  to  hybridize  and  reproduce,  that 
it  is  impossible  to  foresee  where  it  is  to  stop.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the 
Bouvarclia  and  Achhnenes.  In  the  latter  case,  indeed,  it  is  not  only  diffi- 
cult to  decide  which  is  a  species,  the  genera  themselves  seem  lost  in  the 
confusion.  Hybridizing  has,  in  fact,  quite  swamped  Sinningia  into  Gloo:- 
inia,  and  since  the  introduction  of  the  Central  American  species  of  Achi- 
menes,  it  is  hard  for  a  systematic  botanist  to  go  into  a  good  garden  collec- 
tion and  fix  which  genus  of  gesneracea  some  of  them  may  belong  to. 

Systematic  botany,  though  it  may  be  termed  a  "  natural  system,"  is  purely 
a  work  of  art,;  and  if  we  "  could  wnthout  limit  produce  crosses,"  it  would  not 
so  much  break  up  the  "  orderly  arrangements  of  nature"  as  it  would,  perhaps, 
the  sj'Stems  of  Lindley,  Decandolle,  or  Gray.  It  is  not  yet  agreed  upon 
what  constitutes  a  true  species,  and  genera  are  confessedly  artificial.  If 
two  species,  so  called,  will  not  intermix,  they  may  in  time  come  to  be  con- 
sidered as  of  different  genera.  In  the  case  of  the  gooseberry  and  currant, 
for  instance,  which  Lindley  could  not  intermix,  some  botanists  make  distinct 
genera,  calling  the  gooseberry  section  Grossidaria,  and  the  currant  jRibesia. 
The  progress  of  horticulture  has  quite  broken  up  the  old  theory  of  a  species, 
namely,  that  it  was  an  individual  form  by  which  "  like  could  be  again  repro- 
duced from  like^''  as  we  now  know  that  varieties  of  both  form  and  color  can, 
with  a  very  little  care,  be  again  reproduced  from  seed,  and  after  one  or  two 
generations  becomes  as  permanent  as  the  species  it  originated  from,  repro- 
ducing as  exactly  "  like  from  like." 

Many  of  Mr.  W.'s  objections  as  to  what  has  not  been  done  are  not  conclu- 
sive as  to  what  may  be.  For  instance,  that  dioecious  plants  should  in  Lecoq's 
time  be  found  less  easy  of  hybridizing  than  hermaphrodie  ones,  may  be  that 
so  much  attention  may  not  have  been  paid  to  them.  Quite  recently  we  find 
an  hybrid  amongst  the  Pinacea,  which  we  should  suppose,  from  many  cir- 
cumstances, much  more  difficult  to  realize  than  in  the  grape.  The  TJmja 
melchnsis  is  said  to  be  a  hybrid  between  Juniperus  Virginia  and  Biota 
Orientalis,  two  very  distinct  genera,  and  any  one  who  has  seen  it  grow- 
ing will  not  for  a  moment  doubt  the  fact.  Whether  it  will  also  produce 
perfect  seeds  or  not  I  am  not  aware.* 

It  is  scarcely  parallel  to  illustrate  the  subject  by  the  mule  in  the  animal  king- 
dom. We  can  readily  suppose  that  in  the  animal  department  of  the  organic 
portion  of  nature,  the  structure  is  so  very  complicated,  and  so  much  more  per- 
fect, as  to  place  many  more  checks  to  variation  from  normal  types.  Animal 
nature  is  not  so  easily  affected  by  cross-breeding,  or  any  circumstances,  as  a 
plant  is.  We  may  look  in  vain  among  animals  for  anything  like  so  great  a 
change  in  appearance,  by  any  amount  of  "  cultivation,"  as  that  process  has 
made  on  the  cauliflower,  for  instance,  which  has  been  "  improved  "  from  a 
wild  plant,  more  resembling  the  common  mustard  in  appearance  than  any- 
thing else. 

I  think  Mr.  White's  quotation  that  Mr.  Knight  could  not  get  the  Duke  and 
Morello  cherry  to  hybridize,  is  an  error.  If  I  am  not  mistaken,  he  succeeded 
in  the  union,  but  the  progeny  did  not  seed,  though  they  flowered  freely. 
This,  and  the  few  other  cases  on  record  of  experiments  with  fruits,  does  not 
certainly  give  great  encouragement,  but  on  repetition,  under  other  circum- 

*0ne  of  our  best  practical  livinoj  botanists,  Mr.  Charles  J.  Wister,  of  Philadelphia,  has  assured  me  that  in  his 
neiprhtiorhood  Juglans  cineria,  J.  regia  and  J.  niqra,  the  black,  while  and  English  walnuts,  hybridize  together 
and  that  specimens  of  the  hybrids  bear  fruit  near  iiim. 


GRAPE    BORDERS. 


stances,  might  do  better.  Many  experiments  fail,  that  with  a  slight  varia- 
tion have  after  all  succeeded.  The  art  of  hybridizing  is  ill  understood; 
every  day  new  facts  are  being  developed.  It  is  but  quite  recently  asserted 
that  two  plants,  hybridized  when  in  a  high  state  of  culture,  under  glass,  do 
not  produce  the  same  progeny  as  the  same  plants,  comparatively  neglected, 
hybridized  in  the  open  air;  and  that  the  more  artificially  the  plant  is  treated 
the  more  easily  can  the  hybridizer  operate  on  it.  And  this  is  but  one  of 
many  facts  that  may  yet  have  considerable  influence  in  the  progress  of  the 
art. 

No  one  will  contend  for  the  superiority  of  cross-breeding  over  mere  im- 
proving, but  if  it  can  be  effected  it  would  be  a  natural  step  towards  improve- 
ment. By  crossing  a  pound  pear  with  a  seckel,  we  should  "  mix"  the  flavor 
of  each  in  the  progeny.  The  pound  pear  would  thus  be  produced  a  little 
smaller  perhaps,  but  something  towards  the  flavor  of  a  seckel,  and  by  sav- 
ing the  seed  of  the  finest  of  these  seedlings  (providing,  of  course,  they 
proved  to  seed  freely,)  for  a  few  successive  generations,  a  late,  large  pear, 
with  a  seckel  flavor,  might  be  produced.* 

I  trust  that  the  hybridizers  will  still  continue  their  experiments.  The 
native  and  foreign  grapes  are  botanically  very  closely  allied,  much  more  so 
than  the  gooseberry  and  currant,  raspberry  and  blackberry,  or  the  apple 
and  the  pear;  and  they  may,  like  species  of  fuchsias  and  veronicas,  hybridize 
and  prove  fertile,  and  from  this  progeny  improvements  may  again  arise;  but 
if  not,  we  shall  learn  something  which,  even  as  knowledge  merel}^  may  be  of 
great  service  to  us  in  other  affairs. 


GRAPE    BORDERS 


BY  WILLIAM  CHOKLTON. 


The  observant  remarks,  and  questions  asked,  respecting  the  culture  of 
grapes,  by  your  correspondent  S.  Miller,  in  the  June  Horticulturist,  reminds 
us  that  established  rule  is  not  always  a  sure  guide  although  it  may  be  the 
best  in  the  majority  of  cases. 

As  to  trenching,  when  rightly  performed,  and  also  a  moderately  rich  soil, 
we  have  demonstrated  fact  of  the  good  and  permanent  effects,  but  this  does 
not  assist  any  argument  in  favor  of  deep  and  over  glutted  beds  for  the 
roots.  With  regard  to  the  roots  creeping  "  between  wind  and  water,"  as  he 
intimates,  the  cause  is  clearly  seen  if  we  take  a  right  view  of  the  subject. 
No  plant  feeds  dii'cctly  upon  a  mass  of  undecomposed  matter,  however 
rich  it  may  be  as  a  compound,  but  does  so  from  the  liberated  elements  in  a 
gaseous  state  and  different  proportions,  in  combination  with  water.  The 
stratum  through  which  the  network  of  fibres  has  to  penetrate  need  not  of 
itself  contain  originally  the  required  pabulum  for  permanent  nourishment, 
but  should  always  be  of  such  a  character  as  to  enable  them  to  penetrate 
through  it  in  search  of  the  required  nutriment.  Consequently  a  proper 
matrix,  even  though  it  be  deficient  in  fertility,  is,  so  far,  better  than  an  im- 
proper one  that  is  gorged  to  repletion  with  what,  under  other  circumstances 
gradually  administered,  would  support  the  most  healthy  action.  We  may 
admit  that  according  to  the  different  constitutional  properties  of  distinct 

*  The  fine  raee  of  Pine  Strnwherrit'S  is,  if  tTiy  memory  serves  me  right,  the  result  of  Mr.  Knight's  experiments 

ill  uyl)rii.lizinj;  lliu  .~uriniini  wiili  the  Cluli. 


genera  the  soil  needs  to  be  of  various  mechanical  textures,  and  to  a  certain 
extent  composed  of  different  chemical  combinations,  but  this  does  not  alter 
the  subject.  We  may  preach  as  much  as  we  like  about  our  superior  skill, 
3^et,  depend  upon  it,  if  we  do  not  copj'-  from  nature's  best  workings  we  only 
grope  in  the  dark  ;  now  we  find  her  invariably  giving  fresh  material  from 
above,  the  decay  of  surface  vegetation,  the  falling  of  leaves  from  the  trees, 
and,  no  doubt,  the  percolation  of  carbonic  acid  from  the  atmosphere  down 
and  into  the  soil  ;  these  two  former  compose  a  covering  of  material  for  the 
protection  of  the  roots,  and  all  three  are  eventually  resolved  into  suitable 
food,  and  in  proportions  as  may  be  periodically  required.  Again  when  the 
land  is  well  drained,  either  naturally  or  artificially,  there  is  always  a  ca- 
pillary attraction  going  on,  excepting  during  severe  frost  or  rain,  which 
draws  the  moisture  upwards.  From  this  we  maj'  readily  perceive  why 
mulching  is  so  beneficial  provided  it  contains  the  required  elements,  because 
decomposition  is  continually  at  work  immediately  beneath,  and  where  the 
oxydizing  and  liquifying  properties  of  the  atmosphere  and  water  can  act,  and 
furnish  to  the  spongioles  their  just  need,  while  they,  obeying  the  law  of 
self  preservation,  follow,  the  same  as  an  animal  by  instinct,  and  increase 
proportionately. 

It  is  high  time  that  we  begin  to  discard  all  such  set  notions  as  glutted 
and  deep  beds  for  the  grape  vine  ;  they  belong  to  an  age  of  nostrums,  dog- 
mas and  ignorance.  The  reiterated  recommending  of  such  things  has  done 
more  to  retard  the  successful  cultivation  of  this  plant  than  all  other  mis- 
chievous pretensions  put  together.  In  my  Grape  Grower's  Guide  I  have 
endeavored  to  break  down  this  evil  system,  and  in  my  own  practice  even 
for  the  glass  grapery,  the  borders  are  not  sunk  more  than  eighteen  inches 
below  the  surface,  neither  are  they  made  more  than  in  a  medium  way  rich  in 
fertilizing  matter;  but  each  season  there  is  applied  a  good  dressing  of  half 
decayed  leaves  and  vegetable  refuse,  mixed  with  a  portion  of  barn  yard 
manure,  by  which  the  roots  are  kept  near  the  top,  and  absorb  the  whole  of 
the  annual  dressing  during  the  season. 

Your  correspondent  further  suggests,  that  in  connection  with  mulching, 
"less  trimming"  would  pay  better.  I  believe  we  have  ample  evidence  in 
the  truth  of  this  in  most  instances  as  the  thing  is  too  often  practised,  but 
the  experience  of  all  good  cultivators  tends  to  show  that  a  judicious  sliort- 
ening,  and  thinning  out  of  a  portion  of  each  season's  growth,  so  as  to  allow 
a  continual  increase  of  surface,  is  of  service,  and  improves  the  quality  of 
the  fruit  ;  while  on  the  contrary  we  have  many  examples  of  untimely  imbe- 
cility in  many  grape  establishments  which  testify  of  the  injurious  effects  of 
the  stumping  in  systems  that  are  frequently  adopted.  I  have  for  many  years 
contended  against  this  barbarous  principle,  and  am  glad  to  see  it  mooted. 
In  addition  to  the  importance  of  pruning,  is  a  proper  care  for  the  healthful- 
ness  of  the  foliage  ;  no  fruit  bearing  plant  will  ripen  first  quality  produce, 
when  these  are  deficient  in  quantity,  or  become  prematurely  injured. 

My  experience  advises,  to  make  the  basesoil  fertile,  but  not  too  rich  or 
deep.  Drain  below,  and  mulch  above.  Let  the  head  gradually  cover  more 
surface,  but  shorten  in  a  portion.  And,  above  all  things,  endeavor  to  keep 
the  leaves  healthy  and  in  sufficient  quantity  to  shade  the  fruit  from  the  sun. 


^^^' 


THE   HOJSTEY   PEACH. 


THE      HONEY    PEACH. 


Well  may  this  fine  fruit  be  termed  the  "  Honey,"  as  it  is,  undoubtedly,  the 
sweetest  of  all  peaches. 

Its  shape  is  very  peculiar,  being-  a  long-  oval,  with  a  sharp,  recurved  point 
at  the  extremity.  The  stone  is  of  the  same  shape,  having  also  a  long,  sharp 
curved  point.  The  fruit  measures  about  three  inches  in  length,  by  about 
two  inches  in  diameter.  The  color 
of  the  skin  is  a  light  green  ground, 
mottled,  waved  and  striped  with 
deep  crimson,  gradually  fading  in- 
to pale  red. 

The  flesh  is  very  fine,  tender, 
juicy,  with  some  red  veins,  mostly 
around  the  stone  ;  not  very  high 
flavored,  but  of  a  peculiar,  most  de- 
licious, honeyed  sweetness.  It  is 
a  perfect  freestone. 

The  tree  is  a  very  vigorous  grow- 
er, very  productive,  and  perfectly 
hardy,  many  j^oung  trees  two  years 
from  the  bud,  in  the  nursery  rows, 
having  yielded  from 
two  to  four  peaches 
this  season. 

The  leaves  are 
small,  resembling  a 
very  ordinary  wild 
seedling,  with  small 
globose  glands,  some 
times  hardly  percept- 
ible. 

The  season  of  ri- 
pening at  the  South  is  from  the  middle  of  June  to  the  1st  or  10th  of  July. 
It  is  a  seedling  from  Peach  stones  brought  from  China  some  years  ago,  and 
planted  by  Chas.  Downing,  Esq.,  who  sent  grafts  to  Henrj'-  Lyons,  Esq.,  Col- 
umbia, S.  C.  The  graft  put  in  by  Mr.  Lyons  was  the  only  one  which  survived, 
Mr.  Downing's  seedlings  having  all  failed.  The  original  tree  is  still  in  Mr. 
Lyon's  garden,  and  in  good  condition,  and  will,  we  learn,  be  propagated  by 
Messrs.  P.  J.  Berckmans  &  Co.,  of  Augusta,  Georgia.  Mr.  Lyon  takes  great 
interest  in  horticultural  pursuits.  He  is  in  possession  of  the  original  Herbe- 
mont  grape  vine,  still  growing  in  his  own  fine  garden,  planted  by  Mr.  Herbe- 
mont,  years  ago,  and  yielding  a  most  delicious  fruit,  small,  but  perhaps 
superior  to  any  native  Southern  grape. 


HOXEY  PBACH. 


INSECTS  UPON  THE  L  A  R  C  H  — WH  A  T  ,  A  R  E  THEY? 

In  passing  a  fine  young  larch  a  few  moments  since,  I  discovered  the  first 
appearance  this  year,  of  an  insect  which  has  infested  the  same  tree  for  the 
two  previous  seasons.  It  is  a  small,  downy  bug,  about  the  size  of  a  pin's 
head,  resembling  somewhat  a  very  small  mealy-bug,  but  instead  of  fortifying 


itself  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  as  is  the  custom  of  the  latter  pest,  it  is  spread 
abroad  upon  the  j'oung  leaves,  which  are  just  attaining'  their  growth.  The 
tree  does  not  appear  to  be  injuriously  affected  by  it,  but  has  a  very  unsightly 
appearance,  being,  before  their  disappearance,  (which  will  take  place  in  a 
few  weeks,)  quite  studded  over  with  these  white  specks,  and  looking  some- 
what as  if  it  had  been  exposed  to  a  small  snow  storm.  What  is  the  insect 
and  the  remedy  ? 

A  few  j^ears  since  the  same,  or  a  similar  insect,  appeared  upon  the  balsam 
firs,  of  which  there  are  some  fine  specimens  in  the  vicinity,  and  infested  them 
to  such  an  extent,  that  the  branches  most  aflPected  were  quite  whitened  with 
them.  Of  late  j-ears  I  have  seen  none  of  them,  however,  and  am  inclined 
to  think  that  they  disappeared  as  they  came — on  their  own  responsibility. 
June  2bth.  Jxo.  B.  Eaton. 


»,     »  »  m     .4- 


SOUTHERN     POMOLOGY. 

There  has  been  a  delay  in  publishing  the  Ad-interim  Report  of  the  Georgia 
Pomological  Society,  which  we  copy  below,  and  shortly  we  shall  insert  the 
report  of  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Societ}',  kindly  forwarded  by  the  able 
secretary  Mr.  W.  N.  White.  It  gives  us  pleasure  to  see  that  Mr.  Berck- 
mans  has  been  elected  to  the  office  of  its  President.  No  other  man  could 
fill  the  chair  so  well. 

SOUTHERN    FRUrr.    REPORT    OF    AD-INTERIM    COMMITTEE    OF    POMOLOGICAL 

SOCIETY    OF    GEORGIA. 

Hon.  Mark  A.  Cooper,  President  :  Dear  Sir — The  Committee  ad-interim 
of  the  Pomological  Society  of  Georgia,  would  further  report  that  the  following 
Fruits  have  been  submitted  to  them  for  examination  : 

Apples — Ellijay — Fruit  large,  rather  oblong,  somcM^hat  irregular,  skin 
smooth,  lemon  yellow,  with  patches  of  greenish  russet,  sprinkled  with  small 
black  dots,  often  with  a  bright  blush  in  the  sun,  calyx  closed  (?)  in  a  rather 
shallow  basin,  stalk  short,  in  a  narrow  cavity,  core  large,  seeds  light  brown. 
Flesh  white,  fine  grained,  tender,  of  mild  sub-acid,  second  rate  flavor. 
From  J.  Van  Buren,  Clarksville,  Ga.     December. 

Southern  Golden  Pippin. — Fruit  medium,  oblate,  skin  yellow,  brownish 
yellow  in  the  sun,  spinkled  with  russet  flecks  and  dots,  calyx  open  in  a  very 
shallow  basin,  stalk  very  short,  in  a  broad  russetted  cavity,  core  medium, 
seeds  dark  brown.  Flesh  yellowish,  firm,  with  a  peculiar  slightlj''  ac-id 
flavor,  good.     November  to  April.     From  Mr.  Van  Buren. 

Pound  Cake. — Fruit  large,  oblate,  inclining  to  conic,  flattened  at  the 
base,  skin  dull  yellow,  pretty  much  covered  with  patches  of  greenish  russet, 
calj'x  small,  open  in  a  small  regular  basin,  stalk  stout,  very  short,  in  a 
broad,  sliallow  cavity.  Flesh  nearly  white,  firm,  of  a  rich,  lively  acid 
flavor.     Very  good.     From  Mr.  Van  Buren.     November  and  December. 

Wattagah. — ^Rather  large,  roundish  oval,  narrowing  to  the  eye,  skin 
light  yellow,  russet  at  the  base,  nearly  covered  with  very  dark  crimson, 
calyx  large,  nearly  open  in  a  shallow,  ribbed  basin,  stalk  short,  in  a  broad 
shallow  cavit}',  seeds  light  brown.  Flesh  white,  crisp,  juicy  of  a  brisk 
rich  acid  flavor.  Very  good.  December  and  January.  From  Mr.  Van 
Buren. 

'ettegesJcee. — Fruit    medium    or    less,    form    regular,    oblate,    taper 


N.  S.  :   Vol.  VIII.— October,  1858.  30 


slightly  to  the  eye  ;  skin  light  yellow,  with  a  few  dark  dots  and  specks, 
sometimes  a  little  russetted  about  the  stem  ;  calyx  open  in  a  shallow  basin, 
stalk  slender,  in  a  broad  shallow  cavity,  seeds  dark  brown.  Flesh  j'el- 
lowish  white,  crisp,  juic}^  pleasant,  brisk  acid.     Very  good. 

Logan-Berry. — Fruit  large,  ovate,  somewhat  onesided  and  slightly 
ribbed  ;  skin  yellow,  a  little  russetted,  with  a  brownish  cheek,  sprinkled 
with  crimson  dots  ;  calyx  large,  open  in  a  medium  basin,  stalk  short,  in  a 
rather  narrow,  irregular  cavity.  Flesh  yellowish,  juicy,  crisp  and  a 
pleasant  sub-acid  flavor.     December.     From  Mr.  Van  Buren. 

Santouchee  or  Panther.— Yvxni  large,  oblique,  inclining  to  conic,  some- 
times oblate  ;  skin  smooth,  pale  yellow,  sprinkled  with  a  few  brown  dots  ; 
and  somewhat  marked  with  patches  of  greenish  russet ;  calyx  large,  open 
in  a  narrow  basin,  stem  slender,  in  a  deep  narrow  cavity.  Flesh  white, 
tender,  with  a  peculiar  but  rather  pleasant  sub-acid  flavor  ;  seeds  light 
brown  ;  quality  good.     November  and  December.     From  Mr.  Van  Buren. 

DucJcett^  Equinetely^  Berry,  Bachelor.,  31avericlc's  Sioeet,  CamaJc's  Siceet, 
Berry,  CuUasaga  and  JSficJcajaaJc,  were  also  received,  with  the  above,  from 
Mr.  Van  Buren.  They  are  among  the  very  choicest  of  our  Southern  varie- 
ties, but  as  they  are  already  described  in  the  new  edition  of  Downing's 
Fruits,  a  description  by  the  Committee  is  unnecessary.  Some  of  the  apples 
sent  us  by  Mr.  Van  Buren,  he  informs  us,  were  obtained  from  Mr.  S. 
McDowell,  of  Franklin  Co.,  N.  C.  We  should  be  glad  if  M.  Van  Buren 
would  give  the  public  the  history  and  origin  of  each  of  the  above,  and 
indeed  all  our  best  Southern  Apples,  as  he  is  the  only  person  living  that 
can  fully  supply  the  desired  information. 

Thimnond. — Fruit  small,  oblique,  flattened  ;  skin  yellow,  washed  with 
red  in  the  sun,  sprinkled  sparsely  with  large  dots  ;  stalk  small,  rather 
short,  inserted  in  a  narrow  regular  cavity  ;  calyx  large,  closed  in  a  broad 
corrugated  basin.  Flesh  yellowish,  firm,  moderately  juicy,  mild  sub-acid  ; 
good.     January  and  February.     From  Peters,  Hardin  &  Co.,  Atlanta. 

Forsyth  Seedling. — Fruit  medium  or  large,  oblate,  inclining  to  conic, 
somewhat  oblique  ;  skin  of  the  specimen  received,  except  the  cavity, 
entirely  overspread  with  bright  crimson,  sprinkled  sparsely  with  large  white 
dots  ;  stalk  small,  short,  in  a  narrow  russetted  cavity  ;  calyx  medium, 
partly  closed  in  a  shallow  basin.  Flesh  nearly  white,  tender,  with  a  nearly 
sweet  aromatic  flavor.  Very  good.  January  and  February.  From  Peters, 
Hardin  &  Co. 

Green  CraiiJc. — Fruit  large  oblate,  scarcely  oblique,  inclining  to  conic, 
flattened  at  the  base  ;  skin  greenish  yellow,  dotted  and  partly  overspread 
with  greenish  russet;  stalk  small,  short,  curved,  in  a  broad  shallow 
russetted  cavity  ;  calyx  closed  in  a  small  regular  basin.  Flesh  white, 
crisp,  abounding  in  a  lively  acid  juice.  Very  good.  December  to  March, 
From  Peters,  Hardin  &  Co.  This  and  the  preceding  are  excellent  apples, 
and  the  last  is  particularly  stated  to  be  a  productive  variety. 

Said  to  be  the  same  as  Kentucky  Streak. 

Bradford's  Best.—Fvmi  rather  large,  oblong,  slightly  conic,  somewhat 
oblique,  obscurely  ribbed  ;  skin  dull  greenish  yellow,  striped  with  dull 
red,  sprinkled  with  black  dots  ;  stalk  short,  in  a  deep  narrow  russetted 
cavity  ;  calyx  closed  in  an  abrupt  basin  ;  core  large.  Flesh  white,  tender, 
moderately  juicy,  with  a  pleasant  sub-acid  flavor,  sometimes  mealy  when 
over  ripe,  but  in  its  best  state  very  good.  From  Peters,  Hardin  &  Co. 
This  apple  we   learn  has   been  grown  successfully  the  last  twenty-seven 


ANDROMEDA   AEBOEEA. 

years,  near  Memphis,  Tcnn.  The  tree  is  upright,  vigorous  and  productive. 
The  fruit  has  been  kept  at  Memphis,  until  near  April,  and  is  there  consi- 
dered the  best  winter  variety.     At  Atlanta  it  also  promises  well. 

English  Grab. — Fruit  small,  flattened,  oblique  ;  skin  yellow,  nearly  over- 
spread with  dark  red,  sprinkled  with  large  whitish  specks  and  small  black 
dots,  stem  medium,  curved  in  a  medium  sized  cavity,  calyx  large,  open  in 
a  shallow  basin.  Flesh  deep  yellow,  tender,  witli  a  very  mild  sub-acid 
flavor,  very  good.     January.     From  Peters,  Hardin  &  Co. 

From  the  same  parties  also  were  received  the  Shocklcy,  which  is  the 
best  keeper  we  have,  lasting  without  trouble  until  a  new  crop  of  early  fruit 
ripens,  and  the  Limber  Twig  nearly  as  fine  a  keeper  ;  both  of  these  are 
descrilDcd  in  Downing. 

Of  the  apples  above  described,  we  believe  that  if  suflSciently  productive, 
Wattaga,  Logan-Berry,  Pound  Cake,  Green  Crank,  Forsyth  Seedling  and 
Bradford's  Best  are  worthy  of  general  cultivation. 

Cherries. — De  Kalb  Cherry. —  A  fine  sprightly,  very  earlj'  variety  of  the 
Duke  Class,  which  we  believe  entirely  identical  with  the  May  Cherry  of  this 
place.  The  latter  was  raised  from  seed,  brought  by  Hon.  W.  H.  Crawford, 
from  Paris.  It  is  a  late  blooming  variety  and  hence  of  ten  succeeds,  as  in 
1857,  when  others  fail  of  a  crop.  Begins  to  ripen  with  May.  This  should 
be  in  every  fruit  garden.    From  Peters,  Hardin  &  Co. 

Bigarreau  Cherry,  as  described  in  Downing  ;  of  this  fine  specimens  were 
received.  May  31,  from  J.  Van  Buren. 

Fine  specimens  of  the  Elton,  Gov.  Wood  and  Holland  Bigarreau  have 
been  grown  here,  but  the  trees  are  generally  short  lived,  and  the  birds  get 
most  of  the  fruit.  Reine  Hortense,  Kentish,  May  Duke  and  Plumstone 
Morello  do  better  ;  but  the  common  small  Morello  succeeds  better  than  any 
other  variety. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Wm.  N.  White,  Chm'n. 

Athens,  July  1st,  1858. 


ANDROMEDA    ARBOREA. 

BY  ALAN  W.  CORSON,  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY,  PA. 

I  RECENTLY  fouud  scveral  Sorrel  trees  {Andromeda  Arborea)  growing 
upon  a  steep  hill,  which  I  estimated  at  about  500  feet  in  height,  on  the 
south  side  of  the  Ohio  river,  opposite  the  city  of  Portsmouth.  The  greater 
part  of  the  trees  were  from  ten  to  twenty  feet  in  height  and  rather  slender, 
of  very  luxuriant  growth,  and  several  in  full  flower.  The  range  of  the  hill 
is  parallel  to  the  river,  its  top  a  narrow  ridge,  in  some  places  but  a  few  feet 
in  width,  very  steep  on  the  side  next  the  river,  probably  not  varying  more 
than  30°  from  perpendicular  for  half  the  height  nearest  the  top,  the  soil 
apparently  very  dry,  the  rock  where  it  appears  being  fine-grained,  light- 
colored,  and  apparently  sedimentary.  The  trees  that  were  seen  grew  on 
the  north  side  of  the  hill,  near  to  the  top  (no  examination  being  made 
further  down)  ;  probably  15  were  observed  in  100  yards  distance.  The 
latitude  of  the  place  is  38°  40',  or  thereabout,  and  their  growing  naturally 
there  at  such  elevation  and  exposure  to  the  north,  with  only  the  shelter  of 
and  other  deciduous  trees  of  rather  small  size,  and  so  thinly  scattered 


'A, 


PLAN    OF    HUNTING    PARK. 

as  to  aflford  but  slight  protection,  would  seBm  to  render  it  probable  that  it 
may  be  cultivated  in  many  situations,  probably  up  to  42°  of  north  latitude, 
with  little  risk  of  its  suffering  from  the  severity  of  the  cold.  As  a  small 
ornamental  tree,  it  is  very  beautiful  when  in  leaf  only,  and  when  in  flower 
it  is  scarcely  surpassed  by  any  shrub  or  small  tree  in  cultivation  within  the 
latitudes  mentioned.  I  am  aware  that  there  is  one,  and  perhaps  more  fine 
trees  of  this  species  at  the  Bartram  garden,  near  Philadelphia,  but  it  occa- 
sioned some  surprise  to  find  those  in  the  situation  mentioned  above,  and  I 
forward  this  notice  in  hope  that  the  attention  of  cultivators  and  amateurs 
may  be  turned  to  its  propagation  and  culture,  as  a  beautiful  shrub  or  small 
tree. 


PLAN    OF    HUNTING    PARK, 

BETWEEN  THE  BUILT  PART  OF  PHILADELPHIA  AND  GERJIANTOWN. 
BY    WILLIAM    SAUNDERS,    SUPERINTENDENT. 

To  J.  Jay  Smith,  Esq., — In  fulfilment  of  a  promise  made  you  some  time  ago, 
I  now  hand  you  the  design  for  the  improvement  of  the  Hunting  Park,  of 
Philadelphia,  submitted  by  me  in  the  fall  of  1856.  In  order  that  the  ap- 
propriateness of  the  design  may  be  better  understood,  I  will  briefly  describe 
the  ground: 

Hunting  Park  is  about  forty-six  acres  in  extent,  of  an  awkward,  irregular 
outline;  surface  so  flat  that  the  level  does  not  vary  more  than  six  feet 
throughout  the  whole  extent;  and,  with  the  exception  of  about  a  dozen 
large  hickories  and  oaks,  was  wholly  destitute  of  trees  or  bushes,  and  so 
low,  with  reference  to  the  surrounding  country,  that  no  distant  views  are 
obtained. 

I  have  purposely  omitted  all  references  in  the  plan,  and  I  may  further 
add  that  the  present  engraving'  has  been  executed  from  a  very  imperfect 
photograph,  which  accounts  for  the  indistinctness  of  many  of  the  points, 
more  particularly  the  entrance-gates,  keepers'  house,  pavilions,  summer 
house,  fountains,  &c.  I  have  also  materially  abridged  the  description  which 
accompanied  the  design,  as  it  would  be  too  lengthy  for  your  pages. 

W.  S. 
Plan  of  Hunting  Park. 

"  To  ascertain  principles  of  action,  it  is  necessary  first  to  consider  the 
end  in  view." 

The  object  of  a  city  park  is  chiefly  to  afford  the  inhabitants  means  and 
facilities  for  healthful  recreation.  It  should,  therefore,  be  provided  with 
ample  shaded  walks,  rendered  interesting  by  the  arrangement  of  natural 
scenery,  and  such  works  of  art  as  are  in  keeping  with  the  locality. 

This'^park,  commanding  no  distant  views,  and  not  having  within  itself  any 
striking  features,  it  is  evident  that  "variety  and  interest"  must  be  accom- 
plished wholly  by  the  grouping  of  trees  and  shrubbery.  Bold  or  striking 
architectural  features,  while  they  are  unnecessary,  would  also  be  out  of 
keeping  with  the  situation.  All  necessary  buildings  should,  therefore,  be 
simple  and  expressive  in  design,  altogether  free  from  any  approach  to  osten- 
tatious display. 

Hunting  Park  is  too  limited  in  extent  for  the  formation  of  a  disti 
Arboretum."     This  is  not,  however,  much  to  be  regretted,  as  the  plantin 


may  be  so  varied  as  to  embrace  all  hardy  and  useful  trees;  the  same  reason 
may  be  adduced  in  reference  to  a  "  Botanical  Garden."  Indeed,  under  any 
circumstances,  it  is  questionable  whether  a  garden  of  this  description  is 
fitted  for  a  public  park,  under  city  government.  These  institutions,  to  be  of 
real  usefulness,  must  be  accompanied  with  lectures  on  botany,  &c.,  con- 
trolled by  an  efficient  professional  government.  A  mere  botanical  collection 
of  plants,  without  these  applied  accessories,  would  be  about  as  instructive 
to  botanical  students  as  a  mere  display  of  chemical  apparatus  would  tend  to 
the  study  of  applied  chemistry. 

I  have  not  adhered  strictly  to  any  particular  8tyle  of  landscape  archi- 
tecture. The  geometric  has  been  maintained  so  far  as  to  embody  a  straight 
broad  avenue,  leading  to  a  central  feature.  There  is,  perhaps,  no  style  of 
planting  so  well  adapted  for  city  parks  as  that  which  secures  a  sufficiency 
of  broad  promenades.  In  small  pleasure  grounds,  intricacy  and  variety  is 
secured  by  planting  thick  masses  of  shrubbery.  For  various  reasons,  dense 
masses  of  growth  and  thickets  are  not  desirable  in  a  public  park.  This 
plan  may  be  classed  as  a  near  approach  to  what  Downing  happily  termed 
the  "  Graceful,"  and  Loudon  the  "  Gardenesque  "  style  of  landscape  garden- 
ing, as  distinguished  from  the  "Picturesque;"  but  no  exact  line  of  defini- 
tion can  be  drawn  between  the  two  modes  of  planting.  While,  therefore, 
every  opportunity  will  be  taken  to  show  the  full  development  of  individual 
trees,  the  effects  produced  by  combination  in  irregular  groupings,  and  the 
assemblage  of  variously  formed  and  colored  foliage  will  also  be  secured. 
To  the  citizen  contemplating  landscape  improvements,  and  to  all  desirous  of 
studying  the  various  forms  and  habits  of  trees,  either  as  individual  speci- 
mens for  particular  purposes,  or  the  various  combinations  which  they  form 
in  connection,  this  would  be  a  place  of  useful  and  interesting  resort.  To 
further  this  object,  as  well  as  to  excite  general  interest  in  trees,  I  propose 
that  specimens  of  all  hardy  trees  and  shrubs,  native  and  foreign,  be  appro- 
priately introduced,  so  that  the  whole  Park  may  be  looked  upon  as  serving 
the  purpose  of  an  arboretum;  one,  too,  of  a  most  useful  character,  and  much 
more  interesting  than  arboretums  usually  are.  In  my  detailed  plans  and 
lists  of  trees  for  planting,  I  have  kept  this  feature  of  a  complete  arboretum 
constantly  and  prominently  in  view. 

I  have  not  attempted  to  produce  intricacy  by  an  arrangement  of  tortuous 
or  abrupt  curving  walks,  but  the  various  groups  will  be  planted  sufficiently 
thick,  and  intermixed  with  appropriate  undergrowing  plants,  so  as  to  pro- 
duce a  fresh  change  of  scenery  at  every  step,  and  thus  avoid  tameness  of 
expression. 

In  planting  parks  of  this  description,  the  all-important  object  of  shade 
must  to  a  certain  extent  modify  any  style  that  may  be  adopted.  I  have 
shaded  the  roads  and  walks  almost  continuously  on  the  south  and  west 
sides,  taking  every  advantage  to  prevent  monotony  in  the  planting.  The 
smaller  walks  are  shaded  with  the  Norway,  sycamore  and  sugar  maples, 
horse  chestnuts,  Lindens,  and  similar  round-headed  trees,  and  where  one 
variety  of  tree  is  commenced  on  a  continuous  line,  it  should  be  continued 
until  a  change  of  scenery  or  branching  of  the  walks  gives  a  reason  for 
changing  the  character  of  the  trees.  The  same  general  principle  should  also 
characterize  the  groupings. 

At  various  points  where  walks  cross   or  take  a  similar  course  near  each 
other,  masses  of  low  growing  shrubbery  have  been  introduced.      Thes 
should  be  planted  rather  thickl}'-,  in  ground  previously  well  trenched 


manured,  so  that  a  mixture  of  luxuriant  foliage  may  be  produced.  If  called 
upon,  I  will  submit  my  ideas  as  to  the  individual  arrangement  necessary  to 
produce  the  best  effects  in  this  species  of  planting. 

The  straight  entrance  avenue  is  40  feet  wide;  on  each  side, in  the  centre 
of  a  border  of  grass  10  feet  in  width,  is  a  row  of  the  tulip  tree  {Liriodeyidron 
tidipifera).  This  tree  is  selected  for  this  position  on  account  of  its  peculiar 
fitness.  It  forms  a  tree  of  majestic  proportions;  trunk  straight  and  columnar; 
foliage  large,  ample,  and  of  rich  green  color;  healthy,  and  free  from  the 
attacks  of  insects.  It  is  also  peculiarly  American  in  its  general  character, 
and  distinct  from  any  other  tree.  Parallel  to  tlie  tulip  tree,  is  shown  a  row 
of  the  Red  Maple  {Acer  Muhrimi),  selected  on  account  of  its  various-colored 
foliage  at  various  seasons — in  spring  full  of  scarlet  flowers;  foliage  rich 
green  during  summer,  changing  to  a  bright  scarlet  color  in  the  fall,  in 
beautiful  contrast  with  the  yellowish  color  of  the  tulip  at  that  season. 
These  trees  are  both  of  average  rapidity  of  growth. 

A  carriage  drive,  30  feet  wide,  courses  round  the  park.  These  roads 
all  meet  at  the  centre.  The  central  portion  may  be  reserved  for  a  fountain, 
encircled  with  weeping  willows,  whose  drooping  branches  will  enter  into 
pleasing  contrast  with  the  pointed  growth  of  the  tulip  trees,  which  will  be 
continued  on  the  outside  of  the  oval  broad  carriage  way. 

The  space  included  between  the  carriage  road  and  the  boundary  line  of 
the  park  is  to  be  wholly  planted  with  evergreen  trees.  The  evergreen 
planting  will,  at  certain  marked  points,  extend  further  into  the  interior  of 
the  park,  but  they  are  in  connection  Avith  the  marginal  plantings,  and  kept 
as  a  distinct  feature  from  the  deciduous  trees;  on  no  account  are  they  to  be 
extensively  intermixed,  l)ut  blended  into  each  other  by  trees  of  intermediate 
character,  as  the  Carolina  Cypress  and  larches;  this  will  produce  a  pleasing 
effect  during  winter,  when  the  deciduous  trees  are  leafless:  shelter  the 
grounds  from  the  rude  blasts  of  early  spring,  and  impart  an  "  expression  " 
which  is  never  attained  by  an  indiscriminate  mixture  of  deciduous  and  ever- 
green trees. 

A  few  of  the  more  important  effects  to  be  realized  may  now  be  noticed 
or  recapitulated  : 

1.  To  form  distinct  groups  of  the  various  species  of  trees  and  their 
vai'ieties,  such  as  the  oaks,  ashes,  maples,  &c.,  and  arranging  them  with 
reference  to  their  habit  of  growth,  so  that  the  individual  groups  may  form 
distinct  compositions. 

2.  Planting  evergreens  with  a  view  of  forming  a  distinct  winter  scenery, 
principally  effected  by  keeping  them  apart  from  deciduous  trees,  and  arrang- 
ing them  with  reference  to  growth  and  color  of  foliage. 

3.  Gradually  to  blend  the  evergreen  and  deciduous  plantings  into  a  pleas- 
ing connection,  by  using  trees  partaking  of  the  conical  form  of  the  former, 
as  the  larch,  and  meeting  them  with  single  specimens  of  handsome  trees  of 
both  kinds,  such  as  the  hemlock  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  Norway  maple  on 
the  other. 

4.  Placing  trees  of  rare  character  so  that  they  will  be  conspicuous  and 
command  attention,  by  planting  them  in  isolated  positions  where  they  can 
readily  be  inspected  from  the  walks. 

6.  Planting  with  reference  to  the  development  of  individual  as  well  as 
combined  beauty  ;  the  former  by  placing  single  specimens  in  prominent 
situations,  the  latter  by  contrasting  foliage  alone,  or  the  general  outline  and 
habit  of  growth. 


WILSON'S    ALBANY    SEEDLING    STRAWBEREY. 

6.  Giving-  depth  to  limited  views,  by  formin,£^  curving  outlines,  and  plant- 
ing the  convexities  with  trees  of  light  colored  foliage,  and  the  recesses  with 
heavy,  or  dark  foliage,  as  the  horse  chesnut  and  purple  beech. 

7.  Preserving  a  pleasing  sky  outline  to  all  distinct  groups,  by  introduc- 
ing into  the  centre  such  as  the  Lorabardy  poplar,  and  filling  up  the  margins 
by  suitable  undergrowth. 

8.  With  reference  to  producing  effect  from  the  coloring  of  foliage  in 
autumn,  principally  the  dogwood,  oaks,  hickories,  sweet  and  sour  gums, 
sassafras,  maples  and  tulip  trees. 

9.  To  plant  the  outlines  of  various  groups  with  early  spring  flowering 
trees,  in  order  to  produce  a  cheerful  effect,  such  plants  as  the  Judas  tree, 
dogwood,  chionanthus,  flowering  thorns,  laburnum,  magnolias,  &c. 

10.  To  imitate  the  pleasing  variety  of  stems  in  natural  scener}'-,  by  plant- 
ing at  irregular  distances  apart,  some  quite  close,  to  form  an  appearance  of 
two  or  more  stems  proceeding  from  one  root;  a  pleasing  variety  will  follow 
such  treatment. 

Lastly. — To  preserve  the  frequent  occurrence  of  open  lawns,  in  order  to 
relieve  and  heighten  the  effect  of  the  plantings  ;  neglect  of  this  will  destroy 
all  that  the  plan  proposes  to  accomplish. 

[Mr.  Saunders  has  most  successfully  treated  this  level  spot,  having  been 
selected  to  lay  it  out  by  the  councils  of  Philadelphia,  and  having  the  charge 
of  the  entire  details.  He  gives  in  the  above  paper  very  satisfactory  reasons 
for  what  he  has  done;  a  few  years  will  show  that  ho  has  done  it  judiciously 
and  artistically.  Comparatively  this  is  a  small  park.  It  was  presented  by 
a  few  gentlemen  to  Phihadelphia,  and  will  become  a  model  for  grounds 
of  similar  character.  Parks  are  to  be  great  features  of  the  neighborhoods  of 
our  cities  and  towns,  and  here  is  one  of  the  best  examples  of  planting  to 
follow. — JEcl.'] 

►.  »  9  »  <t — — — — — 

WILSON'S  ALBANY  SEEDLING   STRAWBERRY. 

BY    DR.    G.    W.    RUSSELL,     HARTFORD,    CONN. 

The  strawberry  season  being  past,  it  is  well  to  compare  notes,  and  give 
our  experience  with  the  new  varieties.  Here  is  mine  with  the  Wilson's 
Albany.  In  August,  1856,  the  plants  were  put  about  twelve  inches  apart, 
and  in  rows  eighteen  inches  apart.  In  August,  1857,  four  more  rows  were 
set,  making  the  whole  plot  bearing  fruit,  as  measured  the  other  day,  eight- 
een by  twenty  feet.  From  this  plot  there  were  gathered,  between  June  17 
and  July  10,  seventy-four  (74)  quai'ts,  measured,  and  from  eight  to  twelve 
quarts,  estimated,  decayed  in  consequence  of  the  rain.  The  greatest  amount 
picked  in  one  day,  June  26th,  was  twelve  quarts,  and  probably  four  more 
might  have  been  gathered,  as  the  whole  bed  was  not  gone  over. 

The  berries  were  large,  of  a  fine  dark  red  color,  firm  and  solid.  A  sec- 
tion of  the  fruit  shows  a  solid  mass  of  flesh,  juicy  and  well-flavored.  They 
will  weigh  more,  measure  for  measure,  than  most  other  varieties  with 
which  I  am  acquainted.  As  regards  the  quality,  it  is  very  good,  and  I 
should  rank  it  higher  than  did  the  late  Fruit  Growers'  Society,  at  Rochester. 
In  1857,  I  thought  the  fruit  was  ratlier  acid,  but  this  j'ear  it  was  less  so. 
It  is  very  productive,  according  to  my  experience,  and  promises  to  take  a 
high  rank  amongst  the  new  varieties. 

admit  that  tlie  rows  were  too  near  together,  and  the  plants  too  crow 


but,  by  care,  the  berries  were  well  exposed  to  the  sun,  and  were  well 
colored. 

In  November,  I  covered  well  with  horse-manure  and  litter,  taking'  care, 
however,  not  to  bury  the  plants.  In  the  spring-,  if  any  of  them  did  not 
readily  make  their  appearance  the  straw  was  pushed  aside,  and  a  chance 
given  them  to  show  their  heads.  The  manure  and  straw  was  not  raked  off. 
When  the  grass  about  the  garden  was  cut,  it  was  placed  between  the  rows, 
making  a  complete  covering  for  the  ground,  a  fine  mulch,  and  a  nice,  clean 
bed  for  the  berries.  Perhaps  this  variety  needs  mulching,  to  keep  the  fruit 
clean,  for  the  fruit-stalks  are  not  always  long,  and  are  generally  bent  down 
with  the  weight  of  the  fruit. 

Since  the  gathering  of  the  fruit,  I  have  dug  about  three  or  four  inches  in 
depth  between  the  rows,  the  straw  and  grass  being  sufficiently  decaj'ed, 
and  some  of  the  old  leaves  and  all  the  runners  having-  been  previously 
removed.  I  have  now  thoroughly  mulched  the  ground  again  with  grass, 
shall  keep  the  runners  cut,  and  in  November  shall  treat  as  before. 

The  ground  was  thoroughly  turned  over  in  May,  1856,  to  the  full  depth 
of  the  spade,  and  '?oe^^  manured.  Before  putting  out  the  plants  in  August, 
it  was  again  spaded.  The  plants  had  a  good  dressing  with  wood-ashes  last 
year,  and  will  get  another  iu  about  two  weeks. 

The  time  and  labor  spent  upon  this  small  plot  was  considerable,  but  was 
well  repaid. 


AROUND    CINCINNATI,     OHIO. 

Mount  Welcome,  August  6,  1858. 

J.  Jay  Smith,  Esq.  : — As  you  are  fond  of  giving  good  information  to 
your  horticultural  readers,  and  extend  to  us  a  great  deal  that  is  excellent, 
perhaps  you  would  be  willing  to  take  a  little  in  return,  especially  when  it 
comes  from  an  old  friend.  I  always  read  your  visits  to  country  places  with 
interest.  I  like  to  know  what  is  going  on  around  our  larger  cities,  and  to 
hear  of  the  circulation  of  the  wealth  amassed  by  commerce  into  the  rural 
districts.  The  embellishment  of  our  noble  country,  by  the  hand  of  taste, 
has  been  too  long  delayed,  and  now  that  it  has  been  commenced  with  such 
encouraging  prospects,  I  feel  grateful  to  those  who,  like  Downing  and  your- 
self, have  zealously  urged  on  and  directed  the  spirit  of  improvement. 

We  are  doing  something  here,  around  Cincinnati  in  the  way  of  rural 
embellishment,  and  the  suggestion  I  sat  down  to  make  is,  that  you  make  a 
visit  to  the  Queen  City  of  the  West.  We  have  some  reputation  abroad  of 
the  rapid  growth  of  our  population,  and  as  a  mart  for  some  of  the  great 
staples  of  agriculture.  The  flavor  of  our  hams  and  the  fame  of  our  Sparkling 
and  Dry  Catawba  are  understood  abroad,  but  it  is  not  so  well  known  that 
our  neighborhood  abounds  in  the  most  attractive  and  romantic  rural  scenerj'. 
We  have  a  delightful  country  about  us — a  region  of  hill  and  dale,  of  amazing- 
fertility  ;  and,  now  that  the  great  forests  have  been  opened,  and  the  lovely 
valleys  exposed  to  the  eye,  with  their  broad  fields  of  wheat,  and  corn,  and 
grass,  the  tasteful  visitor  will  find  landscapes  here  of  unsurpassed  beauty. 

Within  a  few  years  past,  the  desire  for   country  residences   has  become 
quite  prevalent  among  our  citizens,  and  many  a  delightful  villa  has  grown 
up  in  consequence.     Some  occupy  them  during  the  whole  year,  ridin 
and  out  to  their  business,  morning  and  evening,  and  finding  both  health 


domestic  comfort  from  the  arrangement ;  while  others  go  to  the  country 
only  in  the  summer,  and  return  in  the  winter  to  the  enjoyment  of  coal-dust 
and  evening  parties.  The  country  has  thus  become  highly  improved  for 
several  miles  in  every  direction,  and  there  can  now  scarcely  be  found  a 
city  in  our  land  so  surrounded  by  beautiful  rides  and  embellished  rural 
scenery. 

A-Ve  owe  much  of  this  taste  to  our  Horticultural  Society,  which  has  been 
conducted  with  great  zeal,  and  embraces  among  its  members  a  great  deal 
of  practical  knowledge,  and  no  small  amount  of  science  and  taste  ;  and 
quite  as  much  do  we  owe  to  the  example,  writings  and  liberal  expenditures 
of  our  venerable  and  excellent  citizen,  Nicholas  Longworth. 

If  you  will  ride  with  me  to  Walnut  Hills,  I  will  show  you  some  places 
worth  looking  at,  and  from  the  river  hills  some  noble  views  ;  and  here  are 
some  of  the  nurseries  from  which  our  suburban  cottages  are  becoming 
embowered  with  shrubs  and  flowers.  Then  I  would  take  you  to  Clifton, 
which  we  think  quite  equal  to  anything  of  the  kind  anywhere.  This  is  a 
suburban  district,  commencing  just  beyond  the  streets  after  you  rise  the 
hills  out  of  the  city,  and  embraces  a  most  beautiful  drive  of  several  miles, 
over  a  charming  country,  ornamented  by  noble  country-seats.  Here  is  your 
correspondent,  Robert  Buchanan,  on  a  splendid  hill,  with  a  fine  prospect 
and  a  successful  vineyard,  of  which  you  have  heard,  and  from  which  we 
have  all  tasted  such  choice  Dry  Catawba  wine.  He  would  like  to  take  by 
the  hand  such  a  man  as  yourself. 

The  residence  of  R.  B.  Bowler  is  a  magnificent  affair.  Here  the  hill  over- 
looks a  broad  valley,  studded  with  cultivated  fields,  villas  and  various 
beauty-spots.  The  house  is  on  a  grand  scale,  furnished  and  surrounded 
with  a  lavish  expenditure,  and  the  whole  establishment  is  princely.  Not 
less  beautiful  as  to  locality,  but  of  far  less  pretension,  is  the  more  humble 
residence  of  Bishop  M'Hvaine,  combining  good  taste  and  comfort.  Tlie  fine 
mansion  of  Griflin  Taylor,  Esq.,  is  beautifully  surrounded,  and  commands  a 
noble  prospect ;  and  the  excellent  man  and  eminent  jurist,  Mr.  Justice 
M'Lean,  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  with  his  admirable  lady, 
has  a  fine  spacious  house  here,  on  a  commanding  eminence. 

You  will  find  me  in  a  different  locality,  not  less  attractive  by  nature,  but, 
as  yet,  wholly  unembellished  by  the  hand  of  wealth — perched  on  the  brow 
of  a  hill,  overlooking  the  picturesque  valley  of  the  Little  Miami.  Nature 
has  here  spread,  with  a  lavish  hand,  her  most  bounteous  gifts,  and  you 
might  travel  far  without  finding  a  valley  so  richly  adorned,  through  its 
whole  length,  with  romantic  scenery,  rich  verdure  and  gigantic  natural 
productions.  It  is  traversed  by  a  railroad,  whose  directors  are  so  squeam- 
ish as  not  to  authorize  the  slaughter  or  maiming  of  human  beings,  and 
whose  trains  enjoy  the  distinction  of  being,  so  far,  guiltless  of  the  blood  of 
mankind.  I  have  a  snug  cottage  here,  to  which  no  one  would  be  more 
cordially  welcome  than  the  editor  of  the  Horticulturist.  We  are  half  a  mile 
from  Loveland,  where  the  Little  Miami  Railroad  has  a  station,  and  where 
the  Marietta  and  Cincinnati  Railroad  connects  with  the  former  road.  You 
can  get  to  us  over  the  Pennsylvania  Central,  or  over  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio 
Railroad,  and  will  be  sure  of  safe  and  agreeable  traveling  either  way. 

J.  H. 


STRAWBERRIES. 


STRAWBERRIES* 


The  increasing-  popularity  of  the  strawberry  warrants  the  employment  of 
every  means  to  disseminate  a  knowledge  of  the  best  kinds.  The  cultivation 
is  well  understood  ;  what  we  want  is  to  know  the  best.  At  some  expense, 
we  present  the  frontispiece  of  the  present  number,  with  a  view  of  posting 
our  readers  as  to  some  new  kinds. 

Trollope's  Victoria.,  Fig.  No.  1. — This  is  an  English  variety,  not  prolific, 
but  the  few  berries  it  produces  are  remarkable  for  size,  beauty  and  delicacy 
of  flavor.  It  is  very  distinct  in  foliage  and  fruit,  seems  perfectly  hardy  and 
is  considered  by  some  an  acquisition.  Fruit  of  largest  size,  nearly  globular  ; 
light  scarlet  or  crimson  color.  Our  specimen  is  from  Mr.  W.  Camack's 
market  garden,  Washington,  D.C.     Staminate. 

Vicomtesse  Ilericart  de  Tlmry.,  Fig.  Wo.  2. — The  portrait  of  this  fine  fruit 
is  from  a  berry  of  medium  size,  taken  from  the  garden  of  Mr.  John  Saul,  of 
Washington,  D.C,  when  the  season  was  nearly  over.  It  attains  a  greater 
size  frequently,  and  is  there  called  the  best  early  variety.  Medium  size, 
high  flavor,  bright  color,  firm  flesh,  and  very  productive.  The  foliage  not 
inclined  to  burn,  and  very  hardy.  A  French  variety.  The  objection  to  try- 
ing foreign  sorts  is  disappearing.  The  engraver  calls  this  berry  Vico^nte, 
instead  of  the  correct  name,  which  is  Vicomtesse.     Staminate. 

Princess  Hoyal,  Fig.  No.  3. — This  fruit  we  have  not  tested.  The  speci- 
men was  grown  the  past  season  on  runners  by  Mr.  Buist.  He  says  of  it  : 
"  Ingram's  Princess  Royal  Strawberry  is  pistillate,  and  the  only  pistillate 
variety  that  has  come  under  my  notice  of  European  origin.  It  is  a  great 
bearer  ;  berries  of  uniform  size,  highly  perfumed  and  richly  flavored.  It  is 
also  an  early  variety,  of  firm  flesh,  and  will  bear  carriage  well.  The  vines 
or  runners  withstand  the  effects  of  sun  or  cold  with  impunity.  It  forms  a 
very  valuable  addition  to  the  strawberry  grower,  and  if  we  were  put  down 
to  two  sorts,  they  would  be  Albany  Seedling  (Wilson's),  and  Ingram's 
Princess  Royal.     Yours  truly,  Robert  Buist." 

Wilson''s  Albany  Seedling.,  Fig.  No.  4. — This  is  one  of  the  greatest  favor- 
ites, and  is  considered  the  most  productive.  It  continues  in  bearing  a  long 
time,  and  being  dwarf  and  compact  in  its  habit  of  growth,  a  large  crop  can 
be  picked  from  a  small  plantation.  It  should  hang  on  the  vines  until  the 
fruit  assumes  a  dark  color,  being  deficient  in  flavor  when  merely  red. 
Pistillate.  "  Felten's  Improved  Albany  Seedling,"  is  of  doubtful  superiority, 
but,  it  must  be  added,  that  we  have  not  seen  it,  nor  has  it,  that  we  can 
learn,  been  exhibited. 

Fillmore.,  Fig.  No.  5. — This  fine  berry  originated  in  Baltimore,  and  will  be 
for  sale  by  S.  Feast  &  Son.  We  have  seen  only  the  specimen  sent  us  for 
the  purpose  of  engraving,  but  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  it  will  take 
rank  with  the  best,  when  known. 

Jenny'' s  Seedling.,  Fig.  No.  6. — A  very  hardy  and  strong  grower ;  good 
bearer,  later  than  most  varieties,  and  therefore  valuable  as  prolonging  the 
strawberry  season.  Jenny  Lind  is  an  early  eastern  variety  which  promises 
well,  but  must  not  be  confounded  with  the  "  Seedling."     Pistillate. 

McAvoy''s  Seedling,  Fig.  No.  7. — This  variety  has  a  great  reputation  at 
Cincinnati,  and  in  some  situations  is  an  excellent  berry.     Pistillate. 

Longioorth^s  Prolific,  Fig.  No.  8. — Opinions  differ  regarding  this  much- 
vaunted  fruit.     We  have  found  it  excellent  near  Philadelphia,  but  not  equal 

®  See  lithographed  Frontispiece. 


AMERICAN    POMOLOGICAL    SOCIETY. 

to  Wilson's  Albany  in  productiveness.  Hermaphrodite.  Being  of  a  very 
luxuriant  habit  of  g-rowth,  with  large  foliag-e,  it  must  be  cultivated  in  hills  ; 
when  crowded  in  beds  the  crop  is  always  deficient.  It  is  too  acid  for  some 
tastes. 

Hurras  JVew  Pine,  Fig.  No.  9. — This  fine  berry  is  the  acknowledged 
superior  among  strawberries  as  the  Seckel  is  among  pears.  It  thrives  well 
on  good  strong  soils,  and  for  amateurs  may  be  classed  among  the  very  best. 
The  berry  is  not  large,  nor  have  we  found  it  a  great  bearer.  The  birds  are 
pretty  good  judges,  and  have  been  observed  to  give  it  a  preference  over  all 
others.     Pistillate. 

Other  favorites  are  Hooker,  much  esteemed  ;  3Iarylandica,  according  to 
its  admirers,  without  any  rival,  and  we  must  say  a  very  superior  sort  ;  Pea- 
hody''s  Seedling,  not  equal  to  expectations,  but  cultivated  as  single  plants, 
in  hills,  rather  promising  ;  Triomphe  de  Gand,  a  showy  fruit  of  good  flavor, 
bright  color,  firm  flesh,  good  bearer  and  very  hardy  ;  K%tley''s  Goliath.,  one 
of  the  best  for  the  south  ;  Alice  Maud,  good  flavor,  but  excelled  by  Vicomt- 
esse  /  Compte  de  Flandre,  large,  early — but  Victoria,  a  seedling  from  it,  is 
hardier,  stronger  and  stands  the  roasting  suns  of  the  south  better,  though 
with  less  flavor. 

In  our  August  number  we  gave  the  vote  on  the  five  best  kinds  for 
amateurs  and  the  five  best  for  market,  taken  at  the  last  meeting  of  the 
Fruitgrowers'  Society  of  Western  New  York.  Our  selection  of  half  a  dozen, 
taking  all  things  into  consideration,  at  present  would  be  as  follows  :  Hooker., 
Purfs  New  Pine.,  Vicomtesse  Hericart  de  Thury,  Wilson^s  Albany  Seed- 
ling, Jenny  Lind,  Hovey''s  Seedling.  There  are  two  otlier  strawberries  of 
great  promise  which  we  wish  to  chronicle,  Jessie  Peed,  raised  by  William 
Reed,  of  Port  Dalhousie,  C.W.,  and  from  the  same  grower,  Peed''s  Grand 
Hermaphrodite,  both  of  which  promise  well  and  are  of  the  largest  size.  Ef- 
orts,  not  without  promises  of  success,  are  in  progress  to  bring  out  "perpet- 
ual "^bearers,  which  we  shall  have  something  to  say  about  hereafter. 


THE    AMEEICAN    POMOLOGICAL    SOCIETY,] 

Held  its  Seventh  Session  in  New  York,  commencing  on  the  14th  iilt,,  and  continuing  three  days. 
The  discussions,  as  usual,  were  of  great  interest,  and  will  be  published  in  the  usual  form ;  the 
only  official  portion  we  have  received  is  the  opening  address  of  the  able  President,  Col.  Wilder, 
who  was  re-elected.  The  address  is  a  forcible  appeal  in  favor  of  the  Pear,  and  will  stimulate 
the  friends  of  that  fruit  to  renewed  cultivation.  No  one  will  rejoice  more  than  ourselves  to  see 
our  markets  fully  supplied  with  this  fine  fruit.  Our  position,  that  the  dwarf  pear  is  for  the  gar- 
den and  not  for  the  orchard,  is,  we  think,  sustained  by  facts.  Mr.  Hovey,  an  able  advocate  for 
pear  culture,  agrees  in  this;  in  his  last  magazine  he  closes  an  article  on  the  subject  thus ;  "  For 
the  orchard,  the  quince  stock  is  unsuitable,  and  impatient  of  the  careless  culture  they  now  receive." 
This  is  what  we  have  contended  for  in  this  journal.  Perseverance,  after  the  warm  eulogiums 
passed  upon  the  pear,  may  be  expected.  But  as  far  as  our  knowledge  extends,  and  we  have  seen 
many  attempts  at  cultivating  on  the  quince,  the  general  opinion  regarding  that  stock  agrees 
with  our  own  and  with  Mr.  Hovey's.  On  its  own  stock,  perhaps  time  sufficient  has  not  elapsed  to 
test  the  question  ;  but  it  is  in  a  fair  way  of  being  decided  ere  long — many  oichards  having  been 
planted  out  with  a  view  to  profit. 

able  reporter  furnishes  the  following  account  of  the  proceedings'in  New  York. 


{Reported for  the  Horticulturist.) 

American  Pomological  Society.— Seventh  Session,  held  at  Mozart  Hall,  New  York 
City,  September  14,  15  and  16,  1858. 

The  fruit  which  had  arrived  was  arranged  in  a  hall  devoted  to  the  purpose,  where  it  was 
found  impossible  to  exhibit  more  than  half  the  quantity  already  received.  A  lai-ger  hall  was 
immediately  eno-aged,  and  rapidly  filled  with  splendid  specimens  of  fruit,  notwithstanding  the 
extremely  poor  season. 

Delegates  were  present  from  all  States,  and  fruit  from  fifteen. 

The  Convention  was  called  to  order  by  Mr.  President  Wilder,  at  11  A.  M.,  there  being  a  large 
number  of  the  most  intelligent  fruit  culturists  present,  Louis  E.  Berckmans  of  New  Jersey,  Dr. 
Brinckle  of  Philadelphia,  Barry  of  Kochester,  and  others. 

Delegates  handed  in  their  credentials. 

Biennial  members  renewed  membership  by  paying  fee  of  $2,  life  meiubers  $20. 

Transactions  of  1854-'56  distributed. 

Hon.  M.  P.  Wilder  then  delivered  the  Annual  Address,  with  his  accustomed  clearness. 

At  the  close  of  Mr.  Wilder's  address,  Mr.  T.  W.  Field  of  Brooklyn,  presented  the  following 
resolutions : 

R'solved,  That  the  thanks  of  the  American  Pomological  Society  be  tendered  to  the  Hon.  M. 
P.  Wilder  for  his  long  and  valuable  services  as  President  of  the  Association,  and  for  the  uni- 
form courtesy  and  impartiality  with  which  he  has  discharged  the  duties  of  his  office. 

Resolved,  That  in  view  of  his  distinguished  ability  as  a  presiding  officer,  and  his  extensive 
knowledge  as  a  Pomologist,  his  services  are  especially  desirable  in  the  chair  of  the  Society,  and 
that  his  acceptance  of  the  same  will  be  the  surest  guarantee  of  its  progress  and  prosperity. 

Carried  by  acclamation.  Mr.  Wilder  very  patiently  bore  the  additional  burden  imposed  on 
him  so  unanimously,  and  thanked  the  Convention  for  this  renewed  honor. 

Committee  on  Nominations  retired. 

Convention  adjouraed  to  meet  in  half  an  hour. 

2  P.  M. — Society  convened.  The  Committee  on  Nominations  handed  in  the  names  of  officers, 
which  were  accepted.  Mr.  Barry  positively  declining  to  serve  longer,  Mr.  T.  W.  Field  was 
appointed  instead,  and  unanimously  elected  to  fill  the  office. 

Officers  of  the  American  Pomological  Society,  1858. — President :  Hon.  Marshall 
P.  Wilder,  of  Massachusetts.  Vice  Presidents  :  S.  L.  Goodale,  Maine ;  H.  J.  French,  New 
Hampshire ;  Samuel  Walker,  Massachusetts  ;  Frederick  Holbrook,  Vermont ;  Stephen  H. 
Smith,  Rhode  Island;  A.  S.  Monson,  Connecticut;  Benj.  Hodge,  New  York;  Thomas  Hancock, 
New  Jersey;  Caleb  Cope,  Pennsylvania;  E.  Tatnal,  Jr.,  Delaware  ;  Ch.  B.  Calvert,  Maryland; 
Yardley  Taylor,  Virginia ;  Walter  F.  Steele,  North  Carolina;  Piobert  Chisholni,  South  Carolina; 
Eichard  Peters,  Georgia;  Jos.  S.  Moultrie,  Alabama;  Dr.  M.  W.  Phillips,  Mississippi;  Henry 
E.  Lawrence,  Louisiana;  J.  S.  Downer,  Tennessee ;  W.  Davenport,  Oregon  :  C.  B.  Lines, 
Kansas;  J.  W.  Felt,  Bayou  Sara,  La. ;  Thomas  Affleck,  Texas;  Lawrence  Young,  Kentucky; 
A.  H.  Ernst,  Ohio;  J.  G.  D.Nelson,  Indiana;  W.  D.  Haylay,  Illinois ;  N.J.  Coleman,  Mis- 
souri; Geo.  Worthin  ;  Arkansas;  B.  F.  Nourse,  Florida ;  Robert  Avery,  Iowa;  J.  C.  Brayton, 
Wisconsin;  Simpson  Thompson,  California;  Joshua  Peirce,  District  of  Columbia;  Edward 
Hunter,  Utah ;  Hugh  Allen,  Canada  East ;  James  Dougal,  Canada  West ;  Amasa  Stewart, 
Minnesota.  Secretary:  Thos.  W.  Field,  Brooklyn,  L.  I.  Treasurer:  Thomas  P.  James, 
Pennsylvania. 

The  Convention  agreed  to  meet  for  three  days  at  9  a.  m.,  and  disperse  at  5  P.  M.,  with  recess 
from  I  to  2  P.  M. 

Eeport  of  General  Fruit  Committee  being  in  order,  the  Chairman  moved  that  instead,  the 
State  Committee  Eeport  be  read  ;  these  being  in  order,  he  again  moved  that  they  be  laid  on  the 
table,  and  that  A'eto  Busiiiess  be  the  order  for  the  day. 

An  able  paper,  written  by  Louis  E.  IJerckmane,  of  N.  J.,  was  then  read  by  T.  W.  Field — 
"Fruit  Culture  from  a  general  point  of  view."  Great  calamities  have  befallen  the  cultivator 
of  fruit  in  the  way  of  insect  enemies,  blights,  &c.,  and  much  of  a  discouraging  nature  has  been 
said,  but  I  would  suggest  that  the  failure  of  our  common  crops  is  very  frequent,  yet  they  are 
still  grown  ;  so  with  tomatos  and  other  choice  vegetables.  In  France,  notwithstanding  the  severe 
loss  from  attacks  of  oidiuin,  fruit  culturists  are  not  discouraged,  and  even  now  the  vine  is  fl<iur- 
ishiug  again.  Mr.  B.  then  refers  to  the  necessity  for  close  study  of  varieties,  locations  and  treat- 
ment, attention  to  vertical  as  well  as  horizontal  latitudes.  We  should  be  most  grateful  for  the 
sunny  and  fine  climate  we  have  for  fruit.  Had  seen  in  one  exhibition  in  Boston  finer  fruit  than 
in  the  best  twenty  in  Europe,  where  so  much  more  care  and  labor  is  required.  In  the  Scnith, 
land  which  was  not  worth  five  dollars  per  acre  for  the  production  of  grain  and  other  farm 
crops,  yielding  five  hundred  to  six  hundred  dollars  worth  of  grapes. 

T.  V/.  Field  presented  and  read  a  paper  on  the  adaptation  <if  pears  to  soils  and  localities. 


l^^^'- 


showing  the  folly  of  growing  pears  indiscriminately,  and  pointing  out  the  necessity  of  giving 
Bpecial  attention  to  those  kinds  peculiarly  successful  in  a  given  place.  He  spoke  of  several 
best  varieties  having  originated  on  Loug  Island,  and  presented  paintings  of  the  Bergen,  Island, 
and  other  pears,  executed  by  Mrs.  A.  O.  Moore,  of  Orange,  N.  J. 

Both  papers  were  referred  to  Committee  on  Native  Fruits. 

The  President  read  a  letter  from  J.  J.  Thomas,  on  Fruit  Culture,  especially  pointing  to  root 
development.  Cultivators  were  not  right  in  believing  that  the  quince  root  did  not  extend  far. 
Had  examined  a  dwarf  pear  tree  with  head  two  feet  in  diameter,  and  traced  the  roots  three 
and  a  half  feet,  their  tibres  distinctly  for  half  a  foot  further,  making  a  complete  circle  eight  feet 
in  diameter.  New  grass  roots  average  one  foot  each  side  of  the  stalk,  and  in  order  to  benefit 
trees  growing  in  sod  land,  it  is  not  only  absolutely  necessary  to  dig  a  circle  of  eight  feet  where 
the  roots  actually  run,  but  two  feet  wider,  to  prevent  the  grass  from  affecting  the  tree.  Several 
other  interesting  instances  of  a  similar  character  were  cited. 

Samuel  Walker,  of  Mass.,  read  a  paper  recommending  the  society  to  revise  the  past  and  mark 
out  a  line  for  the  future.  Make  a  complete  history  of  all  fruits  of  whatever  kind  ever  grew  in 
this  country,  and  divide  the  list  into  absolutely  worthless  varieties,  and  first,  second,  and  third 
qualities.  This  would  serve  as  a  general  catalogue.  Then  make  a  local  list  for  each  peculiar 
section  of  country.  This  labor  should  bo  done  by  a  master  mind  under  the  direction  of  the 
President,  supervised  by  a  committee  of  the  best  cultivators.  Mr.  W.  instanced  the  fact  that 
there  were  six  valuable  varieties  of  apples  known  in  Ohio,  which  had  not  reached  the  hand  of 
Downing ;  how  important  then  that  this  labor  be  well  performed. 

A  Committee  of  Seven  was  ai^pointed  to  consider  the  expediency  of  adopting  Mr.  Walker's 
suggestion. 

Keports  on  rejected  varieties  called  for ;  Committee  not  ready  and  laid  over  till  last  day. 

Treasurer's  report  read,  sbowiug  $428,94  in  hand,  after  an  expenditure  of  nearly  §400. 
$170  received  at  present  session. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  7  P.  M. 


September  14.     Evening  Session  at  7,  p.m. 
Subject  for  discussion,  "  Pear  culture,  mulch- 
Mulching  had  always  proved  of  no  value,  but 


The  President  called  the  Convention  to  order, 
ing' '  &c.     The  president  called  on  T.  W.  Field. 

rather  injurious.  I  have  found  that  the  mulch  dries  out  in  summer  when  most  needed,  so  as  to 
be  of  little  value,  and  the  trees  cast  their  leaves.  Mulching  material  furnishes  a  good  repository 
for  insects,  and  in  mulched  grounds  you  are  always  liable  to  have  pears  stung.  Moles  and  mice 
burrow  uuder  the  mulch,  and  are  protected  in  their  ravages. 

P.  Barry,  Kochester.  Young  and  newly  planted  trees,  with  short  branches,  should  be  mulched. 
Large  trees  are  not  benefited,  and  the  mulch  is  in  the  way  of  culture.  Pruning.  On  this  sub- 
ject there  is  a  great  diversity  of  opinion.  The  pyramidal  form  is  certainly  the  most  beautil'ul. 
I  should  begin  by  cutting  back  to  within  six  or  eight  inches  of  the  bud  during  the  first  year,  to 
procure  the  best  form.  Treat  trees  like  hedges,  making  broad  bases.  The  dwarf-pear  is 
materially  pyramidal  when  it  commences  from  the  first  to  grow  with  plenty  of  room  on  every 
side.  As  grown  in  crowded  nurseries  trees  become  spindling.  In  the  gardens  of  gentlemen 
the  pyramidal  form  is  decidedly  the  best ;  but  the  dwarf  or  quince  must  not  be  pruned  up  too 
high,  as  it  will  topple  and  snap  off.  The  objection  that  low  pruning  is  bad  for  cultivation,  Has  no 
foundation  in  practice.  As  shown  by  Mr.  Thomas,  the  point  to  be  cultivated  is  wider  than  the 
mere  spread  of  branches.  I  cultivate  to  the  end  of  the  branches  and  prefer  not  to  form  a  low 
pyramid,  about  18  in.  to  2  feet  above  the  soil,  and  allow  the  branches  to  fall  over  and  touch 
the  soil,  cut  back  for  two  or  three  years,  then  let  it  grow  naturallj^  merely  thinning  when^too  thick. 
The  culture  of  the  pear  is  no  mystery;  it  is  simple  enough  if  the  culturist  has  a  love  for  the 
business,  coupled  with  industry.  A  really  industrious  man  of  common  sense  will  succeed.  You 
cannot  sit  in  your  library  and  grow  fine  fruit  by  sending  an  ignorant  man  to  care  for  it.  Do 
with  your  own  hands  or  go  and  see  it  done,  as  somethmg  occurs  daily  which  needs  attention. 
Gentlemen,  this  is  a  great  fruit  country.  Plums  grow  well  if  industry  be  exercised.  No  diffi- 
culty in  selecting  pro|)er  soils  for  pears  or  any  other  fruit.  If  you  cannot  do  it  otherwise,  go  and 
see  the  best  localities  where  fruit  now  flourishes,  and  learn  by  that  experience.  Pears  require 
dry  soil ;  if  not  dry,  drain.  I  believe  the  pear  culture  to  be  most  profitable  of  all  fruit.  Full 
crops  of  pears  are  grown  every  year  in  Western  N.  Y.  when  the  apple  utterly  fails. 

C.  M.  Hovey,  Boston.  The  pear  on  quince  trained  as  a  pyramid  is  prevalent  in  the  Eastern 
States.  The  great  fault  is  in  the  lack  of  attention  to  kinds  for  special  purposes  and  localities. 
The  orchards  of  pears  are  to  be  found  in  Western  N.  Y.  In  gardens  we  are  very  successful. 
Pruning.  Modei'ately  high  above  the  soil.  It  has  been  proved  in  England  that  the  temper- 
ature at  the  surface  of  soil  is  from  6  to  8,  or  10  degrees  lower  than  12  feet  above.  Frosts  often 
affect  trees  near  the  soil  and  not  above.  I  have  noticed  trees  in  high  grounds  loaded  with  fruit, 
when  those  on  low  grounds  were  without  fruit  except  at  the  top  and  the  leaves  at  the 
tom  instead — the  fruit  never  being  so  good  near  the  ground.     I  now  prune  off  the 


v^^ 


sag 

AilERICAN    POMOLOGICAL   SOCIETY. 


branches.  The  rule  I  adopt  is,  on  high  and  dry  soils  low  trained  trees,  in  damp  soils  higher 
training  should  prevail.  I  agree  with  Field  and  Barry  on  mulching.  I  believe  it  is  not  good 
on  the  whole ;  it  is  best  in  dry  soils. 

Louis  E.  Berckmans.  As  to  mulching,  agrees  with  the  preceding  speakers.  In  Georgia, 
the  only  mulch  he  uses  is  to  thin  the  weeds  about  the  trees,  merely  shading  the  soil  slightly. 
Has  noticed  that  with  a  heavy  mulch  all  the  water  from  a  light  shower  is  absorbed,  and  on  re- 
moving the  mulch,  finds  the  ground  dry.  Pruning :  Pyramidal  always  gives  strength  and 
solidity  to  the  base  of  a  tree  when  young,  and  will  last  forever. 

II.  K.  Scott,  of  Pa.  In  certain  localities  the  quince  stock  does  not  succeed ;  near  Philadelphia, 
in  a  strong  gravelly  subsoil  they  utterly  fail,  while  the  standards  are  good.  Mr.  Scott  presented 
two  specimens  of  pear  wood  grafted  on  quince,  to  show  the  strength  of  union. 

Samuel  Walker,  of  Mass. ,  approves  of  cutting  green  grass  in  June,  and  throwing  a  good  thick- 
ness of  mulch  about  the  base  of  the  tree,  which  dries  up  by  the  period  fur  cool  weather — never 
grow  grass  or  grain  in  an  orchard. 

P.  Barry.  Wild  pears  may  grow  in  sod,  but  fine  pears  are  the  work  of  art,  and  deteriorate 
in  grass  lands. 

Jlr.  Saul,  of  Newburgh,  thinks  mulching  generally  carried  too  far ;  the  practice  has  been 
badly  abused. 

C.  M.  Hovey  thought,  as  the  pear  is  a  native  of  the  East,  we  need  not  fear  a  little  sunshine. 
What  we  want  is  aeration  of  the  soil  and  sun. 

M.  B.  Batebam,  Ohio.  This  season  all  kinds  of  fruit  have  failed  in  Ohio.  On  our  strong, 
clayey  soils,  we  can  grow  pears  on  quince  with  perfect  success. 

Mr.  Bergen,  of  L.  I.,  spoke  of  trees  30  to  200  years  old,  bearing  best  in  grass  land. 

R.  G.  Pardee,  N.  Y.,  and  T.  S.  Gold,  of  Ct.,  advocated  grass  sod  for  trees  15  to  20  years  of 
age.  Instances  were  stated  proving  the  fiilure  of  fruit  where  grass  had  been  plowed  up  under 
old  trees  ;  the  fi-uit  cracking  and  becoming  cankered,  and  when  returned  to  grass,  fruit  again 
becoming  fine. 

The  President  spoke  of  an  orchard,  the  soil  of  which  had  been  scarified  annually,  which  bore 
enormous  crops  of  fruit. 

Dr.  Sylvester  bore  evidence  to  the  value  of  tillage  in  orchard  culture. 

Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow  at  9  a.  m. 

The  visitors  to  the  fine  show  of  fiiiit  were  few  in  number,  as  the  public  have  not  full  know- 
ledge of  the  proceedings  of  the  Society.  Scarcely  any  publicity  has  been  given  to  the  affair. 
The  meetings  are  attended  by  intelligent  men,  and  discussions  are  spirited,  but  it  is  confined  to 
members. 

Wednesday,  September  15.     Met  at  10  o'clock,  a.  m. 

Some  typographical  errors  in  the  list  of  fruits  in  the  last  transactions,  were  corrected  by  Dr. 
Brinckle. 

Mr.  Walker  proposed  that  the  apple  Lady's  Sweet  should  be  called  Lady's  Sweeting,  as  in 
text  books.     Adopted. 

The  President  announced  the  order  of  the  day ;  reviewing  the  list  of  pears  that  promised 
well,  with  the  view  of  adding  such  as  can  be  to  the  list  for  general  cultivation. 

Beurre  Giffard.  Dr.  Brinckle  moved  it  be  placed  on  the  list  for  general  cultivation.  Mr. 
Cabot  doubts  the  tree  a  good  grower.  With  a  slender  and  long  growth  on  the  quince.  Mr. 
Wilder  moved  it  be  carried  forward.     Carried. 

Mr.  Saul  called  attention  to  the  Clairgeau — too  good  a  pear  to  remain  as  promising  well 
— valuable  for  general  cultivation.  Mr.  Scott :  Keeps  but  a  few  days  when  fully  ripe ; 
tree  breal^s  readily  from  quince  stock.  Mr.  Wilder:  Keeps  till  December.  Dr.  Brinckle: 
First  quality.  Mr.  Parsons :  Grows  well  on  quince.  Mr.  Walker,  Mass.  :  Most  showy  on 
table,  though  not  A  No.  1.  Will  be  good,  though  not  the  best;  it  is  not  calculated  for  the 
quince ;  would  as  soon  think  of  putting  the  English  Buerre  d'Aremberg.  R.  Buist,  Pa.  :  'Tis 
not  fit  for  the  quince.  Prof  Boynton,  N.  Y.  :  Double  works  with  Glout  Morceau,  and  suc- 
ceeds admirably.  Other  gentlemen  express  the  opinion  that  this  pear  must  either  be  grown  on 
the  pear  stock  or  double  worked  on  the  quince. 

Beurre  Stcrckman.  Mr.  Cabot  moved  it  be  called  Beurre  Hardy,  as  it  has  been  pretty  gener- 
ally known  by  that  name,  and  that  it  be  carried  to  the  list  for  general  cultivation.  The  name 
was  adopted,  and  the  pear  left  where  it  is.  Mr.  Barry :  French  Nurserymen  say  there  is  no 
such  pear  as  Beurre  Sterckman. 

Beurre  Superfin.  Mr.  Cabot :  One  of  the  very  best  pears.  Prince,  Townsend  and  Saul 
coincide.  Mr.  Barry :  One  of  the  finest — fruit  of  first  size  and  quality ;  trees  good  growers 
and  do  well  on  both  stocks.  Mr.  Wilder:  Thinks  it  equal  to  the  best  Brown  Beurre,  and  agrees 
with  Mr.  Barry.  Mr.  Walker  :  Good  as  the  best — none  superior.  Carried  to  the  list  for  gen- 
eral cultivation. 

Brande's  St.  Germain.     Mr.  Cabot:  grew  it  fifteen  years  ago  ;  has  cut  it  out  and  rejected 


Brandywine.     C.  M.  Hovey  moved  to  add  to  list  for  general  cultivation.     Canied. 

Chancellor.     Dr.  Brinckle  :  Fine  on  quince. 

Conseiiicr  de  La  Cour.  Mr.  Wilder:  A  very  good  pear.  Mr.  Cabot:  deserves  to  be  ad- 
vanced.    Mr.  Walker:  Not  sufficiently  known;  let  it  be  where  it  is  for  the  present. 

Comtesse  d'  Alost.  Eipeus  by  degrees  on  trees  twenty  years  old.  Mr.  Wilder :  Bad  in 
Massachusetts. 

Delices  d' Hardcnpont — Doyenne  d  '  Alen(^on.  Mr.  Prince  :  Very  thrifty  and  fine.  Mr.  L.  E. 
Berckmans  :  I  should  like  to  see  it  advanced  ;  it  is  one  of  the  best  in  New  Jersey,  and  have 
found  it  as  valuable  South  as  here.  Mr.  Buist:  A  uniform  good  bearer — tree  good  grower. 
Mr.  Wilder  :  Keeps  till  May  in  Massachusetts  ;  flavor  like  the  Eastern  Beurre.  Carried  to  the 
list  for  general  cultivation. 

Doyenne  Goiibault.     Struck  off  list  of  promising  well. 

Einile  de  Ilcyst.  Mr.  Wilder  :  A  seedling  of  Mr.  Berckmans'.  I  cannot  do  without  the  B. 
d'Aremberg  in  winter,  but  I  cannot  grow  it  successfully,  and  I  am  glad  to  find  this  pear  takes 
its  place  in  flavor  and  quality,  and  grows  better  with  me.  Mr.  Cabot :  In  favor.  Fruit  of  first 
quality.  But  the  tree  is  rather  thorny.  Mr.  Berckmans:  The  tree  is  straggling  in  its  growth — 
stands  the  winter  well  on  the  quince.  Mr.  Coit,  Conn. :  Double  worked  on  quince;  it  is  very 
fine. 

Epine  Dumas.  Mr.  Walker  :  A  poor  grower.  Mr.  Hooker,  Rochester :  Afl"ords  good  crop. 
Hardy.  Good  for  general  cultivation.  Mr.  Berckmans  :  Consider  it  second.  Mr.  Terry,  Conn.  : 
The  difficulty  with  me  is  overbearing.  It  is  my  best  pear.  Keeps  till  mid-winter.  Mr.  Wil- 
der :  Hardy,  full  bearer  in  Massachusetts.  Mr.  Hovey  :  Necessary  to  thin  the  fruit,  it  bears  so 
fully. 

Fondante  de  Charneuse.  Mr.  Cabot :  Same  as  Duke  de  Brabant ;  think  well  of  it.  It  is  fine 
this  season,  and  a  good  grower.  Ripens  first  October  to  November.  Mr.  Prince  and  Mr. 
Hovey:  Called  E.xcellentissima  and Waterh)o,  and  other  names  for  fifteen  years.  Mr.  Berck- 
mans :  It  was  originally  nuuied  after  the  daughter  of  Van  Mons.  Now  known  in  Belgium  as 
Duke  de  Brabant. 

Fondante  de  Noel.  Mr.  Cabot;  Moves  to  strike  it  from  the  li^t.  It  is  not  melting ;  have 
cultivated  it  for  fifteen  years.  Mr.  Wilder :  Same  opinion.  Mr.  Saul :  A  very  excellent  pear. 
Mr.  Berckmans  :  Fine  on  the  quince  in  Belgium,  on  the  pear  not  good. 

Kimrsessing.  Mr.  Hovey:  Bass  it  and  leave  it  on  the  list  as  promising  well.  Mr.  Walker: 
One  of  the  best  trees  in  the  nursery — fruit  fine,  no  cracking.  Keeps  well;  mellow,  and  does 
not  rot. for  one  month.  Mr.  Wilder:  This  pear  is  fine  and  does  not  crack.  Added  to  list  for 
general  culture. 

Kirtland.  Mr.  Townsend,  N.  Y  :  Moves  to  advance  this  pear  for  general  culture.  Dr. 
Brinckle:  Second  quality  in  Delaware.  Mr.  Hooker:  Beautiful,  but'  rots  at  core.  Messrs. 
Barry  and  Hovey  agree  with  Mr.  Hooker.  Looks  well,  but  not  of  large  size.  Mr.  Walker : 
Is  of  same  opinion.  Dr.  Brinckle  :  One  of  the  best  pears  in  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania  and 
Delaware. 

Lyman.  Mr.  Walker :  Trees  are  partially  winter-killed  in  Massachusetts,  and  is  a  bad 
grower — fruit  A  No.  1  in  summer.  Mr.  Wilder  :  Not  good  in  flavor.  Mr.  Berckmans  :  Strike 
it  out  of  list  as  promising  well.     Mr.  Saul:  Never  found  the  objections  spoken  of. 

Lodge.  Dr.  Brinckle  :  Good  in  the  Middle  States.  Mr.  Terry,  Conn.  :  Does  not  crack 
with  us;  ripens  well.  Mr.  Cabot :  The  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society  considers  it  equal 
to  Brown  Beurre  in  the  east.  Ripens  September  15th.  Mr.  Prince  :  Objects  to  snarly  fruit 
as  well  as  snarly  trees.  Mr.  Terry  :  On  pear  stock  it  is  equal  to  Urbaniste — very  productive. 
Mr.  Walker:  Flavor  is  fine — tree  bad.  Mr.  Buist:  Tree  thirty  fe(;t  high  on  pear  stock,  loaded 
with  fruit — on  quince  it  is  indifferent.  Mr.  Hovey:  Hope  it  will  be  recommended  ^br  general 
cultivation.     Mr.  Reid :  Grows  well,  but  rots  rapidly. 

Ndes.  Dr.  Brinckle  :  Thinks  it  is  imported.  Mr.  Hovey  considers  it  a  native.  Mr.  Walker: 
Worthless.  Mr.  Berckmans  :  Sent  specimens  to  Belgium  to  the  Royal  Society,  which  decided 
it  did  not  belong  there.     The  same  reply  was  received  from  Paris. 

Onondaga  or  Swan's  Orange. — Mr.  Walker  :  Not  an  A  No.  1 ;  holds  leaf  well,  tree 
a  good  grower,  good  bearer ;  should  like  to  see  it  advanced.  Mr.  Field  :  I  like  it ;  it  has  dis- 
appointed many.  Often  quite  astringent  and  simr ;  very  fruitful.  Dr.  Ward:  Luxuriant 
growth;  fine  size.  C.  M.  Hovey  :  One  of  the  most  valuable  in  the  U.  S.,  beats  all  other  trees 
in  vigor  and  hardiness,  almost  as  large  as  the  Duchesse.  October  Ist,  to  November  ;  is  in  No- 
vember what  the  Bartlett  is  in  September ;  As  good  as  the  Urbaniste.  For  beauty,  abundance 
and  size,  one  of  the  best.  Mr.  Wilder:  I  was  opposed  to  it ;  I  now  agree  with  Mr.  Hovey. 
Mr.  P'ield  :  In  Onondaga  is  as  large  as  the  Duchesse.  Dr.  Ward  :  No  prettier  tree,  none  fruit- 
ing better;  always  decays  early;  brings  small  price  ;  first  rate  cooking  pear;  am  now  using  it 
for  cooking.  Mr.  Prince  :  More  hardy  and  thrifty  than  the  Bartlett.  Mr.  Newbury,  Conn 
astringent;  fruit  looks  fine.  Mr.  Hovey  :  Better  keeper  than  Bartlett ;  was  kept  as  late 
2Dth  November,  for  the  great  Webster  meeting  at  Boston,  and  two  barrels  were  eaten 


before  other  kinds  Avere  touched,  being  preferred  over  all  otherB.  Most  ready  market  pear 
better  tiiau  Bartlett.  Dr.  Kitssell,  Conn.  :  Good  grower,  acid  and  coari-o  with  us  ;  sonietinies 
leathery.  Mr  Clark:  Eanks  well.  Mr.  Dickerman,  Conn.  :  One  of  the  best.  Mr.  Barry  : 
One  of  the  first  of  American  pears;  never  winter  kills  ;  sometimes  not  sweet,  equal  to  Beurre 
Superfin ;  keeps  v.ell  with  me ;  rich,  orange  color;  in  the  west  very  valuable.  Mr.  Town- 
send  :  Tree  good,  pear  leathery,  never  palatable.  Mr.  Thompson,  Ohio ;  Most  excellent  in 
every  respect.  Mr.  Field;  On  rich,  limy,  soils  and  clay  lands  this  pear  is  excellent.  On  light 
soils,  very  poor.  Mr.  Hooker  :  .Simuld  make  it  one  among  four  in  the  orchard.  Mr.  Lyons; 
Good  keeper,  and  bears  well  in  ilichigan. 

Carried  to  list  for  general  cultivation. 

Oshand's  Summer.  Messrs.  Prince,  Hooker,  Barry  and  Wilder  think  it  the  best  of  summer 
pears;  aromatic,  juicy,  and  a  remarkable  acquisition.  Picked  early,  it  is  a  rich  yellow  and 
red.     Tree  upright  and  good  grower.     Carried  to  list  for  general  cultivation. 

Steven's  Genesee      Cracks,  rots  at  core,  variable,  subject  to  blight. 

St.  Micliuel  Archar.ge.  Mr.  Hovey :  Very  excellent  pear ;  tree  one  of  the  most  thrifty  and 
best  form  ;  leaf  never  drops;  bears  a  moderate  crop  ;  when  ripe,  very  fine  ;  ought  to  be  added 
to  list  for  general  cultivation.  Mr.  Field  :  Fine  pyramid,  without  pruning.  Mr.  Wilder  :  Pro- 
duces well ;  no  forest  tree  is  more  hardy  or  holds  leaves  better.  Mr.  Buist :  One  of  the  best 
for  foliage,  hardiness  aud  keeping  qualities.  Mr.  Frost :  Very  fine.  Carried  to  list  for  geueral 
cultivation. 

Van  Assche.     Mr.  Berckmans  saw  it  weighing  fourteen  ounces  in  Georgia;  \erj  fine. 

Mr.  Field  moved  that  the  Hull  Fear  be  added  to  the  list.  Mr.  Hovey :  It  is  so  fine  it  must 
be  claimed  as  (me  of  the  very  best  we  have ;  most  prodigious  bearer ;  equal  to  the  W'hite 
Doyenne  ;  tree  uever  loses  its  foliage  ;  shoots  long,  and  when  in  hearing  is  in  form  of  an  umbrel- 
hi.  Messrs.  Wilder  jaud  Newbury  corroborated  Mr.  Hovey.  Carried  to  list  that  promises 
well. 

The  President  proposed  the  Cahot  Pear  for  general  cultivation.  Mr.  Hovey  :  Equal  to  the 
Lodire,  or  even  better;  it  brightens  up  of  a  rich,  ruddy  brown,  sometimes  a  vermilion  cheek; 
slight  taultin  rotting.  Messrs.  Barry,  Field,  Townseud  and  Walker  think  it  equal  to  iYie  Brown 
Beurre:  one  of  the  finest  native  pears  and  very  productive.  Mr.  Hovey  would  like  added  to  the 
list  for  general  cultivation.  Mr.  Saul :  Twenty  years  since,  Mr.  A.  J.  Downing  grew  it,  praised 
it,  and  was  censured  by  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society  ;  this  pear  is  now  considered 
the  best  on  Mr.  Downing's  place.     Carried  to  list  for  general  cultivation. 

Mr,  Hovey,  of  Mass.,  proposed  the  Meriam  as  promising  well.  Mr.  Walker:  Not  A  No.  1, 
but  a  good  grower:  native  pear  in  Roxbury.  Mr.  French:  Good  market  pear.  Mr.  Hovey  : 
Prodigious  bearing  tree,  breaking  down  if  not  supported  ;  is  one  of  the  finest;  much  finer  than 
the  Bartlett.     Mr.  AVildcr :  Next  to  the  Bartlett  before  the  Mass.  Hort.  Society. 

Mr.  Hovey  ofi'ered  the  Cushing,  an  old  pear  from  Hingham;  been  neglected;  as  good 
as  St.  Germain;  enormous  bearer;  fine  grower;  holds  its  leaves  well.  Mr.  Walker:  Not  a 
good  pear;  coarse  flesh.     Mr.  Terry  :  Eots  at  the  core.     Mr.  Eeid  :  Not  as  good  as  Onondaga. 

Dr.  Piussell  moved  the  Pinneo  be  added  to  the  list  of  promising  well ;  ripens  in  December, 
and  is  very  good  in  Eastern  Connecticut,  where  the  accidental  seedling  was  found  one  hundred 
years  ago  by  Deacon  Pinneo.  Mr.  Hovey  :  A  very  good  pear :  sold  in  Boston  a  longtime  with- 
out any  name ;  I  grew  it  four  years,  and  failing  to  find  any  name,  called  it  the  Boston  ;  it  is 
identical  with  the  Pinneo,  and  with  that  was  called  the  Virgalien  in  Lebanon,  Connecticut. 
Mr.  Coit:  A  good  pear;  vigorous  grower,  and  keeps  well.  Mr.  Cabot  agreed  with  Mr.  Hovey. 
It  was  named  Pinneo,  and  carried  to  the  list  that  promises  well. 

Jlr.  Field  offered  the  Bergen  as  promising  well.  Mr.  Prince  :  Tree  very  vigorous  and  pro- 
ductive ;  ^ruit,  medium  size ;  fine  flavor.  Dr.  Briuckle :  A  superior  large  russet  pear.  Mr. 
Bergen  :  A  smooth  pear,  supposed  a  seedling  from  Bartlett  or  White  Doyenne.  Carried  to  list 
as  promising  well. 

Mr.  Prince  offered  the  Hcgernum.  a  seedling  of  the  Seckel  and  double  the  size ;  it  is  con- 
sidered so  superior  among  those  who  know  it,  that  the  trees,  two  years  old,  bring  eighteen  dol- 
lars a  dozen. 

Mr.  Barry  offered  the  C'anandaigua,  as  having  been  a  good  market  pear  for  twenty  years  or 
more ;  upright  growth,  like  Lonibardy  poplar. 

The  Tea  pear  was  offered,  and  was  generally  considered  of  not  much  note. 

Mr.  Field  offered  the  Beurre  Gris  D'  Hirer  Nouveau.     From  Oct.  to  Feb.     Promises  well. 

Mr.  Hooker  proposed  the  C/turch\}enr.  This  is  the  same  as  that  known  as  Piatt's  Bergamotte 
and  Prince's  Virgalouse  in  Western  New  York.  Dr.  Briuckle  :  It  is  known  under  three  other 
names  ;  a  superior  pear.  Mr.  Hovey:  Piatt's  Bergamotte  is  entirely  inferior  to  the  Church.  Mr. 
Lawton  has  trees  twenty  years  old,  that  came  from  Connecticut,  producing  fruit  the  same  as 
the  Church.  ]\Ir.  Bateham ;  Introduced  about  Cincinnati  twenty  years  ago.  Mr.  Walker  moved 
it  be  laid  on  the  table  for  want  of  exact  information. 

Mr.   Hovey   offered  Gaiisell's  Bergamot.    Objected  to;  shy  bearer;   killed  in  the  north; 


Vol.  VIIL— October,  1858.  31 


comes  in  October,  when  there  are  plenty  of  other  good  ones.  Mr.  Barry  said  it  was  the  worst 
of  all  trees. 

Ilenkel  Pear.  Mr.  Eeid :  Good.  Mr.  Hovey :  First-rate.  Mr.  Field :  First-rate.  Mr. 
Carpenter  :  Good.  Mr.  Walker:  Fair  in  fruit;  upright  grower;  can't  say  a  word  in  its  favor; 
Lave  cut  oft"  mine.     Carried  to  list  as  promising  well. 

Pear  on  Quince  taken  up— 

LoMO' Green  o/ 6'ox  stricken  off".  Mr.  Barry  said  it  was  put  on  by  mistake.  The  following 
were  added  to  list  of  pears  on  quince  :  Beurre  Superfin,  Beurre  Hardy,  Doyenne  d'Alencon, 
Buft'um,  Belle  Epine  Dumas. 

Mr.  Wilder  said  that  a  cultivator  in  INIassachusetts  had  procured  8n0  good  trees  on  the  quince 
from  Rochester,  of  the  Butfum,  to  form  an  orchard,  so  well  do  they  do  in  Massachusetts.  Some 
objection  was  made  to  its  overbearing. 

Belle  Epine  Dumas  on  quince.  Mr.  Field  said  they  would  break  off".  Mr.  Barry  had  them 
ten  years  old,  great  bearers  ;  sometimes  bent  to  the  ground,  but  never  broke.  Messrs.  Wilder 
and  Hovey  agreed  with  Mr.  Bariy. 

The  Sieulle  was  offered  as  a  fine-grained,  buttery  pear  ;  very  large. 

0.\  Pear  Stocks. — Mr.  Field  moved  to  strike  out  Beurre  d'  Aremherg — strongly  objected 
to — notwithstanding  it  occasionally  cankers.     Generally  very  fine. 

Mr.  Wilder  moved,  that  the  Stirling  be  added  to  the  list  for  general  cultivation,  a  seedling  of 
Northern  New  York ;  has  a  beautiful  yellow  and  red  cheek.  Mr.  Lyons:  A  good  pear  in 
^Michigan,  for  the  last  35  years. 

The  Pears  added  to  list,  that  promise  well,  are :  The  Hull,  Meriam,  Pinneo,  Bergen,  Beurre 
Gris  d'  Hiver  Nouveau,  Henkel,  Sterling. 

Added  to  list  for  general  cultivation  :  Beurre  Giflard,  Beurre  Superfin,  Brandywine,  Doyenne 
D'Alencon,  Kingsessing,  Onondaga,  Osband's  Summer,  St.  Michael  Archauge,  Cabot. 

Grapes,  for  general  cultivation  add :  Delaware,  Concord. 

List  that  promise  well :  Union  Village,  Logan,  Hartford  Prolific. 

At  the  evening  session.  Sept.  15,  the  "  Grape"  was  taken  up. 

President:  Catawba,  Isabella  and  Diana,  now  stand  on  our  list  for  general  cultivation. 

Mr.  Prince:  moved  that  the  Delaiciire  be  placed  on  the  list.  Bateham,  of  Ohio:  This  grape 
has  been  named  from  the  town  of  Delaware,  Ohio,  in  which  it  was  grown.  It  seems  to  have 
come  from  New  Jersey.  It  is  a  very  desirable  fruit,  perfectly  hardy  in  Ohio,  and  a  first  pro- 
ducer in  good  clayey  soils.  Mr.  Thompson,  Ohio:  Considers  the  Delaware  one  of  the  best 
grapes  grown — hardy,  exempt  from  mildew;  not  as  rampant  as  some  others.  It  is  growing  near 
Trenton,  N.  J.  Came  originally  from  Hunterdon,  N.  J.,  from  a  garden  filled  with  foreign 
grapes.  Mr.  Keid  :  knows  of  some  old  vines  in  N.  J.  bearing  fine  fruit.  Mr.  Downing:  has 
grown  it  4  years;  considers  it  one  of  the  best,  if  not  the  very  best. 

Mr.  Wilder  :  Proposed  the  Concord,  which  he  formerly  disapproved ;  but  it  now  looks  finely 
in  his  own  grounds — does  not  find  it  very  early  at  Dorchester.  Mr.  Prince :  It  succeeds  in 
Lower  Canada,  and  should  like  to  see  it  added  to  list  for  general  cultivation.  Mr.  Clarke, 
Ct. :  It  is  now  about  ripe  with  us — hardy,  prolific,  and  well  worthy  general  attention.  Reid: 
Probably  the  best  grape  in  New  Jersey  of  that  class,  better  as  a  whole,  than  the  Isabella. 
Newbury,  Ct. :  Hardier  than  the  Isabella  ;  better,  earlier;  very  valuable  indeed.  Mr.  James, 
Pa.  :  Does  very  well  in  Pa.  It  is  better  with  Mr.  Cornelius,  than  in  Boston,  as  it  is  not  so 
astringent.     Carried  to  list  for  general  cultivation. 

Rebecca.  Mr.  Hovey,  of  Mass.  :  Moved  it  be  carried  to  list  for  general  cultivation.  Mr. 
Prince:  Is  opposed;  '  tis  a  weak  and  tender  grape  of  the  character  of  the  Chasselas  ;  evidently 
a  seedling  of  the  White  Chasselas,  and  like  that,  very  puny  in  out-door  culture.  Mr.  Hovey : 
Had  failed  to  discover  the  Chasselas  character;  thought  the  Rebecca  as  hardy  as  the  Delaware; 
no  more  subject  to  mildew.  I  believe  to  be  as  fine  as  any  out-door  grape ;  had  received  premi- 
nms  of  many  societies,  and  when  Isabellas  of  Ji  inches  in  diameter,  had  been  winter  killed,  the 
Rebecca  was  hardy  enough  to  withstand  the  severe  cold.  Hoag  of  N.  Y.:  Had  seen  no  mildew 
except  on  the  Hudson  River:  Mr.  Strong,  Mass.;  Mildews  the  same  as  Diana;  sufl'ers  more 
than  the  Concord  or  Hartford  Prolific;  believe  it  will  prove  hardy.  Mr.  Hooker:  It  is  not  a 
strong  grower ;  is  hardy  in  severe  winters ;  foliage  somewhat  suuburnt,  and  subject  to  mildew. 
Mr.  Field :  It  is  not  hardy  on  L.  I.  Mr.  Thomson  :  Mildews  in  Central  Ohio.  Mr.  Freeman, 
Ravenswood,  L.  I.:  Has  found  it  hardy;  has  grown  from  15  to  18  feet  in  length,  this  year; 
mildews  some  this  year.  Mr.  Frost,  N.  Y. :  I  consider  it  as  hardy  as  Isabella  and  Catawba  ; 
has  slender  growth,  but  very  healthy.  Mr.  Barry  :  Should  like  further  trial  of  this  grape  as 
promising  well.  Mr.  Saunders:  I  think  it  has  the  character  of  a  native  grape,  as  it  mildews 
like  the  native  grapes  on  the  under  side  of  the  leaf  The  holes  in  the  leaves  are  not  caused  by 
i|  the  sun,  as  some  have  supposed,  but  by  the  mildew  eating  through  the  thin  leaf.  It  is  a  weak 
(ji  grower,  the  same  as  the  Delaware ;  Left  as  promising  well, 
y^  Mr.  Prince:  Proposed  Norton's  Virginia  Seedling  as  a  fine  wine  grape,  being  early,  and  must 


form  the  basis  for  great  vineyards  in  this  country.  The  vineyards  of  Indiana  only  succeeded 
Avhere  this  variety  was  grown.  Geo.  Hussman,  of  Herrman,  Missouri,  has  a  vineyard  of  this 
grape.  Dr.  Warder  :  Said  it  was  known  in  Cincinnati  as  a  wine  grape  aud  highly  valued.  Nut 
sufficiently  tested,  and  allowed  to  remain  as  promising  well. 

l)r.  Warder  proposed.  Union  Village,  Herbemont  and  Logan. 

rnion  VilUige.  Where  Isabella  IJiils  this  will  succeed;  does  well  south  of  the  north  line 
of  Pa. ;  Mr.  Cabot  has  grown  it  in  Salem,  Mass.,  unjjrotected  :  hardy  as  Isabella,  and  ripens  as 
well  ;  wood  is  strong;  grows  best  on  moderately  rich  soils.  Mr.  Walker:  Strong  viue  ;  fruit 
fine ;  a  tender  grape  ou  the  Hudson  ;  I  cut  dowu  wood  to  4  or  6  eyes  aud  bnry  the  vine  in 
winter.  Fruit  superior  ;  many  are  here  out  of  doors;  like  Black  Hamburg,  and  was  taken  for 
it  in  Boston.     List  of  promises  well. 

Herbemont.  Dr.  Warder :  Thin  skin,  fine  for  wine  and  table  ;  not  hardy  ;  compact  shouldered  ; 
does  well  in  Southern  Indiana,  111.,  and  Mo.  Steele,  N.  C;  AVith  us  "regarded  as  superior  to 
the  Catawba  for  wine.     Added  to  list  as  promising  Avell. 

Lojaii.  Mr.  Thompson :  Very  early,  fully  equal  to  the  Isabella;  Black  Marion  is  not  the 
same  as  the  Logan  or  anything  like  it. 

Mr.  Terry,  of  Hartford,  Ct.,  proposed  that  the  Uartford  rroUfic  be  added  to  list  for  general 
cultivation  where  Isabella  does  not  ripen  well.  It  was  discovered  as  an  accidental  seedling 
near  Hartford,  Ct.  ten  years  since.  Mr.  Goodall,  of  Maine,  says  it  ripens  perfectly.  Mr. 
Prince:  A  valuable  grape,  early  aud  very  productive.  Mr.  Saul:  Drops  half  its  berries 
before  all  are  ripe.  Hovey  :  It  was  condemned  at  Eochester  in  toto.  I  move  it  be  added  to 
list  promising  well.  Mr.  Terry:  Berries  do  not  drop  ofi:'  with  us.  Mr.  Barry:  I  regard  it  as  a 
prolific  hardy  grape  in  certain  localities  ;  they  are  not  of  the  first  quality.  Mr.  Todd  :  Makes 
the  best  growth  of  any  of  the  new  vines  I  put  out  at  the  same  time  ;  is  hardy,  very  prolific, 
and  early.  Mr.  Austin,  of  Ct.  :  With  good  culture  the  fruit  hangs  on.  I  sell  more  Hartford 
Prolific  vines,  than  of  any  other  sort.  Mr.  Hoag  :  Eipens  1st  September  ;  unless  dead  ripe  the 
berries  hang  well  with  me.  Mr.  Walker:  For  four  years  I  was  opposed  to  this  fruit;  now 
think  it  No.  1  in  New  England.  Mr.  Wilder:  We  seem  to  be  making  a  clean  breast  of  the 
matter.  I  agree  with  Mr.  Walker  :  I  was  formerly  opposed  to  it,  now  I  think  it  a  good  fruit ; 
I  have  not  ripened  an  Isabella  in  30  years  ;  Concord  aud  Hartford  Prolific,  both  ripen  well  ; 
not  liable  to  mildew  ;  though  not  first  rate  it  is  very  desirable.  Added  to  the  list  that  promises 
well. 

Mr.  James  proposed  the  Clara.  Brinckle,  and  Raule. 

Mr.  Prince  proposed  Amber  Catawba,  the  seedling  of  the  Catawba  ;  delicate  pale  pink  of  the 
same  size  ;  sweet,  with  a  slightly  musky  aroma,  but  mild  ;  I  have  grown  it  for  twelve  years. 

Mr.  Prince  proposed  the  August  Coral  of  N.  C.  ;  hardy,  sweet  aud  pleasant,  reddish,  medium 
thick  skin  ;  succeeds  in  Maine  ;  equal  to  the  early  Isabella  and  Hyde's  Eliza. 

Mr.  Hogg  proposed  the  3Ianhattan  Grape :  bunches  not  large ;  amber  colored  like  the 
Eebecca.     A  seedling  of  Mr.  Buchanan's. 

Inquiries  were  made  about  the  Canadian  Chief.  Mr.  Prince :  A  foreigner ;  white  and 
shouldered  ;  a  seedling  of  the  Chasselas.  Mr.  Hovey  :  Pass  it  to  the  Committee  on  Synonyms  ; 
grows  well  in  a  green-house  ;  tender  outside  as  Chasselas  de  Fontainebleu.  Mi".  Barry  :  Ee- 
ceived  it  from  Canada  ;  said  it  was  a  hot-house  grape,  and  was  greatly  censured  for  it ;  it  is 
as  tender  and  worthless  out-doors  as  the  Sweet  Water. 

Inquiries  about  the  Mass.  Wliite  Grape.  Mr.  Hovey  :  All  I  can  say  is  that  I  paid  5  dollars 
for  a  viue  and  now  have  it.  Mr.  Hoag :  The  viue  is  hardy  and  makes  a  fine  growth.  Mr. 
Barry's  experience  is  the  same  as  Mr.  Hovey's. 

Mr.  Strong  inquired  about  the  Carter  Grape  exhibited  in  Mass.  and  well  spoken  of;  fruit  and 
foliage  like  the  To  Kalon.  Mr.  Hovey  and  Mr.  Prince  called  the  To  Kalon  a  seedling  of  the 
Catawba.     Mr.  Hoag  :  The  Carter  is  perfectly  hardy  with  me. 

Mr.  Batehara:  The  Idem  is  the  poorest  grape  cultivated. 

Child's  Superb.  Mr.  Prince  thinks  this  similar  to  Dayton's  Superb,  a  white  grape.  Mr. 
Wilder:  Mine  lived  the  first  winter,  died  the  second. 

Grapes  added  for  cultivation  under  glass:  Cannon  Ball,  Eed  Chasselas,  Zinfindel,  Black 
Damascus,  Bowood  Muscat,  AVest's  St.  Peters,  White  Nice. 

Sept.  16. 

Committee  on  Synonyms  and  rejected  fnfits  reported. 

An  intermediate  report  had  been  handed  the  President  as  usual.  Mr,  Field's  paper,  "  On  the 
Adaptation  of  Pears  to  Difi'erent  Localities,"  which  had  been  referred  to  this  Committee,  was 
examined  by  them  and  passed  to  the  Committee  on  Publication.  Mr.  Hovey's  report  on 
foreign  fruits  was  accepted  and  placed  on  file. 

D.  Eedmond,  Esq.,  of  Ga.,  was  invited  to  read  a  paper  entitled  "  The  Pomological  Eesources 
of  the  South."  He  said  :  The  south  is  the  home  of  the  peach  and  fig  ;  both  of  these  fruits  being 
produced  in  abundance  and  great  excellence.  The  jujube  and  the  olive  are  also  grown.  It 
vras  formerly  believed  impossible  to  grow  winter  apples  in  the  south.     We  now  have  native 


JS^sS; — <3sg;i 

416  AMERICAN    POMOLOGICAL    SOCIETY. 

southern  varieties  of  winter  apples  equal,  if  not  superior  to  any  produced  in  the  north,  both  in 
flavor  and  keepinj?  qualities.  All  the  early  northern  apples  do  well  in  the  south.  The  winter 
and  fall  apples  are  worthless. 

The  Committee  of  Seven,  appointed  to  report  the  expediency  of  making  a  list,  general  and 
special,  of  all  fruits,  as  suggested  at  the  beginning  of  this  Session,  by  Mr.  Walker,  of  Mass., 
reported  :  that  they  did  not  think  it  proper  to  enter  into  this  at  present,  bui  recommended 
it  be  done  some  future  day.     Accepted. 

Mr.  Judd  moved  the  subject  of  small  fruits  be  taken  up  :  no  person  to  speak  but  once, 
except  for  explanation,  and  to  occupy  but  three  minutes.    Adopted. 

Strawbekkies.  Mr.  Prince  moved  to  strike  Earh/  Scarlet  from  list  for  general  cultivation. 
Mr.  Lyons:  Best  in  Michigan.  Mr.  Hooker:  About  the  best  in  Western  New  York.  Mr. 
Bateham  :  One  of  the  best  in  Ohio. 

Hooker's  Seedling.  Mr.  Prince  :  Is  not  productive,  except  it  be  fertilized  ;  it  is  hermaphro- 
dite. Mr.  Hoag :  Very  productive.  In  Pa.  and  Central  Ohio  one  of  the  best.  Mr.  Barry  : 
One  of  the  very  best.  Mr.  Field  :  Largest,  fairest,  and  finest  fruit.  Added  for  general  culti- 
vation. 

Wilson's  Albany.  Mr.  Field  :  First  rank  in  size  and  quality.  Mr.  Prince  :  Blooms  in  great 
profusion  ;  one  half  flowers  ;  never  mature  fruit ;  is  hermaphrodite.  Dr.  Brinckle  :  Have 
counted  190  berries  on  one  root.  J.  R.  Shotwell,  N.  J.  :  150  plants  gave  over  100  quarts  of 
berries  ;  one  plant  gave  two  quarts.  Mr.  Mannice  :  100  plants  put  out  last  spring  produced 
more  than  any  other  variety.  Mr.  Cliff :  Two  bushels  from  one  quarter  of  a  rod  ;  very  good. 
]Mr.  Pardee  :  Saw  plenty  in  Yonkers  measuring  4  to  4;]  inches  in  circumference,  and  none  hol- 
low ;  fine  flavor ;  beautiful  mahogany  color.  D.  Pcdmond,  Ga.  :  Grown  for  two  years  ;  one 
of  the  very  best.     Added  for  general  cultivation. 

Walker's  Seedling,  Burr's  New  Pine,  and  Triomphe  de  Gand,  were  spoken  of. 
Mr.  Patrick  T   Quinn,of  JS..J.,  proposed  Boyden  s Late  Mammoth  for  general  cultivation,  as 
it  was  very  fine,  large,  solid  and  late. 

The  Boston  Tine  was  sustained  in  its  position. 

Peahody's  ILiiithois.  Mr.  Field  :  Ouglit  to  be  kicked  out.  Mr.  Judd  :  Set  out  10  plants,  in- 
creased to  600  first  year  and  yielded  8  or  9  qts.  of  very  fine  berries.  Flavor  excellent.  I  shall 
plant  it  extensively.  Mr.  Lawton  :  Shall  set  out  one  or  two  acres,  I  am  so  well  satisfied  with 
it  ;  grows  finely  on  ground  without  manure.  Cut  off  the  runners.  Failed  in  Philadelphia. 
Mr.  Mannice  :  On  ten  f,:-et  by  three,  plenty  of  wood,  not  half  a  pint  of  berries  ;  only  two  or 
three  fine  ones.  Mr.  Steele.  N.C.  Flavor  fine  as  I  had  ever  tainted  ;  withstands  drouth  well. 
Mr.  Cabot :  Quality  poor.  Looks  large  and  handsome.  5Ir.  Pardee  :  No  instances  of  a  good 
crop  north  ;  flavor  very  poor.  Mr.  Frost  :  Only  merit  is  its  size.  Dr.  Ward  :  Does  well  in 
N.J.  Have  an  exalted  opinion  of  it ;  fruit  more  attractive  than  Longworth's  Prolific  and 
other  fine  varieties.  Dr.  Sylvester  :  Ram^xint  grower,  fair  quality.  Becomes  mealy  when  the 
runners  are  allowed  to  grow. 

Longworth's  Prolific.  Sustains  its  former  high  reputation.  Highly  recommended  by 
southern  culturists. 

Trollope's  Victoria.     Was  struck  off  the  list  for  general  cultivation. 

McAiw/'s  E.rtra  Red.  Mr.  Field  :  Vinegar.  Dr.  Warder :  Pick  when  ripe  ;  it  is  fine  and 
we  prize  it  for  its  acid  flavor. 

Le  Baron.  Mr.  Walker  :  First  rate  here  and  in  England;  large  size  ;  good  flavor,  prolific. 
Mr.  Prince  :  Highest  flavored  large  strawberry  in  existence. 

Scott's  Seedling.     Great  diversity  of  opinion  in  regard  to  this  fruit. 

McAvoy' s  Superior.    Does  well  near  Pittsburg  and  in  several  localities.  Afternoon. 

Easpbereies. — Allen's.  Mr.  Prince:  Is  productive,  and  is  like  the  English  Red  Cane  of 
the  London  Horticultural  Society.  Mr.  Barry  :  Old  ;  long  ago  cultivated  and  lost,  now  re- 
newed. Best  not  to  name  it  at  present.  Mr.  Judd :  Hardy  fruit  fine.  Mr.  Vail,  N.  Y.  : 
In  Westchester  County  has  proved  hardy,  and  fruit  very  fine.  Also  so  with  Mr.  Seymour  of 
Connecticut. 

American  Red.  Mr.  Saul  proposed  to  strike  it  out.  Mr.  Prince  :  The  name  is  indefinite  ; 
has  a  red  bark  and  is  very  productive.  Mr.  Parsons  :  Very  fine  for  preserving.  Seed  vessels 
of  all  other  varieties  too  large. 

Catawissa.     Dr.  Warder  :  Strike  from  list.     Carried. 

Thunderer.     Dr.  Grant :  None  superior  ;  large,  productive,  and  high  flavor. 
Ohio  Eterhcaring.      Bagley's  Everbearing.     Were  passed  over.     Several  persons  condemned 
all  everbearing  raspberries.     Mr.  Barry  said  he  had  proved  two  good  French  kinds  :  Belle  de 
Fontaine  and  Merveille  (du  Quatre  Saisous)  of  four  Seasons.     Hopes  to  see  everbearing  rasp- 
berries as  plenty  as  perpetual  roses. 

Dooliitle's  Black  Cup.  Some  think  it  the  same  as  common  B.  C,  others  an  improve- 
ment.    Mr.  Mannice  :  Fruit  twice  as  large  as  the  Black  Cap,  and  very  fine. 

CuERA^.Ts.— C/ic?')?/.     Mr.  Cabot :  Add  to  the  list  the  Versaillaise,  as  large  as  the  Cherry  ; 


two  and  a-balf  inches  in  circumference.  Very  sweet ;  stronc^  grower.  Mr.  Field  :  Tlie  Clier- 
ry  a  little  acid,  but  a  great  market  currant.  Dr.  Sylvester :  Good  grower,  large,  acid,  good 
eating.  Mr.  -Judd  :  Wellp  &  Provost  planted  thirty  acres  for  preserving.  Mr.  Cabot :  llam- 
pant;  good  for  wine.  Mr.  Lyons  :  No  better  than  Large  Eed  Dutch  ;  a  little  larger  and  more 
acid.  Jfr.  Hovey :  Acid,  vigorous,  productive  ;  not  good  for  table;  good  for  preserves  and 
jelly.  Mr.  Saul  :  Preferred  the  Versaillaise  and  the  Large  Red  Dutch.  Added  to  list  as  pro- 
mising well. 

Transparent  White.  (Blanche.)  Large  sweet,  superior  to  White  Dutch  ;  transparent  and  very 
mild.     Messrs.  Barry,  Saul,  and  Perckmans  :  Identical  with  White  Grape. 

Red  Grape.  Mr  Prince  -  The  London  Horticultural  Society  say  it  is  the  Large  Pted  Dutch. 

Fertile  Fallua II.  Mr.  Berckmans :   One  of  the  sweetest.     Promises  well. 

La  C'aucasse.  Mr.  Walker  :  Bunches  seven  inches  in  length  ;  berry  over  two  inches  in  cir- 
cumference ;  sweeter  than  the  Versaillaise. 

Mr.  Saunders  inquired  if  any  one  knew  the  Bed Antirerp  Currant? 

Mr.  Steele  of  North  Carolina  moved  that  apples  be  taken  iip. 

Added  to  the  list  for  general  cultivation  :  Autumn  Bough,  Broadwell,  Cogeswell,  Jonathan, 
Monmouth  Pippin,  Smith's  Cider,  Wagner,  Willis  Sweeting,  Buckingham,  White  Winter 
Pearmain  (not  the  Michael  Henry  Pippin). 

Mr.  Bateham  of  Ohio,  and  VVestbrook  of  North  Carolina,  and  others,  asserted  that  the 
west,  south-west,  and  south,  at  least  one-half  of  the  Union  was  sadly  injured  by  the  lists  of 
apples  and  other  fruits  put  forth  by  this  Society.  JIany  of  the  best  fruits  for  those  regions 
were  discarded,  and  others  adopted,  that  would  not  flourish  at  all.  It;  was  conceded  by  lead- 
ing members,  that  there  was  some  difficulty  on  this  score.  But  the  Society  had  done  the  best 
it  could  with  ten  years'  labor  devoted  to  the  preparation  of  these  lists.  Gentlemen  from  these 
regions  must  assist  in  perfecting  our  labors. 

The  President  proposed  the  place  of  next  meeting  should  be  fixed.  Mr.  Steele  moved  it 
be  in  Philadelphia.  A  permanfi'nt  location  was  spoken  of.  Dr.  Warder  proposed  Cincinnati. 
The  President  asked  our  Philadelphia  friends  if  it  would  be  agreeable  to  have  the  meeting 
held  there.  Mr.  James — very  glad  to  have  you  always.  Mr.  Cabot  moved  it  be  held  in  New- 
York,  as  the  most  convenient  location.  Mr.  Saul  opposed  Cincinnati.  It  was  finally  agreed 
that  the  convention  meet  in  Philadelphia  in  I860  at  the  call  of  the  President. 

Mr.  Hogg  proposed  that  peaches  be  next  discussed. 

Carpenter's  White.  Mr.  Hogg  had  seen  six  which  weighed  three  pounds,  very  large,  white 
stone,  juicy.  Last  of  September  and  to  5th  October.  Added  as  promising  well.  Mr.  Berck- 
man's  proposed  the  Chinese  Cling  or  Shanghai  as  a  very  superior  peacli  in  the  south.  D. 
Redmond  :  One  of  the  best  and  most  delicious  clings — large  oblong — perfectly  white.  The 
Honey  peach  is  a  free  stone.  Mr.  Westbrook  of  North  Carolina  :  The  very  best  peach  with 
me.  Mr.  Saul:  The  China  peach  was  sent  in  pots  to  Mr.  Downing;  but  we  never  fruited  it. 
It  went  south,  and  I  think  the  peach  Mr.  Berckmans  speaks  of  must  be  the  same  one.  Add- 
ed to  the  list  as  promising  well.       Columbia.  Added  to  list  that  promises  well. 

The  hour  for  adjournment  having  arrived,  Mr.  Hogg  of  New  York  proposed  that  a  vote  of 
thanks  be  tendered  to  tlie  President  for  the  very  able  manner  in  which  he  had  discharged 
his  duties  during  the  present  Session  and  all  former  Sessions  of  the  Society.  The  vote  of 
thanks  was  enthusiastically  awarded  to  Mr.  Wilder.  Mr.  Wilder  was  deeply  affected  by  this 
testimony  of  regard,  and  said  he  was  willing  to  spend  and  be  spent,  in  this  beautiful  field. 
He  believed  that  his  Creator  had  endowed  him  with  a  strong  love  for  these  pursuits,  and  he 
had  always  done  all  in  his  power  to  advance  their  interests.  With  a  strong  sense  of  what  he 
owed  to  those  who  associated  with  him  in  this  matter,  and  hoping  that  they  might  enjoy  the 
blessing  of  their  labor  hereafter,  he  again  thanked  them  for  their  kindly  sentiments  towards 
him. 

It  was  also  moved  that  Mr.  Barry,  the  retiring  Secretary,  receive  a  vote  of  thanks  for  the 
manner  in  which  he  had  performed  his  services.  Unanimously  accorded.  Mr.  Barry,  in  a  few 
words,  said  he  had  done,  and  would  do  all  he  could  for  the  society. 

It  was  also  moved  that  a  vote  of  thanks  be  presented  to  that  portion  of  the  Agricultural 
and  Horticultural  press  which  had  forwarded  the  true  interests  of  Horticulture  and  Pomology. 
Carried. 

Mr.  Cabot  then  moved  that  the  Society  adjourn  to  meet  in  Philadelphia  in  1860,  at  the  call 
of  the  President.    Carried.     Adjourned. 

[Our  reporter  hag  done  great  justice  to  the  Pomological  Convention.  If  any  errors  have  oc- 
curred, they  took  place  when  three  or  four  were  speaking  at  once.  We  have  devoted  all  the 
space  at  our  command  to  the  Convention,  and  when  we  receive  the  official  report,  shall  take 
pleasure  in  completing  the  account  as  to  entries,  lists  of  apples,  &c.  The  display  of  fruits 
notwithstanding  the  season  has  been  a  comparatively  poor  one,  was  as  gratifying  as  i 
surprising. — Ed.] 


# 


^0  Contribwtors  uixn  (&uh\\^ts,  it,,  h. 

Communications,  Letters,  Catalogues,  Periodicals,  &c.,  &c.,  intended  for 
the  perusal  of  the  Editor,  should  be  uniformly  directed  to  the  Horticulturist, 
Germantown,  {PhUcidclphia,)  Fa.  Packag'es  by  Express,  &c ,  should  be 
directed  to  the  Editor,  as  above,  by  name  ;  they  will  thus  reach  him  almost 
beyond  a  doubt. 


Orchard  Houses. — The  reader  will  find,  in  the  present  issue,  a  valuable  article  on  Orchard 
Houses,  to  which  we  desire  to  direct  attention.  Their  use  is  very  extensive  abroad,  and  they 
are  gradually  creeping  into  favor  among  us.  "  Wodenethe"  has  fairly  stated  the  case,  and  we 
add,  from  the  Gardenf-ys  Chronicle,  the  following  information,  from  the  pen  of  a  writer  who  has 
evidently  correct  views : 

"As  the  opponents  of  these  are  so  quiet  now,  I  suppose  that  their  houses  are  generally  giving 
satisfaction,  and  that  their  success  is  too  evident  to  be  written  against.  Having  seen  Mr. 
Rivers'  houses,  and  tasted  of  his  fine  crop  of  Peaches,  &c.,  I  determined  to  build  one,  which 
was  finished  and  stocked  with  young  trees  early  in  the  spring  of  1857.  Nothing  of  the  kind 
ever  gave  me  so  much  pleasure,  and  I  do  not  wonder  at  the  inventor  being  so  enthusiastic 
about  them  Mine  is  a  good,  substantial  building  in  brick-work,  the  south  end  glass,  60  feet  by 
20,  with  brick  beds — cost,  £95.  It  is  span-roofed,  and  supported  by  a  I'ow  of  light  iron  pillars. 
Of  course,  "maiden"  trees  could  not  fruit  the  first  year,-  this  season  they  are  generally  full  of 
fruit,  some  few  trees  having  failed,  particularly  Apricots,  whilst  from  the  rest  I  have  taken 
hundreds  of  fruit  in  thinning.  I  had  some  fears,  as  I  had  never  grown  a  fruit  tree  in  a  pot,  nor 
had  a  man  on  the  ground  who  had  more  experience  than  myself  What  I  have  seen  has  fully 
convinced  me  of  the  advantage  of  pots,  they  are  so  under  command,  and  I  much  question  if 
the  trees  would  fruit  better,  or  could  be  more  healthy,  if  planted  out.  Of  course,  I  am  writing 
of  trees  in  pots  standing  on  soil.  It  has  been  quite  amusing  to  hear  the  remarks  of  both  gentle- 
men and  their  gardeners  on  seeing  some  small  Fig  trees  growing  on  this  plan ;  one,  a  White 
Marseilles  about  three  feet  high,  had  60  fine  large  fruit  on  it  at  once,  the  last  of  which  I  hope 
to  eat  to-morrow,  having  "fathered  them  daily  for  some  time,  and  it  has  now  a  larger  crop  of 
young  ones.  A  White  Ischia  is  equally  full,  and  several  other  kinds  have  been  and  are  bearing 
a  good  crop.  Now,  almost  every  one  who  sees  them  appears  astonished,  some  saying  their  Fig 
trees  grow,  but  do  not  fruit  well  (these  are  planted  out) ;  others  complain  of  the  fruit  dropping 
off — these  are  generally  in  pots.  The  plan  invented  by  Mr.  Rivers  appears  the  "happy 
medium."  I  ought  to  say  that  the  Figs  are  in  a  house  of  the  same  size  as  the  orchard-house, 
but  heated  by  hot  water;  this  cost  me  £125,  and  I  would  not  wish  for  a  better,  though,  of 
course,  it  is  a  plain  span-roofed  house.  But,  for  enjoyment  in  the  sunny  but  cold  months  of 
spring,  give  me  an  orchard-house  without  heat ;  there  you  may  wander  for  hours,  if  you  have 
time,  neither  troubled  by  heat,  cold,  or  March  winds,  and  those  who  saw  mine  one  mass  of 
bloom  will  say  that  there  was  enough  to  admire.  Whatever  may  be  written  against  orchard- 
houses  by  those  who  have  not  tried  them,  they  will  be  built  in  large  numbers,  and  many  a 
like  myself  will  prove  that  there  is  no  difficulty  in  their  management. — J.  R.  Pearson, 
II  Xurseries,  near  Aollingham. 


Straavberries  in  Orchard  Houses.— Though  Strawberries  are  but  rarely  among  our 
forced  luxuries,  they  may  be  turned  to  account  in  the  orchard-house  without  iuterferiiig  with 
other  crops.     Another  writer  in  the  same  journal  sa3s: 

"  I  liave  thought  that  to  those  who,  like  myself,  are  much  interested  in  orchard-houses,  a 
little  interchange  of  experience  in  that  department  miglit  be  profitable.  I  give  them  mine,  for 
the  present  season,  in  Strawberries.  The  plants  were  potted  very  late,  were  housed  all  the 
Aviuter  without  water,  looked  rather  bad  early  in  spring,  but,  upon  being  watered,  dead  leaves 
picked  off,  &c.,  began  to  grow  vigorously.  Drainage-water  was  given  frequently.  They 
blossomed,  and  are  bearing  abundantly.  My  first  ripe  Strawberry  was  picked  June  2,  eleven 
days  before  the  first  in  the  open  ground,  also  watered  with  same  water.  A  few  days  later  I 
gathered  a  small  dish.  On  June  9,  I  weighed  what  I  gathered;  the  weight  was  seven  ounces. 
As  regards  kinds.  Sir  Harry  is  unquestionably,  with  me,  the  greatest  bearer  and  finest  fruit. 
I  have  found  ail  that  I  have  weighed  to  be  a  full  half-ounce.  Kitley's  Goliah  and  Alice  Maude 
are  also  doing  well.  I  think  I  counted  22  Sir  Harrys  in  a  32  pot;  the  average,  perhaps,  is  Id 
iu  a  pot,  and  all  gave  promise  of  coming  to  perfection.  I  have  been  surprised  to  find  that,  ou 
the  average,  small  pots  have  produced  the  most  fruit.  Some  4-inch  pots,  48  size,  have  borne 
capitally,  the  roots  of  the  plants  going  well  through  into  the  border.  My  experience  would 
say,  32  size  is  the  best.  I  find,  moreover,  that  the  pots  standing  on  the  border,  amidst  the 
Peaches,  bear  earlier  and  better  than  those  on  a  raised  slielf  under  the  front  plate  of  the  house. 
This  is  the  case  as  regards  earliness,  even  where  the  front  is  entirely  of  glass,  as  comparison 
Avith  a  friend's  house  has  proved." — Iota. 

Mulberries  have  also  been  introduced  into  orchard-houses  ;  in  fact,  the  list  of  fruits  is 
increasing  rapidly. 

Ploaving  jMachines.— Mrs.  Loudon.— The  Philadelphia  Agricultural  Society  has  heard 
fav^orable  accounts  of  a  Plowing  Machine  invented  in  Lancaster  county,  which  they  are  anxious 
to  have  tried.  At  the  late  meeting  of  the  Pioyal  Agricultural  Society  of  England,  held  at  Ches- 
ter, numerous  implements  for  this  purpose  were  exhibited,  and  the  practical  advantages  of 
steam  culture  vA^ere  tested,  proving  the  adaptability  of  the  power.  We  hope  some  of  our  agri- 
cultural papers  will  publish  the  report.  No  award  of  a  premium  took  place,  though  Fowler's 
invention  seems  to  stand  first.  It  plowed  five  acres  a  day,  at  a  cost  of  9s.  English  per  acre. 
Great  attention  is  now  paid  in  England  to  Pulping  Machines,  for  reducing  food  for  cattle  to  an 
easily  digested  state.  It  is  not  a  little  curious  that  Mrs  Loudon  should  have  died  just  as  Plow- 
ing Machines  are  about  being  perfected.  In  her  first  book,  the  novel  of  "  The  Mummy,"  she 
attracted  the  attention  of  J.  C.  Loudon,  by  asserting  that  the  age  of  Plowing  Machines  A\'as 
at  hand. 

Mrs.  Loudon's  "Lady's  Companion  to  the  Flower  Garden"  has  had  a  circulation  of  20,000 
copies  in  England.  It  may  be  added,  that  her  tastes  are  inherited  by  Miss  Agnes  Loudon,  her 
only  daughter,  who  is  the  authoress  of  several  children's  books,  and  various  tales  and  sketches. 
Mrs.  Loudon  was  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  pension  of  £100  per  annum,  granted  to  her  in  recogni- 
tion of  the  literary  services  rendered  by  herself  and  husband.  A  hope  is  expressed  very 
strongly,  and  properly,  that  it  may  be  continued  to  the  daughter. 

Canada. — If  our  readers  have  been  good  enough  to  accompany  us  on  a  visit  to  Canada,  they 
haA-e  doubtless  discovered  that  there  are  many  persons  deeply  interested  in  horticultural  topics. 
They  may  also  be  interested  to  learn  a  few  more  facts  regarding  their  near  neighbors,  Avhose 
agricultural  statistics  are  more  remarkable  than  many  have  believed.  A  few  of  these  have 
reached  us  which  may  interest,  no  less  than  surprise,  those  whose  attention  has  not  been  called 
to  them. 

In  1851  the  whole  animal  and  vegetable  produce  of  Canada  was  £941,597  ;  in  1856  it  reached 
the  enormous  advance  of  £4,3S40.  Her  undeveloped  fisheries  produce  already  £115.000  per 
annum.  These  figures  represent  the  surplus  wealth  in  productive  industry  only ;  manufactories 
also  p:iy  tribute  to  the  export  trade  of  the  colony— in  1356  amounting  to  £104,000;  ship-build- 


EDITOR'S    TABLE. 

ing  alone  shows  a  money  value  of  £303,000.  Added  to  these  the  value  of  exportations  to  inland 
ports  we  find  in  1856  to  be  £8,000. 

Turning  to  the  home  records  of  the  colony,  evidence  exists  of  its  condition  and  progress  highly 
curious.  In  1851  the  gross  amount  of  wheat  grown  was  16,202,272  bushels,  showing  an 
increase  of  400  per  cent  during  the  ten  previous  years,  while  the  increase  in  the  United  States 
had  only  reached  48  per  cent.  In  oats,  the  produce  increased  70  per  cent,  wliile  that  of  the 
States  was  only  17  per  cent;  increase  of  Indian  corn  in  Canada  163  per  cent,  and  in  the  States 
56  per  cent.  By  comparing  thjse  with  a  separate  State  of  the  Union,  and  selecting  Ohio  fur 
the  purpose — no  mean  competitor,  we  have  the  following  very  curious  table. 

The  land  in  Ohio  is  valued  at  nearly  double  that  of  tiie  average  of  the  Union,  and  has  more 
than  three  times  as  many  inhabitants  to  the  square  mile,  she  having  49,55,  while  the  average  of 
the  Union  is  only  15.75.  Let  us  look  at  some  of  the  principal  items.  (See  accompanying 
table). 

Canada.  Ohio. 

Population 1,942,265 1 ,980,427 

Acres  occupied,  cultivated 7,300,839 9,851,439 

uncultivated 10,638,957 8,14ij,000 

Total  occupied 17,939,796 17,999,493 

Acres  occunied  to  each  inhabitant 9  3     4 9     0    18 

Acres  of  wheat 1,138,311 1,221.437 

Produce  in  bushels 16,155,946 14,487,351 

Bushels  per  acre 14.2 12 

Bushels  per  inhabitant 8.9 7.3 

Assessed  value  of  occupied  lands.  .£65,879,048 £89,689,551 

Oats,  produce  in  bushels 21.434,840 13,472,742 

Barley 1,389,499 354,358 

Rye 869,835 425,718 

Peas 4,223,487 55,168 

Cows 591,433 544,499 

Horses 385,377 4-53,397 

Sheep 1,-597,849 3,942,929 

Cattle 741,106 814,448 

These  were  the  statistics  of  1851;  since  then  the  country  has  been  advancing  at  even  a 
more  rapid  rate.  In  1851  the  gross  wheat  produce  amounted  to  16,125,956  bushels,  in  1856  to 
26,255,664,  showing  an  increase  of  10,399,738  bushels,  which  is  equal  to  64.3  per  cent  in  the 
five  years,  and  raises  the  return  from  8.9  bushels  to  10.6  bushels  per  head  of  population.  In 
barley  and  rye,  the  returns  are  even  more  satisfactory. 

In  1763,  the  population  of  Canada  is  given  at  82,000;  1814,  430,000;  1823,  575,000;  1831, 
772,000;  1844,  1,199,000;  1848,  1,491,000;  1851,1,842,265;  1856,  2,500,000.  If  we  compare 
these  returns  with  those  of  the  States,  say  for  the  last  deceimial  census,  we  can  form  some  idea  of 
the  relative  population  progress  of  Canada.  In  Great  Britain  the  increase  amounted  to 
13.2  per  cent ;  in  the  United  States  to  35  per  cent,  while  the  population  of  Canada  increased 
G9  per  cent ;  or  if  we  were  to  take  the  western  province  alone,  we  should  find  an  increase  of 
no  less  than  104  per  cent  in  the  ten  years.  This  increased  population  appears  to  be  the  very 
life-blood  of  the  colony.  • 

While  the  export  trade  since  1851,  shows  an  increase  of,  in  round  numbers,  150  per  cent, 
the  imports  have  fully  doubled  themselves  in  the  same  period. 

If  we  take  the  present  productive  returns  of  the  cultivated  lands  as  a  basis  fi)r  calculations,  it 
would  be  seen  that  the  already  occupied  land  in  the  colony  would  support  a  population  of  about 
10,000,000  inhabitants  ;  and  if  the  present  progressive  rate  of  increase  is  sustained,  a  writer  in 
'•Hunt's  Merchants'  Magazine"  tells  us,  that  at  the  close  of  the  present  century,  we  may 
expect  to  see  Canada  occupied  by  a  population  something  like  20,000,000  in  number.  AVhatever 
her  numbers  may  be,  it  is  quite  certain  for  years  to  come,  the  great  strength  of  the  country  will  lie 
in  the  productions  of  her  soil.     With  these  she  will  pay  for  foreign  manufactures  ;  her  surplus 


editor's  table. 

■vvill  supply  foreign  wants,  whose  surplus  will  administer  to  her  necessities  and  comforts,  and 
thus  the  scales  of  commercial  benefit  be  kept  pretty  evenly  balanced. 

It  is  quite  cleiir  that  there  is  ample  space  in  Canada  for  a  largely  increased  population,  and 
it  is  equally  clear,  if  we  may  judge  from  the  past,  that  every  increase  is  followed  by  a  generally 
increased  prosperity.  To  induce  this  by  means  of  immigration,  the  government  have  lately 
offered  free  grants  of  land  alono-  three  great  arterial  lines  of  road,  which  have  been  recently 
opened  up  and  laid  out  for  settlement.     The  grants  are  not  to  exceed  100  acres  to  each. 

These  lands  are  generally  of  very  excellent  quality,  and  well  adapted  to  all  the  purposes  of 
husbandry. 

Australia  excepted,  no  country  furnishes  such  singular  instances  of  the  rise  in  the  value  of 
surveyed  lands  as  the  last  five  years  have  witnessed  in  Canada.  The  development  of  the  railway 
system  throughout  the  Province,  has  been  the  principal  agency  by  which  this  has  been  effected. 
When  we  recollect  that  1852  saw  Canada  without  a  single  railway,  and  that  1857  saw  her  with 
1500  miles  completed,  and  500  miles  more  in  process  of  construction,  the  rise  in  the  value  of 
land  is  readily  understood.  The  lines  of  railway  must  be  looked  upon  as  a  series  of  accessible 
markets  for  the  country  they  serve.  The  natural  consequence  is,  that  every  product  of  the 
farm  has  acquired  a  certain  money  value,  although  before  this  new  access  to  market  it  may 
have  been  absolutely  valueless.  The  immense  remuneration  thus  obtained  for  the  same  outlay 
of  labor,  has  greatly  enhanced  the  value  of  capital.  Land  in  old  settlements,  remote  from  lake 
ports,  has  doubled  itself  in  value  in  five  years ;  while  wild  lands  in  new  settlements,  near  to  which  a 
railway  passes,  have  trebled  their  value  within  a  shorter  period.  These  all-powerful  means  of 
communication  have  opened  up  the  country,  made  available  a  vast  amount  of  inert  wealth, 
stimulated  industiy,  and  effected  a  complete  revolution  in  farming  economy  within  a  range  of 
twenty  miles  on  either  side  of  the  course  they  take. 

For  some  remarkable  statistics  regarding  the  Victoria  Tubular  Bridge,  at  Montreal,  the 
reader  may  consult  with  pleasure  the  article  on  "  Iron  Bridges,"  in  the  London  Quarterly 
Review  for  last  July. 

Bagley's  Perpetu.\l  Raspberry. — It  will  be  perceived  by  our  advertising  columns,  is  for 
sale  only  by  the  agent,  Andrew  Bridgeman,  878  Broadway,  New  York. 

De.\r  Sir  : — My  poor  Delaware  Grape  is  dead !  It  was  a  nice  layer,  carefully  separated 
from  the  parent  vine,  and  presented  to  me  by  a  friend — potted  in  early  spring,  and  nursed  in 
the  green-house,  but  without  avail. 

I  was  also  interested  in  some  half  dozen  cuttings  from  the  same  vine,  and  a  dozen  or  so  of 
cuttings  from  the  original  vine  in  Ohio,  but  not  one  eye  vegetated  in  the  whole  lot. 

An  amateur  in  a  neighboring  town  succeeded  in  starting  four  plants  from  fourteen  eyes ; 
while,  of  four  cuttings  grafted  in  vigorous  stocks,  not  one  is  now  alive.     Obstinate  behavior! 

I  procured  from  a  neighbor,  this  spring,  some  scions  of  the  Hawley  Apple.  Certain  facts  in 
the  history  of  his  tree  were  noticeable.  Some  years  since,  his  wife  sowed  a  single  seed  of  a 
choice  apple  in  a  flower-pot,  with  the  expectation  of  obtaining  the  same  kind  of  fruit.  The 
seed  vegetated,  and  was  transplanted,  and  in  due  time  became  a  tree,  and  bore  fruit  which  had 
a  resemblance  to  the  original,  but  was  considered  to  be  so  much  inferior  as  to  be  unworthy  of 
cultivation.  The  tree  was  then  grafted — all  over,  as  was  supposed — with  the  Hawley,  and  it 
has  since  borne  good  crops  of  this  fine  apple.  One  small  limb,  however,  of  the  original  tree, 
which  had  escaped  the  notice  of  the  grafter,  came  into  bearing  about  with  the  Hawley,  and  is 
an  apple  perfectly  similar  to  the  fruit  from  which  the  seed  was  taken  and  planted,  and  is  consid- 
ered by  the  owner  so  excellent — superior  even  to  the  Hawley — that  he  much  regrets  his  hasty 
decision  in  grafting  the  tree  at  all.  D. 

J.  J.  Smith,  Esq.  : — Samuel  Miller  and  W.  T.  differ  on  the  Grape  question,  iu  the  June 
and  July  numbers  of  the  Horticulturist.  I  think  neither  party  has  done  the  subject  justice,  but 
Mr.  Miller  is  right  concerning  the  pruning  of  grape  vines;  they  should  be  properly  trimmed, 


and  all  the  useless  or  dead  branches  taken  off,  but  the  severe  mode  of  pruning  often  practised 
is  hardly  advisable. 

Another  thing  is  certain  :  W.  T.  will  find  he  is  not  able  to  confine  the  roots  of  the  grape  to 
a  hole  or  border  of  ordinary  dimensions,  unless  he  boxes  them  in. 

I  am  not  able  to  say  for  the  North,  but  it  is  pretty  well  proved  here,  and  southward  of  this, 
that  the  grape  will  do  well  without  much  trenching  (in  good  soil),  if  supplied  with  fertilizing 
matter  near  the  surface,  and  well  mulched. 

It  is  a  well-established  practice  to  cultivate  a  peach-orchard  regularly  in  New  York,  while  in 
North  Carolina  it  is  undoubtedly  the  best  plan  to  enrich  the  ground  on  the  surface.  The  same 
rule  applies  equally  to  the  grape,  and  all  other  fruits.  Eespectfully, 

Pleasant  Ridge,  near  Bcndeisville,  Fa.  F.   W.  C. 

Glass  Houses. — In  the  September  number  of  the  Horticulturist  Mr.  Eaton,  in  an  article 
on  grape  houses,  expresses  himself  as  being  strongly  in  favor  of  curvilinear  roofs,  and  enumerates 
some  important  advantages  which  he  considers  they  possess. 

My  object  was  to  endeavor  to  show  how  a  neat,  and  at  the  same  time  a  cheap  and  efficient 
glass  house  might  be  built;  for  there  are  many  persons  who  would  be  w'illing  to  build  such, 
who  do  not  feel  inclined  to  adopt  a  costly  ornamental  style,  yet  would  not  be  pleased  with  a 
roughly  built  house  of  boards,  and  the  broken  sash  ventilation  of  Mr.  Eaton. 

Now  I  wish  to  state  at  once  that  I  have  no  dislike  to  curved  roofs.  AVhen  properly  con- 
structed they  answer  very  well  as  grape,  or  indeed  any  tither  kind  of  glass  houses ;  in  alluding 
to  them  in  my  article  of  March  last,  I  had  not  the  most  distant  idea  of  condemning  them.  But 
as  they  have  been  brought  forward  as  models,  it  may  be  well  to  enquire  wherein  their  superi- 
ority consists. 

With  regard  to  the  superior  beauty  of  curved  glass  roofs,  I  confess  that  in  the  most  of  them 
which  I  have  seen,  (not  excepting  the  Great  Palm  house  at  Kew,)  there  is  a  want  of  architec- 
tural proportion  which  detracts  much  from  the  beauty  and  grace  which  a  curved  roof  would 
otherwise  confer.  This  I  have  thought  proceeds  from  a  deficiency  of  upright  base,  or  support- 
ing elevation.  A  house  so  constructed  that  the  curve  seems  to  start  immediately  from  the 
ground,  originates  a  feeling  similar  to  that  produced  in  my  mind  when  looking  at  a  vase  sitting 
on  a  lawn  without  a  pedestal. 

As  to  the  additional  gain  of  training  surface,  I  think  thei'e  is  a  mistaken  notion  prevalent  on 
this  point.  For  example,  take  a  house  10  feet  wide  and  12  feet  high,  let  there  be  2  feet  upright 
wall,  then  curve  so  as  to  procure  a  rafter  14  feet  in  length,  which  will  be  in  good  proportions. 
A  connnon  span  would,  in  addition  to  the  upright  wall,  require  2  feet  upright  glass,  and  a  rafter 
12  feet  long.  So  that  the  training  surface  is  very  equally  balanced,  and  any  gardener  would 
undertake  to  grow  just  as  much  fruit  in  the  one,  as  he  could  in  the  other. 

An  "  important  disadvantage"  in  all  narrow  high  houses,  is  the  difficulty  of  equalizing  the 
temperature.     This  is  well  understood  among  practical  gardeners. 

The  cost  of  curvilinear  houses,  is,  I  have  good  reason  to  know,  over  39  per  cent  that  of 
angular  houses.     I  again  repeat  that  the  latter  are  "  much  cheaper  and  equally  efficient." 

Germantown,  Pa.  William  Saunders. 

PiNNEO,  Hebron,  and  Boston  Peau. — Two  of  our  valued  Connecticut  correspondents 
have  forwarded  separate  parcels,  without  concert,  of  the  pear  which  goes  by  this  name.  Dr.  G. 
W.  Eussell  says  it  has  long  been  cultivated  in  tiie  eastern  part  of  the  State,  and  has  lately  been 
disseminated  under  the  name  of  the  "  Boston"  by  Mr.  Hovey.  I  obtained  them  last  week 
(August)  in  Gilead,  sixteen  miles  from  Hartford.  Last  year  I  compared  the  fruit  and  wood, 
and  found  them  alike,  and  published  an  account  of  the  pear  in  the  Homestead.  It  was  the 
decided  opinion  of  a  number  who  examined  both  here  last  year  that  the  "  Boston"  w'as  no  other 
than  the  "  Pinneo"  long  cultivated  in  this  State.  Accompanying  you  will  also  find  specimens 
of  Langdon's  seedling  Plum,  (which  came  safe  and  are  excellent.) 

Colonel  D.  S.  Dewey  snys :  "  We  had  an  excellent  show  of  Fruit,  Flowers  and  Vegetabls  at 


t 


EDITOR'S   T^iBLE. 


our  Horticultural  Exhibition  (Aug.  12).  Among  the  fruits  was  n  plate  of  pears  from  the 
grounds  of  John  A.  Tanitor,  Esq.,  specimens  of  which  are  herewith  sent,  which  I  obtained 
from  Iiim  expressly  for  you.  They  are  known  with  us  as  the  Hebron  Pear,  and  my  opinion  is 
that  they  originated  in  the  neighborhood  of  Hebron,  Connecticut,  and  not  far  from  the  original 
locality  of  the  Pinneo,  alias  "Boston  Pear."  I  find  no  mention  in  the  books  of  any  pear  by  their 
name,  and  I  send  them  to  you  for  examination.  The  tree  is  an  upright  grower,  and  bears 
abundantly  every  year.  The  fruit  has  been  known  here  for  some  ten  years  or  more,  and  is 
highly  esteemed  among  our  early  summer  pears.  1  have  added  from  my  own  trees  to  fill  the 
box,  specimens  of  the  English  Jargonelle  pear  and  Red  Astrachan  Apple,  &c." 

All  which  came  in  good  order.  The  Pinneo,  or  Hebron  pear  is  identical  with  the  "  Boston." 
Ko  description,  moreover,  could  be  more  perfect  than  C.  Downing's  of  the  Boston,  if  it  had 
only  been  rightly  named  the  "  Pinneo"  alias  Hebron,  as  Mr.  Plarvey  now  admits. 
The  Columbia  Plum. — A  correspon- 
dent, W.  C.  W.  Baltimore,  forwarded 
early  in  September  magnificent  speci- 
mens of  the  Columbia  Plum;  a  drawing 
of  the  largest  of  which  is  here  presented. 
The  tree  was  obtained  from  Parsons  & 
Co.,  and  planted  in  a  Baltimore  town 
garden.  This  fine  specimen  measured 
fully  7o  and  7|  inches  in  circumference, 
and  is  the  largest  we  have  ever  noticed. 
"Miller's  Spanish"  may  exceed  it. 
Have  any  of  our  readers  kept  measure- 
ments of  General  Hand,  or  Magnum 
Bonums,  to  compare  with  the  above 
dimensions  ? 

"  The  Wandering  Jew — A  little 
runner  with  an  ivy  leaf  and  neat  flower," 
which,  in  your  August  number  you 
"  commend  to  the  attention  of  ama- 
teurs,' '  is,  indeed,  a  commendable  plant. 
With  us  it  is  perfectly  hardy,  and  is 
known  also,  by  the  euphonious  epithet 
of  Mountain  Myrtle. 

An  interesting  way  of  growing  it  is 
to  plant  it  in  a  vase,  or  pot,  or  small 
tub,  and  encourage  it  to  trail  equally 
over  the  sides,  and  when  the  descending 
tips  reach  the  ground,  the  pot  is  elevated  on  a  pedestal,  (another  pot  inverfed,  or  a  round  block,) 
and,  eventually,  it  becomes  a  circular  mass  of  very  pretty  foliage,  sufficiently  curious  and  pleas- 
ing in  appearance  to  arrest  the  attention  of  all  beholders." 

Tree  Labels. — Mr.  B.  K.  Bliss,  of  Springfield,  Mass.,  has  laid  on  our  table,  specimens  of 
his  cheap  and  excellent  labels  for  trees,  especially  fruit  trees.  They  consist  of  a  ring  of  metal 
enclosing  a  printed  name  under  mica,  and  appear  to  be  an  admirable  adaptation. 

Correspondents  will  see  we  have  been  obliged  to  omit  many  valued  communications  in 
the  present  number. 

Catalogues,  &c.,  Eeceived. — Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  and  Plants, 
Knox  Nurseries,  Vincennes,  Indiana.  By  Simpson,  Ten  Brook  &  Co.  Our  parish  is  indeed 
extensive  when  such  fine  catalogues  of  everything  valuable  reach  us  from  such  long  distances  as 
we  chronicle  this  month. 


COLUMBIA    PLUMB. 


editor's  table. 


Catalogue  for  1858  and  1859,  of  Gloaming  Nursery,  Clarksville,  Habersham  County,  Georjjia. 
By  Jarvis  Van  Buren.     A  great  variety  of  valuable  fruit. 

Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  &c.,  &c.,  at  the  Morris  Nurseries.  J.  L.  Dar- 
lington &  Co.,  Westchester,  Pa. ,  1858-59.  This  well  known  establishment  continues  to  sus- 
tain its  reputation.     They  also  issue  a  Wholesale  price  list  of  importance. 

Premium  List.  Three  Distinct  Exhibitions,  Agricultural,  Horticultural  and  Floral  Depart- 
ments, of  the  30th  Aimual  Fair  of  the  American  Institute  at  the  Crystal  Palace,  New  York, 
1858. 

Wilcox  &  Felt's  descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruit  Trees,  West  Feliciana  Nurseries,  Bayou 
Sara,  Louisiana. 

Journal  of  the  New  York  State  Agricultural  Society,  August. 

The  Dudley  Observatory  and  the  Scientific  Council  Statement  of  the  Trustees.  Albany, 
1858.  The  Astronomers  have  somehow  or  other,  instead  of  pointing  their  instruments  at  the 
heavens,  run  the  whole  affair  into  the  ground.  It  is  not  difficult  to  decide  were  the  error  lay. 
The  Trustees  appear,  by  their  own  statement,  to  have  the  best  of  the  argument. 

Circular  of,  and  ticket  of  admission  to  the  New  Hampshire  State  Agricultural  Society  E:ihibi- 
tion  at  Dover,  October  6th,  7th  and  8th. 

List  of  Fruit  on  Exhibition  from  Downing  Hill  Nursery,  Atlanta,  Georgia  at  the  second  exhibi- 
tion of  the  Pomological  Society  of  Georgia,  Athens,  August  3d,  1858.  A  noble  list  for  one 
exhibitor. 

Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  Evergreens,  &c.,  cultivated  and  for 
sale  by  Franklin  Davis,  at  the  Staunton  Nurseries,  Staunton,  Va.,  1858.  This  is  the  Catalogue 
of  an  extensive  and  successful  nursery,  every  line  of  which  indicates  that  the  proprietor 
thoroughly  understands  his  business. 

Hand-Book  of  Fruit  Culture.     By  Thomas  Gregg.     New  York,  Fowler  &  Wells, 

Books  for  the  People,  published  by  Miller,  Orton  &  Co.,  25  Park  Eow,  New  York. 

Catalogue  of  Grape-Vines  for  sale  at  Vinwood  Grape  Nurseries,  Ilion,  Herkimer  County, 
New  York.     J.  D.  Ingersoll,  Proprietor,  1858-1859. 

Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  Shrubs,  Vines,  Eoses,  Evergreens, 
Hedge  Plants,  &c.,  cultivated  and  for  sale  at  the  Fruitland  Nursery,  by  P.  G.  Berckmans  & 
Co. ,  near  Augusta,  Georgia.  A  most  valuable  and  useful  Catalogue,  which  every  cultivator 
may  study  to  advantage. 

Wholesale  Catalogue  of  the  Bloomington  Nursery,  Bloomington,  Illinois,  for  1858  and  Spring 
of  1859.     F.  K.  Phoenix,  Proprietor.     An  extensive  collection,  and  at  reasonable  prices. 

Catalogue  of  new  and  standard  Strawberries,  for  Autumn  of  1858  and  Spring  of  1859,  for 
sale  by  John  S:m],  Washington,  D.  C. 

H.  Collin's  (Auburn,  N.  Y.)  Descriptive  Catalogue,  Owasco  Lake  Nursery. 

Levering's  Experiments  upon  the  Sorghum  are  for  sale  by  H.  A.  Dreer,  327  Chestnut  St., 
Philadelphia,  and  should  be  consulted  by  all  interested. 

Catalogue  of  Dutch  Flower  Eoots,  &c.  &c.     Thomas  Meehan,  Germantown  nurseries. 

Strawberry  catalogue  of  Isaac  Jackson,  Jennersville,  Chester  county,  Pa.,  successor  to  Thom- 
as M.  Harvey. 

Trade  list,  fall  of  1858,  and  Spring  of  1859.  Thomas  M.  Harvey,  Jennersville,  Chester  Co.> 
Pa. 

Lebanon  County,  Pa.,  Agr.  and  Hort.  Society's  first  annual  Exhibition.  List  of  premiums  &c. 
for  the  6th  7th  and  8th  of  October,  1858. 

Mr.  S.  Miller's  fine  collection  of  native  grapes  and  other  matters,  sent  for  tasting,  shall  be  no- 
ticed hereafter.     Our  space  is  all  filled  before  their  receipt. 

Nealy  Brothers  &  Bock's  descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  Shrubs, 
Vines,  Eoses,  Green-house  Plants,  &c.,  at  Bird's  Nest  Farm,  Burlington,  Iowa.    A  most  st. 
volume. 


editor's  table. 


ANSWERS  TO  COREESPONDENTS. 

To  A  Subscriber,  Massillon,  Ohio. — This  a  very  conimon  afTection  with  Evergreens  in 
midsummer,  generally  attacking  Pines  and  Silver  Firs,  and  souietimes  Spruces,  and  turning  them 
red. 

It  is  probably  atmospheric,  and  caused  by  the  sudden  action  of  the  sun,  either  through  or 
immediately  after  a  shower  or  heavy  mist,  upon  the  termini  of  the  leaves,  and  sometimes  upon 
even  the  younger  and  more  succulent  shoots.  We  are  not  aware  that  it  produces  any  injury 
beyond  disfigurement. 

L.  S.,  Galesbtiry,  III. — Cassia  Chainacrista. — It  does  not  often  choose  a  wet  soil.  In  a 
flowei--garden,  it  would  probably  do  well  in  a  very  poor  ground.  It  usually  grows  in  soil 
formed  of  rotten  rocks. 

P.  P. — Your  lawn  has  been  well  broken  up,  well  sowed,  except  that  you  omitted  a  portion  of 
white  clover,  "  but  is  now  filled  with  switch-grass,"  &c.  You  must  either  mow  it  very  fre- 
quently, or  pasture  it  with  sheep,  and  hand-weed  the  worst  portions.  The  difficulty  in  all  new 
lawns,  for  some  years,  is,  that  the  weeds  being  more  rampant  iu  their  growth  than  the  finer 
grasses,  get  ahead,  and  overpower  them.  By  keeping  the  entire  growth  of  weeds  and  grass 
constantly  down,  either  by  close  mowing,  or  by  feeding  down  with  sheep,  the  fine  grasses  get  a 
better  chance  of  sun  and  air,  and  eventually  they  subdue  their  enemies.  Sheep  feed  closer 
than  the  scythe  can  cut ;  but,  in  July  and  August,  care  nmst  be  taken  that  they  do  not  nip  too 
close,  or  the  roots  of  the  fine  grasses  would  suffer.  White  clover  is  indispensable  to  a  good 
bottom  sod  ;  grass  alone  for  a  lawn  does  not  get  thick  enough  unless  mowed  occasionally,  say 
once  a  month,  w^hen  it  is  not  \a  hat  is  properly  a  lawn,  but  a  well-kept  field.  P.  P.  should,  in 
the  spring,  fresh  harrow  his  lawn,  sow  six  or  eight  pounds  of  Dutch  clover  to  the  acre,  roll, 
and  either  mow  frequently,  say  every  ten  days,  or  inclose  with  hurdles  and  keep  sheep  on  it  for 
one,  two,  or  three  years,  carefully  fencing  them  from  the  trees,  until  he  is  satisfied  with  it; 
then  remove  the  hurdles,  and  restore  it  to  its  original  object.  Don't  expect  a  lawn,  any  more 
than  a  hedge  in  one  season.  In  England,  the  bottom  is  formed  by  moss ;  here,  where  it  is  too 
warm  and  dry  for  moss,  we  must  use  the  next  best  substitute,  white  clover. 

The  weed  enclosed  is  Pyli/joimm  auriadare. 

S.,  W.^siiiNGTON,  D.  C. — Your  plant  is  a  Criuum;  the  species  it  is  impossible  to  designate 
without  the  whole  plant. 

Muscat  Catawba  Grape. — We  have  no  information  that  is  reliable"  on  this  subject. 
Anonymous  correspondents  will  hardly  succeed  in  palming  upon  us  such  a  novelty,  the  exist- 
ence of  which  may  well  be  doubted  until  it  has  passed  the  examination  of  some  society  or  per- 
sons known  to  be  reliable. 

S. — Your  plant  is  Pancratium  odoratissimum,  usually  found  in  choice  collections,  but  not  com- 
mon elsewhere. 


]m:isc]eli:.a.ne^. 

Thermometer. — An  ingenious  device  for  recording  Vi-ft.-iations  of  temperature  at  the  period 
of  their  occurrence  is  exJiibited  by  Mr.  Gauntlett  of  Middlesboro'-on-Trent,  England,  the 
inventor.  It  consists  of  a  long  and  thiu  zinc  tube,  containing  a  loose  wooden  rod — the  two 
are  fixed  together  at  one  end,  and  the  relatively  greater  expansion  of  the  zinc  on  increase  of 
temperature  causes  the  one  to  protrude  in  varying  degree  beyond  the  other,  as  the  temperature 
changes.  This  varying  motion  is  communicated  by  leverage  to  a  pencil  pressing  on  a  revolving 
cylinder  of  paper,  which  is  moved  by  clockwork,  and  carries  off"  the  indications  of  every  succes- 
sive minute  on  its  surface.     The  invention  receives  a  silver  medal — so  does  another  very  inge- 


:^3j 


editor's    TxVBLE, 


nious  contrivance  for  whipping  cream  or  eggs,  exhibited  by  Mr.  Turner,  of  196  Great  Dover- 
street,  Borougl),  London. 

Preserving  Flowers. — M.  Lucas,  an  amateur,  residing  at  No.  20,  Paie  basse  de  Piampart, 
Paris,  has  extensively  circulated  an  address  to  Presidents  of  Plorticultural  Societies,  offering  to 
divulge  his  method  of  preserving  flowers  in  all  their  freshness  for  an  indefinite  time,  provided 
he  receives  from  the  Society  a  INIedal  of  Honor,  and  is  created  an  honorary  or  corresponding 
member.  M.  Lucas  does  not  a_ccompany  his  circular  with  any  proof  that  his  method  is  what 
he  describes  it  to  be ;  and  we  fear  that,  until  this  is  done,  his  proposal  will  meet  with  little 
favor  in  this  country. 

The  Vine  Disease. — Mr.  Victor  Chatel  states  that  if  the  second  and  third  sets  of  shoots  of 
a  Vine  are  cut  away,  the  disease  is  much  mitigated  or  wholly  removed ;  but  that  to  stop  Vines, 
which  is  necessarily  followed  by  shoots  of  a  second  or  third  development,  is  to  increase  the  dis- 
ease. This  appears  to  arise  from  the  softness  of  the  leaves  of  the  second  and  third  class  of 
shoots. 

Pot  Culture. — The  conditions  of  air  and  moisture  are  attained  by  an  efficient  system  of 
drainage,  on  which,  indeed,  the  success  of  pot  cultivation  mainly  depends.  Water  must  be 
often  applied,  and  yet,  unless  it  passes  through  freely,  the  soil  will  become  stagnant  and  heavy, 
and  unfit  for  healthy  vegetable  life.  The  subject  of  drainage  is  so  well  treated  in  Dr.  Lindley's 
Theory  of  Horticulture  (18.55,  p.  438),  that  we  cannot  improve  upon  it,  and  shall  therefore  quote 
a  passage : 

"  The  ordinary  way  of  putting  at  the  bottom  of  the  pot  a  large  quantity  of  crocks  is  but  a 
clumsy  proceeding,  and  one  which,  if  it  affords  an  opportunity  for  roots  to  spread  themselves 
freely,  affords  also  a  harbor  for  worms,  slugs,  wood-lice,  and  other  vermin.  To  remedy  this, 
I  put  at  the  bottom  a  piece  of  perforated  zinc,  an  inch  and  a-quarter,  or  more,  square,  according 
to  the  size  of  the  pot,  so  as  completely  to  cover  the  hole ;  this  may  be  had,  for  a  trifle,  of  any 
brazier  or  tin-plate  worker,  and  may,  by  the  help  of  a  strong  pair  of  scissors  or  small  shears,  bo 
readily  cut  to  the  requisite  size.  Upon  this  I  place  a  small  potsherd,  with  its  convex  side 
upwards,  taking  care  that,  by  resting  partly  upon  the  zinc,  it  renders  it  immovable.  I  then 
put  in  a  quantity  of  good  moss,  so  as  to  form  a  layer  of  a  third  of  an  inch  or  more  thick,  when 
pressed  together  by  the  mould,  and  then  proceed  to  finish,  as  usual,  the  operation  of  potting 
the  plant.  I  have  found  this  method  to  succeed  perfectly.  Constant  drainage  is  effected;  the 
moss,  particulai'ly  with  the  addition  of  the  potsherd,  prevents  the  earth  from  choking  the  sides 
of  the  zinc,  and  by  partial  decomposition,  where  it  is  in  contact  with  the  soil,  affords  an  agree- 
able receptacle  for  the  roots  of  the  plants  in  which  they  appear  to  delight.  All  sorts  of  vermin 
are  excluded ;  the  operation  of  shifting  is  facilitated,  as  the  earth  comes  out  of  the  pot  un- 
broken ;  and  it  is,  moreover^  a  much  more  cleanly  process  than  the  one  commonly  used." 

Always  use  moss  at  the  top  of  the  crocks,  to  prevent  the  light  soil  being  carried  through  to 
the  shelves  of  the  green-house — an  inconvenience  much  felt  by  the  ordinary  method. 

A  Great  Potato  Country. — Mr.  Collins,  of  Ped  Eiver  county,  Texas,  challenges  the 
State  to  beat  his  Irish  Potato,  which  measures  15|  inches  in  circumference  one  way,  and  13^ 
the  other. 

California  AVine  and  Brandy.*— The  Sau  Francisco  Price  Current  remarks  on  this  pro- 
duction ;  (the  Brandy  spoken  of  is  quoted  at  $3  per  gallon) : 

"  California  Brandy,  distilled  from  the  native  grape,  can  now  be  bought  in  the  market,  and 
of  a  quality  equal  to  the  average  brands  of  Cognac,  and  greatly  superior  to  the  Rochelle.  James 
T.  McDougall  «fe  Co.,  the  pioneers  of  California  grape  Brandy,  have  for  months  been  making 
regular  sales  to  the  trade  from  their  distillation  of  last  season,  which  amounted  to  the  very 

pectable  quantity  of  500  octaves.     Some  of  their  brandy  was  shipped  to  New  York, 
with  favor,  and  realized,  for  a  first  consignment,  a  high  figure.    From  the  grape 


tills  year,  it  is  estimated  50,000  {gallons  will  be  made,  or  300  to  400  per  cent,  more  than  last 
year.     At  this  ratio,  three  years  hence,  fine  Brandy  will  be  one  of  our  exportable  products." 

For  two  years  past,  various  classes  of  Wine,  made  from  the  native  grape  of  Los  Angeles,  have 
been  growing  upon  popular  notice  and  favor.  The  Alta  Calif urnia  says,  it  is  estimated  that 
150,000  gallons  of  Wine  were  made  in  the  State  last  year;  and,  from  the  grape  crop  this  year, 
it  is  expected  350,000  gallons  will  be  manufactured.  A  great  number  of  new  vineyards  have 
been  planted  in  the  vicinity  of  Lus  Angeles  since  1853,  and  the  annual  grape  crop  must  have 
increased  enormously. 

The  Alta  says :  "  The  grape  chiefly  grown  in  California,  for  making  Wine,  is  of  Spanish 
stock,  and  was  introduced  by  the  priests,  between  the  years  1769  and  1780.  The  vine  is  Lardy 
and  healthy,  and  the  berry  juicy  and  strong.  An  acre  of  vines  is  calculated  to  yield  1,000  gal- 
lons of  Wine,  and  never  less  than  800,  although  400  is  considered  an  average  yield  in  Ohio  and 
Europe."  Almost  every  variety  of  grape  known  is,  however,  being  cultivated  at  various  points 
throughout  the  State. 


gatts  for  tk  Slontlj. 


VINEYARD    CALENDAR   FOR   OCTOBER. 

BY    R.    BUCHAKAN,  CINCINNATI,  OHIO. 

In  this  latitude,  October  is  the  month  of  the  vintage.  From  the  first  to  the  second  week 
the  grapes  will  be  ripe  enough  to  gather.  All  hands  are  now  turned  out  to  the  vineyard,  men 
and  women,  boys  and  girls,  tor  the  grape  harvest  is  a  busy  and  a  merry  time. 

Each  person  has  a  knife,  and  two  wooden  buckets,  the  bunch  of  grapes  is  cut  from  the  vine, 
and  any  unsound  or  unripe  berries  picked  oft',  and  thrown  into  one  bucket,  and  the  perfect  bunch 
into  the  other.  As  the  buckets  are  filled  they  are  emptied  into  flour  barrels,  which  ai"e  covered 
with  <a  cloth  to  keep  the  bees  and  wasps  out. 

When  a  small  wagon  or  cart  li»ad  of  barrels  are  filled,  they  are  immediately  hauled  to  the 
wine  house,  to  keep  the  grapes  from  heating,  by  exposure  to  the  sun. 

In  cutting  the  grapes,  any  bunch  not  perfectly  ripe,  is  left  on  the  vine  to  mature,  and  to  be 
gathered  with  the  last  cutting,  a  week  or  ten  days  later.  Enough  grapes  should  be  cut  each 
day,  to  fill  the  press  in  the  evening;  which  for  one  of  oi'dinary  size,  may  be  17  or  18  barrels, 
yielding  200  to  210  gallons  of  juice.  This  is  for  a  moderate  crop,  and  a  vineyard  of  6  or  8  acres. 
A  large  crop,  and  a  more  extensive  vineyard,  would  of  course  require  greater  expedition  in 
gathering,  and  two  or  more  presses.  The  pressing  is  generally  done  in  the  evening.  The 
grapes  are  mashed  by  passing  the  bunches  thi'ough  a  small  juill  with  a  pair  of  wooden  rollers, 
or,  in  a  mashing  tub,  a  vessel  like  an  inverted  chum,  with  a  wooden  beetle,  breaking  the  skin 
and  pulp,  but  7iot  the  seeds. 

The  mashed  grapes  are  put  on  the  press,  when  about  one  third  the  juice  runs  off  without 
any  pressure.  The  power  is  then  applied,  and  the  remainder  of  the  juice  pressed  out  by  two 
or  three  pressings,  cutting  off  G  or  8  inches  of  the  outer  edge  of  the  "pomace"'  and  putting  it 
on  top  of  the  mass  each  time.  The  juice  from  the  last  pressing,  being  dark  and  astringent,  is 
put  with  that  from  the  refuse  grapes,  to  make  an  inferior  and  cheap  wine. 

As  the  juice  runs  from  the  press,  it  is  conveyed  through  a  gutta-percha  pipe  into  the  casks  in 
the  cellar  under  the  \\iue  house,  and  left  to  ferment.  The  casks  are  filled  about  |  or  5  sixths 
of  their  capacity  and  the  bung  hole  covered  with  a  cloth,  that  the  carbonic  acid  gas,  in  the  pro- 
cess of  fermentation,  may  escape. 

A  better  plan  is  to  fix  a  tin  syphon  in  the  bung  hole,  one  end  being  turaed  down  into  a 
bucket  of  water,  so  that  the  gas  shall  escape  through  the  water;  this  excludes  the  air  from  the 
new  wine  when  the  fermentation  ceases,  or  is  feeble. 

In  three  or  four  weeks  it  will  be  safe  to  fill  the  casks  up  bung  full,  and  drive  the  bungs  in 
lightly. 

The  "  pomace"  of  the  grapes,  and  the  "  lees''  of  the  wine,  are  given  to  the  distillers  to  make 
brandy,  they  retaining  half  the  product  for  making  it. 

Straining  the  grapes  has  been  abandoned,  as  a  useless  expense,  and  the  wine  fines  better  by 
the  small  amount  of  "  tannin"  extracted  from  the  stems.     No  work  in  the  vineyard  is  required 
after  the  crop  is  gathered,  unless  it  may  be  to  repair  the  surface  drains,  and  trenches,  if 
to  prepare  for  fall  and  winter  rains. 


BY  WILLIAM  SAUNDERS,  GERMANTOWN,  PA. 

GnAPES  AND  Graperies. — There  is  no  fruit-beanng  plant,  adapted  to  temperate  cliniatep, 
at  once  so  available  and  useful  as  the  grape  ;  and  now  that  cultivators  seem  to  be  settling  down 
to  a  unanimity  of  opinion  with  regard  to  the  culture  of  both  foreign  and  native  varieties,  it  may 
safely  be  predicted  that  the  grape  is  to  take  the  first  rank  among  American  fruits. 

The  recent  valuable  additions  to  our  list  of  hardy  and  native  kinds  has  given  an  impetus  to 
their  cultivation,  and  awakened  an  interest  in  the  production  of  seedlings  of  further  excellence, 
leaving  little  room  to  doubt  that  we  will  at  no  distant  day,  possess  varieties  equal  to  the  best  of 
any  climate,  and  produce  abundant  crops  with  as  much  success  and  facility  as  we  do  Indian  corn. 

The  first  requisite  in  grape  culture  is  a  sufficient  depth  of  porous  soil.  A  free  percolation  of 
water  through  the  soil  is  indispensable.  Mere  richness  of  soil  is  only  of  secondary  importance, 
no  amount  of  surface  manuring  will  secure  profitable  crops  on  a  retentive  subsoil. 

A  sandy  loam  is  the  most  suitable,  although  proper  draining  and  trenching  will  render  even 
clayey  loams  adapted  for  their  profitable  growth.  The  soil  should  be  broken  up  at  least  18 
inches  in  depth,  so  that  the  roots  may  ramify  in  a  medium  somewhat  exempt  from  external 
influences,  and  ensure  a  uniform  healthy  growth  from  the  opening  buds  to  the  ripening  of  the 
crop.  Having  thus  prepared  the  soil  we  would  commend  the  following  general  routine  of 
management.  Procure  plants  not  more  than  one  year  from  the  cutting,  and  prune  them  down 
to  a  couple  of  inches  when  planted.  The  treatment  during  the  first  season  will  consist  in  simply 
securing  them  to  their  siipporting  trellis.  In  winter  prune  down  according  to  vigor ;  if  the 
canes  have  grown  to  10  or  li!  feet,  prune  down  to  about  half  of  that  length.  Most  of  the  buds 
will  produce  a  fruiting  shoot ;  allow  not  more  than  two  bunches  on  each  shoot.  Tying  up  to 
the  trellis  is  all  that  will  be  necessary  until  the  period  for  winter  pruning  arrives.  During 
August  and  September  it  may  be  necessary  to  dust  the  vines  with  sulphur  in  order  to  prevent 
or  check  the  spread  of  mildew.  The  great  secret  in  grape  growing  is  to  preserve  the  foliage 
licalthy  and  unimpaired  until  the  crop  is  gathered. 

Let  the  winter  pruning  be  directed  to  the  securance  of  young  growths;  the  renewal  system 
of  pruning  best  encourages  the  growth  of  young  strong  shoots,  which  iuvariably  produce  the 
best  fruit. 

There  is  no  danger  of  the  plants  overbearing,  if  pruned  understandingly  during  winter  and 
"let  alone  most  severely"  during  the  period  of  growth.  Summer  pinching  and  pruning 
weakens  and  retards  growth,  and  diminishes  the  foliage  necessary  to  ripen  the  fruit. 

Graperies. — Glass  houses  fi)r  exotic  grapes  are  now  built  for  reasonable  prices,  and  their 
culture  is  extending  accordingly.  Here  again  the  requisites  of  a  properly  prepared  soil  are 
paramount.  A  free,  sandy  loam  is  the  best  for  a  basis,  if  manures  are  applied  let  them  be  well 
decomposed  and  thoroughly  incorporated.  Bone  dust  and  charcoal  may  be  freely  mixed  with 
the  soil,  but  these  latter  arc  not  indispensable.  Neither  is  it  necessary  to  make  an  extensive 
border  at  the  outset.  A  border  6  or  8  feet  wide  and  2^  or  3  feet  in  depth  will  afford  a  sufficient 
nourishing  medium  for  a  number  of  years  ;  and  additions  can  be  made  from  time  to  time  as  cir- 
cumstances seem  to  indicate  its  requirement.  This  gradual  addition  to  a  border  is  preferable 
to  making  it  larger  at  first,  as  in  the  latter  many  of  the  principal  advantages  of  a  good  border 
are  lost  before  it  is  reached  by  the  roots. 

In  choosing  plants,  select  young  healthy  stocks— one  year  from  the  cutting  is  preferable  to 
older  plants  ;  cut  them  down  at  planting  to  a  coujile  of  inches,  and  when  they  push  into  growth 
disbud  all  shoots  but  the  strongest.  Let  them  grow  at  will,  do  not  remove  a  healthy  leaf  or 
twig  until  growth  is  completed  for  the  season.  If  the  plants  have  done  moderately  well  they 
will  have  grown  from  15  to  25  feet.  In  November  prune  down  to  8  or  10  feet  lengths.  This 
much  for  the  first  season.  The  second  year's  growth  will  show  a  portion  of  fruit,  leave  but 
one  bunch  to  a  shoot.  If  any  of  the  shoots  indicate  an  exuberance  of  growth  over  the  others, 
check  it  by  pinching  out  the  point,  but  only  to  equalize  growth,  the  more  foliage  the  better  the 
crop.  Do  not  be  deterred  from  taking  a  slight  crop  the  second  year  by  any  fear  of  destroying 
the  future  health  of  the  plant.  To  form  rich  composts  for  borders,  and  stimulate,  and  pinch 
and  prune  and  cut  back  a  grape  vine  for  4  or  5  years  before  allowing  it  to  fruit,  is  a  waste  of 
time  and  means,  altogether  unjustifiable,  and  no  one  having  the  slightest  pretensions  to  culture 
would  find  it  profitable  to  do  so.  Those  who  are  less  fortunate,  or  less  skillful  than  their  neigh- 
bors, sometimes  find  it  convenient  to  make  a  virtue  of  a  necessity,  by  decrying  the  results 
which  they  cannot  attain.  It  is  only  the  ordinary  practice  of  good  gardeners  to  fruit  grapes 
the  second  year  after  planting,  and  cojitiuue  fruiting  each  succeeding  year  without  fear  of  losing 

a  crop  or  weakening  their  plants. 

The  growth  during  the  third  and  following  years,  require  the  same  general  treatment.     The 

greater  the  amount  of  fiiliage,  provided  it  is  under  the  influence  of  light,  the  healthier  the  plant 

and  the  greater  the  crop  which  it  will  mature     Close  pruning  during  summer  is  more  frequently 

the  cause  of  badly  colored  grapes,  than  all  others  combined. 


PO^TDAInTTE   DE    MALIITES.    PEAE.. 


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THE  LITERATURE  OF  THE  GARDEN. 

MEN  AND  WOMEN  BLOSSOMING  EVERY  YEAR OUR    FOOD,  EXERCISE,  ETC. 

?^  ^gfk  .''  LL  our  best  literature  teems  with  allusions  to  gar- 
dens; most  happy  do  we  esteem  those  who  resem- 
ble the  man  of  whom  it  was  said, 

"The  fields  his  study,  Nature  was  his  book." 

Leigh  Hunt's  "  Sudden  'Fine  Weather"  contains 
some  verses  that,  for  sprightliness  and  novelty  of 
thought,  will  strike  some  of  our  readers.  He  sug- 
gests : 

"  Ah,  friends!  methinks  it  were  a  pleasant  sphere 
If,  like  the  trees,  we  blossomed  every  year; 
If  locks  grew  thick  again,  and  rosy  dyes 
Returned  in  cheeks,  and  raciness  in  eyes, 

And  all  around  us,  vital  to  the  tips. 

The  human  orchard  laugh'd  vrith  cherry  lips ' 

Lord !  what  a  burst  of  merriment  and  play, 
Fair  dames,  were  that!  and  what  a  first  of  May  ! 
So  natural  is  the  wish,  that  bards  gone  by 
Have  left  it,  all,  in  some  immortal  sigh  !" 

This  is  all  very  agreeable  to  think  about ;  but  see  how  he  dashes  cold 
water  on  the  idea,'  in  the  succeeding  lines  ! 

"  And  yet  the  winter  months  were  not  so  well ; 
Who  would  like  changing,  as  the  seasons  fell  ? 
Fade  every  year  ;  and  stare,  midst  ghastly  friends, 
With  falling  hairs,  and  stuck-out  fingers'  ends? 
Besides,  this  tale  of  youth,  that  comes  again, 
Is  no  more  trae  of  apple-trees  than  men. 
The  Swedish  sage,  the  Newton  of  the  flowers,  ' 
Who  first  found  out  those  worlds  of  paramours, 
Tells  us,  that  every  blossom  that  we  see 
Boasts  in  its  walls  a  separate  family; 
So  that  a  tree  is  but  a  sort  of  stand. 
That  holds  those  filial  fairies  in  its  hand; 
Just  as  Swift's  giant  might  have  held  a  bevy 
Of  Lilliputian  ladies,  or  a  levee. 
It  is  not  he  that  blooms  ;  it  is  his  race, 
Who  honour  his  old  arms,  and  hide  his  rugged  face. 
Ye  wits  and  bards  then,  pray  discern  your  duty, 
And  learn  the  lastingness  of  human  beauty. 
Your  finest  fmit  to  some  two  months  may  reach : 
I've  known  a  cheek  at  forty  like  a  peach." 

It  must  be  admitted  the  above  is  well  considered,  thoughtfully  expressed, 
and  attractive  enough  in  its  way  ;  but  it  is  right  to  give  a  little  moral  along 
with  the  verses;  it  is  conveyed  in  lively  metre,  and  here  it  is  the  poet,  still 
Leigh  Hunt,  an  especial  favorite  as  an  essayist  as  well  as  rhymer,  is  mak- 
ing an  attack  upon  high  living,  and  the  warnings  which  great  feeders  ex- 
hibit in  their  eyes,  noses,  &c. ;  and  this  is  the  moral : 

"  This  made,  t'other  day,  a  physician  declare, 
That  disease,  bona  fide,  was  a  part  of  our  fare. 


Vol.  VIII.— November,  1858. 


32 


millions  of  people  who  never  before  have  enjoyed  that  comfort.  Going 
through  similar  results  of  the  lace  trade,  we  come  to  the  worsted  manufac- 
ture. Amongst  the  recent  and  most  important  of  the  advantages  derived 
from  cotton,  has  been  its  admixture  with  wool,  mohair,  alpaca,  linen,  and 
silk. 

This  manufacture  of  worsted  stuffs  was  sewed  for  female  garments  especially 
for  winter,  and  the  damask  for  household  drapery,  but  the  wool  of  which  it 
was  composed  did  not  admit  of  being  wrought  into  light  fabrics,  such  as 
the  progress  of  taste  required.  Hence,  only  about  25  years  ago,  the  pros- 
pects of  this  trade  were  gloomy  indeed  ;  the  demand  for  lighter  fabrics  in 
wool,  aroused  the  energies  of  trade,  and  the  diflSculty  was  overcome  b}''  the 
opportune  discovery  of  a  mode  of  admixture  of  a  warp  of  cotton  with  a 
weft  of  worsted,  and  eventually  with  mohair,  alpaca,  or  other  substances, 
but  principally  with  worsted  ;  and  the  successful  issue  of  this  union  has 
imparted  new  life  by  the  creation  of  a  new  branch  of  industry  in  the  worsted 
manufacture,  and  without  inflicting  entire  extinction  upon  that  previously 
in  existence.  A  warp  of  cotton  is  made  to  form  the  length  of  the  piece  to 
be  woven,  and  the  cotton  threads,  being  much  finer  and  stronger  than 
threads  of  wool,  receive  within  their  meshes  the  weft  of  worsted  shot  across, 
and  which,  in  many  of  the  cloths,  imbed  themselves  so  deeply  into  the  sub- 
stance of  the  wool  that  the  cotton  portion  of  the  web  becomes  completely 
hidden,  and  thus  a  fabric  is  constructed  of  little  more  than  half  the  thickness 
and  bulk  that  would  have  been  presented  to  the  eye  if  the  length  as  well 
as  the  breadth  of  the  piece  had  been  of  wool  alone. 

Contrary  to  custom,  instead  of  an  increase  of  price,  increased  cheapness 
by  the  introduction  of  cotton  has  kept  pace  by  the  growing  demands  of  taste 
and  refinement.  But  in  the  first  instance,  the  completeness  of  this  success 
was  seriously  impeded  by  the  difficulty  of  dying  the  goods.  The  usual 
chemical  process  for  the  dying  of  wool  did  not  answer  when  applied  to  a 
piece  of  cloth  composed  of  two  fibrous  substances  so  dissimilar  in  their  na- 
ture, one  being  animal,  and  the  other  vegetable.  After  a  series  of  chemical 
operations,  more  or  less  intricate,  and  after  great  outlays  by  the  dyers,  this 
difficulty  was  overcome  ;  and  in  the  wide  field  of  raw  materials  thus  opened 
out,  there  has  been  accomplished  a  most  wonderful  addition  to  the  extent 
and  variety  of  modern  manufactures. 

Cotton,  as  a  raw  material,  admits  of  being  wrought  into  garments  for  the 
poor  at  the  low  sum  of  twelve  cents  per  pound  weight  ;  whilst  a  single 
pound  of  long  staple  cotton  worth  eighty-five  cents,  can  be  made  to  furnish 
employment  and  wages  to  the  extent  of  one  thousand  dollars  in  articles  of 
decoration  for  the  rich.  The  material  for  a  full  dress  of  outer  garments,  if 
composed  of  wool,  would  cost  not  less  than  eight  dollars,  whilst  the  same 
quantity  of  material  for  cotton,  and  of  more  durable  quality,  would  be  two 
dollars  to  two  dollars  and  a  half.  The  laborer's  wife  may  purchase  a  neat 
and  good  cotton  for  eight  cents  per  yard,  making  a  dress  for  fifty-six  cents. 

The  cheapness  and  utility  of  cotton  have  commanded  for  it  a  preference 
which  is  almost  universal,  not  only  for  decorations  and  clothing,  but  for 
bookbinding,  as  a  substitute  for  leather,  and  for  other  purposes.  The  waste 
cotton  made  during  the  processes  of  manufacture,  is  wrought  into  coarse 
sheets  and  bed  covers,  which  are  sold  at  from  twelve  to  eighteen  cents  the 
pound.  The  residue  of  the  waste  is  used  for  the  manufacture  of  paper,  the 
cleaner  portion  being  for  writing  paper,  and  the  sweepings  from  the  floor 
of  factories  supply  a  large  proportion  of  the  paper  mills  of  Lancashire 


CICEKO    ON   COUNTRY   LIFE. 


the  raw  material  of  the  paper  which  is  used  for  printing  books  and  news- 
papei's. 

The  animus  of  the  pamphlet  is  to  prove  that  while  all  the  elements  of  con- 
tinued prosperity  are  in  the  possession  of  Great  Britain  except  the  command 
of  a  regular  and  adequate  supply  of  raw  cotton,  this  constitutes  the  feet 
of  clay  of  their  otherwise  gigantic  power  ;  they  are  dependent  upon  the 
United  States  for  seven-ninths  of  their  supply,  and  in  view  of  a  possible 
epidemic,  they  are  convinced  that  their  supplies  should  be  drawn,  not  from 
one  source  alone,  but  from  a  variety  of  sources,  as  a  regularity  is  needed, 
and  a  provision  also  against  the  inconvenience  arising  from  scarcity  and 
dearness.  An  advance  of  one  English  penny  in  the  price  of  cotton  amounts 
to  twenty  millions  of  dollars  a  year.  The  present  stock  in  Liverpool  is  only 
equal  to  the  consumption  of  three  weeks.  That  from  Africa  last  yesiv  would 
run  the  entire  English  mills  just  owe  hour  I  The  entire  failure  of  a  cotton 
crop  would  entirely  destroy',  and  perhaps  forever,  all  the  manufacturing 
prosperity  England  possesses  ;  a  reduction  of  the  crop  from  three  to  one 
million  of  bales,  would  reduce  the  manufacturing  and  trading  classes  to 
irretrievable  ruin  ;  millions  would  be  deprived  of  food,  and  as  a  consequence 
Great  Britain  would  be  involved  in  a  series  of  calamities,  politically,  social- 
ly, and  commercially,  such  as  cannot  be  contemplated  without  dismay. 

In  view  of  this  state  of  things  the  manufacturers  have  formed  themselves 
into  a  Cotton  supply  Association,  for  the  purpose  of  diffusing  information 
on  any  new  project  for  the  culture  of  cotton.  But  they  have  already  ascer- 
tained that  obstacles  exist,  local  or  political  which  would  render  it  inex- 
pedient to  raise  the  necessary  capital  for  an  investment  ;  they  are  looking 
eagerly,  anxiously,  to  Africa  and  India  ;  in  the  former  there  can  be  no  hopes 
for  immediate  results.  The  remodification  of  the  government  of  India  may 
possibly  produce  a  change,  and  great  efforts  will  now  be  made  to  do  some- 
thing practical  in  the  way  of  European  settlers,  tenure  of  land,  improved 
modes  of  transit  and  bounties  for  encouragement. 

This  is  the  great  problem  of  the  day,  and  as  it  concerns  us  all,  but  espec- 
ially a  numerous  class  of  the  readers  of  this  journal,  we  have  occupied  the 
space  necessary  for  giving  the  views  of  those  interested  abroad  ;  to  the 
solution  of  the  great  question,  time  must  put  its  seal. 


CICERO     ON    COUNTRY    LIFE. 

Mr.  Editor  :  I  send  you  a  translated  extract  from  Cicero's  well-known 
essay  "De  Senectute."  If  you  print  it,  I  shall  be  justified  in  announcing 
the  first  of  Roman  orators  as  one  of  your  occasional  contributors.  We  shall 
thus  be  even  with  the  spiritualists.  Perhaps  you  will  think  I  am  sending 
coals  to  Newcastle  ;  for  it  is  true  that  your  great-grandfather,  James  Logan, 
founder  of  the  Loganian  Library  of  Philadelphia,  wrote  out  a  translation  of 
Cicero's  "  De  Senectute,"  with  an  extensive  body  of  entertaining  and  schol- 
arly notes,  which  was  published  by  his  friend,  Benjamin  Franklin  in  1744, 
and  was  the  second  classical  work  issued  in  America.  My  own  rendering 
of  the  chapter  on  the  pleasures  of  rural  life,  is  rather  loosely  made.  Mr. 
Logan's  may  be  better.  But  most  of  your  readers  will  never  know,  unless 
you  print  the  two  together.  I  promise  to  keep  the  peace  with  Mr.  Logan. 
It  will  be  an  honor  to  be  outshone  by  one  who  had  Franklin  for  his  printer 
and  who  was  the  secretary  of  William  Penn. 


James  Logan,  in  1735,  communicated  to  Peter  Collinson  of  London,  an 
account  of  his  experiments  on  maize,  with  special  reference  to  the  sexual 
doctrine,  which  was  printed  in  the  Philosophical  Transactions.  This  was 
afterwards  printed  in  a  Latin  essay  at  Leyden,  with  the  title  Mcperimenta 
et  meletemata  de  Plantarutn  Generatione.  The  same  work  was  republished 
in  London,  with  an  English  translation  by  Dr.  Fothergill  in  174t. 

Cicero  talks  somehow  thus  in  chapter  xvi.  : 

"  I  come  now  to  speak  of  the  enjoyments  of  farmers,  with  which  I  am 
wonderfully  pleased.  They  are  hindered  by  no  age,  and  seem  to  me  to  be- 
long most  appropriately  to  the  wise  man's  life.  For  farmers  keep  an  account 
with  the  soil,  which  never  repudiates  their  sovereignty,  and  never  returns 
without  interest  what  it  receives.  Lideed,  crops  alone  do  not  delight  me, 
but  also  the  vitality  and  nature  of  the  soil  itself  This,  when  it  has  taken 
to  its  softened  and  subdued  bosom  the  scattered  seed,  at  first  holds  it 
buried,  next  it  swells  the  seed  warmed  with  its  own  heat  and  pressure,  and 
brings  forth  from  it  the  springing  greenness  ;  which  relying  upon  the  fibers 
of  its  roots,  gradually  matures,  and  reared  on  its  jointed  stalk,  is  enclosed 
in  sheaths,  'now  growing  pubescent,  as  it  were.  When  it  has  emerged 
from  these,  it  yields  the  produce  of  the  ear,  arranged  in  order,  and  is  pro- 
tected against  the  depredations  of  the  smaller  birds  by  a  chevaux-de-frise 
of  bearded  spikes.  Why  should  I  describe  the  plantings,  growings,  and 
multiplyings  of  vines  ?  That  you  may  understand  the  refreshment  and 
comfort  of  my  old  age,  I  allow  I  cannot  be  sated  with  delight.  I  pass  by 
the  energy  itself  of  all  plants  reared  from  the  soil,  which  from  the  fig-seed 
so  small,  or  from  the  grape  stone,  or  from  the  very  minute  seeds  of  other 
plants  and  trees,  produce  so  great  trunks  and  branches.  As  for  mallet- 
shoots,  suckers,  cuttings,  quick-sets,  la^^ers,  do  they  not  cause  these  results 
that  they  fill  every  one  with  admiration  ?  The  vine,  for  example,  is  natu- 
rally a  trailer,  and  unless  sustained,  falls  to  the  ground.  In  order  to  erect 
itself,  it  embraces  with  its  tendrils,  as  with  hands,  whatever  it  meets.  Creep- 
ing along  with  a  manifold  and  devious  growth,  the  skill  of  the  farmer  pruning 
it  with  a  knife,  keeps  it  in  check,  lest  it  become  over-woody,  with  branches, 
and  too  widely  diffused  in  all  directions. 

"  As  spring  advances  there  appears  at  the  joints  of  the  branches  what  is 
called  the  bud.  Springing  from  this,  the  grape  discloses  itself,  which  in- 
creasing, both  from  the  earth's  nutriment  and  the  sun's  warmth,  is  at  first 
very  sour  to  the  taste  ;  then,  having  matured,  it  grows  sweet.  Sheltered 
with  leaves,  it  neither  wants  a  gentle  heat,  nor  protection  from  the  sun's 
excessive  fervors.  What  can  be  more  welcome  in  use,  or  more  beautiful  in 
appearance  ?  Not  only  the  profit  pleases  me,  but  also  the  culture,  and 
characteristics  ;  the  rows  of  props  ;  the  yoking  together  of  their  tops  ;  the 
tying  and  propagating  of  vines  and  shoots  ;  those  processes  which  I  have 
mentioned-  the  amputation  of  some  branches,  the  laj^ering  of  others. 

"  Why  should  I  describe  the  waterings,  ditchings,  trenchings,  by  which 
land  is  made  richer,  more  productive  ?  What  shall  I  say  about  the  advantage 
of  manuring  ?  Homer  makes  Laertes  beguile  the  sorrow  he  felt  for  his  son, 
by  tilling  the  soil  and  manuring  it.  Not  only  are  rural  pursuits  joyful  in 
crops  and  meadows,  and  vineries,  and  plantations,  but  also  in  gardens  and 
orchards  ;  also  in  the  pasture  of  flocks,  the  swarming  of  bees,  and  the  vari- 
ety of  flowers.  Not  only  do  plantings  please,  but  likewise  ingraftings,  than 
"ch  agriculture  has  nothing  more  curious.  I  finish  the  subject  with  the 
remark,  that  nothing  can  be  richer  in  use,  or  finer  in  appearance 


a  field  well  cultivated.  For  enjoying  this,  age  not  only  presents  no  hind- 
rance, but  even  invites  and  allures.  To  themselves,  therefore,  let  the  young 
keep  their  arms,  their  horses,  their  spears,  their  club,  their  ball,  their  bath- 
ings, and  runnings.  To  us,  the  aged,  let  them  leave  the  huckle-bones  and 
dice.  Let  them  leave  whichsoever  of  these  two  amusements  they  please, 
since,  without  them,  old  age  can  be  happy."  E.  N. 

Hamilton  College,  Aug.  6,  1858. 


.»■  »  »  »  .< 


VILLA  PARKS. 

BY    HOWARD    DANIELS,    NEW    YORK. 

The  growing  taste  of  our  citizens  generally  for  summer  residences,  country 
life,  beautiful  scenery  and  rural  enjoyments,  prompts  me  to  make  a  few  sug- 
gestions on  a  subject  which  I  have  earnestly  desired  to  see  receiving  pro- 
per attention  in  this  country,  since  visiting  .the  splendid  examples  at  Birken- 
head, Liverpool,  Manchester,  Sheffield,  and  many  other  towns  in  England. 

Villa  parks,  in  England,  consist  of  groups  of  villas,  with  gardens  of 
greater  or  less  extent,  surrounding  a  park  of  from  ten  to  an  hundred  or  more 
acres,  which  is  owned,  managed,  and  used  exclusively  by  the  residents  of 
the  surrounding  villas.  This  arrangement  enables  the  possessors  to  realize 
the  maximum  amount  of  enjoyment  at  a  minimum  cost,  and  by  a  little  care 
at  the  outset,  it  secures  congenial  neighbors  and  good  society. 

The  vicinities  of  most  of  our  cities,  particularly  New  York,  are  favored 
with  many  localities  admirably  adapted  for  villa  parks.  Associations  of 
individuals,  who  would  unite  in  purchasing  the  land  and  making  the  im- 
provements, would  not  only  obtain  choice  sites  at  cost,  but  would  secure  a 
greater  number  of  the  enjoyments  pertaining  to  private  parks,  a  higher 
degree  of  perfection  in  the  improvements,  and  these  permanently.  By  the 
united  efforts  and  capital  of  little  communities,  parks  of  considerable  dimen- 
sions, improved  in  the  best  style,  can  be  created,  that  no  individual  would 
accomplish  for  his  own  private  purpose. 

The  villa  sites  should  be  well  wooded,  have  fine  views  of  the  park,  and,  if 
possible,  command  views  of  fine  distant  scenery.  They  should  embrace  a 
lawn  around  the  house,  a  flower  garden,  a  fruit  and  vegetable  garden,  large 
enough  to  raise  all  the  better  sorts  of  fruits  and  vegetables  for  a  private 
family,  and  if  possible  pasturage  for  a  cow  and  horse;  in  short,  they  should 
embody  a  complete  country  home,  where  the  owner,  if  an  amateur  horti- 
culturist, may  spend  his  leisure  hours  in  cultivating  and  training  his  favorite 
trees,  shrubs,  flowers  and  vegetables. 

The  park  should  be  centrally  situated,  well  wooded,  and  if  a  stream  of 
water  is  embraced  within  its  limits,  which  can  be  expanded  into  a  lake,  or 
made  to  dash  over  a  ledge  of  rocks,  or  play  a  fountain,  it  will  form  one  of 
the  greatest  attractions.  The  sight  of  water  in  our  hot  summers  always 
produces  a  grateful  sensation,  by  imparting  at  least  a  semblance  of  cool- 
ness, in  addition  to  the  beautiful  and  varied  effects  which  the  influence  of 
atmospheric  phenomena  beget. 

The  park  should  be  laid  out  as  the  grand  central  feature  of  the  enterprise, 
having  fine  drives,  broad  walks,  verdant  lawns,  play  grounds  for  the  chil- 
dren, &c.,  and  should  contain  the  finest  trees  and  shrubs  that  can  be  culti- 
vated. The  improvements  should  be  made  to  produce  the  greatest  possibl 
number  of  fine  scenes,  each  having  a  distinctive  character  of  its  own, 


mg  a  complete  picture  of  itself.  There  should  be  provided  shady  promen- 
ades, cool  resting-places,  in  the  form  of  pavilions,  temples,  kiosks,  rustic 
covered  seats,  &c.,  either  commanding  fine  views  or  terminating  vistas.  A 
healthy  locality,  contiguous  to  a  railroad  or  steamboat  route,  situated  in  a 
good  neighborhood,  having  pleasant  drives  and  good  building  materials  are 
matters  of  the  first  importance. 

Not  the  least  important  point  in  the  success  of  an  enterprise  of  this 
nature  is  the  laying  out  and  finishing  up  of  the  park  at  le'ast,  in  the  most 
skillful  and  artistic  manner  (and  if  the  lots  are  partially  improved  so  much 
the  better),  making  a  complete  thing  before  the  sale  of  a  single  lot,  and  not 
a  speculation,  or  a  paper  plan  only,  sold  out  at  auction,  leaving  the  lot 
purchasers  to  finish  what  the  land  speculator  promised  and  was  paid  for,  but 
failed  to  carry  out  to  its  accomplishment. 


RESIDENCE   ERECTED  FOR  W.  GUMMERE, 

GERIIANTOWN,  PA, 

The  economy  obtained  in  the  plan  of  this  building  is  remarkable.  The 
contract  was  taken  at  $5,700,  exclusive  of  range,  heater,  and  mantels,  while 
an  ordinary  "  double"  square  house,  erected  at  the  same  place  and  time, 
with  the  same  number-  of  rooms,  and  about  the  same  average  size  of  rooms, 
cost  $7,000.  The  difference  is  much  the  more  remarkable,  on  account  of  the 
neighboring  house  having  been  completed  in  plaster  externally,  with  wooden 
partitions  and  ordinary  finish  inside,  while  the  house  forming  the  subject  of 
our  sketch  is  finished  externally  with  hewn  stone,  the  inside  partitions  in  the 
first,  and  partly  in  the  upper  stories,  being  of  stone  or  brick,  and  the  finish 
throughout  unusually  good  and  substantial.  The  amount  of  waste  room 
however,  in  the  neighboring  house,  is,  as  might  have  been  surmised,  great; 
while  I  think  it  will  be  difficult  to  point  to  a  single  cubic  foot  of  wasted  room 
in  the  plan  now  under  examination.  As  regards  the  degree  of  picturesque 
beauty  obtained  in  this  arrangement,  especially  when  contrasted  with  a 
three-story  square  house,  the  architect  must  leave  this  question  to  the  taste 
of  the  readers  of  the  Horticulturist. 

The  plan  embraces  an  entrance  hall,  10  ft.  wide,  with  a  coat  closet,  a  very 
cosy  "  library  and  breakfast  room  "  with  closet  for  books  and  china,  a  large 
square  parlor  with  bay  window,  a  spacious  dining-room  with  two  china  clos- 
ets and  panti'y,  and  convenient  inner  and  outer  kitchens.  Above,  are  cham- 
bers, bathroom,  closeting,  and  the  observatory.  The  verandas  are  ample  and 
shady.  The  plan  of  a  side  entrance  was  adopted  in  order  to  narrow  the 
front  to  a  proper  proportion  with  the  width  of  the  lot  (80  ft.)  and  to  avoid 
too  much  cutting  up  of  the  front  lawn  with  the  carriage  road.  I  think  the 
plan,  however,  would  strike  the  eye  very  pleasantly,  if  erected  on  a  wider 
domain,  though  in  the  latter  case  some  modification  might  be  advisable. 
The  effect  of  a  two  story  building,  more  agreeable  to  rural  simplicity  than 
that  of  a  towering  three  story,  is  here  produced,  notwithstanding  the  exis- 
tence of  an  actual  third  story,  (level-ceiled  over  three-fourths  of  its  space,) 
by  the  depth  given  to  the  cornice  on  the  wall,  and  the  high  heads  of  the  sec- 
ond story  windows,  by  which  the  architectural  effect  of  these  features  is 
also  increased,  while  the  economy  in  roofing,  &c.,  obtained  in  a  three  story 
over  a  two  story  building,  is  preserved. 

Contributed  by  R.  Moi-ris  Smith,  architect, 

146  So.  4th  St.,  above  Walnut,  Philadelphia. 


FONDANTE   DE   MALINES. (mELTING    OF    MALINES.) 


FONDANTE  DE   MALINES*— (MELTING   OF   MALINES.) 

This  fine  fruit  originated,  in  1842,  in  the  garden  of  the  late  Major 
Esperen,  the  well-known  and  successful  pomologist.  The  first  crop  was  a 
very  large  one,  and  every  fruit  proved  of  equal  good  quality  and  perfect 
size. 

The  shape  of  this  pear  seems  to  have  undergone  a  great  change,  as  it  is 
often  the  case  with  seedling  fruits,  Avhich  vary  in  form  for  a  certain  time, 
till  that  form  becomes  at  last  fixed  by  artificial  improvement,  by  grafting  or 
by  natural  laws  unknown  to  us.  The  shape  and  size  of  the  Fondante  in  our 
drawing,  is  that  of  a  fruit  grown  in  Hon.  Marsh.  P.  Wilder's  experimental 
grounds.  The  outline  is  the  exact  size  and  form  of  one  of  the  first  fruits, 
taken  in  1842.  • 

Tree  vigorous  and  erect,  of  a  pyramidal  form  ;  shoots,  fawn  color,  slightly 
speckled  ;  buds,  stout,  diverging,  well  set  on  a  broad  base,  short  and  point- 
ed ;  joints,  regular  in  two  years,  but  irregular  in  one  year's  shoots  ;  leaves^ 
middle  sized,  slightly  serrated,  dark  green. 

Fruity  above  medium,  oblong,  or  obtuse-pyriform,  yellow  when  ripe, 
dotted  and  washed  with  russet  and  dark  crimson.  Stem  from  one  to  one 
and  a-quarter  inch,  moderately  stout,  inserted  in  a  shallow  cavity  ;  eye, 
close,  rather  small,  sunk  in  an  even,  not  deep,  calyx. 

ilesh,  melting,  juicy,  with  abundance  of  sugar,  and  slightly  flavored  ; 
ripens  slowly  and  without  decay  at  the  core,  from  the  end  of  September  till 
late  in  October,  if  kept  in  suitable  places. 

Like  all  the  fall  fruits,  it  ought  to  be  plucked  as  soon  as  it  has  completed 
its  growth,  and  allowed  to  go  through  the  ripening  process  in  a  cool  room, 
rather  moist  than  dry.  As  soon,  however,  as  the  ripening  commences,  we 
always  found  it  better  to  bring  the  fruit  over  to  a  more  elevated  tempera- 
ture. This  process  develops  and  completes  the  aroma  of  all  such  pears, 
which  are  naturally  flavored.  This  rule  applies  to  almost  all  the  fall  fruits, 
which,  if  not  kept  too  long  in  exhibition  halls,  for  instance, are  always  im- 
proved by  that  rather  too  high  temperature. — L.  E.  JBerckmans. 


THE   LAWTON  BLACKBERRY   IN   FRUIT. 

publisher's  visit  to  norwalk. 

It  is  well  known  to  most  of  our  readers,  that  the  Lawton  or  New  Rochelle 
blackberry,  has  been  disseminated  through  the  country  by  Mr.  William 
Lawton,  of  New  Rochelle,  in  this  State,  and  Messrs.  George  Seymour  &  Co., 
of  South  Norwalk,  in  Connecticut.  The  latter  gentlemen  have  a  somewhat 
extensive  and  very  well  managed  nursery,  which,  to  the  enthusiastic  horti- 
culturist, is  worth  going  many  a  mile  to  see.  But  its  principal  attraction, 
during  the  last  three  years,  has  been  the  famous  new  variety  of  the  black- 
berry. Until  the  present  season,  Mr.  Seymour  has  devoted  his  attention 
mainly,  almost  exclusively,  to  the  cultivation  of  the  plants  for  propagation. 
But  this  year  he  has  appropriated  nearly  three  acres  to  this  berry  ;  in  so 
doing,  he  has  afforded  those  interested  opportunity  to  judge  for  themselves 
by  actual  observation. 

*  See  Frontispiece. 


THE   LAWTON   BLACKBERRY   IN   FKUIT. 

Early  in  the  month  of  August,  by  invitation  from  Mr.  Seymour,  when  the 
berries  were  in  their  prime,  we  saw  the  nursery,  and  sufficiently  to  show 
that  the  Lawton  blackberry  is  among  the  most  valuable  varieties  of  fruit. 
The  ground  thus  devoted  is  less  than  two  and  a  half  acres  ;  from  this 
ground  Mr.  Seymour  was  sending  to  market  daily,  an  average  of  upwards 
of  ten  bushels.  He  had  been  picking  nine  days,  and  the  aggregate  amount 
to  the  period  of  our  visit,  was  one  hundred  and  six  bushels.  Single  hills, 
of  some  three  or  four  canes,  in  many  instances  yielded  a  bushel  each.  One 
day  during  the  season,  nineteen  bushels  were  picked.  The  picking  is  done 
almost  exclusively  by  boys  ;  eight  being  employed.  Most  of  the  berries 
are  produced  from  a  field  separate  from  the  nursery  ;  half  an  acre  being 
devoted  to  the  fruit  in  the  nursery  ;  and  here  most  of  our  observations 
were  made.  This  half  acre,  which  is  understood  to  have  received  the  same 
culture  bestowed  upon  the  rest  of  the  plantation,  had  already  produced 
some  thirty  bushels  ;  and  probably  at  least  twenty-five  bushels  remain  to  be 
gathered.  This  is  at  the  rate  of  some  sixty  bushels  to  the  acre.  Many 
good  judges  who  have  visited  the  nursery,  pla^ced  the  estimate  even  higher 
than  this.  But  any  reasonable  fruit-grower,  might  be  satisfied  with  a  yield 
of  sixty  bushels  of  blackberries — such  blackberries,  larger,  fairer,  better 
flavored  than  the  natural  fruit — from  an  acre  of  ground. 

"  But  does  not  this  result  involve  a  larger  expenditure  in  cultivation  and 
harvesting  ?"  inquires  some  one. 

Definite  information  on  this  point,  obtained  from  Mr.  S.,  proves  that  the 
entire  expense  of  the  culture  of  an  acre,  after  the  ground  has  been  properly 
prepared  the  first  year,  falls  below  fifty  dollars,  and  the  expense  of  picking 
is  but  a  trifle  over  one  cent  a  quart.  Mr,  S.  employs  his  boys  by  the  day, 
paying  them  fifty  cents  each.  They  have  averaged,  during  the  season, 
from  forty  to  fifty  quarts  each  a  day.  The  berries  command  a  ready  market 
at  twenty-five  cents  a  quart,  wholesale.  The  commission  for  selling  is  one 
per  cent,  or  one  cent  for  four  quarts.  The  expense  of  transportation  from 
Norwalk  to  New  York,  some  forty  miles,  about  the  same. 

These  are  the  facts  in  regard  to  the  culture  of  the  Lawton  blackberry. 
What  has  been  stated  on  this  subject,  hitherto,  has  mainly  been  theoretical  ; 
we  are  now  able  to  state  from  actual  inspection,  not  only  what  the  black- 
berry is  capable  of  doing,  and  what  it  probably  will  do,  but  what  it  has 
done,  and  what  it  is  doing.  The  yield  from  the  two  acres  and  three  quarters 
cultivated  by  Mr.  Seymour,  cannot  be  accurately  arrived  at  in  season  for 
the  present  number.  But  if,  when  the  crop  is  harvested,  it  fails  of  reach- 
ing two  hundred  bushels,  we  shall  be  obliged  to  confess,  that,  with  the 
means  of  forming  a  correct  estimate,  observation  and  figures  have  led  us 
astray. 

It  may  be  well  to  glance  at  Mr.  Seymour's  treatment. 

The  past  year,  he  gave  the  ground  an  ordinary  coat  of  barn  manure,  not 
more  than  he  would  afford  a  field  of  corn.  The  second  and  third  years — 
the  present  is  the  third — no  barn  manure  was  used.  No  fertilizer  of  any 
kind  was  employed  the  second  year  ;  this  season  the  ground  was  enriched 
with  some  two  hundred  pounds  of  guano  to  the  acre.  The  staking  is  the 
most  formidable  part  of  the  culture  ;  though,  little  labor  is  required  for  this 
after  the  work  is  once  well  done.  The  ground  has  this  season  been  ploughed 
twice,  and  once  run  over  with  the  cultivator.  Mr.  Seymour  is  confident, 
from  experiments  he  has  made,  that  no  better  or  more  profitable  manure 
can  be  found  for  the  blackberry,   than  swamp  muck,   when  it   can   con- 


FRUIT,    DOMESTIC   AND    TROPICAL. 


veniently  be  obtained.     He  recommends  its  use  in  the  crude  state,  without 
neutralizing  by  alkalies. 

Mr.  S.  has  produced  some  twenty  barrels  of  wine  from  the  blackberry 
this  season,  which  commands  a  ready  market  at  a  greater  profit  than  is 
realized  from  the  sale  of  the  berries. 


FRUIT,  DOMESTIC  AND  TROPICAL. 

PRICES  AND  SUPPLY. 

The  American  Pomological  Society  met  in  New  York  on  the  14th  of 
September,  and  the  members  discussed  several  highly  important  ques- 
tions. 

At  the  moment  these  discussions  were  proceeding,  a  change  is  coming 
over  the  fruit  market,  which  it  would  be  well  to  notice,  as  having  great 
influence  and  perhaps  extensive  consequences.  The  influence  of  gold  is 
silently  disturbing  prices  ;  the  increase  of  our  steam  marine  is  likewise 
silently  but  surely  disturbing  our  consumption  of  fruit  and  vegetables. 
There  is  more  money  employed  in  transferring  products  of  this  description 
from  one  climate  to  another,  than  most  people  would,  on  a  hasty  inspection, 
believe. 

Every  steamship  that  touches  at  the  tropics,  or  on  their  borders,  brings 
more  or  less  valuable  and  wholesome  fruit  and  vegetables.  Oranges 
and  bananas,  the  latter  a  rapidly  inci'easing  favorite,  are  cheaper  than  our 
northern  apples  and  pears.  Pine  apples  are  as  plentiful  in  Montreal  and 
Quebec  as  they  were  formerly  in  New  York  ;  you  can  purchase  bananas  and 
other  West  India  fruit  in  every  city  of  the  union,  and  mostly  at  reason- 
able prices.  Tiie  supply  of  our  own  products  is  utterly  inadequate  to  our 
consumption.  Except  the  small  fruits  there  is  no  sure  crop.  Apples  in  one 
section  or  another  are  giving  us  the  slip  ;  as  for  a  full  supply  of  good  pears 
it  is  a  problem — amateurs,  and  those  who  take  great  pains  or  incur  a  large 
outlay  may  have  enough.  We  have  had  line  upon  line  and  precept  with- 
out careful  practice  ;  a  barrel  of  the  best  pears  is  too  dear  a  product  to 
place  in  the  store-room,  and  if  you  do  so,  many  will  decay  before  you  know 
it,  unless  you  pick  them  over  daily.  Apples  come  to  us  now  and  then  in 
"favorable"  seasons,  but  private  families  have  ceased  to  expect  a  regular 
and  permanent  supply.  If  the  temperance  men  had  in  their  zeal  preached 
a  crusade  against  these  articles,  they  could  hardly  be  expected  to  be  more 
scarce  with  the  many  ;  and  yet  you  find  few  children  who  do  not  revel  in 
oranges. 

This  is  a  discouraging  picture,  but  is  it  not  true  ?  And  if  not  literally 
true,  does  it  not  approach  the  truth  ?  Are  we  making  the  progress  in  fruit 
culture  that  we  hoped  to  do  ?  Does  not  the  frost,  the  blight,  and  the  insects 
make  the  pursuit  of  monej'^  in  this  line  of  business,  an  uncertain  matter  ? 
In  the  smaller  fruits  profits  are  realized  certainly  ;  but  we  have  not  felt  of 
latter  years,  that  it  would  be  safe  to  plant  very  extensively  or  to  depend 
entirely  on  an  apple  or  pear  orchard.  The  tropics  now  brought  so  near  our 
shores,  are  to  be  main  sources  of  fruit,  if  we  take  the  people  at  large. 

Another  source  is  open  to  the  northern  man.  Bermuda,  Georgia,  (and 
soon  we  may  hope,  Florida,)  are  pouring  their  products  into  our  laps  with 
unwonted  liberality.     Summer  apples  made  their  appearance  in  New  "" 


in  tlie  middle  of  June,  from  Augusta  ;  peaches  followed  by  the  10th  of  July, 
and  were  retailed  at  twenty-five  cents  the  dozen,  having  a  very  good  taste 
indeed,  and  this  while  the  once  plentiful  supplies  from  New  Jersey  and 
Delaware  arc  a  failing  crop,  both  as  regards  quantity  and  quality.  Our 
plums  have  been  disappearing  every  year. 

Thus,  changes  are  in  progress  which  the  Convention  might  well  have  discuss- 
ed, and  if  possible  told  us  what  we  are  to  do.  The  actual  result  seems  to  be 
that  a  few  localities  are  adapted  to  a  given  product.  We  receive  our  early 
potatoes  from  Bermuda  and  the  south  :  but  both  the  home  product  and  the 
foreign  are  so  dear  as  to  have  been  shunned  by  the  poorer  classes  during 
several  winters,  and  substitutes  have  to  be  found  in  beans  or  flour,  the  latter 
most  happily  for  the  masses,  now  at  a  moderate  price  ;  the  rich  have  been 
largely  supplied  Avith  yams  ;  for  a  variety  of  early  vegetables  we  resort  to 
lower  Virginia,  from  whence  so  large  is  the  supply  that  it  supports  a  large 
class  of  dealers  and  hucksters  who  regulate  their  prices  by  keeping  back 
an  over  supply,  and  who  really  control  the  market  for  a  long  period  of  the 
year.  A  small  number  regulate  the  price  of  cranberries,  and  either  buy 
up  the  whole  crop  or  combine  to  enhance  the  price  ;  this  is  very  possible 
with  a  fruit  that  keeps  so  long  and  so  well,  while  in  strawberries  and  rasp- 
berries a  small  over  stock  of  such  perishable  materials  is  apt  to  lessen 
prices  within  or  below  a  mere  paying  point. 

If  an  American  convention  meets  to  talk  over  their  prospects,  and.  to  the 
best  of  their  ability  to  counsel  and  advise  their  countrymen,  a  smaller  num- 
ber of  fruit  dealers  regulate  the  prices  that  their  produce  shall  bring.  A  few 
firms  control  the  trade  in  tropical  products,  and  agree  what  they  shall  be 
worth;  two  or  three  control  the  potatoes  of  Bermuda,  and  they  have  not  yet 
agreed  to  supply  us  with  that  best  of  vegetables,  the  sweet  potato  of  the 
south.  Another  organization  buys  up  another  fruit,  and  the  prices,  the  most 
important  point  to  the  producer,  are  a  matter  of  bargain  and  sale  between 
capitalists  who  have  their  profit  on  every  thing  we  partake  of. 

A  pomological  convention  might  well  take  the  market  for  a  theme  of  dis- 
cussion, and  tell  us  how  we  shall  obtain  individually  the  fruit  that  is  for  sale 
without  its  going  through  so  many  hands.  The  product  is  insufficient,  and 
advantage  is  taken  of  the  fact  to  make  a  victim  of  the  consumer.  If  you 
raise  Black  Hamburgh  grapes,  you  must  sell  them  at  fifty  cents  the  pound, 
while  the  city  dealer  gets  a  dollar  or  more  for  what  has  cost  you  so  much 
care  and  anxiety,  in  order  to  pay  his  enormous  rent  in  a  fashionable  street. 
It  is  no  uncommon  thing  for  the  raiser  to  starve,  and  the  dealer  or  forestaller 
to  make  a  fortune.  An  agent  in  cities  who  takes  a  small  per  centage  for 
vending  your  produce  is  an  able  ally  when  you  can  depend  upon  his  honesty, 
while  a  forestaller  is  one  of  those  incubi  on  society  whose  very  presence  is 
a  pest. 

What  are  we  to  do  for  fruit  ?  How  give  a  healthful  supply  to  that  large 
class  who  are  now  assembled  in  our  great  cities.  The  convention  points 
out  the  way  to  raise  it,  but  another  convention  is  sitting  all  the  year,  plotting 
to  buy  in  the  cheapest  market  and  to  sell  in  the  dearest ;  they  are  rich  enough 
to  regulate  prices  ;  they  make  more  by  tropical  fruits  than  by  many  of  the 
native,  and  they  are  conspiring  all  the  time  to  regulate  what  we  shall  eat.  Is 
there  any  way  by  which  we  can  counteract  them,  and  bring  the  wholesome 
products  of  the  earth  within  the  means  of  all  ?  The  conventions  in  difi'er- 
parts  of  the  Union  are  doing  much  to  instruct  us  on  the  subject  of  the 
and  most  productive  kinds  ;  they  cannot  be  expected  to  do  more  ; 


out  them  we  should  be  badly  off  indeed.  Their  value  may  be  estimated  by 
visiting  a  Spanish  settlement,  like  that  of  Cuba,  where  nobody  takes  the 
least  interest  in  disseminating'  information,  and  where,  but  for  the  extra- 
ordinary climate,  with  their  habits  of  neglect  and  indifference,  there  would 
be  no  fruit  whatever.  Considering  the  many  difficulties  we  have  to  en- 
counter, it  really  is  a  matter  of  interest  to  see  the  energy  with  which  our 
people  and  their  representatives  in  these  congresses  pursue  the  subject.  They 
have  done  much  and  must  not  relax  their  efforts,  or  wo  shall  fall  into  a  state 
of  fruit  destitution.  The  orchard-house  will  more  and  more  be  resorted  to 
in  northern  climates.  W. 


A  VISIT  TO  THE    BUFFALO  VINERIES. 


BY    PROF.    W.    R.    COPPACK. 

'Sonp\0  |Hatc. 

ERHAPS  there  is  no  feature  in  the  routine  of  fruit 
culture,  that  marks  its  progress  so  distinctly  to  the 
.-  passing  gaze  of  the  sojourner  while  strolling  through 
_,^  the  town,  with  an  eye  to  its  horticultural  prospects, 
^^  than  Graperies.      These  prominent,  and  ofttimes  fan- 
ciful structures,  are  becoming  not  only  numerous, 
but,  in  fact,  a  sine  qua  non  with  all  who  la^^  claim 
to  any  of  that  pomonal  enthusiasm  of  the  present  de- 
cade, and   which  is  so  readily  engendered,  by  com- 
mingling with,  and  seeing  and  tasting  these  delic- 
ious luxuries. 

For  the  past  few  days,  in  company  with  a  horti- 
cultural friend,  whose  penchant  lies  that  way,  I  have  been  making  a  tour 
of  our  Buffalo  vineries,  which,  by-the-bj'e,  are  more  numerous  than  in  any 
town  of  its  size  in  the  union — and  having  taken  some  ''  notes  by  the  way," 
propose  to  give  our  distant  friends,  through  the  ITortictclturist,  the  re- 
sults. 

A  prominent  feature  in  this  especial  culture,  is,  that  unlike  the  delving 
processes  of  garden  culture,  chiefly  done  by  proxy,  this  is  laid  liold  of,  and 
passed  as  a  hobby,  aj^j^ropria  persona.  The  man  of  leisure — the  business 
man — the  professional  man — the  divine — all  can,  and  do,  enter  into  the  prac- 
tical manipulation  of  pruning,  thinning,  tying,  &c.  &c.,  with  a  zeal  that  is 
unmistakable,  yet  full  of  earnest  pleasure.  Then,  again,  often  recur  those 
pleasantries  interchanged — those  comities  and  amenities  with  neighbors,  in 
comparing  successes  or  sympathizing  with  mishaps,  weighing  each  bunch 
with  dilated  eye  as  to  its  future  sicelling  process — yet  unconscious  of  the 
insidious  sporules  that  may  be  forming  to  mar  the  exuberant  ardor  of  the 
vigneron. 

"  jT'm  se«" — says  a  fat  man  driving  a  tioo-forty,  as  he  passes  a  lean  friend 
on  a  jog  trot,  coming  into  town — meaning  his  tnuscats  had  set  their  fruit — 
"Well, 'Doctor,  how  are  you  prospering?"  "Finely — finely — I'm  nearly 
colored'''' — are  among  the  exclamations  occasionally  heard,  and  wondered 
by  those  not  grape  growers — and  then  again  later  in  the  season,  the 
,  or  five  pound  Hamburgh  bunch,  with  its  dark  rich  bloom — its  splendi ' 


round  berries  of  equal  size — with  shoulders  to  match — ah,  who  1  who,  would 
not  grow  grapes  ? — Chorlton,  Allen,  Prince  and  Hoarc,  are  becoming  house- 
hold words  ;  while  Bones  and  Offal,  Shells,  &c.,  will,  ere  long-,  be  reported  in 
the  ^' price  current "  of  the  day.  For  a  dozen  years  my  own  grapery  stood 
alone,  there  being  no  other  in  the  town.  Now,  our  city  numbers  nearly,  if 
not  forty.  May  of  them  large,  elegant,  and  exceedingly  attractive,  and  of 
course  costly.  They  are  of  the  span  roof — octagon — curvilinear — lean-to, 
&c.,  &c.,  with  varied  finish  and  architectural  designs,  enclosing  from  a  dozen 
or  two  to  many  scores  of  vines.  The  varieties  embrace  all  the  leading  pop- 
ular kinds,  with  a  fair  sprinkling  of  the  novelties.  The  "  border  war  "  of  car- 
rion versus  nature  is  perhaps  a  divided  question  ;  but  all  aim  at  getting  a 
rich  and  strong  border.  With  an  exception  or  two  they  are  all  cold  houses, 
and  yet  rarely  fail  in  ripening  both  fruit  and  wood  most  perfectly.  Some  of 
the  finest  specimens  I  have  ever  seen,  of  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  are  now 
ripening  by  Capt.  Levi  Allen,  an  entirely  self-taught  and  highly  successful 
grower.  Mr.  Rich  Ballymore  is  another  of  the  same  kind,  having  a  beauti- 
ful house,  literally  filled  with  fine  specimens.  His  neighbor,  your  correspon- 
dent, Mr.  John  B.  Eaton,  has  a  fine  curvilinear  structure,  the  finest  of  that 
form  put  up  here.  It  is  kept  in  tip-tdp  order,  and  may  be  well  taken  as  a 
model  of  skill  and  good  taste.  Farther  on,  we  come  to  Mr.  G.  B.  Rich,  whose 
Hamburgh  White  Tokay,  Syrian,  and  other  varieties,  are  very  fine.  Perhaps 
we  should  do  injustice,  did  we  not  particularly  mention  the  Hon.  E.  G.  Spaul- 
ding;  his  fruit  had  been  well-thinned,  and  it  has  well  recompensed  for  the 
labor.  The  berries  were  large,  even,  and  well  colored.  How  it  does  go 
against  the  grain  to  be  cutting  two  or  three  out  of  every  five.  "A  bird  in 
the  hand  "  rings  in  the  ear,  and  practice  alone  nerves  the  operator. 

Dr.  G.  F.  Pratt  has  two  fine  span-roof  houses,  and  is  ever  famous  for  his 
fine  specimens.  We  might  also  mention  Mr.  Thomas  Stephenson — Mr  Den- 
nis Bowen — Mr.  Dewit  C.  Weeds — alike  fine.  But  midtion  in  parvo.  Upon 
a  small  city  lot,  pent  up,  on  at  least  three  sides,  with  walls  of  brick  or  tim- 
ber, resides  our  friend  Mr.  William  Coleman — whose  miniature  garden  is  the 
admiration  of  all  whose  opinions  are  desirable — with  a  charming  little  vin- 
ery of  some  fifteen  canes,  among  which  is  a  Californian  variety.  He  also 
grows  more  monstrosities  in  the  fancy  strawberry  line,  more  really  rich  and 
rare  roses,  and  miscellaneous  flowering  plants,  more  fancy  out-door  grapes, 
and  fruiting  plants,  than  a  multitude  of  his  neighbors  having  a  tenfold  area. 
But  the  vinery  of  vineries  we  have  yet  to  describe.  This  is  the  commercial 
vinery  of  Mr.  Horace  Williams.  It  is  nearly  seven  hundred  feet  long — a 
lean-to — built  somewhat  after  the  Mivers  plan.  It  is  twelve  feet  wide,  with 
an  eighteen  foot  border,  to  be  enlarged.  The  vines  are  planted,  as  is  usual 
here,  on  the  inside,  and  are  of  the  leading  varieties,  Hamburghs  predominat- 
ing. The  whole  show  remarkable  health  and  vigor.  On  the  wall,  at  the 
distance  of  three  feet  each,  are  vines  grown  in  boxes  sixteen  inches  square. 
These  are  designed  for  removal  and  sale,  as  they  are  brought  into  fruitful- 
ness.  Mr.  Williams  has  an  extensive  Glue  manufactoi'y  in  the  vicinit}^  which 
has  furnished  mainly  the  material  for  the  border.  The  facilities  for  water- 
ing are  excellent — one  end  of  the  vinery  being  near  the  Buffalo  Creek.  Wa- 
ter is  raised  by  horse  power  into  a  large  cistern,  from  thence  runs  a  pipe 
along  the  back  wall,  the  whole  length  of  the  house,  having  faucets  at  every 
short  distance.  There  are  nearly  seven  hundred  vines  in  the  house.  The 
structure  is  got  up  cheaply,  yet  durable,  appurtenanced  with  all  that 
cessary  for  the  successful  growth  of  the  grape.     The  vines  are  now  chiefly 


two  years  old,  and  certainly  do  great  credit  to  Mr.  Williams'  self-acquired 
skill.  To  stand  at  either  end  of  this  imposing  range,  casting  the  eye  through 
the  whole  vista,  is  indeed  a  noble  sight — a  panorama  of  exceeding  beauty. 


HOW  TO  CALCULATE  THE  COST  OF  YOUR  PROPOSED  NEW 

HOUSE. 

BY    CHARLES    DUGGIN,    ARCHITECT,    NEW    YORK. 

It  is  always  a  very  diBScult  matter,  with  parties  about  to  build,  to  ascer- 
tain what  the  house  they  propose  erecting  will  probably  cost.  As  a  general 
thing,  the  person  purposing  building  cannot  obtain  anything  definite  with- 
out first  going  to  the  trouble  and  expense  of  having  his  plans  and  specifica- 
tions made,  so  that  he  can  dissect  the  quantities  of  the  different  materials 
required,  and  so  arrive  at  the  desired  price. 

This  sj'stem  generally  leads  to  dissatisfaction,  for  it  is  mostly  the  case 
that  the  person  about  to  build  has  fixed  upon  the  price  he  wishes  to  spend 
before  he  commences  his  plans,  and  misleads  himself  into  the  belief  that  he 
can  obtain  a  certain  sized  house  for  a  given  sum,  his  architect's  opinion  to 
the  contrary  notwithstanding,  using  as  his  argument  that  he  has  certain 
unusual  facilities  for  obtaining  certain  materials,  or  doing  certain  portions 
of  the  work,  and  also,  further,  that  such  and  such  a  person  built  his  house 
for  such  a  price,  and  whj'-  should  he  not  be  able  to  do  so  ? 

Now,  to  obviate  these  diflSculties,  I  purpose  giving  a  simple  rule  for 
ascertaining  the  approximate  outlay,  without  being  necessitated  to  first 
have  your  plans,  &c.,  prepared;  and  one  that  I  have  generally  found  to  work 
out  correctly. 

Having  decided  on  about  the  style  and  character  of  house  you  require, 
and  what  degree  of  finish  or  ornamentation  you  want  outside  and  inside, 
look  around  in  j^our  neighborhood  for  such  description  of  house,  and  ascer- 
tain from  its  owner  what  it  cost.  Having  obtained  the  price,  then  measure 
the  size  it  occupies  on  the  ground,  and  also  the  different  heights,  and 
"  cube"  the  whole,  so  as  to  arrive  at  the  number  of  cubic  feet  of  space  occu- 
pied by  the  house.  Then  reduce  the  number  of  dollars  the  house  costs  into 
cents,  and  divide  the  cents  by  the  cubic  feet,  and  it  will  give  you  how  much 
the  house  you  require  will  cost  every  cubic  foot  of  space  it  occupies. 

When  you  have  ascertained  how  much  such  a  style  of  house  as  you 
require  will  cost  for  every  cubic  foot  of  space  it  occupies,  set  to  work  and 
sketch  out  the  plan  of  a  house  to  suit  your  requirements  ;  having  done  so, 
reduce  the  same  into  cubic  feet,  and  when  you  have  ascertained  the  number 
of  feet  your  proposed  house  will  occupy,  multiply  them  by  the  price  per 
foot  your  neighbor's  house  cost,  and  it  will  give  you  the  approximate  cost 
of  your  proposed  house. 

By  having  the  above  figures  at  your  command,  it  enables  you  to  increase 
or  decrease  the  size  of  your  house,  so  as  to  come  moderately  near  to  the 
sum  you  wish  to  spend,  all  of  which  can  be  done  before  you  commence  to 
have  your  working-drawings  and  specifications  made. 

To  make  the  above  more  easily  understood,  I  give  below  the  mode  adopted 
for  ascertaining  the  number  of  cubic  feet  of  space  occupied  by  a  house.  It 
mply  to  multiply  the  width  of  the  house  by  the  depth,  and  the  product 


will  give  you  the  number  of  superficial  square  feet  in  the  house  ;  the  square 
feet  multiplied  by  the  height  will  give  the  number  o{  cubic  feet. 

\n  taking  off  the  size  of  the  house,  do  not  measure  in  any  of  the  verandas, 
as  they  are  not  room  in  the  house  ;  at  the  same  time,  in  planning  your  own 
house,  you  must  bear  in  mind  not  to  put  in  more  veranda,  in  proportion  to 
the  size,  than  your  neighbor  has,  unless  you  add  a  pi'oportional  amount  to 
your  cost.  In  measuring  your  height,  include  about  one  foot  below  the 
cellar-floor,  add  in  the  thickness  of  the  different  floors,  and  when  you  come 
to  the  roof,  or  attic,  make  proper  allowances  to  suit  the  slope  of  the  roof, 
for  if  the  roof  be  steep,  of  course  measuring  to  the  ridge  or  top  line  would 
not  be  coi'rect — so,  allow  accordingly. 

In  naming  the  sum  a  house  will  probably  cost,  I  generally  find  it  best  to 
leave  out  the  mantels,  grates,  furnace,  hot-air  pipes  &c.,  and  plumbing,  as 
these  vary  so  much  in  difierent  houses  ;  but  the  drains,  cistern,  cesspool  and 
painting — indeed,  everything,  with  the  above  exceptions — I  include  in  my 
figures,  and  I  think  a  party  entering  into  calculations  would  do  well  to 
adopt  the  same  plan.  Of  course,  if  he  includes  the  items  I  name,  in  the  cost 
of  his  neighbor's  house,  he  can  rely  upon  their  being  included  in  his  own. 

In  future  numbers  of  the  Horticulturist,  I  purpose  giving  some  plans  and 
views  of  Country  Villas  that  have  been  erected  from  my  designs,  accompa- 
nying which,  I  will  state  the  price  they  cost  per  cubic  foot  so  that  a  party 
purposing  building  may  be  able  more  readil}^  to  decide  on  the  style  to  adopt 
for  his  new  house,  so  as  to  meet  his  ideas  of  cost. 


»-.  »  »  »  .-« 


POMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY  OF  GEORGIA. 

The  Annual  Meeting  of  the  above  named  Society  was  held  at  Athens,  on 
Tuesday,  August  3d.  The  officers  chosen  for  the  ensuing  year  were  as  fol- 
lows :  L.  E.  Berckmans,  President  ;  Richard  Peters,  Vice-President  ;  Wm. 
N.  White,  Secretary;  James  Camak,  Treasurer  ;  Wm.  ^N".  White,  Chairman; 
Richard  Peters,  J.  Camak,  E.  Bancroft,  J.  Van  Buren,  Committee  ad  Interim. 

A  Corresponding  Committee  was  elected  by  an  amendment  to  the  Consti- 
tution, to  place  before  the  above  named  Committee  any  new  fruits  originat- 
ing in  their  respective  localities,  on  which  were  placed  Right  Rev.  S.  D. 
Elliot,  Savannah  ;  D.  Redmond,  Augusta  ;  R.  Peters,  Atlanta  ;  Charles  Col- 
lins, Macon  ;  Thomas  Camak,  Columbus. 

L.  E.  Berckmans,  R.  Peters,  D.  Redmond  and  W.  N.  White,  were  appointed 
Delegates  to  represent  the  Society  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  American 
Pomological  Society. 

At  the  conversational  meeting,  there  was  a  discussion  upon  the  Curculio, 
in  which  Messrs.  Berckmans,  Van  Buren,  Redmond,  Camak,  White,  and 
others  took  part. 

The  Fruit  show  was  good,  considering  that  the  frost  the  last  of  April 
destroyed  all  the  fruit  in  the  upper  part  of  the  State. 

Mr.  Van  Buren  and  Mr.  Legg,  could  give  us  little  except  their  presence, 
instead  of  their  usual  fine  list,  and  Messrs.  Berckmans'  collection  was  mis- 
laid on  the  way  and  failed  to  come  to  hand  in  season.  The  following  is  the 
list  of  exhibitors  : 

Peters,  Harden  &  Co.,  of  Atlanta,  exhibited  :  Pears,  34  varieties.  Peaches, 
varieties.     Nectarines,  1  variety — viz:  Stan  wick.    Almonds,  2  varieties. 


N.  S.:    Vol.  VIII.— November,  1858.  38 


POMOLOGICAL   SOCIETY   OF   GEORGIA. 

Apples,  10  varieties — viz  :  Yellow  Horse,  Farrar's  Summer,  Hamilton,  Red 
June,  Aromatic  Carolina,  Ehocles'  Orang'e  Pearmain,  Jones'  Summer,  Gore, 
White,  Yellow  June,  and  1  nameless.  Plums,  6  varieties — viz:  Yellow  Gage, 
Imperial  Gage,  Bingham,  Coe's  Golden  Drop,  August  Blue,  and  Long  Scar- 
let. Grapes,  7  varieties — viz  :  Clinton,  Diana,  Catawba,  Isabella,  Lenior, 
White,  and  Concord.     Mulberries,  1  variety — viz  :    Everbearing.     Quince, 

1  variety.     Apples^  18  varieties. 

This  was  a  beautiful  collection  ;  nearly  all  the  specimens  being  well 
grown,  especially  the  Pears.  The  Georgia  Cling  will  be  fully  described 
hereafter,  it  being  a  variety  that  should  be  in  every  garden. 

Prof.  J.  D.  Easter,  of  Franklin  College,  exhibited  1  Apple,  a  very  fine  sum- 
mer variety  from  Ohio,  unnamed  ;  1  Pear — Duchesse  d'  Angouleme — fine  ; 
and  a  very  attractive  list  of  18  varieties  of  Peaches. 

Of  these  (Mrs.  Wray's  Cling),  was  a  new  seedling,  and  merits  a  full 
description  hereafter.     Total,  19  varieties. 

The  frost,  the  last  of  April,  destroyed  every  fruit  in  Mr.  Van  Buren's  large 
collection,  except  2  Apples,  viz  :  Julien  and  Horse  ;  8  Pears,  viz  :  Bartlett, 
Beurre  Diel,  Beurre  Bosc,  White  Doyenne,  Seckel,  Vicar  of  Winkfield, 
Stevens'  Genesee,  and  Louise  Bonne  de  Jersey — total  10  varieties. 

E.  Bancroft,  of  Athens,  exhibited  34  varieties  of  Peaches. 

Mr.  Bancroft's  Peaches  all  were  extra  fine  and,  taken  together,  exceeded 
in  beauty,  those  of  any  other  contribution.  Stump  the  World,  Walter's 
Late,  Prince's  Paragon,  Burden's  Rareripe,  Green  Catharine,  Old  Mixon 
Cling,  Chereuse  Tardive,  Large  White  Cling,  Brevort's  Morris,  Bloodgood's 
Late  Green,  and  Old  Mixon  Free,  were  particularly  fine. 

Wm.  N.  White,  of  Athens,  exhibited  86  varieties  of  Pears.  Quinces,  2 
varieties.  Ap)p>les,  12  varieties — viz:  Rhode  Island  Greening,  Buckingham, 
Shockley,  1  nameless,  sweet;  Landrum,  Meigs,  Yellow  Meadow,  Nickajack, 
Summer  Queen,  Tcwksbury  Winter  Blush,  James  River,  Summer  Sweet. 
Peaches,  35  varieties.  Plums,  14  varieties.  Nectarines,  1  variety — viz: 
Elruge.     Grapes,  1  variety — viz:  Isabella.     Total  151  varieties. 

Hon.  I.  L.  Harris,  of  Milledgeville,  exhibited  a  Seedling  of  the  Seckel 
Pear,  to  which  the  Committee  gave  the  name  of  Harris'  Seckel  (good). 

Col.  J.  C.  Branch,  of  Watkinsville,  exhibited  6  varieties  of  Peaches,  con- 
sisting- of  unnamed  Clingstones;  one  variety  of  wliich  was  the  largest  seed- 
ling exhibited,  and  was  named  by  the  Society,  The  Challenge,  a  description 
of  which  will  appear  hereafter.  Also,  a  specimen  of  Isabella  Grape. 
Total,  1  varieties. 

J.  H.  Gray,  of  Clarke  county,  exhibited  3  varieties  of  Apples,  unnamed; 

2  varieties  of  Pears,  imnamed;  1  variety  of  Peach,  viz:  Pace.  Total  6 
varieties. 

'  Mrs.  Hull,  of  Athens,  exhibited  3  varieties  of  Grapes,  viz:  Grove  End 
Sweet  Water,  White  Frontignan,  and  Muscat  de  Lunell;  3  varieties  of 
Peaches,  2  unnamed,  Early  Crawford  Peach,  and  Bingham  Plum;  and  6 
varieties  of  Apples,  unnamed.     Total  13  varieties. 

Mrs.  Franklin,  of  Athens,  exhibited  22  varieties  of  Pears.  A2Jples,  6 
varieties.  The  specimens  exhibited  by  Mrs.  Franklin  were  remarkably  fair 
and  well  grown. 

Mr.  Micheli,  of  Athens,  exhibited  2  varieties  of  Apples,  viz:  Buff  (very 
large  and  fine),  the  other  variety  unrecognized. 

G.  E.  Smythe,  of  Athens,  exhibited  4  varieties  of  Pears.     Peaches,  6 
eties.     Plums,    6  varieties.     G^-apes,    2   varieties — viz:    Warren,    and 


White  Muscat.  A^yples,  4  varieties,  Russet,  Swaar,  and  Autumn  Pearmain. 
Also,  1  Lemon,  large. 

Mrs.  H.  Camak,  of  Athens,  exhibited  12  varieties  of  Plums.  Pears,  25 
varieties.     Peaches,  It  varieties. 

Dr.  M.  A.  Ward,  of  Athens,  exhibited  31  varieties  of  Apples.  Pears,  31 
varieties.  Quinces,  2  varieties — viz:  Portugal  and  Orange.  Plums  12 
varieties. 

A  few  fine  vegetables  were  displayed;  Mr.  Sledge  exhibiting  the  very  best 
Irish  Potatoes  we  have  seen  grown  in  the  State;  and  Mrs.  F.  W.  Lucas 
some  extra  large  Beets  and  Tomatoes. 

In  looking  over  and  comparing  the  different  lists,  we  find  568  lots  of  fruit 
were  exhibited,  comprising  368  varieties,  of  which  there  were:  Peaches,  99; 
Apples,  74;  Plums,  34;  Grapes,  11;  Mulberries,  1;  Pears,  144;  Lemons,  1; 
Quinces,  2;  Almonds,  2. 

While  errors  of  names  were  noticed  in  the  collection  of  amateurs,  it  was 
gratifying  to  see  the  correctness  of  Barnes  under  which  those  o^  the  Nur- 
serymen were  exhibited;  and,  from  sufficient  experience,  we  are  prepared  to 
say,  positively,  that  no  Nurseries  can  be  more  honestly  conducted 
or  more  worthy  of  confidence  than  those  in  our  own  midst.  In  respect  to 
correctness,  great  improvement  is  manifest  the  last  two  years,  and  we  no 
longer  see  the  same  Pear,  Apple,  &c.,  exhibited  under  three  or  four  different 
names.  L.  E.  Bergkmans,  President. 

Wm.  N.  White,  Secretary. 


"HINTS    ON    RURAL    ARCHITECTURE." 

BOATHOUSES  AND  PLAYHOUSES. 

SoMs  of  the  readers  of  the  Sortiaidturist  who  are  so  fortunate  as  to  reside 
on  the  shores  of  the  smaller  lakes  so  numerous  in  our  northern  States,  may 
be  glad  to  learn  the  experience  of  a  dweller  in  a  similar  locality  in  the  con- 
struction of  boat-houses  ;  for  every  one  knows  that  the  first  step  toward 
keeping  a  boat  in  good  condition,  is  to  provide  it  with  a  shelter.  Left  on 
the  beach  it  is  not  only  knocked  about  by  waves,  but  the  influence  of  sun 
and  rain  open  all  its  seams,  and  crack  its  boards  until  it  "  leaks  like  a  rid- 
dle." The  common  practice  of  drawing  it  up  under  a  shelter  on  dry  land, 
by  means  of  inclined  timbers  or  "ways,"  is  also  injurious  as  tending  to  rack 
and  strain  it,  while  it  also  demands  a  degree  of  muscular  exertion  not 
always  convenient  or  pleasant  to  supply. 

After  trying  several  plans,  I  have  been  perfectly  satisfied  with  one  of  the 
simplest  possible.  First  framing  together  the  sills,  I  nailed  upon  them 
plank,  two  inches  thick,  forming  a  strong  and  smooth  floor.  This  was 
floated  to  the  water's  edge  opposite  the  point  where  the  building  when 
located,  was  intended  to  stand,  and  "  blocked  up"  so  as  to  keep  its  level, 
while  the  posts  and  plates  and  studs  were  framed  and  raised  in  the  ordinary 
manner.  After  "  siding  it  up"  with  strong  plank  as  high  as  the  water  was 
expected  to  cover  it  (about  four  feet),  the  whole  frame  was  shoved  out  to  its 
chosen  location  (a  smooth  patch  of  sandy  bottom  about  thirty  or  forty  feet 
shore),  sliding  on  two  long  poles  laid  under  it  like  waj^s  for  launching, 
g  thus  placed,  the  rest  of  the  work  was  easy,  a  raft  being  made  which 


"  HIISTTS    ON   RURAL   ARCHITECTURE." 


could  be  secured  against  either  side  of  the  building,  to  afford  a  footing  for 
the  carpenter  while  putting  on  the  clapboards,  &c. 

The  boat-house,  as  now  completed,  is  fifteen  by  twenty-five  feet,  its  sills 
resting  directly  on  the  bottom,  with  posts  about  nine  feet  "  between  joints," 
which  are  submerged  nearly  three  feet,  so  that  there  is  height  enough  for  a 
man  to  enter  beneath  the  eaves.  A  platform  or  upper  floor  is  laid  just 
above  water  level,  extending  across  one  side  and  one  end  of  the  building, 
with  a  width  of  about  five  feet;  while  along  the  other  side  runs  a  ledge 
eighteen  inches  wide,  just  enough  to  walk  on.  In  the  open  water-space 
between,  a  couple  of  boats  float,  "ready — aye,  ready"  for  service,  one  suited 
for  fishing,  with  anchor  and  lines  on  board  ;  the  other,  a  small  iron  boat  of 
Francis's  patent,  with  oars  and  cushions  complete,  ready  at  a  moment's 
warning  for  the  use  of  the  ladies  of  the  household,  with  whom  it  is  a  great 
favorite,  from  being  perfectly  water-tight,  and  always  as  dry  and  clean  as  a 


BOAT-HOUSE. 


carriage,  so  that  skirts  are  in  no  danger  of  staining.  They  are  taken  m 
and  out  through  a  wide  door  in  one  end  of  the  building,  which  extends 
nearly  to  the  sill,  and  upwards  of  four  feet  above  water.  The  building  is 
reached  from  the  shore  by  a  slight  bridge. 

I  need  hardly  say,  that  where  all  is  so  entirely  in  readiness  for  use  at  any 
moment,  many  a  short  sail  or  sunset  row  is  enjo^^ed,  which  would  be  fore- 
gone were  any  preparation  necessary. 

The  building  also  makes  a  capital  bathing  house,  having  on  its  floor  two 
or  three  feet  of  pure  water,  which  is  constantly  changed  by  the  action  of 
the  waves  through  a  narrow  opening  left  round  the  walls  just  above  the 
sills  (observe  that  this  opening  should  be  only  just  sufficient  for  this  pur- 
pose, say  three  or  four  inches  wide  ;  if  larger,  it  will  admit  too  much  swell 
in  a  windy  day,  and  the  boats  will  knock  about  and  chafe  against  the  plat- 
form). A  few  pins,  hooks,  and  shelves,  hold  simple  conveniences  for  the 
toilet;  others  are  stored  with  hooks,  lines  and  other  apparatus  for  angling  ; 
and  whether  for  bathing  or  boating,  the  whole  establishment  is,  if  not  very 
elegant,  at  least  is  complete  and  comfortable  as  need  be. 


Of  course,  such  a  structure  is  best  suited  only  for  our  smaller  lakes,  the 
level  of  which  does  not  vary  more  than  a  couple  of  feet  or  so,  and  where 
neither  heavy  waves  nor  freshets  are  liable  to  injure  it  ;  but  there  are  many 
country  residences  situated  on  such  waters,  where  the  pleasures  and  advan- 
tages of  such  an  aquatic  building-  would  much  more  than  repay  its  cost. 
The  first  I  built  in  this  way  was  of  rough  hemlock  lumber,  costing  perhaps 
$75.  It  stood  safely  for  seven  or  eight  years,  during  which  we  had  "  our 
money's-worth"  out  of  it  many  times  over,  and  was  finally  crushed  by  a  huge 
field  of  ice  driven  against  it  by  a  storm,  while  the  lake  was  opening  in  the 
spring.  My  second  edifice  is  a  neater  structure,  in  which  I  have  gone  to 
the  extravagance  of  planed  flooring,  ceiling,  and  clapboards,  and  a  coat  or 
two  of  paint,  as  well  as  some  minor  vanities,  such  as  a  flagstaif  and  vane; 
and  I  intend  to  protect  it  from  such  accidents  as  destroyed  its  predecessor 
by  a  pier  of  crib-work  filled  with  stones.  This  is  to  be  built  on  the  ice  out- 
side the  boat-house  next  winter  ;  and  I  may  remark  that  a  boat-house  itself 
may  also  be  built  on  the  ice,  and  allowed  to  settle  to  its  place  in  the  spring. 
So  I  built  my  first,  but  the  discomforts  and  delays  of  carpenter's-work  in 
cold  weather  were  such,  tliat  I  preferred  next  time  to  wait  till  June  and  do 
the  work  as  first  above  described. 

It  must  be  remembered,  that  the  ice  which  freezes  fast  to  the  boat-house, 
is  liable  to  be  upborne  by  sudden  thaws,  so  as  to  raise  the  building  from  its 
place.  This  will  do  no  harm,  unless  it  should  lift  the  posts  out  of  their  mor- 
tises in  the  sills,  which  would  ruin  all  ;  so  remember  that  these  timbers 
must  be  firmly  pinned  together.  There  is  also  a  horizontal  movement  of 
the  ice,  backward  and  forward,  to  a  small  extent  all  winter,  caused  by  its 
expansion  and  contraction  from  changes  of  temperature.  This  will  not 
injure  a  light  and  yielding  structure  such  as  I  have  described,  which  slides 
backward  and  forward  on  the  bottom  as  the  ice  drives  or  draws  it  ;  but  I 
have  seen  it  move  a  heavy  pier  and  crush  in  a  stone  wall,  inch  after  inch. 

I  enclose  a  rough  sketch  of  the  form  of  my  boat-house,  which,  as  I  have 
proved  it,  I  can  recommend  for  any  suitable  situation.  If  the  builder  desire, 
he  may  ornament  and  decorate  it  ad  libitum,  even  to  the  extent  of  the  pre- 
cedent on  Windermere,  where  a  boat-house  was  crowned  by  a  steeple  "  for 
distant  effect."  The  cut  and  description,  however,  I  believe  to  include  all 
that  is  essential. 

If  only  some  of  the  readers  of  the  Horticulturist  have  opportunities  for 
boat-houses,  most  of  them  have  opportunities  and  suitable  tenants  for  Play- 
houses. 

The  best  plaything  for  a  child,  is  not  a  splendid  and  complex  rattletrap, 
but  some  simple  and  rough  thing  which  may  be  applied  to  various  uses  and 
purposes,  and  aid  to  stimulate  invention  and  contrivance.  The  best  of  all 
such  tilings  for  a  girl  is  a  house. 

My  daughter  at  six  or  eight  years  of  age  took  possession  of  a  tiny  shed, 
originally  made  to  shelter  a  bee-hive.  Sundry  articles  of  furniture,  of  the 
most  impromptu  style,  some  of  them  requiring  a  good  deal  of  imagination 
to  supply  their  deficiencies  of  construction,  were  added  by  degrees ; — a 
board  for  a  table,  a  box  set  on  end  for  a  cupboard,  some  blocks  for  chairs, 
a  scrap  of  old  carpeting,  a  broom  with  a  broken  handle,  half  a  dozen  odd 
and  cracked  teacups,  &c.  By-and-by  the  open  side  was  boarded  up,  a  hole 
being  left  for  a  window  and  another  for  a  door,  which  was  a  board  hung  on 
two  bits  of  leather.  The  pleasure  derived  from  occupying  this  queer  cabin 
was  so  great  and  enduring,  that  when  next  carpenters  were   busy  about 


repairs  of  our  own  house,  I  had  a  little  one  built  on  purpose  for  our  rising 
generation,  the  success  of  which  has  been  so  great  that  I  here  describe  it 
as  a  hint  for  other  parents  and  for  the  benefit  of  little  people  in  general. 

"Appletree  Cottage"  as  it  is  named  from  the  sheltering  boughs  which 
overhang  it,  stands  on  a  cross-walk  in  the  garden.  It  is  built  of  pine 
boards,  without  any  timber  frame,  eight  feet  by  ten  on  the  ground,  and  six 
feet  high  at  the  eaves,  neither  ceiled  nor  plastered,  but  open  within  to  its 
roof  of  planed  boards.  It  has  on  each  side  two  windows,  each  a  four-light 
sash  of  7  by  9  glass,  hung  on  hinges  for  convenient  ventilation  ;  and  a  real 
batten  door,  five  feet  high,  with  a  knob-catch,  and  genuine  lock  and  key  to 
secure  the  property  or  privacy  of  its  owner. 

This  was  the  contribution  of  Paterfamilias  to  his  daughter's  amusement, 
and  it  was  at  once  occupied  with  the  intensest  satisfaction.  Little  by  little, 
as  in  the  economical  and  thrifty  progress  of  older  housekeepers,  articles  of 
furniture  were  added.     First,  tliere  came  a  present  of  a  real  tea-table,  with 


PLAT-nOUSE. 


leaves  to  let  down,  suited  to  the  dimensions  of  the  apartment,  and  three 
chairs  largo  enough  for  small  people;  the  next  acquirement  was  a  set  of 
small  tea-cups  and  saucers.  A  tin  teapot  and  a  set  of  knives  and  forks  fol- 
lowed from  one  quarter,  a  small  broom  and  dust  pan  from  another  ;  some 
window  curtains  were  put  up  by  the  united  exertions  of  the  proprietress  and 
her  friends  ;  and  at  last  Grandfather  completed  the  whole  thing  by  sending 
an  "old-maid  cooking  stove,"  a  little  affair  but  fifteen  inches  square,  but 
perfectly  capable  of  baking  and  frying  and  boiling,  and  competent  to  make 
the  apartment  as  hot  and  happy  as  need  be. 

In  this  small  edifice  there  has  been  probably  more  genuine  enjoyment 
than  in  most  palaces,  and  I  doubt  not  that  the  young  princesses  of  Windsor 
would  find  it  a  happy  exchange  for  the  stately  halls  in  which  they,  poor 
little  things,  are  doomed  to  dwell.  Not  only  are  tea  drawn  and  currant- 
jelly  made,  and  biscuit  baked,  and  fish  fried  for  hospitable  entertainment 
within  its  wooden  walls,  but  even  the  pains  of  ordinary  housekeeping  are 
here  converted  into  pleasures.    Mopping  and  sweeping,  dusting  and  window- 


GEAPES. 

washing  are  eujoj'ed  exceedingly,  and  half  a  dozen  times  a  year  there  is  a 
delightful  general  house-cleaning,  which  recalls  to  mind  Hopkinson's  famous 
description  of  that  annual  epidemic,  and  realizes  his  recommendation  that  a 
small  separate  building  should  be  provided  near  every  homestead,  where 
its  subjects  can  spend  the  force  of  their  excitement  without  disturbing  the 
peace  of  the  household  itself. 

In  all  this,  there  is  not  only  amusement,  but  wholesome  exercise,  and  even 
useful  practice  in  housekeeping;  and  we  believe  there  rarely  were  twenty 
or  thirty  dollars  better  spent  than  those  which  erected  and  fitted  up  this 
little  establishment.  I  recommend  it  for  imitation  by  the  parent  where 
children  are  reduced  to  "make-believe"  in  the  corner  of  their  nurseries  with 
tiny  pasteboard  houses  and  lilliputian  furniture  not  large  enough  for  dolls. 
Give  them  a  real  cabin  in  a  corner  of  the  garden ;  do  not  make  it  elegant, 
and  do  not  complete  it  at  once,  ready  to  their  hands  ;  but  let  it  be  a  plain 
affair  and  add  to  its  appointments  little  by  little,  until  it  gradually  becomes 
parlor,  kitchen,  hall,  and  library  all  in  one.  If  it  is  found  a  pleasant  and 
lasting  amusement  for  genuine  and  unspoilt  children,  they  may  be  grateful 
for  the  hint  to  the  present  correspondent, 

OWABGENA. 


GEAPES. 

BY  C.  P.  BISSEL,  EAST  AVENUE  NURSERIES,  ROCHESTER,  N.  Y. 

We  hope  to  add  a  few  words  to  those  in  which  Mr.  S.  Miller,  in  your  June 
number,  expresses  his  interest  in  the  culture  of  the  grape.  At  this  time, 
when  not  only  plums,  apricots,  and  nectarines,  but  our  peaches  and  cherries 
are  affected  by  successive  and  serious  diseases,  we  turn  to  other  fruits, 
hoping  that  we  may  find  some  which,  by  moderate  care,  can  be  guarded  from 
the  inroads  of  inscrutable  disorders. 

!-■  Mr.  M.  asks,  "  Do  we  not  sometimes  work  and  trim  too  much  ?  "  We 
reply,  that  there  is  a  vast  deal  of  labor  performed  which  cannot  be  dignified 
with  the  title  of  work  in  any  useful  sense.  An  immense  amount  of  toil  is 
expended  upon  the  grape  vines  of  the  United  States  which  is  not  only  useless, 
but  positively  hurtful.  As  to  trimming,  we  reply  that  if  that  work  be  em- 
ployed in  its  proper  sense,  there  is  no  person  who  does  ''  trim  too  much." 
But  let  us  say  that  a  vast  deal  of  the  hacking  and  hewing  of  our  vines  in 
the  winter,  and  of  tlie  pinching  and  cutting  of  our  branches,  leaves,  &c.  in 
the  summer,  is  too  disgraceful  to  be  called  trimming. 

People  forget  that  all  the  portions  of  the  vine,  roots,  stem,  branches  and 
leaves,  grow  naturally  in  precisely  the  correct  relative  proportion  to  each 
other.  People  forget  that  it  is  only  because  man  has  brought  most  of  the 
fruits  into  an  artificial  condition,  that  he  needs  to  regulate  the  growth  or 
proportion  of  the  several  constituents  of  the  plants. 

One  man  of  our  acquaintance,  while  amputating  by  the  cord,  remarked, 
that  "  whatever  was  worth  doing  at  all  was  worth  doing  well."  In  this  we 
agreed  with  him  ;  but  in  tlie  meaning  of  the  word  well,  we  differed.  With  him 
pruning  icell  meant  cutting  oif  three-fourths  or  nine-tenths  of  the  results  of 
last  season's  growth  ;  with  us  it  means  judiciously  lessening  the  quantity  of 
wood,  so  as  exactly  to  balance  the  vegetative  powers  of  the  roots,  and 
the  reproductive  strength  may  not  be  too  much  taxed  by  an  excessiv 


GBAPES. 

exhibition  of  fruit.  The  leaves  are  the  lungs  of  the  plant,  and  it  is  well 
known  to  be  the  return  sap  which  ministers  both  to  the  growth  of  the  plant 
and  to  the  perfection  of  the  fruit.  Lessen  too  much  the  breathing  surface 
of  the  leaves,  and  the  grapes  suffer  a  consumption  before  their  maturity. 

Our  theory  for  pruning  is  simply  this  ;  because  we  have  not  in  our  cities, 
in  our  villages,  or  even  on  most  of  our  farms,  the  requisite  unappropriated 
space  to  allow  to  the  vine  its  natural  growth,  we  must  regulate  that  growth 
and  retain  it  within  the  space  that  we  do  possess,  with  two  objects  in  view  : 

1.  The  health  of  the  vine. 

2.  The  maximum  product  of  good  fruit. 

The  remarks  of  Mr.  Campbell,  in  the  September  number  of  the  Horticul- 
turist, are  so  exactly  to  our  mind,  as  to  supersede  much  we  were  about  to  say 
on  this  subject  of  pruning. 

Mr.  Miller's  questions  we  take  pleasure  in  replying  to,  and  if  we  err  hope 
that  he  will  treat  it  with  the  leniency  with  which  we  know  that  he  is  accus- 
tomed to  treat  those  who  differ  from  him  in  some  opinions.  Mr.  Miller's  first 
question  is  :  "  Where  does  the  exact  point  end  of  foxiness  or  fragrance  and 
aroma  commence  ?"  Mr.  Miller  says  "  I  love  the  smell  of  a  rank  fox  grape. 
We  think  that  the  foxiness  ends  just  where  we  begin  to  like  the  grape,  and 
where  no  unpleasant  reminiscence,  flavor,  astringency,  acidity,  or  puckeriness 
is  left  after  eating  the  grapes.  A  grape  that  we  don't  like  is  apt  to  be  foxy 
in  proportion  to  our  distaste  for  it.  Our  opinion  is  that  foxiness  exists  to 
its  superlative  extent,  as  Mr.  M.  says,  "  in  the  forest ;  "  that  it  extends  through 
all  the  wild  grapes  of  the  woods.  Charter  Oak,  Early  Amber,  and  dozens  of 
others  in  a  gradually  lessening  series,  until  it  reaches  that  culmination  of 
excellence,  the  Diana,  where  no  trace  whatever  of  any  such  thing  is  to  be 
perceived. 

The  second  question  is  as  to  deep  culture,  &c.  All  vegetable  organization 
and  growth  is  supported  by  the  appropriation  of  sufficient  pabulum,  by  means 
of  the  roots  to  give  to  the  ascending  sap  a  strength  superior  to  simple 
water.  "  Our  old  residents  of  the  forest  do  not  run  their  roots  down,"  because 
they  dislike  to  go  down  deep  into  a  shaded  and  undrained  subsoil  which  has 
lain  imdisturbed  for  centuries  ;  and  they  peculiarly  afiect  the  only  warm 
and  well  aerated  soil  which  is  within  their  reach,  viz.,  that  which  is  "  close  to 
the  surface  under  the  leaves."  In  this  position,  also,  the  carbon  of  the 
decomposing  leaves  is  a  manure,  and  a  right  stimulating  manure,  too,  to 
every  pore  and  cell  of  stalk,  leaves  or  fruit.  These  same  old  vines  taken 
out  from  the  forest,  and  all  their  roots  placed  in  a  deep,  rich,  loose,  well- 
drained  border,  will  make  more  wood,  and  more  and  finer  fruit  than  the}^ 
ever  did  before  :  provided  they  have  the  same  space  for  their  branches  and 
leaves  to  spread  upon. 

As  to  the  "  young  vines  that  have  been  set  out  in  May,"  they  will  send 
their  fibrous  roots  where  the  soil  is  warmed  by  the  beams  of  the  summer's 
sun,  and  where  they  can  appropriate  the  ammonia  brought  by  showers  from 
the  atmosphere.  They  know  as  well  as  we,  that  this  ammonia  is  absorbed 
by  the  first  soil  with  which  the  water  brings  it  in  contact,  and  they  seek 
that  stratum  of  earth  with  every  possible  fibril;  because  the  very  spot, 
and  the  "  border  a  foot  wide"  that  they  are  planted  in  is  shaded  by  their  own 
leaves,  and  the  broad  surface  of  their  own  foliage  so  sheds  the  water  off, 
that  the  surface  of  the  ground,  a  short  distance  from  the  plant,  will  be 
moister,  warmer,  and  better  supplied  with  ammonia  than  immediately  around 
their  own  stems.  As  to  Mr.  Miller's  "  border  5  feet  wide  and  3  feet  deep."    It 


is  an  old  Latin  proverb,  that  so  far  as  the  branches  of  trees  or  plants  ascend 
into  the  air,  so  far  in  the  search  after  nourishment  do  the  roots  spread  them- 
selves in  the  fair  bosom  of  the  fertile  earth.  Now,  even  though  we  take 
the  sayings  of  the  Roman  sages  with  due  grains  of  allowance  we  all  must 
know  that  grape  vines  with  branches  extending  to  20  or  30  feet  in  length, 
will  not  submit  to  have  their  roots  confined  to  a  border  of  only  3  or  5  feet 
in  width,  no  matter  how  fertile  it  may  be  made  with  the  old  boots  of  a  nation  or 
the  old  moi'tar  of  half  a  city,  unless  to  that  fertility  we  add  in  some  way 
an  ammoniated  moisture  suited  to  the  necessities  of  the  plant. 

The  fibrils  of  the  roots  go  seeking  whatever  the  plant  requires,  and  while 
they  will  not  place  themselves  in  stagnant  water,  or  impervious  subsoil, 
they  will  not  long  hesitate  with  the  query  whether  the  required  nourishment 
is  to  be  obtained  by  progressing  laterally  or  perpendicularly,  provided  it  is 
within  their  reach. 


-»•  »  •  -  ' « 


"  CAN  PEARS  BE  GROWN  PROFITABLY  FOR  MARKET  ?" 

BY   W.    E.    COPPOCK,    BUFFALO,    N.  Y. 

I  HAD  promised  myself,  ere  this,  to  respond  to  the  article  in  your  May 
number  under  this  caption,  but  time  and  circumstances  have  alike  prevented. 
It  requires  very  little  confession  on  my  part  to  admit  that  I  am  the  unfortu- 
nate individual  there  charged  with  "  constitutional  obstinacy,"  &c.,  and  the 
hypothesis  perhaps  indirectly  claimed  is,  that  I  am  the  cause  of  all  this  sad 
failure  in  pear  culture. 

It  is  said  Teucer  flung  his  shafts  from  behind  a  shield,  but,  alas  !  no 
shield  has  protected  his  victim.  "  Confess  !  confess  !"  echoes  the  clarion's 
blast,  while  some  "  Van  Mons"  sends  me  the  Country  Gentleman,  with  the 
article  "  scored"  for  my  especial  benefit  ;  anon,  I  have  the  Genesee  Farmer 
(would  that  all  farmers  were  gentlemen),  having  the  same  reference.  To 
say  the  least  of  it,  it  is  certainly  an  ungracious  act  that  lugs  one's  friend 
into  the  breach,  to  bolster  up  a  weak  position. 

Now,  by  your  permission,  and  to  save  the  "Beurres,"  I  will  "confess" 
nor  tell  no  tale  of  woe.  I  am  a  pear  grower,  not,  perhaps,  on  so  large  a 
scale  as  Mr.  Allen.  I  have  a  thousand,  mayhap  more.  My  trees  are  my 
delight,  yet  tilled  with  anxious  care,  and  have  thus  far  greeted  me  with 
grateful  retin^ns  for  the  labor  bestowed.  But  who,  let  me  ask,  that  has 
written  for  and  read  a  dozen  volumes  of  the  Horticulturist^  would  be  so 
ungracious  as  to  expect  his  dwarfs  to  do  duty,  when  the  lord  of  the  manor 
neither  clothes  nor  feeds  his  subjects.  Let  us  see  if  we  cannot  understand 
these  sad  effects  by  looking  at  the  cause.  "We  are  all  morter  (mortal), 
here  to-morrow  and  gone  to-day  !"  was  an  oft-expletive  of  one  good  soul, 
who  was  prone  to  indulge  in  the  dreamy  fit  of  twilight  musing,  "  doing 
good  business  in  the  futui-e,"  when  the  mind,  wandering  from  things  sub- 
lunary, painted  with  prismatic  colors,  the  splendid  creations  of  the  "  Hes- 
perides,"  where  reign  supreme  the  noble  Duchess  and  the  good  Bonchretien, 
with  hosts  of  Flemish  Beauties,  Doyennes  and  Beurres,  with  something 
en,  like  the  Orange  pear.     Supposing  them  realities  of  his  own,  instead 


of  the  more  sober  delving,  pruning,  manuring,  grub-hunting,  slug-killing 
processes  of  this  terrestrial  sphere,  which  the  anathema  from  the  garden  has 
rendered  imperative,  to  grow  fruit  successfully,  and  especially  the  dwarf  pear 
for  profit. 

A  most  impoi'tant  point  to  start  with  is,  a  healthy,  vigorous,  sound  consti- 
tuted tree.  Who  does  not  know  that  a  dwarf  once  stunted  cannot  be 
recovered  ?  it  may  live,  it  may  grow,  and  for  a  time  exist,  but  never,  in  my 
experience,  will  it  laugh  and  grow  fat.  Herein  lies  one  cause  of  failure 
why  pears  cannot  be  grown  profitably  for  market.  When  Mr.  Allen  and 
his  "  obstinate"  friend  commenced  pear  culture,  an  unlucky  invoice  of  many 
hundred  cheap .  dwarf  pear  trees,  from  a  New  York  house,  landed  in  our 
city.  These  were  divided  and  sub-divided  among  the  "  enthusiastic  coterie," 
infected  with  the  pear  mania,  Mr.  A.  taking  the  lion's  share.  These,  he  tells 
us,  were  planted,  cut  down,  and  grafted,  &c.,  &c.  This  lot  of  trash,  then, 
constituted  the  ground-work  of  our  plantations,  and  well  may  those  gentle- 
men say,  when  asked  how  their  pears  are  getting  on,  "Blurt  out  the  fact, 
dwarf  pears  are  a  humbug." 

Now,  no  one  for  a  moment  doubts  Mr.  Allen's  skill  as  a  theorist,  nor  as  a 
racy  and  entertaining  writer  on  rural  matters;  but  did  he  pursue  the  same 
loose  system  of  selection,  feeding,  breeding,  and  general  culture  of  his 
Devons  and  short-horns  that  he  has  with  the  practical  details  of  growing 
dwarf  pears  for  a  market,  where  would  be  his  herd  to-morrow  ?  In  my  own 
case,  having  got  rid  of  that  stock,  I  purchased  some  thousand  thrifty,  well- 
grown  trees  from  Messrs.  Ellwanger  &  Barry,  Rochester,  and  have  taken 
care  of  them,  as  well  as  I  know  how.  I  read  the  Horticulturist  regularly, 
and  got  many  a  good  idea  from  "  Jeffreys."  Jeffreys'  views  were  chieily 
good,  and  I  must  say  my  labors  have  been  well  rewarded.  A  few  leading 
varieties  make  up  va.^  main  collection,  to  which  are  added  a  score  or  two  of 
novelties,  to  follow  in  the  wake  of  my  friends.  We  have  a  ready  sale  for 
the  fruit,  chiefly  at  five  dollars  per  bushel,  wholesale  ;  seldom  less  than  four 
dollars  for  the  small  varieties.  My  dwarfs  yield  me  annually,  with  occa- 
sional exceptions,  fair  crops.  Last  season  I  took  a  barrel  of  Vicar  of  Wink- 
field  from  three  trees;  this  year  I  can  do  the  same  from  two  trees,  as  also 
from  the  Glout  Morceau,  the  Bartlett,  Louise  Bonne  de  Jersey,  Stevens' 
Genesee,  Onondago,  and  some  others,  are  nearly  as  prolific.  In  August,  I 
took  over  1,700  pears  from  four  DearlDorn  Seedling  trees  ;  about  the  same 
rate  last  season.  To-day  I  have  trees  propped  up  on  all  sides  to  sustain  the 
crop,  and  they  are  the  same  props,  that  were  used  for  like  purpose,  for  the 
same  trees  last  year.  I  have  a  row  of  Bartlett  ;  the  seed  I  took  from  the 
Louise  Bonne,  and  sowed  for  the  stocks,  in  the  autumn  of  '54.  In  '55,  I 
bedded  them.  To-day  those  trees  have  from  30  to  45  sound,  good-sized 
pears,  which  will  sell,  at  retail,  for  four  to  six  cents  each.  I  have  Beurre 
Diels,  dwarf,  three  years  old,  with  equally  as  many  on.  I'  have  Beurre  Goub- 
ault,  dwarf,  four  years  old,  with  84  fine  pears  on,  worth  two  or  three  cents 
each,  &c.,  &c.,  with  plenty  more  to  match  ;  more,  however,  I  will  not  enu- 
merate, as  these  were  seen  by  Mr.  Allen,  recently,  while  the  fruit  was  on  the 
trees,  and,  therefore,  he  will  bear  me  out  fully  in  the  statement.  I  must 
also  say,  in  all  candor,  I  bear  not  the  "  lachrymose"  tone  of  your  corres- 
pondent among  the  cultivators  of  the  pear,  save  the  "  coterie,"  I  chance  to 
meet  with  in  our  neighboi'hood  ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  have  frequent  cheerful 
■|  invitations  to  see  their  fine  fruits,  of  which  they  feel  exceedingly  proud. 
From  the  pear  on  its  own  roots,  I  have,  as  yet  received  little  profit.     From 


i2i« 


several  hundreds,  planted  at  the  same  time  as  the  dwarfs,  before  spoken  of, 
I  have  had  but  occasional  specimens;  nevertheless,  from  these  I  entertain 
great  hopes  lor  the  future.  The  blight  and  borer  have  taken  from  me  an 
occasional  tree;  their  place  I  fill  up  with  other,  though  smaller. 

Now,  let  me  ask,  what  further  can  I  confess  that  my  "  constitutional 
obstinacy"  withholds  ?  Surely  it  cannot  be  on  the  score  of  courtesy.  'Tis 
said  misery  loves  company  !  Can  it  be  Mr.  A.  desires  that  I  should  do  as 
he  has  done  ?  Forbid  it  ye  gods.  I  do  fear,  however,  Mr.  Allen  may 
think  I  have  confessed  abundantly;  nevertheless,  this  subject  is  not  with- 
out a  moral.  It  teaches  a  great  practical  lesson,  and  from  it  we  learn  the 
great  loss  of  time  and  capital  in  attempting  to  do  manual  horticulture  in  a 
cozy  chair.  "  Talking  fruits"  will  not  grow  them.  "  The  pesky  trees"  won't 
take  care  of  themselves.  That  cold  retentive  clay  won't  be  loam,  and  was 
never  intended  to  grow  dwarf  pears  in. 

*'  Not  laughing  earth,  whose  bosom  opes 
To  clothe  this  world  bright  as  some  fairy  bower  !" 

That  rude  Timothj'',  envious  of  the  puny  dwarf,  enrobed  it  with  a  mantle 
of  green  so  completely  as  to  hide  its  diminished  head,  while  the  pestilent 
caterpillar,  the  abominable  slug,  a  streak  of  bad  luck,  the  "  constitutional 
obstinacy"  of  his  friend  and  the  annihilation  of  his  orchard,  drives  him  to 
the  post,  and  he  asks,  "  Can  pears  be  grown  profitably  for  market  ?" 


A  EEPLY  TO  THE  REMARKS  OF   JOHN  B.  EATON,   OF  BUFFALO, 
N.Y.,  IN  HORTICULTURIST  OF   SEPTEMBER,  1858. 

BY   JOHN    FISKE    ALLEN,    SALEM,    MASS. 

Your  correspondent  speaks  first  of  grape  houses,  but  does  not  agree  with 
Mr.  Saunders  in  his  "belief  that  a  curvilinear  roof  does  not  in  itself  possess 
any  important  advantages,  and  that  the  gain  of  more  light  and  less  opacity 
(which  he  is  willing  to  admit)  is  the  only  superiority  which  such  houses 
possess."  He  adds,  "  for  myself,  I  am  strongly  in  favor  of  curvilinear 
houses,  being  satisfied,  from  my  experience  and  observations,  that  they  not 
only  DO  possess  'important  advantages'  over  right-lined  houses,  but  are  not 
so  much  more  expensive  as  Mr.  Saunders  seems  to  believe."  Now  I  wish  to 
record  ray  assent  to  what  Mr.  Saunders  says,  and  my  dissent  from  the 
opinion  of  Mr.  Eaton.  The  experience  of  a  quarter  of  a  centurj''  confirms  all 
the  facts  as  stated  in  my  grape  culture,  relating  to  position,  lean-to  or  span- 
roofed  houses,  as  also  to  the  compost  for  the  border.  Houses  fronting 
S.S.E.  to  S.S.W.  are  the  best  placed.  Grapes,  to  do  well,  must  have  a  good 
soil,  and  if  the  natural  soil  is  not  suitable,  it  must  be  removed  and  other 
substituted.  I  care  not  whether  this  be  sod  from  an  old  pasture,  or  compost 
of  loam,  leaf-mould,  stable-manure  and  decomposed  carcasses  of  animals. 
Inexperienced  persons  would  do  well  to  use  in  their  compost  nothing  but 
decayed  matter,  either  animal  or  vegetable;  hundreds  of  fruit  trees  are  yearly 
destroyed  by  planting  them  in  green  manure.  Amateurs  have  read  that 
s  require  a  rich  soil  ;  consequently,  the  trees  are  obtained,  the  hole  d 
arrow  of  fresh  cow,  or  stable,  or  still  worse,  hog-pen  manure  is  placed 


the  hole,  the  tree  is  planted  and  covered  with  this  manure,  and  the  soil  filled 
in  over  all.  No  tree  can  live  with  such  treatment;  the  roots  are  as  efiectu- 
a,\\y  killed  as  if  burned  in  the  fire.  The  same  result  will  take  place  if  a 
dead  animal  is  buried  near  the  roots  of  a  tree  or  vine,  so  that  in  decompos- 
ing the  liquid  comes  in  contact  with  the  roots.  If  placed  in  the  border,  all 
green  manures  or  animal  substances  must  be  put  under  the  surface,  where 
they  will  not  be  reached  by  the  roots  the  first  year. 

Mr.  Eaton  asks  what  is  the  difference  in  the  Royal  Muscadine  and  the 
Chasselas  de  Fontainbleau,  and  it  is  to  this  query  and  some  others  to 
which  I  care  mainly  to  reply. 

This  is  his  language  :  "  I  should  like  to  be  positively  resolved  whether 
there  is  a  Royal  Muscadine,  which  is  distinct  from  and  superior  to  the  Chasse- 
las de  Fontainbleau.  It  is  contended  by  some  that  there  is  such  a  grape. 
I  suppose  that  there  is  little  if  any  doubt  that  what  are  usually  sold  for 
Chasselas  de  Fontainbleau,  Golden  Chasselas  and  Royal  Muscadine,  together 
with  two  or  three  other  names,  are  identically  the  same.  If  some  of  your 
correspondents  who  possess  the  so-called  genuine  Royal  Muscadine  will 
give  an  account  of  its  peculiarities,  and  a  sketch  of  its  history,  if  possible, 
I  have  no  doubt  that  it  would  tend  to  clear  away  some  of  the  confusion  which 
now  seems  to  exist  respecting  it." 

Having  grown  these  varieties  for  many  years,  and  described  them  in  my 
Grape  Culture,  I  have  naturally  been  led  by  the  above  communication 
to  refer  to  my  account  of  them.  The  Royal  Muscadine  is  there  fully  de- 
scribed, and  I  can  add  nothing  at  this  time.  Under  the  head  of  White  Nice, 
this  grape  is  mentioned  as  having  bunches  like  the  Royal  Muscadine.  The 
Xeres,  a  grape  introduced  as  a  new  one  about  ten  years  since,  as  the  sherry- 
wine  grape  of  Spain,  has  proved  to  be  the  same  as  the  White  Nice.  I  have 
never  been  able  fully  to  satisfy  myself  that  there  was  really  any  permanent 
difference  between  the  White  Nice  and  the  Royal  Muscadine  ;  yet  the  form 
of  the  bunch  is  often  quite  different,  the  berry  of  the  Royal  Muscadine  larger 
than  the  Nice,  the  Royal  Muscadine  having  its  bunch  shouldered  on  both 
sides  and  very  thick,  while  the  Nice  has  only  one  shoulder,  usually,  and 
sets  its  berries  thinly,  occasionally  forming  a  bunch  so  closely  resembling 
the  Muscadine  as  to  continue  the  doubt.  The  berries  in  both  are  round  and 
white,  turning  to  amber  when  over  ripe,  and  usually  rather  larger  in  the 
Muscadine.  Flavor  the  same  as  in  all  the  Chasselas,  that  is,  Sweet  Water. 
I  think  the  White  Nice  to  be  the  grape  grown  in  Canada  as  Canadian  Chief. 
The  Early  White  Muscadine  is  like  Chasselas,  rather  smaller  berry,  and 
ripens  a  few  days  earlier. 

The  Black  St.  Peters  is  a  very  fine  grape.     You  probably  over-cropped 
the  vine.     Before  discarding  it,  allow  the  vine  to  mature  a  very  small  crop, . 
say  five  or  six  bunches,  and  train  it  on  the  spur  system. 

The  Chasselas  Mosque  can  be  grown  without  cracking.  This  season,  in  the 
forcing-house,  a  vine  produced  a  good  crop  without  the  loss  of  a  dozen 
grapes.  When  the  fruit  begins  to  ripen,  allow  the  laterals  to  grow,  and  all 
the  young  wood  shoots  ;  this  uses  up  the  surplus  sap,  which,  if  they  were 
pruned,  would  cause  an  over-supply  to  the  grape,  and  cause  it  to  crack. 


'^-^^ 


BOTANY   OF   THE   U.   S.   EXPLORING   EXPEDITIONS. 


There  are  four  official  reports  on  the  Botany  of  the  United  States  Expedi- 
tions for  the  purpose  of  surveying  a  raih-oad  \ovXq  from  the  Mississippi 
River  to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  prepared  by  order  of  the  American  Government,  by 
Drs.  Torrey  and  Asa  Gray.  The  four  form  a  thin  4to  volume  with  35  excel- 
lent plates  engraved  on  stone  by  Mr.  Sprague.  These  publications  do 
honor  alike  to  science  and  art,  and  are  worthy  rivals  of  the  best  of  the 
works  of  a  similar  nature  published  under  the  direction  of  European  govern- 
ments. From  among  the  new  or  rare  plants  observed  in  these  expeditions 
we  notice  several,  the  introduction  of  which  to  our  gardens  would  be  highly 
desirable. 

The  first  expedition  under  Lieut.  Beckwith,  who,  taking  with  him  Mr. 
James  Snyder  as  collector,  proceeded  from  the  Great  Salt  Lake  in  Utah, 
directly  west  to  the  Sacramento  valley,  in  California,  seems  to  have  passed 
through  a  countr}^  yielding  little  novelty;  new  species  of  Viola,  Astragalus, 
CEnothera,  Phlox,  Phacelia,  Pentstemon,  Calochortus,  and  Brodiaea,  none  of 
much  mark,  forming  the  principal  acquisitions.  The  second  expedition, 
under  Capt.  Gunnison,  accompanied  by  Mr.  Creutzfeldt,  was  better  rewarded; 
this  took  a  course  from  Fort  Leavenworth,  by  way  of  the  Kansas  and  Arkan- 
sas rivers  into  the  great  basin  of  Utah,  and  thence  to  the  neighborhood  of 
Lake  Sevier  or  Nicollet.  Several  new  species  were  found;  among  old  ones 
the  most  important  were  Abies  taxifolia,  a  handsome  tree  growing  from  35 
to  40  feet  high  and  12  to  16  feet  in  diameter,  and  an  undetermined  Pinus 
without  cones,  apparently  hQi^een  flexilis  and  Strobus  on  the  highest  places 
in  the  Cochetopa;  the  leaves  grow  in  fives,  and  were  smeared  Avith  a  clear, 
colorless  balsam.  The  third  expedition  under  Captain  Pope  was  not  more 
successful;  although  its  route  was  6°  or  1°  more  to  the  southward,  near  the 
32d  parallel  of  latitude.  Little  horticultural  occurred  on  this  line  except 
Pentstemon  Fendlei%  a  species  with  blue  or  purple  flowers,  near  P.  acumina- 
tus.  The  last  expedition  under  Lieutenant  Whipple,  accompanied  by  Dr.  J. 
M.  Bigelow,  passed  over  very  fine  collecting  ground,  especially  through 
western  New  Mexico  between  35°  and  36°  north  latitude  to  the  great  Colo- 
rado River,  passing  by  the  valley  of  Williams'  River,  commonly  called  Bill 
Williams'  Fork,  one  of  the  tributaries  of  the  great  stream.  This  district  is 
spoken  of  as  a  country  very  rich  and  peculiar  in  its  flora.  A  number  of 
new  genera  and  above  60  new  species  rewarded  the  exertions  of  the  explor- 
ing party.  Among  the  more  important  acquisitions  were  the  following: — 
1  Fremontia  Californica ;  this  rare  and  beautiful  shrub,  was  found  15  feet 
high  in  the  Cajou  pass  of  the  Sierra  Nevada.  2  Spiroea  3fiUefolium,  a  low 
shrub  with  the  leaves  of  a  Milfoil.  3  Pentstemon  spectahilis,  from  the  San 
Francisco  mountains  in  New  Mexico  and  elsewhere,  with  a  crowded  panicle 
of  purplish  blue  flowers,  often  2  feet  in  length.  4  Quercus  erinacea,  a  fine 
Oak  with  bristly  cups  and  large  Chestnut-like  leaves,  growing  25  to  30  feet 
high  on  the  Californian  mountains.  5  Tadius  hrevifolia ;  this,  the  north- 
western Yew,  Dr.  Torrey  considers  distinct  from  that  of  Europe.  6  Washing- 
tonia  ffigantea,  which  Dr.  Torrey,  following  Decaisne,  regards  as  a  species 
of  Sequoia.  1  Pinus  JEngelmanni  (a  name  proposed  instead  of  that  of  P. 
hrachyiytera) ,  said  to  be  a  very  fine  species,  with  leaves  sometimes  nearly 
6  inches  in  length,  common  on  mountain  ranges  between  the  Pecos  and  Ri 

ande  quite  to  the  Sierra  Nevada;  it  is  called  Yellow  Pine  and  Pitch 


in  some  places.  8  JPinus  flexilis/  this  is  said  to  resemble  greatly  P.  Cembra; 
its  ordinary  height  is  from  40  to  50  feet,  but  Dr.  Bigelow  saw  trunks  more 
than  100  feet  high.  The  seeds  are  eatable.  9  tTimiperus  tetragona  F  the 
smooth  barked  Juniper,  of  Bill  Williams'  Mountain,  and  on  hills  west  of  the 
Colorado,  seems  to  be  distinct  from  the  Mexican  plant  of  the  same  name, 
having  much  larger  fruit.  Dr.  Torrey  calls  it  a  variety  named  osteosperma. 
10  X  2MC%phloea,fvom  the  Zuni  Mountains,  in  West  Mexico,  the  thick  barked 
Juniper  of  Sitgreaves,  has  sweet  berries,  like  the  last,  which  are  said  to  be 
used  by  the  Indians  as  food. 


%/  How  TO  Lay  Out  a  Garden  :  Intended  as  a  General 
Guide  in  choosing,  forming,  or  improving  an  es- 
tate, from  a  quarter  of  an  acre  to  a  hundred  acres 
in  extent.  By  Edward  Kemp,  landscape  Gardener. 
Second  edition.  London,  1858. 
Americans  have  only  within  a  few  years  turned 
their  attention  to  landscape  gardening  ;  our  country  was  too  well  supplied 
with  trees,  lakes,  mountains,  and  valleys  ;  the  pursuit  of  the  real  was  too 
rife,  after  the  Revolution,  to  allow  space  for  the  imaginative.  The  forest 
was  to  be  cut  down,  and  is  still,  in  many  places,  to  be  extirpated  with  fire 
and  steel ;  but  growing  wealth,  travel,  study,  pictures,  and  the  natural  love 
of  beauty,  have  fairly  induced  a  desire  for  adorning  home  ;  we  begin  to 
know  how  much  comfortable  and  elegant  domestic  arrangements  are  cal- 
culated to  enhance  our  pleasures.  The  spirit  once  abroad,  the  realization 
soon  followed ;  we  have  arrived  at  a  stage  which  is  so  far  satisfactory  that 
we  have  examples  of  what  may  be  done  artistically,  in  laying  out  and  im- 
proving. Wo  can  see  what  it  is  to  give  us  Nature  around  us  ;  what  she 
capable  of  being  when  reduced  to  a  smaller  compass  than  in  her  n 


nOETICULTUKAL   EEVIEW. 

g-len  and  waterfall.  Those  who  do  this,  and  do  it  with  simplicity,  with 
truth,  with  grandeur  or  taste,  are  lords  of  Nature,  and  their  art  is  a  master- 
art.  Even  inanimate  and  dumb  things  speak  a  language  to  man.  Ilis 
trees  expand  their  leaves  in  the  air,  glad  of  the  rain,  proud  of  the  sun, 
awake  to  the  winds  of  heaven  ;  the  clear  breeze  plajung  with  the  branches 
of  the  shadowing-  trees,  "the  valleys  low,  where  the  mild  zephyrs  use,"  the 
distant,  uninterrupted  prospects,  speak  in  sweet  accordance  to  the  heart 
with  nature  for  its  g'uide.     We  may  say  that  he 

"Who  of  these  delights  can  judge  and  knows 
To  interpose  them  oft,  is  not  unwise." 

A  good  guide  is  an  essential  ingredient  in  making  preparations  for  per- 
fect imitations  of  Nature.  "  Our"  native  Downing,  with  an  eye  and  a  mind 
that  were  at  once  recognized  for  their  beauty  and  correctness,  led  us  on 
with  consummate  art,  giving  an  impetus  that  cannot  be  stopped  ;  with 
every  successful  turn  in  Fortune's  wheel,  the  lovers  of  the  country,  that 
natural  love  imparted  to  us  at  the  Creation,  spring  up  over  our  land  ; 
home  becomes  a  cheerful,  a  happy  place.  It  may  be  that  misfortune  dis- 
possesses some,  but  the  idea  has  taken  a  permanent  shape  ;  the  desire  is 
no  longer  with  all  classes  to  be  more  wealthy  ;  many  desire  to  be  better, 
to  know  more,  and  with  enlarged  views  to  enjoy  more  of  intellectual  life, 
and  to  eschew  the  too  busy  haunts  of  men  and  their  turmoils.  The  country 
now  contains  many  who  take  a  philosophical  view  of  life  and  its  duties  ; 
who  enjoy  truthfully,  and  whose  almost  sole  remaining  anxiety  is,  that 
their  successors  may  be  so  trained  as  to  be  likewise  contented  with  moder- 
ation in  the  enjoyment  of  enough.  Those  who  have  watched  the  progress 
of  events,  the  individual  cases  of  citizens  with  a  sufficiency,  and  compared 
their  careers  with  those  who  have  sought  happiness  abroad,  can  have  come 
but  to  one  conclusion — that  home  is  the  place  for  Americans.  We  could 
name  a  wealthy  community  where  it  has  been  so  much  the  custom,  the 
fashion,  to  go  abroad  that  their  neighbors  are  distasteful  ;  excitement  has 
taken  the  place  of  rational  life,  and  the  insidious  enemy  of  peace  has  at- 
tacked the  heads  of  families,  so  that  this  country  is  "  not  good  enough  for 
them."  What  may  we  not  anticipate  for  their  children?  There  is  a  grow- 
ing spirit  of  absenteeism,  which  if  not  checked,  will  do  much  injury  and 
retard  the  onward  career  of  our  country.  The  educations  received  abroad 
do  not  make  the  best  patriots. 

We  can  point  to  no  occupation  or  pursuit  so  likely  to  retain  our  wealthy 
families  at  home,  so  alluring  as  life  in  the  country  when  it  is  properly 
understood  and  carried  out. 

How  to  lay  out,  adorn,  and  occupy  a  house  and  grounds  in  the  country, 
so  that  it  shall  continue  to  attract  its  occupants  to  remain,  becomes  then  a 
question  of  great  importance  ;  it  is,  therefore,  natural  that  we  should  wel- 
come every  valuable  contribution  to  this  end,  and  give  our  space  to  the 
examination  of  such  books  as  promise  to  aid  the  aspirant  after  the  country, 
with  its  health-giving  occupations,  and  its  ever  new  mental  pursuits.  We 
therefore  notice  Mr.  Kemp's  volume,  and  in  advance  of  its  republication 
in  America  shall  point  out  some  of  its  contents  as  worthy  of  study  :  taking 
the  liberty,  at  the  same  time,  to  repeat  a  caution,  that  it  is  not  everybody 
that  is  qualified  by  previous  training  to  enter  upon  country  life.  There 
are  many  who  like  the  occupation  of  building,  and  forming  a  home  in  rural 


HOETICULTUKAL   REVIEW. 


scenes,  who  are  entirely  unfitted  to  occupy  their  formations  when  complete. 
They  must  have  some  love  for  solitude,  some  fondness  for  reading  and 
stud}'',  or  they  must  enjoy  loorJc;  without  a  pursuit,  the  country  is  uninhab- 
itable. Mr.  Kemp  is  the  well-known  landscape  gardener  who  laid  out  Birken- 
head park,  near  Liverpool,  and  his  book  has  already  received  so  much  notice 
as  to  make  any  further  introduction  unnecessar3^  While  we  write,  we 
are  in  the  receipt  of  an  American  reprint  of  this  work,  from  the  press  of 
Messrs.  Halsted,  of  351  Broadway,  to  whom  we  owe  much  obligation  for  the 
illustrations  politely  furnished  us  for  use  in  this  article.  Their  edition  is  a 
fac-simile  of  the  English,  and  is  sold  by  them,  and  also  sold  or  mailed, 
•postage  paid^  at  the  office  of  the  Horticulturist,  25  Park  Row,  for  Two 
Dollars. 

At  the  same  time  that  we  strongly  commend  this  book,  we  must  add  that 
without  caution  the  young  planter  may  be  led  astray  if  he  adopts  the  lists 
of  trees  and  shrubs  in  the  work  without  reference  to  climate.  At  the  North, 
many  that  are  commended  would  not  be  hardy.  The  publishers,  in  a  sec- 
ond American  edition,  which  we  have  no  doubt  will  be  called  for,  should 
have  this  matter  and  some  others  well  looked  after  by  an  American  editor. 

Under  the  head  of  "Belts  of  Plantation,"  our  author  says  : 

"  Narrow  strips  or  lines  of  plantation  are  among  the  most  tasteless  forms 
which  belts  can  assume,  and  are  equally  mean  and  undignified  wherever 
else  they  may  occur,  they  can  so  readily  be  seen  through,  and  will  fre- 
quently present,  at  the  lower  parts,  a  mere  assemblage  of  bare  stems. 
Their  effect  is  most  meagre.  They  want  breadth  and  massiveness.  Hence, 
when  plantations  are  necessarily  so  straightened,  they  should  be  composed 
mainly  of  such  low-growing  shrubs  and  dwarf-trees,  especially  evergreens, 
as  will,  by  being  planted  tolerably  close,  and  furnished  down  to  the  ground, 
produce  a  thicket-like  character,  that  shall  conceal  or  disguise  their  actual 
dimensions. 

"In  the  subjoined  sketches.  Fig.  1  shows  a  narrow  belt  of  trees,  similar 
in  size   and   character,  such  as  is  frequently  seen  around  the  margins  of 


Fig.  1. 


small  parks,  where,  if  undergrowth  of  any  kind  has  ever  been  planted,  it 
has  become  killed  by  the  density  and  shade  of  larger  trees.     Fig.  2  will 


serve  as  a  hint  of  the  way  in  which  such  a  belt  may  be  broken  up,  and  its 
form  still  more  diversified  by  the  use  of  a  few  intermediate  bushes,  such  as 
Thorns  and  Hollies. 

"The  same  defect,  rendered,  probably,  a  little   more  manifest  from  the 
superior  beauty  and  variety  of  the  ground  line,  will  be  apparent  in  Fig*.  3, 


Fig.  3. 


which  exhibits  a  belt  traversing  an  undulating  surface.     And  the  mode  of 
remedying  the  evil  is  partially  indicated  in  Fig.  4,  where  the  trees   are 


Fig.  4. 

thrown  into  masses  on  the  slopes  and  summits  of  the  swells  in  the  ground  ; 
the  hollow  being  left  unclothed  for  the  purpose  of  marking  the  full  extent 
of  its  depression." 

The  observations  on  these  topics  are  judicious  throughout.  Under  the 
head  of  "Appearance  of  Extent,"  a  subject  as  yet  but  little  studied  among 
us,  by  which  a  small  space  is  enlarged  in  appearance,  we  copy  the  follow- 
ing :— 

"  Breadth  of  lawn  must  be  fully  attained  before  any  notion  of  extent  can 
be  conveyed.  A  garden  will  always  look  meagre  without  a  good  open 
lawn.  *  *  To  make  an  open  glade  of  lawn  appear  still  larger  than  it  is, 
the  expedient  of  turfing  closely  around  the  plants  and  masses  along  its 
margin  ma}^  be  had  recourse  to.  An  object  of  one  coloi',  and  that  a  green 
one,  acquires  a  striking  apparent  augmentation  of  size.  And  if  the  plants 
that  flank  an  open  lawn  are  principally  evergreens,  and  their  branches 
sweep  the  grass,  without  any  soil  being  visible,  the  space  is  thereby  very 
much  expanded  in  appearance.  All  walks  should,  as  far  as  is  practicable, 
be  concealed  from  the  house.     *     * 

"  There  are  certain  features  to  be  met  with  in  some  landscapes,  which, 
though  not  in  themselves  inelegant,  or  deficient  in  beauty  or  interest,  may 
have  their  character  and  effect  very  much  improved  by  the  way  in  whicl 
they  are  made  visible  from  a  place.     Such  are  church  towers  and  spir 


34 


N.  S.:    YoL.  VIII.— November,  1858. 


HOETICULTUEAL   REVIEW. 


Ol~,  - 


Fig.  5. 


(Fig.  5),  pillars  and  obelisks,  distant  and  pretty  cottag-es,  prospect  and  flag- 
towers,  ruins,  ligiithouses,  windmills,  and  many  other  common-place  erec- 
tions, wLicli  may  yet,  from  their  position,  their  outline,  or  their  historical 


m^^ 


or  local  associations,  be  worth  directing  attention  to  particularly.  The 
most  characteristic  and  efifective  plan  of  introducing  such  to  view,  is  by 
small  openings  in  the  interior  or  boundary  plantations,  which  shall  create 
a  kind  of  vista,  at  the  end  of  which  the  object  intended  to  be  seen  occurs. 
If  the  sides  of  such  vistas  are  tastefully  and  naturally  finished  oif,  without 
any  appearance  of  formality  or  indication  of  art,  and  the  trees  in  the  outer 
landscape  at  all  favor  the  design,  very  beautiful  efTects  may  be  produced 
in  this  manner,  out  of  the  most  ordinary  materials.  Or  the  framework  of 
such  openings  may  have  a  more  artificial  character  (Fig.  6),  the  branches 
of  trees  or  light  wooden  fences  being  made  into  a  Roman  or  Gothic  arch. 
Or  the  same  may  be  formed  out  of  old  stems  of  trees  or  wire  trellises, 
clothed  with  climbers.  Rude  or  more  polished  arches  might  also  be  made 
of  stone  or  plastered  brick,  or  any  similar  substance.  Either  of  these 
might  form  an  artistic  framework  to  a  small  scene,  of  which  one  object  is 
the  principal  feature." 

Space  failing  us  in  our  cramped  domain,  we  must  defer  some  further  ex- 
tracts and  illustrations  for  another  number. 


1^  The  retarding  of  bush  fruit  is  a  point  too  little  noticed  or  attended  to,  and  this  chiefly  through 
the  pressure  of  other  matters  at  the  period  proper  to  attend  to  them.  Gooseberries,  Eed  and 
White  Currants,  Raspberries,  &c.,  look  exceedingly  ornamental  when  trained  on  trellises,  pro- 
viding they  can  at  all  times  be  kept  in  trim.  If,  however,  they  cannot  be  properly  attended  to, 
such  had  better  be  omitted.  On  perpendicular  rails,  too,  they  are  very  easily  protected,  or 
shaded,  when  requisite ;  and  this  is  a  consideration  as  to  both  earliness  and  lateness,  as  well  as 
to  birds.  Trellises  of  strained  wire  are  cheaply  knocked  up,  and  may  be  admirably  adapted  to 
their  habits.  Further,  vdth  regard  to  pruning  in  the  rest-season,  a  too  sparing  hand  is  the  com- 
mon fault.  Gooseberries,  especially,  require  more  thinning  than  is  commonly  awarded  them. 
The  interior  shoots  of  the  bush,  in  healthy  trees,  should  be  almost  entirely  pruned  away,  and 
the  bearing  confined  chiefly  to  the  extreme  points.  They  are  thus  gathered  with  more  ease : 
indeed,  the  bushes  may  be  stripped  in  half  the  time  of  those  choked  up  in  the  interior.  The 
fruit,  also,  is  much  finer,  and  the  crop  will  be  found  to  tell  amazingly  in  bulk.  As  for  the  Eed 
and  White  Currants,  their  side  spray — if  other  points  of  management  be  right — may  be  all 
pruned  close  to  within  half  an  inch  of  the  main  stem.  There  is,  thus,  less  summer  spray  to 
prune  back,  and  the  fruit  is,  in  consequence,  much  larger.  Those  who  grow  for  exhibition  pur- 
poses may  use  liquid  manure  occasionally,  during  the  swelling  process,  as  also  just  before  the 
fruit  begins  to  color.     This  will  much  increase  the  size  and  general  appearance. 


editor's  table. 


^i^^rpy^,^^,:,^.^^^^^,^. 


^:^: 


^ITS^mU^^^^  U^^M'f^^i^ 


%s  Contributors  u^  ^Hlrangcs,  i^t.,  ^t. 

Communications,  Letters,  Catalogues,  Periodicals,  &c.,  &c.,  intended  for 
the  perusal  of  the  Editor,  should  be  uniformly  directed  to  the  Horticulturist, 
Germantown,  (^Philadelphia,)  Pa.  Packages  by  Express,  &c ,  should  be 
directed  to  the  Editor,  as  above,  by  name  ;  they  will  thus  reach  him  almost 
beyond  a  doubt. 


The  Annual  Fairs  are  now  over,  and  we  may  fairly  assume  that  an  amount  of  infonnation 
has  been  disseminated,  a  knowledge  of  real  things  acquired,  which  will  tell  favorably  on  the 
future.  These  useful  fairs  take  the  place  in  this  country  occupied  by  the  celebration  of  Saints' 
days  and  holy-days  abroad,  where  there  is  little  actually  learned  and  much  time  lost.  The  far- 
mers' sons  and  daughters  here  go  on  very  different  kinds  of  expeditions  for  their  amusement 
from  those  of  any  other  country ;  they  go  to  learn,  to  acquire  something  useful,  and  to  prepare 
themselves  to  be  help-mates  to  their  families ;  how  eminently  they  are  so,  let  those  travellers  say 
who  have  seen  the  icomen  of  the  old  countries  and  those  of  the  United  States ;  the  one  reading 
about  everything,  and  knowing  everything ;  the  other  scarcely  aware  that  there  is  any  country 
or  any  novelty  beyond  the  ken  of  her  own  vision. 

These  fairs,  more  conspicuously  thau  any  other  event  in  our  midst,  are  the  surest  signs  of  our 
progress  as  a  people ;  the  enormous  attendance  of  all  classes,  young  and  old,  and  their  decorous 
conduct  there,  their  intelligent  countenances,  their  comfortable  appearance,  dress,  deport- 
ment, their  inquiries  and  suggestions,  are  truly  a  marvel  when  we  contrast  it  with  the  ignorance 
and  imbecility  of  the  continental  laborer,  and  his  uneducated  family.  It  will  no  longer  do  to 
call  the  farmer  a  clown ;  he  has  been  to  the  best  practical  school,  and  is  fully  prepared  to  appre- 
ciate every  improvement  in  mechanics,  in  machinery,  in  ploughing,  or  in  domestic  economy;  he 
soon  finds  out  which  is  best  among  the  sewing,  as  well  as  the  harvesting  machines ;  he  has,  too, 
an  eye  to  the  ornamental,  and  is  just  ready  to  decide  on  the  best  form  of  the  piano  for  his 
daughters.  The  Fine  Arts'  tent  is  one  of  the  most  frequented  spots  of  even  the  farthest  wes- 
tern fair,  and  here  are  laid  the  precious  seeds  of  an  appreciation  of  the  true  forms  of  beauty,  to 
be  employed  in  judging  the  best  books,  the  best  furniture  and  the  best  fabrics.  Progress  is  the 
word  everywhere,  and  the  American  advances  with  comet  speed.  Long  may  the  Annual  Fairs 
form  a  feature  of  American  life,  as  contrasted  with  other  European  gala-days.  We  ask  no 
Pope  to  bless  our  horses  and  mules ;  we  feed  them  and  set  them  to  work.  No  painted  and 
bedizened  saint  or  madonna  is  paraded  to  avert  a  drought — we  underdrain  and  stir  the  ground ; 
the  silks  of  the  wax  statues  abroad  we  place  upon  our  daughters ;  we  dig  and  delve  not  as 
slaves  to  old  opinions  and  routine,  but  as  intelligent  learners ;  our  youth  come  from  school  fuU 
of  hope,  each  one  aiming  to  make  his  mark ;  and  what  do  we  see  everywhere,  but  industry 
leading,  intelligence  teaching,  mind  predominating,  and  thousands  upon  thousands  preparing  or 
ed  to  give  laws  to  the  old  world,  to  beat  them  at  mowing,  ploughing,  sailing,  and  even  at 
Where,  but  at  the  Annual  Fair  is  all  this  spirit  of  advance  so  forcibly  exhibited  ? 


Pears  on  Old  Stocks. — After  all  our  discussions,  we  have  seen  some  instances  of  success- 
ful pear  crops  the  past  two  seasons  that  were  highly  satisfactory.  They  grew  on  grafts,  on  old 
trees  whose  fruit  was  no  longer  worth  picking.  Old  healthy  trees  are  thus  a  valuable  possession. 
We  see  this  fact  confirmed  by  a  writer  in  the  Country  Gentleman  thus : 

Other  old  trees  are  standing  about  the  fences,  which  were  in  full  bearing  at  least  fifty  years 
ago.  The  fruit  of  these  latter  trees  is  wild  and  inferior,  and  I  am  now  transforming  them  by 
engrafting  the  leading  branches  with  some  of  the  finer  kinds.  Budding  the  succulent  shoots, 
which  are  sure  to  appear  where  the  grafting  fails,  succeeds,  and  completes  the  process.  In  this 
way  some  of  our  large  trees  which  have  been  bearing  worthless  fruit  for  twenty  or  thirty  years, 
are  now  covered  with  fine  specimens  of  the  Seckel,  &c.  Old,  rough  and  unpromising  as  these 
stocks  may  seem,  we  have  as  yet  found  no  instance  which  has  not  been  attended  with  a  reason- 
able degree  of  success.  No  old  pear  tree  is  cut  down  on  my  premises ;  it  is  considered  too 
valuable  to  lose.  A  faithful  attention  to  pruning,  engrafting  and  budding,  will,  in  the  course  of 
from  three  to  five  years,  give  more  fruit  than  can  be  obtained  from  a  young  stock  of  twenty 
years'  growth. — K.  M.  CONKUN,  Cold  Spring  Harhor,  L.  I. 

Cytisus  Nubigenus. — One  of  the  most  agreeable  works  that  has  found  its  way  to  our  table, 
from  Loudon  of  late,  is  C.  Piazzi  Smyth's  "  Teneriife,  an  Astronomer's  Experiment ;  or  Speciali- 
ties of  a  Residence  above  the  Clouds."  It  is  illustrated  with  Photo  Stereoscopic  views,  the 
first  book  of  the  kind.  Mr.  Smyth  and  his  suite  passed  some  months  near  the  summit  of  the 
peak  of  Teneriffe  in  astronomical  observations,  and  has  made  a  popular  narrative  of  the  expedi- 
tion, in  which  he  was  accompanied  by  his  wife.  He  appears  to  have  been  an  enthusiastic 
natm-alist  as  well  as  astronomer.     We  can  find  room  only  for  the  following  exti'acts : 

"  We  were  travelling  now  over  rough  ground  of  volcanic  rubbish,  loose  cinders,  and  one  would 
think  in  such  constant  motion  that  no  plants  could  retain  a  footing.  Nor  can  any  one  of  them 
do  so  except  the  Cytisus  Nubigenus,  and  that  rejoices  in  the  site  and  flourishes.  How  wonder- 
ful the  adaptations  of  nature  to  the  necessities  of  different  regions.  For  here,  where  the  cease- 
less motion  of  the  sliding  particles  composing  a  hill  side,  destroys  every  other  living  thing ; 
where  the  aridity  of  the  soil  during  many  months  is  only  surpassed  by  the  aridity  of  the  air, 
which  is  dryer  than  that  of  Sahara,  nature  has  produced  a  plant,  that  on  the  mere  remem- 
brance of  winter  rain,  long  since  evaporated,  can  furnish  no  contemptible  supply  of  wood ;  and 
with  its  richly  stored,  white  flowers,  arranged  in  close  rows  along  its  smaller  branches,  affords 
illimitable  honey-making  materials  to  all  the  bees  of  the  country.  The  inhabitants  of  the  lower 
strata  fasten  their  bee-hives  ou  mules,  and  pasture  their  bees  here  every  summer 

"The  great  Dragon  Tree,  Dracaena  Draco,  to  which  most  sober  naturalists  attribute  the  age  of 
6000  years,  proudly  raises  its  antique  arms  above  every  thing  around,  with  its  enormous  root 
like  branches,  and  is  now  well  cared  for  by  a  Spanish  nobleman  who  has  purchased  the  place 
where  it  grows." 

Dignity  of  Labor. — A  busy  man,  says  Fraser's  Magazine,  finds  a  relish  in  simple  recrea- 
tions ;  while  a  man  who  has  nothing  to  do,  finds  all  things  wearisome,  and  thinks  that  life  is 
used  up :  you  cannot  excite  his  interest  by  any  amusement  which  is  not  highly  spiced  with  the 
cayenne  of  vice.  It  was  a  glass  of  water  the  wicked  old  Frenchwoman  was  drinking  when 
she  said,  "  Oh,  that  this  were  a  sin  to  give  it  a  relish."  Give  me  the  man,  I  say,  who  can  turn 
his  hand  to  all  things,  and  who  is  not  ashamed  to  confess  that  he  can  do  so.  Who  can  preach  a 
sermon,  nail  up  a  paling,  prune  a  fruit  tree,  make  a  water  wheel  for  his  little  boy,  write  an  arti- 
cle for  Fraser,  or  a  leader  for  the  Times,  or  the  Spectator. 

Coverings,  Mats,  &c.— It  may  be  well  to  remember  in  the  approaching  cold  weather,  that 
whatever  covering  is  used,  whether  straw  mats,  bast  mats,  cloth,  or  wood,  they  should  be  ele- 
vated above  the  surface  to  be  covered,  so  as  to  contain  as  much  confined  air  as  possible.  Con- 
fined air  is  one  of  the  worst  conductors  of  heat ;  the  covering  will  not  radiate,  or  give  out  heat, 
the  confined  air  and  covering  are  both  heated  above  the  state  of  the  atmosphere  ;  and  the 


transmission  of  heat  will  take  place  more  slowly  through  the  confined  air  than  anything  else ; 
thus,  for  very  little  trouble,  by  elevating  our  coverings,  we  surround  our  plants  or  plant-structures 
with  a  substance  which  is  very  retentive  of  heat,  and  increases  the  power  of  the  covering  in  an 
immense  degree.  The  heat  has  most  tendency  to  ascend  upwards,  and  this  should  be  most 
guarded  against ;  but  it  will  also  escape  by  the  sides,  and  to  confine  the  air  and  heat  completely, 
the  plant  or  plant-structure  must  be  covered  all  round  from  the  external  air. 

The  Yam. — The  fitness  of  the  plant  for  garden  purposes,  says  the  London  Gardener's  Chroni- 
cle, is  now  incontestable  ;  and  we  are  glad  to  be  able  to  add  that  means  now  exist  of  attempt- 
ing to  improve  its  qualities,  by  rendering  it  more  hardy,  or  more  productive.  We  are  informed 
by  M.  Duchartre,  in  a  paper  recently  read  before  the  Horticultural  Society  of  Paris,  that 
among  some  Yams  sent  by  M.  de  Montigny  from  China  to  the  Imperial  nursery  of  Algeria,  a 
female  made  its  appearance.  All  the  others  had  proved  males.  Eipe  seeds  were  produced  by 
the  female ;  other  females  were  raised  in  Paris  from  the  Algerine  seeds ;  and  they  too  have 
seeded,  so  that  we  now  possess  the  usual  means  of  operating  expei'imentally  upon  the  Chinese 
stranger.  It  appears  certain  that  this  Yam  is  one  of  the  plants  that,  like  the  Potato  and  the 
Turnip,  are  prone  to  alter  their  habits  under  the  influence  of  domestication.  We  thei-efore 
trust,  that  our  skillful  breeders  will  immediately  take  it  in  hand.  They  cannot  undertake  a  task 
more  likely  to  abound  in  great  results. 

Sewing  Machines. — The  change  which  has  come  over  the  world  in  regard  to  machinery  to 
abridge  labor,  is  one  of  the  evidences  of  a  better  educated  community  than  once  existed  among 
us.  It  is  not  many  years  since  certain  people  always  asked  if  a  newspaper  was  printed  on 
machine-paper,  and  if  it  was  they  rejected  it  as  an  imposition,  because  it  deprived  laborers  of 
work.  All  this  is  discarded  as  antiquated  imposture,  and  we  have  now  the  sewing  machine  in 
most  well  regulated  families.  Wheeler  &  Wilson's,  which  we  see  advertised  in  our  fly  sheets> 
has  a  large  popularity,  and  we  are  assured  by  those  who  work  with  it  that  it  is  all  that  can  be 
desired.  We  hope  it  is  used  where  the  Horticulturist  is  taken,  for  then  the  ladies  will  have 
more  time  to  read  about  the  garden  than  if  they  were  always  stitch,  stitching !  Wheeler  and 
AVilson's  machines  work  rapidly,  and  with  little  fatigue  to  the  worker. 

Autumn  Strawberry.— Mr.  P.  Raabe  has  exhibited  a  very  fine  Fall-bearing  strawberry 
called  the  Delice  d'Automne,  which  fruits  very  finely  till  frost,  and  in  the  green-house,  in  pots, 
till  December.  It  has  been  noticed  by  Dr.  Lindley  in  the  "  Gardener's  Chronicle,"  very  favor- 
ably. It  is  a  hybrid,  between  Perpetual  Eouge  and  British  Queen  ;  the  fruit  about  as  large  as 
that  of  Burr's  New  Pine,  the  external  appearance  more  like  Early  Scarlet,  with  a  flavor  of 
British  Queen,  but  more  vinous,  and  highly  delicious.  The  berries  produced  in  autumn  are 
still  better  than  those  in  spring.  Taken  altogether  it  would  prove  a  favorite  from  its  fine  size, 
exquisite  flavor,  hardiness,  and  great  productiveness,  even  if  it  did  not  bear  in  the  fall. 

With  Mr.  Raabe  it  bore  abundantly  last  spring  with  very  little  attention,  and  the  same  plants 
in  pots  were  again  in  bearing  Sept.  15th,  and  will  continue  so  probably  till  December ;  it  makes 
runners  rather  freely.  To  have  a  good  crop  in  fall,  the  runners  should  not  be  permitted  on  the 
plant.  The  flavor  is  perfectly  delicious.  We  are  indebted  to  Mr.  Eaabe  for  plants,  and  to  his 
able  foreman,  Mr.  Pantlen,  an  enthusiastic  and  progressive  gardener,  for  other  favors  of  interest 
to  our  readers, 

Mr.  Editor  : — A  lately  published  periodical  contains  a  very  sensible  article  about  Pear, 
culture,  from  the  able  pen  of  our  friend,  Dr.  Ward.  He  takes  a  fair  ground,  and  seems  to 
look,  as  we  all  do,  to  further  experiments  and  results  for  a  conclusion. 

I  am  not  going  to  stand  up  in  vindication  of  the  recently  so  much  abused  Pear.  It  is  all  the 
same  to  me  if  many  choose  to  be  partial,  and  to  scorn  one  of  our  best  fruits.  It  will  not  prevent 
from  pursuing  my  course,  and  delighting  in  luscious  fruit.  But,  in  justice,  can  Dr.  Ward 
charge  to  the  Pear  the  slight  expense  of  hoeing,  when  a  stalk  of  corn,  some  few  carrots, 


potatoes,  &G-,  require  just  as  much  hoeing  ?  and  how  difTercnt  the  result !  A  Pear-tree  of  good 
size  has  not  many  weeds  growing  under  its  shade,  and  those  which  can  grow  there  are  easily 
removed ;  the  rest  is  the  work  of  the  plow  or  cultivator. 

Speaking  of  Mr.  Hovey,  he  seems  to  suggest  that  this  gentleman  spends  a  great  deal  for  that 
operation.  I  wish  Mr.  H.  would  let  us  know  how  many  Pear-trees,  of  about  ten  to  fifteen  feet  high 
and  pyramidal  in  their  form,  one  man  can  clean  in  a  day  ?  I  doubt  if  it  would  amount  to  one 
cent  in  a  season,  for  twice  hoeing,  per  tree. 

What  care  do  we  not  bestow  on  a  flower,  blossoming  only  once  in  a  year,  and  requiring  con- 
stant mulching,  cleaning  and  watering  for  all  the  balance  of  the  time  ?  Where  trees,  as 
certainly  Mr.  Hovey' s  do,  yield  from  half  a  b»shel  to  a  barrel  per  tree,  of  fine,  saleable  fruit, 
can  we,  injustice,  pretend  that  such  a  profitable  plant  should  not  require  any  of  the  common 
expense  so  readily  and  repeatedly  granted  to  corn-stalks,  cabbages  (worth  two  cents  apiece), 
and  other  inferior  vegetable  products  ? 

I  will  say  no  more,  and  I  only  write  these  few  lines  to  give  fair  play  to  the  Pear  in  the  pend- 
ing controversy.  Leo. 

Democrat  and  Schman  Pears.— Mr.  J.  J.  Younker  has  forwarded  specimens  of  the 
Democrat  and  Schman  pears,  the  former  medium  size,  and  a  very  excellent  August  variety 
worthy  of  cultivation ;  the  Schman  not  equal  to  others  of  the  same  season  already  cultivated. 
The  Democrat  originated  on  the  farm  of  a  neighbor  of  Mr.  T.,  in  Bucks  County,  Pennsylvania. 

New  Apricot. — Among  the  examples 
of  orchard-house  growth  that  have  been 
sent  us,  one  of  the  prettiest  was  a  little 
specimen  in  an  8-inch  pot  of  a  grafted 
seedling  from  the  Pitmaston  Orange  Nec- 
tarine, raised  four  years  ago.  In  color, 
size,  and  flavor,  it  is  superior  to  its  parent, 
from  which  it  also  differs  in  the  leaves 
being  more  shining,  and  their  glands  reui- 
form  not  globose.  The  tree  is  said  to  be 
more  hardy  ;  and  is  remarkable  for  fer- 
tility, very  small  plants  from  nine  inches 
to  a  foot  high  having  each  borne  from  four 
to  six  capital  nectarines.  We  understand 
that  it  has  heen  sold  by  Mr.  Rivers  under 
the  name  of  Rivers'  Orange. — Gardener^s 
Chronicle. 

The  influence  of  stock  upon  the  scion 
is  an  interesting  topic.  I  know  of  an 
instance  where  three  grafts  of  the  Dix 
pear — notorious,  you  know,  for  coming  late  into  bearing — were  inserted,  on  the  same  day,  some 
ten  years  ago,  into  three  different  stocks.  On  two  of  them  the  grafts  have  been  increasing  in 
growth  slowlj',  year  by  year,  without  producing  fruit  or  fruit  bud.  On  the  other  the  graft  com- 
menced bearing  the  first  year  after  insertion,  and  has  annually  increased  in  productiveness ; 
(until  this  year,  when,  as  it  happens,  there  is  not  a  pear  on  it).  My  impression  is  that  they 
were  all  double-worked.  I  am  certain  that  the  last-mentioned — the  productive  one— was  ;  and 
perhaps  you  would  like  to  know  the  name  of  the  pear  whose  stock  imparted  such  early  fruitful- 
ness  to  the  tardy  Dix.     So  should  I. 

By  the  way,  the  owner — a  veteran  pomologist — considers  the  Dix  as  the  prince  of  all  pears, 
own  experience  is  quite  similar.     Two  scions,  taken  from  a  small  tree  of  the  Pinneo 
purchased  of  Messrs.  Hovey  tfc  Co.,  in  ]854,  were  set  in  the  top  limbs  of  my  old  English 


Jargonelle,  and  both  fruited  in  1855,  and  also  in  1857  ;  (no  fruit  this  year,  although  the  bloom 
was  good;)  while  the  tree  itself,  planted  in  my  garden,  in  1854,  has  not  yet  even  blossomed, 
although  it  has  made  a  healthy  and  handsome  growth.  D.  S.  Dewey. 

Editor  of  Horticulturist  :— I  send  you  some  grapes  to  show  you,  and  inform,  through 
you,  our  friends  Tompkins  of  New  York  and  Campbell  of  Ohio,  that  I  have  an  aim  above  Fox 
grapes.  Not  one  variety  of  these  I  send  you  has  been  grown  for  show  ;  but  have  had  somewhat 
a  natural  course  ;  this  being  one  of  my  plans  to  see  what  may  be  expected  of  them  when  under 
high  and  systematic  training. 

If  your  correspondents  above  alluded  to,  think  I  know  nothing  of  trenching,  &c.,  they 
ought  to  see  my  border  of  three  hundred  feet  long,  ten  feet  wide,  two  and  a-half  to  three  feet 
deep,  properly  prepared  ;  with  eighty  varieties  on  it,  some  but  two  years  old  next  spring,  which 
have  new  canes  twenty  feet  long. 

And  I  can  also  show  a  Union  Village  with  three  shoots  twenty,  twenty-five,  and  thirty  feet 
long,  and  one  and  a-third  in  diameter  at  the  ground,  all  grown  this  season,  in  soil  wherein 
neither  spade,  plough,  pick,  nor  any  other  implement  of  agriculture  ever  entered  within  thirty 
feet  of  where  it  stands,  except  the  little  hole  made  when  the  vine  was  planted  a  few  years  ago, 
and  grafted  with  Union  Village  in  the  spring  of  1857.  Can  your  correspondents  account  for 
this  ?  I  can,  and  may  tell  them  many  more  things  if  they  will  condescend  to  write  to  me  on  the 
subject.    Your  opinion  of  the  grapes  will  be  a  pleasure  to  me.  S.  M. 

Calmdale,  Pa. 

[The  grapes  received  are  Louisa,  earlier  and  better  than  Isabella,  Delaware  Burgundy,  a 
fine  wine  grape ;  Concord,  the  best  we  have  ever  seen  and  very  good  ;  Cassady,  excellent ;  Gar- 
rogues,  not  as  good  as  desirable  ;  White,  Sweet  Water,  not  ripe  ;  Clara,  excellent ;  Diana,  quite 
up  to  its  reputation  ;  Catawba,  ditto ;  and  Sage,  good  for  nothing,  and  only  sent  for  a  curiosity 
and  to  create  a  smell,  we  suppose;  Union  Village,  most  agreeable  and  "  good  ;"  To  Kalon, 
good;  Herbemont's  Madeira,  very  highly  flavored;  Pitmaston,  or  White  Cluster,  not  ripe ; 
Canadian  Chief,  native  or  not,  most  excellent;  Secord's  Sweet  Water,  not  so  good  as  the  last; 
Ontario,  very  large,  but  inferior  to  Union  Village ;  Christie's  Improved  Isabella  ;  improved  in 
size  enormously,  but  we  cannot  say  better  than  Isabella,  from  this  sample.— Ed.] 

Evergreens. — Mr.  Barron,  the  gardener  at  Elvaston  Castle,  protects  the  leading  shoots  of 
the  most  rare  and  valuable  kinds  of  evergreens  which  are  liable  to  sustain  injury  from  frosts, 
by  suspending  a  green  bell  glass  over  the  leading  shoot  in  autumn,  till  the  plants  are  well  estab- 
lished. This  prevents  moisture  from  settling  on  the  top,  and  maintains  a  more  equal  tempera- 
ture round  that  part.  Mr.  Barron  puts  on  the  glass  thus  early,  because  he  is  of  opinion  that 
much  of  the  injury  is  done  in  autumn,  for  he  frequently  finds,  by  cutting  transversely  through 
the  incipient  bud,  that  it  is  brown,  and  sometimes  quite  dead  ;  hence,  these  glasses  are  sus- 
pended before  the  severe  autumn  frosts  occur.  No  stronger  proof  of  the  value  of  this  precau- 
tionary measure  could  be  adduced  than  that  trees  so  protected  at  Elvaston  are  never  injured, 
while  others  left  to  take  their  chance  are  stunted,  miserable-looking  bushes.  If  we  want  good 
cedars  of  Lebanon,  for  instance,  in  America,  this  plan  should  be  tried  ;  after  the  tree  is  well 
grown,  the  necessity  ceases,  as  we  have  remarked  at  several  places  the  past  season ;  but  wo 
would  not  confine  the  experiment,  which  would  not  be  costly,  to  any  one  species  of  evergreen. 

Tritonia  (Kniphofia)  Uv aria.— Being  somewhat  acquainted  with  bulbous  roots,  many 
inquiries  have  been  made  of  me  respecting  the  "new  Kniphofia  Uvaria,  shown  1858, 
for  the  first  time,"  etc.,  and  seeing  no  more  minute  description  of  that  plant  in  your  valuable 
Horticulturist,  I  thought  it  proper  to  tell  its  history,  as  far  as  I  know  it. 

I  am  sorry  to  say,  that  instead  of  being  new,  it  is  one  of  our  oldest  plants  we  know  about, 
as  already  Theoplirast  (born  371  years  before  Christ)  gives  a  glorious  description  of  it  under 
the  name  Iris  Uvaria.      It  is  quite  natural  that  such  an  old  plant  should  change  its  name 


often,  as  the  science  of  botany  progresses  ;  we  therefore  find  it  called  by  Theophrastus,  Iris 
Uvaria;  Linnee,  as  Aletris  Uvaria,  or  Aloe  Uvaria  ;  Wildenow,  as  Veltlieiniia  Uvaria  ;  Curtis, 
Gawbcr,  Aitou,  and  Redoute,  as  Tritoma  Uvaria;  Eoth,  as  Veltlieimia  speciosa  ;  Laiiiark,  as 
Aloe  longifolia  ;  Link,  Eomer  and  Shultes,  as  Thritomanthe  Uvaria  ;  Mencb  dedicated  it  to  his 
friend  Kniphoff  as  Kniphofia  aloeides,  while  Hooker  changed  aloeides  into  the  more  significant 
name  Uvaria,  which  name  it  bears  now  in  the  catalogues.  When  the  Dutch  had  possession  of 
Cape  Hope,  they  brought  some  plants  home  from  there  ;  it  came  to  England  in  1707,  but  was 
not  much  distributed. 

There  are  seven  more  varieties  known,  some  of  which  are  even  finer  than  Uvaria,  but  are 
not  quite  as  hardy,  as  they  did  not  stand  the  winter  in  1 855.  K.  Uvaria  was  killed  in  the  hard 
winter  of  1856. 

But  even  if  they  were  very  tender,  they  would  repay  the  little  extra  attention,  as  few  plants 
make  such  a  magnificent  display,  and  have  such  an  ornamental  appearance,  particularly  when 
well  established,  it  is  then  not  rare  to  have  the  same  plant  in  flower  for  four  months.  It  has 
the  most  effect  when  planted  in  masses.  P.  Eaabe. 

Philadelphia. 

A  New  and  most  Valuable  Flowering  Shrub. — The  Indigo/era  dosua,{Tova  the  descrip- 
tions received  from  abroad,  promises  to  be  one  of  those  universal  favorites  which  few  plants 
attain.  It  was  received  but  lately  in  England  from  the  South  of  France,  and  is  thus  described 
by  a  correspondent : 

"  I  have  often  remarked  a  disparity  in  the  rate  of  progress,  towards  the  goal  of  popular  favor, 
between  a  new  hardy  flowering  shrub  and  a  new  florists'  flower.  True  it  is,  and  a  little  reflection 
is  sufficient  to  explain  the  anomaly.  Our  Roses,  Pelargoniums,  and  such  plants  are  of  a  fashion- 
able throng;  and  the  moment  a  new  member  is  obtained,  the  graceful  neophyte  is  paraded  forth 
Avith  gay,  floating  banners,  amid  the  flourishing  of  trumpets  and  the  noise  of  fame.  The  new 
flowering  shrub,  though  possessed  of  the  same  intrinsic  excellence,  is  less  favorably  circumstan- 
ced. Naturally  slow  in  its  development,  belonging  to  no  gay  coterie,  it  does  not  come  thus 
prominently  before  the  public.  It  moves  slowly  and  silently  into  the  pathway  of  fame,  depend- 
ing on  time  and  its  own  merits  for  patronage  and  position. 

"  I  have  been  led  to  these  remarks  through  having  recently  met  with  a  beautiful  new  hardy 
shrub  at  the  Cheshunt  Nurseries.  It  grows  naturally  in  Upper  Nepaul,  at  Suemba,  where  it  is 
called  Dosi-swa  by  the  natives,  and  hence  it  was  named  by  Professor  Don,  dosua. 

•'  The  plant  is  growing  in  the  natural  soil  of  the  Cheshunt  Nurseries,  which  is  a  moderately 
light  garden  loam.  That  it  is  hardy  cannot  be  doubted,  for  it  has  withstood  the  two  last  winters, 
wholly  unprotected,  out  of  doors.  The  plant  is  now  about  four  feet  high,  and  six  yards  in  cir- 
cumference, composed  of  numerous  long  pointed  shoots,  resembling  a  dwarf  Willow  in  general 
outline.  More  than  a  thousand  elegant  spikes  of  purple  pea-shaped  blossoms,  averaging  three 
inches  in  length,  adorn  the  bush  at  the  present  time;  and,  judging  from  those  still  unexpanded, 
there  would  seem  a  line  of  succession  long  enough  to  continue  the  blooming  period  from  this 
time  till  November.  The  stems  continue  growing  during  summer,  and  from  the  axil  of  every  new- 
born leaf  springs  a  spike  of  flowers.  The  leaves  are  composed  of  small  oval  leaflets,  ranged 
along  a  tapering  mid-rib,  oppositely  and  in  pairs,  from  eight  to  ten  pairs  of  leaflets  forming  a 
leaf  about  three  inches  long. 

"  The  Rose  has  long  been  considered  the  queen  of  flowers,  and  this  might  with  equal  justice  be 
installed  as  the  queen  of  shrubs.  Although  new,  the  plant  is  comparatively  cheap,  and  every 
lover  of  a  garden  should  hasten  to  possess  it." 

At  Kew. — Nymjjhcca  gigantea  from  Moreton  Bay  is  also  in  bloom.  The  leaves  of  this  new 
species  are  small  compared  with  the  size  of  the  flowers,  which  it  is  reported  should  measure  one 
foot  in  diameter.  The  blooms  hitherto  produced  at  Kew,  however,  do  not  measure  above  half 
that  size.   They  are  blue,  with  yellow  centres,  and  rise  on  strong  footstalks  at  least  one  foot  above 


the  surface  of  the  water.  In  order  to  have  this  Lily  in  perfection,  it  is  thought  it  will  require  to 
be  planted  in  deep  water.  A  fine  specimen  of  the  Madagascar  Lattice  plant  (Ouvirandra  fenes- 
tralis)  is  also  growing  in  this  house.  Its  leaves  are  quite  one  foot  in  length  and  four  inches  in 
width.     It  has  flowered  and  ripened  seeds  from  which  yoiing  plants  have  been  raised. 

Fruit. — That  the  average  season  for  fruit  has  been  a  poor  one  in  most  sections  of  the  union, 
all  admit;  but  if  report  is  to  be  believed,  there  have  been  some  instances  of  remarkable  success. 
In  regai'd  to  peaches,  the  prices  have  been  unusually  high,  very  few  cultivators  having  any  for 
sale;  yet  we  hear  that  the  Messrs.  Eeybold,  of  Delaware,  have  sent  fifty  thousand  dollars'  worth 
to  the  markets  of  Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  and  New  York,  keeping  a  large  steamboat  of  their 
own  for  the  conveyance.  These  peaches  were  raised  on  an  island,  newly  planted,  in  the  Chesa- 
peake Bay,  their  old  orchard  in  Delaware  having  felled.  Another  party  is  reported  to  have 
made  ten  thousand  dollars  the  past  season  by  peaches  alone.  We  can  believe  this  if  we  judge 
by  the  prices  obtained,  for  we  saw  fine  specimens  sold  at  rates  varying  from  four  to  eight  dollars 
the  bushel.  Plums,  too,  made  their  appearance  in  considerable  abundance  from  the  Delaware 
Peninsula,  where  their  enemy  does  not  seem  yet  to  have  penetrated,  but  where  a  railroad  hav- 
ing been  made,  no  doubt  he  will  soon  be  en  route.  Apples  are  very  scarce  everywhere,  poor 
ones  commanding  from  three  to  five  dollars  the  barrel.  The  best  pears  have  been  retailed  at 
twenty-five  cents  each.  Those  few  who  have  had  crops  may  congratulate  themselves  on  the 
prices  obtained  from 

That  bounteous  feast  which  Earth,  the  general  mother, 
Pours  from  her  fairest  bosom,  when  she  smiles 
In  the  embrace  of  Autumn, 

The  Ploughing  Machine  mentioned  last  month  was  taken  to  the  Illinois  State  Fair,  where, 
we  hear  it  has  done  everything  that  was  hoped  for  it. 

SoRGUM  Saccharatum. — "What  has  become  of  it  ?  and  where  is  the  profit  on  the  sugar  and 
molasses.     Echo — where  ? 

The  Potato  Disease  is  represented  as  having  made  considerable  inroads  on  the  prospects 
of  the  Irish  and  English  crop,  and  what  is  very  singular,  something  extremely  like  it  has  attacked 
the  scarlet  Geraniums. 

We-bee-Tuck  Apple. — An  early  apple  under  this  name  reached  us  by  the  kindness  of 
Myron  B.  Benton,  of  Leedsville,  Dutchess  County,  New  York.  It  is  a  natural  fruit  on  the 
farm  of  W.  N.  Benton,  and  from  the  only  tree  in  existence,  and  is  named  after  the  beautiful 
Indian  stream  near  which  it  stands.  We  cannot  say  that  it  has  merits  to  warrant  its  coming  in 
competition  with  others  that  ripen  at  the  same  time,  early  September. 

Miller  Seedling,  from  James  O.  Miller,  Montgomery,  Orange  Co.,  New  York,  which  has 
received  a  prize  at  the  State  Fair  of  New  York,  deserves  the  attention  it  has  received.  It  com- 
mences to  ripen  in  September,  and  gradually  ripens  for  two  months.     We  find  it  excellent. 

Buckleya  Distichophylla. — We  were  much  pleased  to  receive  a  specimen  of  this  new 
genus  of  American  Shrubs.  The  plant  seems  to  have  been  known  for  some  time  to  botanists, 
but  so  imperfectly  as  not  to  have  been  properly  placed  until  comparatively  recently.  It  was 
named  by  Dr.  Torreyin  compliment  to  Mr.  S.  B.  Buckley,  and  described  by  Dr.  Gray,  in  1847; 
and  writing  of  the  plant  in  1854,  Dr.  Gray  says  it  proved  perfectly  hardy  in  the  Cambridge 
Massachusetts  Botanical  Garden.  The  flowers  are  small  and  very  insignificant,  but  the  foliage 
js  very  pretty,  reminding  one  at  first  sight  of  Fraxinus  C'entiscifolia. 

Catalogues,  &c.,  Eeceived.— Abridged  Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  Shrubs 
Plants,  &c.,  cultivated  and  for  sale  by  J.  Huggins,  Woodburn,  Illinois.     Excellent. 
The  Oregon  Farmer,  published  at  Portland,  Oregon,  is  a  very  spirited  and  well-printed  sheet 


EDITOR'S   TABLE. 

neatly  illustrated,  and  giving  strong  evidence  that  the  editor  knows  what  he  is  about.  W.  B. 
Taylor  &  Co.  are  the  publishers. 

Supplement  to  the  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Andre  Leroy's  Nurseries,  Angers,  France. 
Agent,  F.  A.  Brugiere,  138  Pearl  Street,  New  York. 

Catalogue  of  Fruit  Trees  of  the  AVest  Feliciana  Nurseries.  Dr.  James  H.  Grain,  Agent, 
Cain,  Illinois. 

Catalogue  of  1858  and  1859,  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  Vines,  &c.  By  Isaac  Pullen, 
Hightstown,  N.  J.    A  valuable  catalogue  of  a  valuable  collection. 

Supplementary  Catalogue  1858  and  1859.     Wm.  E.  Prince  &  Co.,  Flushing,  N.  Y. 

Catalogue  1858  and  1859,  of  Gloaming  Nursery,  Clarkesville,  Ga.     By  John  Van  Buren. 

J.  M.  Thorburn  &  Go's.,  Catalogue  of  Bulbous  Flowering  Eoots,  15  John  Street,  N.  Y. 

Cheltenham  Nurseries,  Haines  &  Walker,  near  Germantown,  Pa.,  Fruit  and  ornamental 
Trees. 

Catalogue  of  Grape  Vines,  Vinwood  Grape  Nurseries,  Ilion,  Herk.  County,  N.  Y.  J.  D.  In- 
gersoll.  Proprietor.    Embraces  all  the  Grapes  of  value. 

Grape  Vines,  Fruit  Trees,  &c.     E.  Miles,  Sag  Harbor,  Long  Island. 

Erratum. — The  Boston,  or  Pinneo  Pear,  was  last  week  by  an  inadvertency  called  also  the 
Hebron — they  are  distinct  fruits  ;  also,  on  page  483,  "  Harvey  "  is  misprinted  for  Hovey. 


ANSWEES  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 

J  g  «  *  *  »  writes  the  publisher  of  this  work  that  he  has  concluded  his  mind  can  do  without 
it,  as  it  contained  so  much  last  year  about  Cuba,  and  he  declares  himself  to  be  "  only  interested 
in  apples."  Well,  we  are  not  pleased  to  part  company  with  any;  but  if  he  has  joy  in  the  adieu, 
he  may  compare  himself  to  the  resigned  Mussulman,  of  whom  Mr.  Layard  made  some  sta- 
tistical inquiries.  His  reply  contained  these  charming  confessions :  "  As  to  what  one  person 
loads  on  his  mules,  and  the  other  stows  away  in  the  bottom  of  his  ship,  that  is  no  business  of 
mine.  Listen,  O,  my  son !  There  is  no  wisdom  equal  to  the  belief  in  God  !  He  created  the 
world,  and  shall  we  liken  ourselves  unto  Him,  in  seeking  to  penetrate  into  the  mysteries  of  His 
creation?  Shall  we  say,  '  Behold,  this  star  spinneth  round  that  star,  and  this  other  star  with  a 
tail  goeth  and  cometh  in  so  many  years  V  Let  it  go  !  He  from  whose  hand  it  came  will  guide 
and  direct  it.  *  *  *  I  praise  God  that  I  seek  not  that  which  I  require  not.  Thou  art  learned 
in  the  things  I  care  not  for,  and  for  that  which  thou  hast  seen,  I  defile  it.  Will  much  know- 
ledge create  thee  a  double  belly  ?  or  wilt  thou  seek  Paradise  with  thine  eyes  ?" 

Some  time  since,  a  person  wrote  the  Philadelphia  publisher  that  the  Horticulturist  contained 
too  much  information!  Verily,  it  is  difficult  to  fathom  the  wishes  of  some  people.  We  have  to 
pa'oceed  as  if  all  our  readers  were  in  search  of  knowledge,  make  the  work  as  good  as  we  can, 
and  leave  it  to  the  appreciation  of  those  sufficiently  informed  to  desire  to  know  more. 

California  Seeds. — (J.  B.  Eumford.)  Many  thanks  for  your  attention.  We  believe  your 
plants  are  undescribed,  at  any  rate  have  been  unable  so  far  to  ascertain  their  names.  A  few 
seeds  of  the  Wappatoo,  formerly  sent  have  grown  ;  but  we  failed  with  the  Camas.  We  hope 
for  better  success  with  these. 

Apricots  usually  bear  fruit  well  on  the  Peach  stock,  but  they  are  not  considered  so  durable  as 
when  worked  on  Plum,  or  their  own  roots.  Your  trees  are  probably  growing  very  vigorously, 
and  may  be  induced  to  bear  earlier,  either  by  root-pruning,  or  severe  summer  pruning.  If 
they  can  be  struck  easily  with  you  by  cuttings,  as  your  letter  seems  to  indicate,  they  would 
doubt  bear  much  earlier,  especially  if  the  cuttings  are  taken  from  bearing  trees. 


532  editor's  table. 

Grapes. — A  Subscriber. — Your  number  one  is  the  Cape;  number  two  is  the  Concord, 
o-ver-ripe,  but  the  best  of  the  lot,  and  best  we  have  ever  seen  ;  number  three  is  Hyde's  Eliza, 
a  seedling  of  the  Isabella,  and  much  like  it  in  most  respects. 


We  should  take  a  lesson  from  the  Grape  mildew  in  behalf  of  Gooseberries.  As  the  disease, 
in  its  first  stage,  like  the  Grape  mildew,  is  an  Oidium,  there  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  the 
same  treatment  will  have  similar  results;  and  as  sulphur  (at  least  sublimed  sulphur),  properly 
applied,  is  a  sure  remedy  in  the  one  case,  we  have  no  doubt  about  its  efficacy  in  the  other.  They 
have,  in  Great  Britain,  an  allied  Fungus  which  attacks  Gooseberries.  It  seldom,  however,  does 
any  material  injury,  and  never  assumes  the  dense,  matted  form  of  the  Sphcerotheca. 

In  learning,  as  we  have  done,  How  Plants  Grow,  and  Why  they  Grow,  have  we  not  learned 
more  of  the  lesson  of  the  text  placed  at  the  beginning  of  this  book,  and  of  the  verses  that  fol- 
low ?     "  Wherefore,  if  God  so  clothe  the  grass  of  the  field,  shall  He  not  much  more  clothe  you? 

Therefore,  take  no  thought,  saying.  What  shall  we  eat  ?  or.  What  shall  we  drink  ?  or, 

Wherewithal  shall  we  be  clothed  ?  For  your  Heavenly  Father  knoweth  that  ye  have  need  of 
all  these  things."  And  we  now  perceive  that  causing  plants  to  grow  is  the  very  way  in  which 
He  bountifully  supplies  these  needs,  and  feeds,  clothes,  warms  and  shelters  the  myriads  of 
beings  He  has  made,  and  especially  man,  whom  he  made  to  have  dominion  over  them  all. — 
Br.  Gray. 

Watering  newly-planted  fiiiit  trees,  or  shrubs,  must  be  done  with  caution,  and  when  once 
done,  had  better  not  be  repeated  too  often  ;  rather  shade  the  ground  with  some  loose  material, 
which  checks  evaporation;  and  keep  the  roots  of  everything  else  at  arm's  length.  For,  be  it 
remembered,  that  no  amount  of  watering  will  compensate  a  fruit  tree  for  the  robbery  it  has 
sustained  by  other  crops  exhausting  the  soil  its  roots  have  to  procure  their  food  from.  Peas, 
and  other  crops,  are  very  often  the  cause  of  Peach  trees  appearing  as  if  they  wanted  water,  and 
the  pump  is  but  a  poor  remedy  for  this  state  of  things.  In  fact,  let  it  always  be  borne  in  mind, 
that  watering  by  hand  is  an  artificial  operation,  and  is  only  wanted  when  the  suffering  plant  is 
placed  in  artificial  condition ;  and,  even  then,  let  it  be  treated  as  nearly  as  possible  as  nature 
would  ti-eat  it.  Do  not  give  deluges  of  cold  water,  daily,  to  plants  not  requiring  it;  better, 
certainly,  would  it  be  to  let  it  alone  entirely. 

As  an  example  of  the  manner  in  which  the  subject  of  Orchard-houses  is  treated  by  Mr. 
Elvers,  and  by  way  of  calling  attention  to  a  subject  on  which  much  of  the  success  or  failure  of 
Orchard-house  culture  depends,  we  give  the  following ;— "  In  the  Orchard-house  culture  of 
Peaches  and  Nectarines,  syringing  must  play  an  important  part;  for  the  red  spider  is  so  fond  of 
their  leaves,  that,  like  Siubad's  Old  Man  of  the  Sea,  he  will  stick  closely,  and  cannot  be  dislodged 
without  applying  the  syringe  close  to  the  under  surface  of  the  leaves.  If  this  pest  be  suSered 
to  make  the  least  progress,  the  flavor  of  the  fruit  will  be  entirely  destroyed.  A  small  pocket 
lens  in  the  hands  of  the  amateur  will  be  the  best  instrument  to  discern  it;  looking  closely  at  the 
under  surface  of  the  leaves,  if  it  be  there,  a  small  bright-red  speck,  like  a  red  grain  of  sand,  will 
be  seen.  The  experienced  gardener  does  not  look  for  them.  One  glance  at  the  upper  surface 
of  those  leaves,  which  show  some  minute  yellow  specks,  is  quite  enough  for  him.  If,  therefore, 
the  least  sign  be  apparent,  continue  the  regidar  syringing,  even  till  the  fruit  is  ripe ;  other- 
wise, syringing  may  be  discontinued  when  the  Peaches  and  Nectarines  commence  to  soften 
preparatory  to  I'ipeuing." 


In  the  time  of  gathering  fruits,  it  may  be  well  to  remember  the  following,  from  Tusser ; 

"  Forget  it  not, 
Fruit  bruised  will  rot. 
Light  ladder,  and  long, 
Doth  the  least  wrong. 
Go,  gather  with  skill, 
And  gather  that  will." 


Hood  thus  apostrophises 


OCTOBER. 


"  I  saw  old  Autumn,  in  the  misty  morn, 
Stand  shadowless,  like  Silence,  listening 
To  Silence,  for  no  lonely  bird  would  sing 
Into  his  hollow  ear,  from  woods  forlorn. 
Nor  lowly  hedge,  nor  solitary  thorn: — 
Shaking  his  languid  locks,  all  dewy  bright 
With  tangled  gossamer,  that  fell  by  niglit, 
Pearling  his  coronet  of  golden  corn.''_ 

Formation  of  Clouds. — The  visitor  to  mountain  districts  must  often  have  observed  the 
formation  of  clouds  on  the  sides  of  the  elevated  portions,  which  take  their  flight  to  the  upper 
regions  and  there  become  the  floating  drapery  which  is  so  much  admired.  Shelley  in  his  Pro- 
metheus has  finely  apostrophised  them  thus  :— 

"  And  multitudes  of  dense,  white,  fleecy  clouds  were  wandering  ".in  thick  flocks  along  the 
mountains,  shepherded  by  the  sloic  unwilling  wind." 

Education. — The  following  is  from  the  pen  of  the  editor  of  the  Ohio  Cultivator,  Sept.  1, 
1858: 

But  we  are  a  deadly  foe  to  sham  and  pretense,  and  never  go  with  the  multitude  just  because 
it  is  popular  to  be  in  the  current.  From  our  position  we  have  often  seen  men  who  lay  claim  to 
some  great  things,  stand  on  the  corners  and  cry — lo  here !  or  lo  there !  and  modestly  ask  the 
world  to  stop  tin  they  have  developed  their  great  idea.  Well  when  they  came  to  get  the  great 
idea  out,  it  was  like  a  pollywog— all  head  and  shoulders — tapering  off"  to  a  very  Insignificant 
tail,  which  finally  drops  off",  and  the  whole  thing  hops  away  with  a  bloonk  !  I  tell  you  we  can't 
aflbrd  to  stop  our  eager  battalions  to  look  after  tadpole  theories.  If  these  men  have  anything 
to  say  worth  hearing,  let  them  out  with  it !  and  not  be  putting  on  mysterious  airs  and  fishing 
for  a  big  douceur,  like  certain  dark-lantern  Professors,  to  pave  the  way  with  gold  before  they 
disclose  a  disclosure.  If  that  is  the  game,  I  can  only  say — "Get  out  of  the  way,  old  Dan 
Tucker."  This  kind  of  learning  and  science  that  never  discovers  its  philosopher's  stone,  until 
some  thrifty  farmer  has  turned  it  out  with  his  plow,  Is  entirely  too  slow  and'dull  for  this  age. 


->>--•-•-•—*«- 


IVIISOELLJLISrEi^. 

Mate  Tea,  &c.— Meastn-es  are  about  being  taken,  through  the  Naval  Expedition  to  Paraguay 
to  introduce  into  the  United  States  the  Nate,  or  Paraguay  tea  ;  also  a  valuable  medicinal  plant, 
called  Nard,  believed  to  be  a  sure  specific  against  the  bites  of  venomous  insects  or  reptiles  ;  and 
a  peculiar  kind  of  honey  bee,  which  builds  on  the  branches  of  trees,  Instead  of  in  hives  or 
trunks  of  trees,  as  with  the  common  bee. 

A  frequent  American  Phenomenon.—"  Ladies  or  gentlemen  who  hitch  teams  with  a 
rising  man,  whether  in  the  way  of  matrimony,  travel  or  business,  should  take  care  lest  he  be 
not  too  rising  altogether,  and  they  find  themselves  eventually  lifted  so  high  that  their  feet  are  no 


editor's  table. 

use  to  them  whatever.  Last  spring  our  friend  Quodline  planted  some  lima  beans,  and  not  being 
provided  with  poles,  he  married  and  settled  them  in  life  by  planting  in  each  hill  sunflowers, 
trimming  up  the  stalk,  so  that  it  served  the  purpose  of  a  pole.  For  a  time  all  went  on  well, 
till  at  length  the  sunflowers  growing  so  much  faster  than  the  beans,  the  latter  were  absolutely 
drawn  up  by  the  roots.  As  we  said  before,  John  Deans  emigrating  into  families  who  regard  them 
as  small  potatoes,  and  very  ambitious  females  of  limited  education,  who  have  their  eye  on 
'  society'  and  a  first  chop  spouse,  will  please  take  notice." — Home  Journal. 

Chemical  Farming. — Mr.  Bird,,  farmer,  at  Burton,  near  Bamburgh,  England,  has  just 
sustained  a  heavy  loss  in  a  singular  manner.  He  had  a  flock  of  867  sheep,  which  were  recently 
"  dipped  "  in  a  chemical  solution  used  for  destroying  ticks,  and  then  turned  out  to  grass.  It  is 
supposed  that  this  solution  was  washed  ofl"  the  sheep  by  a  shower  of  rain  and  that  the  grass  on 
which  it  fell  being  eaten  by  the  sheep  poisoned  them,  as  in  six  days  only  26  out  of  the  flock  of 
867  remained  alive. 

Dr.  Tiieodor  Kotsciiy  has  announced  for  publication,  under  the  name  of  "  Die  Eicben 
Europa's  uud  des  Orient's,"  a  history  of  all  the  oaks  found  wild  in  Europe  and  the  Levant.  It 
is  to  appear  in  10  numbers,  published  every  two  months,  each  containing  10  sheets  of  letter- 
press and  five  plates,  with  the  text  in  Latiu,  German,  French,  and  English.  It  is  well  known 
to  botanists  that  Dr.  Kotschy  has  made  the  European  Oaks  his  especial  study,  as  well  as  those 
of  Asia  Minor,  whence  he  has  distributed  many  supposed  new  species,  some  of  which  are 
remarkably  unlike  our  own.     The  publisher  is  Holzel  of  Olmutz. 

Orch.'VRD  Houses. — We  shovdd  like  to  show  the  incredulous  a  box  of  fruit  now  before  us 
from  an  Orchard  House  Cultivator  of  some  years' standing — excellently  flavored,  well 
colored  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  among  the  former  of  which  is  one  specimen  9^  inches  in  cir- 
cumference. The  clamor  that  has  been  raised  on  the  part  of  a  few  wrongheaded  persons  who 
have  fine  old  trees  on  fine  old  walls  against  cultivation  in  Orchard  Houses  by  those  who  have 
neither  fine  old  trees  nor  fine  old  walls,  has  so  nearly  died  out  that  we  should  hardly  have 
returned  to  the  subject  had  not  the  fruit  before  us  shown  more  conclusively  than  ever  what  may 
be  done  by  practical  skill  operating  upon  very  rude  materials. — Gardener^s  Chronicle. 

We  have  just  received  the  9th  part  of  Weddell's  excellent  Chloris  Andina,  reaching  as  far 
as  plate  57,  with  some  omissions.  The  letterpress  breaks  olf  in  the  midst  of  Loganiaceae.  It 
is  to  be  hoped  that  the  removal  of  the  learned  and  hard-working  author  to  the  Pyrenees  for 
some  years  will  not  interrupt  the  regular  appearance  of  this  very  valuable  scientific  work. 

In  Eogent's  Park,  London,  there  was  formerly  a  green-house  window  filled  with  a  fine  collec- 
tion of  Cacti  and  similar  plants.  The  window,  or  windows,  for  I  believe  there  were  two  so 
formed,  were  pushed  out,  supported  by  three  strong  stone  brackets,  and  extended  a  little  on 
each  side.  Shelves  were  put  up  on  each  side,  and  on  them  plants  were  placed,  coasisting 
chiefly  of  the  most  beautiful  Cacti  of  the  Echinocactus,  Mammillaria,  and  Melocuctus  subgenera. 
Some  of  the  Epiphyllums  were  grown  in  ornamental  baskets,  and  suspended  from  the  roof  A 
more  interesting  sight  I  seldom  saw.  The  plants  grew  finely,  and  flowered  well,  and  were  the 
admiration  of  every  beholder,  much  more  so  than  the  usual  occupants  of  a  town  window. 

Among  birds  of  prey,  the  male  provides  the  food  for  the  young,  but  the  female  feeds  them. 
A  sportsman  in  Scotland,  shot  the  female  of  a  pair  of  falcons.  For  a  time  he  heard  continual 
cries  from  the  young  ones,  and  the  male  was  indefatigable  in  bringing  food.  After  two  days  all 
was  quiet.  He  clambered  up  the  rock,  and  found  the  young  all  dead — starved  to  death — but 
absolutely  walled  in  with  food  of  every  description  that  the  male  bird  had  brought. 

Among  new  philosophical  instruments  we  report,  a  Garden  Thermometer,  mounted  on  a  por- 
scale,  which  is  unafiected  by  the  weather,  and  which  may  be  said  to  be  everlasting, 
es  and  divisions  are  not  painted  on  the  surface,  but  eaten  into  the  substance  of  the  scale 


the  action  of  fluoric  acid,  rendering  them  perfectly  indelible — an  object  much  to  be  desired  by 
g:irtieuers,  who  have  to  use  fticse  instruments  in  stoves  and  forcing-houses,  where  the  humidity 
acts  on  them  with  injurious  eftects.  Tiie  scale  being  of  pure  white  porcelain,  and  the  figures 
and  divisions  black,  the  reading  is  at  all  times  clear  and  distinct. 

Intkuesting  Discovery. — At  the  last  meeting  of  the  Liunsean  Society,  Dr.  Joseph  Hooker 
read  an  extract  from  a  letter,  mentioning  the  discovery,  near  the  banks  of  the  river  Amazon,  of 
large  Equisetums,  the  plant  which  abounds  fossilized  in  coal  formations.  These  plants  were 
twenty  feet  high,  and  the  stem  was  tlie  thickness  of  a  man's  Avrist.  The  writer  of  the  letter 
stated  that  his  surprise  on  the  discovery  of  these  plants,  which  were  believed  to  have  been 
extinct,  could  scarcely  have  been  exceeded  had  he  seen  the  sauriaus  of  former  worlds  revived, 
and  rushing  through  the  swamp. 

Microscopic  Vivarium. — A  narrow  glass  shade,  similar  to  those  used  to  cover  ormolu 
clocks,  is  cemented  upside  down  on  a  wooden  stand.  Ac^ainst  this  the  microscope  is  placed, 
the  thinness  of  the  glass  allowing  the  use  of  a  half-inch  object  lens. 

With  this  apparatus,  a  good  instrument  introduces  us  to  a  world  of  wonders.  But  those  who 
possess  no  microscope,  need  not  despair  of  amusement.  There  is  a  field  for  life-long  research 
and  interesting  study  in  that  which  can  be  seen  by  the  unassisted,  but  observing  eye.  And 
should  the  owner  possess  the  glass  of  faith,  he  has  a  still  better  jjrospect  in  view,  for  "  Eye  hath 
not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  hath  it  entered  into  the  heart  of  man  to  conceive,  the  things 
which  God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  Him." 


pks  for  %  loutl]. 


VINEYARD    CALENDAR   FOR   NOVEMBER. 

BY    R.    BUCHANAX,  CINCINXATI,  OHIO. 

After  the  gathering  of  the  crop,  and  the  fall  of  the  leaf,  the  vineyard  is  unattractive  in 
appearance.  It  has  been  stripped  of  its  poetry,  and  presents  a  mere  field  of  naked  vines  and 
dry  stakes.  But  little  work  is  required  this  month,  unless  hoeing  or  ploughing  is  thought 
necessary  to  be  done  now,  in  preference  to  spring.  This  is  a  mooted  point  as  yet,  the  majority 
of  cultivators  preferring  spring. 

Pruning  the  vines  may  be  done  in  the  latter  part  of  this  month,  if  the  cuttings  are  winted  for 
planting,  or  for  sale.  Some  persons  oppose  tliis  practice,  but  I  have  pursued  it  for  years  past, 
without  injury  to  the  vines.  Cuttings  may  be  planted  out  in  nurseries  this  month,  or  even  in 
vineyards,  with  safety,  although  the  spring  is  generally  preferred. 

The  "Wine.— The  cnsks  of  new  wine  may  be  filled  up,  and  the  bungs  driven  tight,  if,  as  is 
usual,  the  fermentation  has  by  this  time  entirely  ceased,  and  the  wine  is  even  tolerably  clear. 

Errata. — "Straining"  the   grapes,  as  printed  in  the  calendar  fur  October,  should  read 

"  stemming." 

Note. — The  grape  crop  this  year,  in  the  Ohio  and  Missouri  valleys — on  all  "limestone  forma- 
tion ">" — has,  like  the  apple  crop,  proved  almost  an  entire  failure;  and  from  the  same  cause, 
"  mildew  and  rot;"  not  one-fifth  of  an  average  yield  has  been  gathered.  A  very  few  excep- 
tions are  found  in  particular  localities,  where  tolerably  good  crops  have  been  produced ;  and 
on  "  sandstone  formations,"  but  little  injury  was  sustained,  and  the  yield  is  fair. 

BY  WILLIAM  SAUNDERS,   GEEMANTOWN,  PA. 

JIiLDEW.— Fruit  cultivators  are  gradually  becoming  aware  that  mildew  in  some  one  of  its 
various  developments,  is  the  most  prevalent  and  insidious  enemy  with  which  they  have  to  con- 
tend. Exotic  grapes  are  so  subject  to  it,  that  their  culture  in  open  air  has  been  abandoned, 
and  even  in  glazed  houses  considerable  attention  is  required  to  prevent  its  attacks.     The  native 


grapes  are  not  exempt,  and  in  some  seasons  the  foliage  is  so  extensively  injured  as  to  mate- 
rially reduce  the  value  of  the  crop.  The  gooseberry  also  suffers,  and  even  the  hav^'thorn,  lilacs, 
tulip  trees,  and  other  ornamental  plants  show  the  extensive  range  of  the  parasitic  affection. 
There  is  a  growing  conviction  that  the  cracking  of  the  pear  is  the  result  also  of  a  species  of 
mildew,  and  it  may  be  found  that  applications  of  sulphur-water  will  be  a  surer  prevention  of 
this  disease,  than  those  special  manures  which  have  been  recommended,  and  which  have  not 
been  found  to  remedy  the  evil,  or  give  indications  of  a  curative  process. 

The  peculiar  atmospherical  conditions  tending  to  the  increase  of  mildew,  are  not  particularly 
well  understood.  I  have  frequently  repeated  my  conviction  that  the  peculiar  mildew  seen  on 
the  foreign  grape  under  glass,  on  the  gooseberry,  lilac,  &c.,  is  induced  by  atmospheric  aridity. 
This  mildew  develops  in  the  form  of  a  mouldiness  on  the  upper  surface  of  the  foliage,  and 
frequently  extends  and  envelops  young  growing  shoots,  in  which  case  the  bark  seems  to  con- 
tract and  crack  into  lengthened  openings.  Here  can  be  traced  a  close  resemblance  to  the  crack- 
ing of  the  pear,  going  far  to  prove  that  it  lias  the  same  origin.  In  sheltered  city  yards,  where 
drying  winds  are  arrested  in  their  sweeping  progress,  and  where  a  quiet  and  more  humid  atmos- 
phere prevails,  the  foreign  grape  will  frequently  attain  to  a  fair  perfection.  So  also  the  White 
Doyenne  pear  is  annually  produced  in  its  greatest  perfection  on  trees  similarly  located,  while 
in  open  exposures  a  few  miles  distant,  a  fair  specimen  cannot  be  procured.  No  reason  that 
has  ever  been  brought  forward  on  the  probable  cause  of  pear-cracking  is  so  philosophical,  or  so 
much  in  accordance  with  recoi'ded  facts,  as  that  which  connects  it  with  mildew.  The  mildew 
seen  on  the  native  grape,  is  apparently  a,  different  fungus  from  the  above.  Here  the  "  under" 
side  of  the  leaf  is  attacked,  destroying  the  vitality  of  the  tissue,  which  is  then  tender,  and  is 
speedily  scorched  by  sun,  and  the  leaves  decay  and  wither.  When  this  occurs  during  the 
ripening  of  the  crop,  the  sudden  loss  of  foliage  prevents  it  from  maturing,  jyid  hence  many 
bunches  will  show  one-half  of  the  fruit  black  and  the  other  green.  This  apparent  scorching  is 
most  noticeable  during  the  mouths  of  August  and  September,  when  heavy  night  dews  are  suc- 
ceeded by  hot  sun,  or  after  a  few  dull  or  rainy  days. 

The  whole  subject  is  one  demanding  the  general  attention  of  cultivators  ;  and  in  connection 
with  practical  observation,  we  would  recommend  the  careful  perusal  of  the  valuable  reports  on 
this  and  kindred  subjects,  made  from  time  to  time  during  the  last  ten  years,  by  the  Rev.  C.  E. 
Goodrich,  Utica,  N.  Y. 

Mulching. — Trees  that  have  been  mulched  during  the  season,  should  now  have  all  loose 
material  carefully  removed  from  their  roots.  Downing  somewhere  remarks,  that  mulching  is 
the  most  beneficial  practice  ever  introduced  into  our  horticulture,  and  all  who  have  seen  the 
benefits  derived  from  its  proper  application,  will  readily  endorse  the  statement.  But  it  is  very 
desirable  to  have  the  soil  about  the  roots  of  trees  well  pulverized  and  clean,  previous  to  winter, 
otherwise  in  many  localities,  much  injuiy  will  be  done  by  mice,  who  find  a  comfortable  cover 
for  their  depredations  under  such  loose  material.  These  animals  are  never  troublesome  in  clean 
cultivated  soil. 

Greenhouse. — The  plants  will  now  be  arranged  for  winter,  and  discrimination  must  be  given 
in  their  treatment.  The  structure  should  be  well  aired  during  mild  and  quiet  weather,  using  no 
fire  heat  until  absolutely  necessary.  Many  of  the  plants  are  now  in  a  state  of  rest.  Camellias, 
Azaleas,  Daphnes,  Epacris,  and  many  other  spring-flowering  plants  that  have  now  completed 
their  growth,  and  are  well  provided  -with  flower  buds,  should  not  receive  any  excitement.  A 
cool,  airy  situation  should  be  chosen  for  them  in  the  house,  and  only  watered  enough  to  prevent 
injury  from  drying  of  the  roots.  By  arranging  the  above  principally  at  the  end  of  the  house 
farthest  from  the  source  of  heat,  and  opening  the  ventilators  chiefly  at  that  point,  they  will  be 
under  the  best  conditions,  and  the  opposite  end  of  the  house  being  kept  wanner,  will  be  a  con- 
genial position  for  the  young  Calceolarias,  Geraniums,  Cinnerarias,  &c. ;  and  here  also,  should 
be  placed  such  as  are  now,  or  shortly  will  be,  in  flower,  as  Chinese  Primrose,  Linum  Trigynum, 
Lechenaultia  Formosa,  Coronilla  Glauca,  Oxalis,  Epiphyllums,  Habrothamnus,  Cestrum,  Bego- 
nias, Cupheas,  Heliotropes,  Salvias,  &c.  With  such  a  list  there  need  be  no  want  of  floral 
ormiment: 

"  Unconscious  of  a  less  propitious  clime, 
There  tilooms  exotic  beauty,  warm  and  snnsr. 
While  the  -winds  whistle,  and  the  snows  descend." 

Bulbous  roots  of  Hyacinths,  Narcissus,  Crocus,  &c.,  for  pot  culture,  should  be  planted  at 
once  ;  let  the  pots  be  well  drained,  and  use  light,  rich  soil.  The  pots  should  then  be  set  in  a 
sheltered  corner,  and  covered  about  a  foot  over  with  sand,  coal  ashes,  or  soil,  covering  with 
boards  to  throw  off  heavy  rains.  Here  they  may  remain  for  a  few  weeks  to  form  roots,  which 
they  will  speedily  do,  and  will  flower  more  perfectly  when  taken  into  the  house.  This  method 
provides  a  growth  of  roots  previous  to  exciting  the  tops,  and  although  it  would  have  been  better 
to  have  potted  a  month  earlier,  there  is  still  ample  time  to  provide  for  a  full  display  of  flowers 
iu  the  green-house,  during  February  and  March. 


■^' 


EQUINETELY. 


(I'S 


\  S  1:1! 

1           R    1,                 !    : 

I'.    '    : 

0 

;  » 

1  B 

1    ** 

1        IM 

)  3 

w 

'  ^     i 

Ctot.— Cowntttr  fifL    flan  k  €Ql)i  ra^  in  %x^M  €mn\m, 

SCENE. THE  EDITOR  IN  HIS  CHAIR.       A  NEIGHBOR  DRAWS  ANOTHER,  LIGHTS  HIS  CIGAR, 

AND  DISCOURSES. 

EIGHBOR. — You  have  lately  made  some  remarks  on  the 
disadvantages  of  cities;  if  I  recollect  rightly  you  give 
the  preference  to  country  life.  Do  you  sufticiently  re- 
flect that  cities  concentrate  advantages  which  the  coun- 
try is  denied  ?  Can  you  not  as  easily  mention  where 
cities  have  the  advantage  ? 

J^ditor. — I  grant  you  advantages;  but  must  still  hold 
that  the  natural  position  of  man  is  the  country.  There 
he  is  a  lord,  a  master,  his  own  master;  not  the  slave  of 
banks,  a  slavery  I  hold  to  be  only  a  little  lighter 
than  that  in  Cuba.  In  the  country,  man  has  an  individ- 
ual character;  in  cities  he  is  moulded  more  to  the  com- 
mon form  of  mind;  he  meets  his  friend  with  the  same 
form  of  dress,  and  his  habit  of  thought  is  influenced  by 
conventional  rules  and  his  newspaper.  I  have  a  theory  too,  lately  confirmed 
by  an  author  of  merit,  that  the  care  of  animals  has  a  very  civilizing  efiect  ; 
you  in  cities  never  even  look  after  your  horses;  they  are  consigned  to 
the  groom.  I  might  easily  pursue  the  subject,  but  I  have  just  now  to  ask 
your  own  opinion  on  the  social  progress  we  are  making;  our  cities  have 
received  a  severe  lesson — they  have  been  stabbed  in  vital  points,  but  such 
is  the  tendency  to  merchandising  that  probably  they  will  recover  from  their 
immediate  depression.  Surely  the  experience  of  the  last  year  is  quite 
unsatisfactory.  But  there  is  a  great  element  of  country  life  which  is  some- 
times overlooked,  climate. 

Neighbor. — A  learned  author  lays  it  down  as  a  law  that  of  all  the  great 
social  improvements,  the  accumulation  of  wealth  must  be  the  first,  because 
without  it  there  can  be  neither  taste  nor  leisure  or  that  acquisition  of  knowl- 
edge on  which  the  progress  of  civilization  depends.  It  is  evident  that 
among  an  entirely  ignorant  people,  the  rapidity  with  which  wealth  is  created, 
will  be  solely  regulated  by  the  physical  peculiarities  of  their  country.  At 
a  later  period,  and  when  the  wealth  has  been  capitalized,  other  causes 
come  into  play;  but  until  this  occurs,  the  progress  can  only  depend  on  two 
circumstances:  first  on  the  energy  and  regularity  wnth  which  labor  is  con- 
ducted, and  secondly  on  the  returns  made  to  that  labor  by  the  bounty  of 
nature.  And  these  two  causes  are  themselves  the  result  of  physical  ante- 
cedents. The  returns  made  to  labor  are  governed  by  the  fertility  of  the 
soil,  which  is  itself  regulated  partly  by  the  admixture  of  its  chemical  com- 
ponents, partlj^  by  the  extent  to  which,  from  rivers  or  from  other  natural 
causes,  the  soil  is  irrigated,  and  partly  by  the  heat  and  humidity  of  the 
atmosphere. 

Editor. — Then  you  allow  no  wealth  to  originate  from  the  manufactories 
of  a  country. 

Neighbor. — I  am  afraid  not  a  dollar.  We  may  save  our  money  by  not 
orting  it  for  foreign  labor,  but  evidently  there  is  no  increase  of  wealth 
ou  give  me   a  piece  of  cotton  cloth  for  the  plough  of  my  manufacture 


■■^ 


N.  S.:    Vol.  VIII.— December,  1858. 


35 


acceptable  food  for  trees,  but  to  keep  the  earth  in  a  condition  for  the  expan- 
sion of  the  roots.  It  may  be  successfully  used  alone,  after  the  exposure  of 
a  few  montlis  to  the  atmosphere,  but  is  essentially  improved  by  adding  a 
couple  of  bushels  of  lime  or  a  half  dozen  bushels  of  ashes  to  the  cord,  or 
by  letting  it  lie  where  it  will  take  the  wash  of  the  barnyard,  or  the  soap 
suds  from  the  house.  "i 

Here,  then,  we  can  do  away  the  objections  of  those  who  claim  they  can- 
not afford  to  manure  their  fruit  trees,  from  the  supposition  that  by  doing  so 
they  shall  rob  their  other  crops,  and  thereby  have  a  few  bushels  less  of  corn 
or  a  few  hundreds  less  of  hay.  They  need  do  no  such  thing  as  rob  their 
yards  or  stables  for  the  purpose.  Nature  has  provided  a  better  material  for 
the  object,  one  that  is  now  throwing  out  nausea  to  engender  disease,  all 
over  the  land,  but  which  kindly  offers  to  kindle  a  new  and  deeper  glow  on 
the  face  of  the  apple,  and  expand  the  ruddy  cheeks  of  the  pear  to  more 
healthful  dimensions.  All  she  asks  for  it,  is,  to  have  it  taken  out  of  her 
way,  for  doing  which,  she  promises  to  create  a  new  supply  in  the  same 
repository  from  the  leaves  that  rush  there  to  escape  from  the  driving  winds, 
and  the  loose  material  brought  from  the  hills  by  the  noisy  rivulet  that  stops 
in  the  sluggish  pool  to  rest  awhile  in  its  ocean  course.  What  a  beautiful 
combination!  Atoms  from  crumbling  rocks,  soil  from  the  woodlands  and 
hillsides,  and  the  cast  off  drapery  of  the  forest  so  far  decayed,  that  its 
identity  is  lost.  Just  the  thing  to  make  a  new  soil  of  an  old  one  and  cause 
earth  to  smile  again  at  the  beauty  of  her  plants  and  trees,  and  glorious, 
health-giving  fruits. 

Where  to  Feed  Fruit  Trees. — The  stones  of  the  field  and  trees  of  the  forest 
are  teachers,  and  what  is  more  beautiful,  they  teach  the  truth.  We  planted 
a  white  oak,  some  years  since,  not  in  honor  of  any  warrior  or  political  race 
horse  on  the  track  for  election,  but  to  add  one  more  variety  to  our  pretty 
well  duplicated  grounds.  After  it  had  stood  a  year  or  two  we  noticed  in 
midsummer  a  circle  around  it,  some  five  feet  from  the  trunk,  and  some  six 
inches  wide,  where  the  grass  had  died  out.  The  next  year,  this  circle  was 
removed  from  its  outer  rim,  still  further  from  the  tree,  and  of  an  increased 
width,  and  so  it  has  continued  to  travel  for  several  years.  The  fact  gave 
rise  to  many  wonders  as  to  the  cause  among  observers,  but  the  inference 
we  drew  from  the  fact  was  that  the  white  oak  was  a  great  eater,  that  the 
mass  of  feeders  lay  under  the  circles  where  the  grass  was  killed,  and 
pushed  away  from  the  tree  in  proportion  as  the  circle  enlarged. 

The  native  chestnut,  planted  out  gave  the  same  illustration.  In  tliis  case 
of  both  trees,  the  inner  circle  became  sodden  with  grass  as  new  circles 
were  forming  beyond,  and  the  increased  width  of  circle  from  year  to  year 
showed  us  that  the  feeders  were  increasing  to  meet  additional  demands  of 
the  tree. 

To  us,  it  was  a  lesson  without  labor  or  cost.  It  taught  us  that  the  practice 
so  universally  adopted  of  manuring  fruit  trees  for  a  little  distance,  just  around 
the  body  of  the  tree,  could  never  meet  their  demands  for  food.  A  few 
feeders  may  remain,  to  be  sure  scattered  along  the  roots  which  are  yearly 
increasing  in  size,  but  the  body  of  them  are  yearly  pushing  away  in  search 
of  a  greater  amount  of  food.  Fully  to  subserve  the  purpose  then  for  which 
manure  is  applied  to  fruit  trees,  the  mass  of  it  must  annually  be  placed 
further  from  the  trunk  of  the  tree  for  keeping  up  with  the  circle  of  feeders 
atify  their  demands. 


The  observation  teaches  another  fact.  A  preparation  of  ground  to  receive 
a  tree,  for  a  few  feet  square  does  not  fully  answer  their  demands.  It  may 
do  well  to  give  them  a  start,  but  when  they  get  to  the  end  of  this  starting 
point,  disease  and  dwarlisliuess  will  follow.  The  man  who  plants  an  orchard 
of  any  kind  of  fruit,  must  give  all  the  soil  an  ample  preparation,  or  his 
success  cannot  be  complete. 

The  root,  is  the  most  important  part  of  a  tree.  If  they  can  spread  and 
extend  themselves,  the  trunk  and  branches  will  follow  of  course,  and  in  due 
time  the  fruit  will  appear. 

Again,  the  power  of  a  tree  to  resist  winds  depends  much  upon  the 
strength  and  circuit  of  its  roots.  If  the}'  are  fine  and  far  spreading,  but 
little  danger  will  arise  from  stormy  gales.  I  am  often  pleased  to  see  the 
Horticulturist  going  to  the  root  of  the  matter. 


PEAES  ON  THE  QUINCE  STOCK. 

BY  E.  NORTON,  FARMINGTON,  CONN. 

The  late  unanimous  approval  of  dwarf  pears  by  the  American  Pomologi- 
cal  Society,  impels  me  to  add  my  testimony  to  that  of  Messrs.  Allen,  Elliott, 
and  others,  in  the  late  numbers  of  the  Horticulturist,  and  protest  against 
such  indiscriminate  approval. 

Seven  years  ago,  I  planted  four  hundred  trees  on  well  prepared  ground, 
most  of  which  was  a  sandy  loam,  with  one  or  two  gravelly  ridges.  Holes 
were  dug  two  and  a  half  feet  deep  by  three  or  four  wide,  and  filled  with  a- 
carefully  prepared  compost,  not  too  rich,  but  having  all  the  ingredients  pre- 
scribed by  the  experts.  The  course  of  treatment  until  lately  was  as  follows. 
The  whole  ground  was  cultivated  with  various  crops,  and  stirred  up  yearly, 
and  the  trees  were  dug  about  and  specially  manured.  Some,  of  the  feebler 
ones  were  mulched.  All  were  thoroughly  trimmed  and  scraped,  and  washed 
yearly;  and  watched  at  times  daily,  by  myself  and  a  skillful  gardener. 

At  the  end  of  the  first  year  about  one  hundred  were  dead,  which  I 
replaced  with  a  hundred  fine  trees  from  Mr.  Wilder,  of  Boston.  We  ascribed 
the  death  of  some  of  these  to  shallow  planting,  and  did  not  err  in  that 
respect  again.  The  next  year  about  fifty  more  died,  and  to  make  a  long 
story  short,  they  have  gone  off  regularly  at  about  that  rate  ever  since. 
Not  without  remonstrance  on  our  part  and  vigorous  opposition;  but  the 
blight  took  many,  and  the  cold  winter  many,  and  inherent  obstinacy  many. 
They  icould  die.  Those  on  the  gravelly  ridge  first  of  all.  For  some  years 
I  filled  the  vacant  places  with  the  same  kind  of  trees,  but  have  given  that 
up  and  now  replace  with  standard  trees.  About  120  dwarfs  remain,  of  which 
sixty  are  doomed  to  die  before  next  spring.  Perhaps  there  are  forty 
vigorous  trees.  Several  of  this  kind,  well  branched  below,  blew  over  last 
spring  and  had  to  be  propped.  Among  the  remainder  are  some  which  have 
no  vitality,  but  only  life.  They  have  changed  little  since  they  were  planted. 
They  have  been  tended  so  long  that  one  hates  to  pull  them  up,  although 
knowing  they  will  never  come  to  anything. 

As  to  fruit,  an   average  of  two   bushels  per  year  will   cover  the  whole 
The  Vicar  of  Winkfield   and  Louise  Bonne  de  Jersey,  have   done  tl 
out  of  about  twenty  kinds. 


PEAKS  ON  THE  QUINCE  STOCK. 


Fi'om  fifteen  trees,  standing  in  the  garden  during  the  same  time,  I  have 
had  perhaps  an  average  of  four  pears  each  per  year.  Unfortunately  most 
of  the  fruit  was  from  two  trees,  Suzette  de  Bavay,  and  Excellentissima, 
which  keep  well,  but  never  ripen.  A  single  standard  Bartlett  tree,  about 
ten  inches  in  diameter  at  the  base,  which  I  began  to  graft  five  years  ago, 
has  for  the  past  three  years  borne  as  much  fruit  as  the  whole  dwarf  pear 
orchard. 

I  have  taken  some  pains  to  inquire  of  people  in  various  places  which  I 
have  lately  visited,  as  to  their  success  with  dwarfs,  and  will  briefly  give  the 
results.  In  Albany,  New  York,  Dr.  Wendell  has  tried  dwarf  trees  thoroughly 
and  "  would  not  take  them  as  a  gift."  He  thinks  the  climate  too  cold  and 
variable.  He  has  an  orchard  of  about  1,100  standard  pear  trees  which  are 
growing  finel}'.  Mr.  Joel  Rathbone  of  Renwood,  has  cultivated  dwarfs 
about  ten  years.  Has  had  in  all,  about  one  hundred  trees  under  garden  cul- 
ture, soil  a  clayey  loam — result,  a  total  failure,  only  three  or  four  weak 
trees,  left  no  fruit  worth  mentioning. 

Mr.  G.  W.  Luther,  has  had  three  or  four  hundred  trees,  mostly  under  gar- 
den culture;  has  but  ten  or  fifteen  left,  soil  a  stiff  clay;  many  of  his  trees 
fruited  well  during  the  first  j-ear  or  two. 

Mr.  Wilson,  Nurseryman,  had  some  thousands  of  fine  young  trees  (the 
best  I  have  ever  bought)  on  a  stiff  clay  soil.  They  died  so  rapidly  and 
gave  hipi  so  much  trouble,  that  he  gave  them  up  and  does  not  now  keep 
them  for  sale.     He  is  on  high  sheltered  ground,  with  a  southern  exposure. 

Mr.  John  F.  Rathbone,  has  had  over  one  hundred  trees  during  the  past 
six  or  eight  years.  They  were  selected  trees;  average  cost  two  dollars, 
about  a  dozen  now  remain,  of  which  perhaps  three  are  doing  well.  Some 
■*were  on  clay,  and  some  on  made  soil,  sheltered  on  every  side  but  the  north, 
no  fruit  of  any  consequence.  In  the  same  garden  are  seventeen  Virgalieu 
and  Gansels'  I3ergamot,  standard  trees,  at  least  fifty  years  old,  which  last 
year  bore  about  two  hundred  bushels  of  the  finest  fruit,  and  this  year  over 
forty  bushels. 

Mr.  C.  P.  Williams,  about  three  miles  above  Albany,  began  the  orchard 
culture  of  dwarfs  some  six  years  ago.  He  planted  four  or  five  hundred 
among  a  nursery  of  other  trees,  soil  mostly  sandy,  with  decomposed  slate 
in  the  hollows.  They  grew  well  at  first,  but  soon  began  to  fail,  and  he  has 
latterly  given  them  up  in  despair. 

Mr.  L.  Menaud,  well  known  as  a  skillful  florist,  has  some  fine  young  trees. 
I  have  not  seen  him  lately,  but  understand  that  he  now  thinks  well  of  dwarfs 
if  they  are  planted  deeply.  I  know  that  he  has  lost  many  trees  during  the 
past  cold  winters. 

I  cannot  hear  of  any  one  in  Albany,  who  has  succeeded  with  dwarfs  for  a 
length  of  time.  Mr.  Wm.  N.  Strong,  has  done  very  well  with  one  tree,  dur- 
ing the  past  season.  He  picked  about  200  fine  Flemish  Beauty  pears,  from 
a  dwarf  tree  some  five  or  six  years  old,  which  sold  in  New  York,  at  from 
twent^'-five  to  fifty  cents  each.     He  has  but  few  trees. 

In  Pittsfield,  Massachusetts,  I  was  told  a  few  days  since,  that  the  leading 
cultivators  have  given  up  the  quince  stock  after  a  fair  trial.  They  think 
the  climate  too  cold. 

In  Springfield,  the    general  verdict  seems  to  be   against  dwarf  trees, 
except  upon  a  strip  of  land  running  through  the  centre  of  the  town.     Upon 
this  is  Mr.  B.  K.  Bliss,  florist,  who  thinks  favorably  of  the  dwarf  pea 
the  whole,  for  garden  culture.     He  generally  takes  premiums  for  fine 


I  have  watched  his  trees  for  several  years,  and  think  that  lie  must  have 
lost  at  least  as  many  as  he  has  saved,  and  that  the  annual  loss  in  future 
will  be  considerable. 

Rev.  Dr.  Ide,  in  the  same  place,  is  considered  the  most  successful  cultiva- 
tor of  dwarf  pears  in  that  region.  His  best  trees  were  destroyed  by  fire 
some  3^ears  ago,  but  the  young  trees  which  he  now  has  are  very  handsome. 
They  stand  five  or  six  feet  apart,  are  mulched  with  tan  bark;  treated  with 
special  manures  in  abundance,  and  grow  well,  and  bear  very  fine  fruit. 
Yet  Dr.  Ide  is  not  enthusiastic  for  the  quince  root,  except  for  some  special 
kinds.  He  has  found  that  with  some  kinds,  the  pear  throws  out  roots  above 
the  point  of  junction  with  the  quince,  and  the  quince  root  genei'ally  dies. 
Hence,  the  question  arises  why  not  plant  pear  standards  at  once!  He 
thinks  that  with  the  same  treatment,  fruit  can  be  got  nearly  as  soon  from 
the  joear  root  as  the  quince.  His  original  soil  was  mostly  sand,  a  little 
loamy. 

In  Hartford,  Connecticut,  the  leading  fruit  cultivators,  such  as  Messrs. 
Dewey,  Terry,  Turner,  and  others,  are  almost  unanimous  against  the  use  of 
the  dwarf  pear.  Mr.  Stillman,  is  almost  the  only  one  whose  success  in  gar- 
den culture  is  favorable,  and  his  trees  are  yet  young.  Standard  pears  do 
well  there,  as  is  evidenced  by  the  splendid  show  of  fruit  at  the  late  State 
Fair.  I  will  not  swell  your  columns  by  giving  the  particular  experience  of 
each  person. 

It  is  evident  that  while  the  pear  on  the  quince  grows  finely  in  Rochester, 
Boston,  and  perhaps  along  our  whole  seaboard  where  the  air  is  tempered 
by  water,  that  there  are  large  tracts  of  country  in  which  it  has  failed  in  the 
hands  of  skillful  cultivators,  and  where  success  is  the  exception;  where 
thousands  of  dollars  have  been  sunk,  and  many  years  of  valuable  time 
spent  in  gaining  this  experience. 

In  all  these  places  to  which  I  have  referred,  standard  pears  do  well. 
Like  all  other  trees,  they  will  produce  fruit  according  to  the  treatment  they 
receive,  but,  like  the  apple,  thej'^  will  grow  and  do  something,  even  in  the 
hands  of  an  unskillful  or  careless  cultivator. 

I  present  these  facts,  Mr.  Editor,  with  very  few  comments,  to  yourself  and 
the  readers  of  the  Horticulturist,  feeling  that  they  speak  for  themselves.  I 
hope  to  hear  from  other  parts  of  the  country,  from  persons  who  have  culti- 
vated the  dwarf  pear  for  eight  or  ten  years. 

One  more  statement,  and  I  have  done.  Five  years  ago,  I  visited  the  ex- 
tensive grounds  of  Mr.  Rivers,  at  Sawbridgeworth,  England,  and  among 
other  things,  saw  the  2500  Louise  Bonne  de  Jersey  dwarf  pear  trees,  referred 
to  in  the  Horticulturist,  Vol.  3,  1848.  Very  few  of  them  were  what  we 
should  call  thrift}''  trees,  and  most  of  them  looked  badly.  On  my  asking  the 
reason,  Mr.  Rivers  told  me  that  they  were  planted  too  deeplj',  and  that  he 
was  resetting  them.     I  should  like  to  hear  from  them  now. 

[We  have  been  anxious  to  set  this  question  right  before  our  readers,  and 
to  do  so  have  never  declined  the  insertion  of  an  article  in  favor  of  the 
quince  stock;  though  having  no  interest  either  way,  we  confess  that  for  the 
xchole  country  we  have  doubted  the  success  of  the  dwarf  in  orchard  culture, 
and  we  believe  this  opinion  is  now  generally  endorsed.  As  for  garden  cul- 
ture we  recommend  the  pear  on  quince  stock  in  moderation.  Extensive  ex- 
ation  in  many  States  of  the  Union,  has  proved  to  our  satisfaction,  that 
in  this   a  most  respectable  number  of  careful  cultivators  have 


pla:n'  foe  a  eose-house  and  conseevatoey. 


very  greatly  disappointed  in  their  results.  The  great  amount  of  outcry 
against  these  opinions,  is  the  best  argument  in  their  favor.  If  a  man  were 
to  declare  publicly  that  Celery,  or  Tomatoes,  could  not  be  cultivated  to  a 
profit,  people  would  simply  smile  and  take  little  care  to  contradict  the 
assertion.  "We  have  it  stated  this  season,  that  pear  culture  is  the  most 
profitable  of  any  other  fruit  growing  in  western  New  York.  It  is  probably 
so;  but,  gentlemen,  you  announce  prices  as  $10  to  $14  per  barrel;  (see 
Thomas's  Annual  Register,  for  1859).  It  might  be  asked.  If  it  were  easy 
to  raise  pears  would  they  bring  such  prices  ?  No  man  hesitates  a  moment 
in  his  decision  whether  the  Atlantic  Telegraph  is  speaking  or  whether  it  is 
silent  ;  either  it  transmits  messages  or  it  does  not  ;  the  facts  are  palpable, 
and  we  continue  to  receive  all  our  European  news  by  the  old  channels  of  the 
steamers.  Apply  this  to  any  event  on  which  it  is  desirable  to  find  the  facts. 
We  do  have  fears,  say  the  advocates  of  their  culture,  but  they  admit  they 
are  difficult  of  culture,  and  so  far  they  have  been  scarce,  and  good  ones  are 
very  dear.  The  Boston  papers  told  us  the  other  day  that  "  two  dozen  large 
and  fine  Duchess  D'Angouleme  pears,  weighing  nearly  a  pound  each,  were 
sold  in  the  market,  under  Fanueil  Hall,  Boston,  on  Thursday,  for  six  dollars 
a  dozenP  The  cable  has  then  spoken — but  it  speaks  only  to  the  rich — in 
Boston,  too,  where  is  the  seat  of  pear  applause  ;  for  the  poor,  for  us  of  the 
middle  States,  the  pear  cable  is  not,  even  if  we  had  the  means  of  paying  the 
"  SIX  DOLLAES  A  DOZEN."  Let  any  one  calculate  how  much  that  will  come  to 
by  the  barrel,  and  this  in  Massachusetts,  where  we  are  assured  pears  are 
abundant.  Hereaway  we  have  had,  and  now  have,  almost  none.  Somebody 
asks  us  in  a  private  letter,  on  which  side  of  the  "controversy"  we  range 
ourselves  ?  We  answer,  on  both  sides.  We  ^c^5/i  pears  may  become  abund- 
ant, that  all  our  population  may  enjoy  them.  We  fear  to  encourage  any 
very  expensive  attempts  at  planting  trees  on  quince  stocks  for  the  orchard, 
because  we  have  yet  seen  so  few  encouraging  results,  and,  as  we  intimated 
a  year  ago,  the  facts  nntst  he  the  remaining  argtiment.  When  the  finest  fruit 
becomes  as  plenty  and  as  cheap  as  we  hoped,  the  fact  will  be  patent  and 
well  ascertained  ;  when  the  cable  transmits  messages  regularl}'-  we  all  shall 
know  it.  At  present,  though  we  have  liad  joyous  celebrations  for  the  one, 
and  Presidential  pamphlets  on  the  other,  we  have  no  pears  in  market,  except 
a  few  at  prices  which,  however  "  remunerative  "  they  may  be,  are  not  en- 
couraging for  that  public  in  whose  behalf  we  have  something  to  argue. — Ed.] 


-K. — »^»-m~- 


PLAN    FOR  A   ROSE-HOUSE   AND    CONSERVATORY. 

BY"  WILLIAM  WEBSTER,  ROCHESTER,  N.  Y. 

The  rapid  progress  which  has  been  made  in  Horticulture  within  the  last 
15  or  20  years,  has  very  naturally  given  rise  to  a  variety  of  forms  for  glass 
structures.  These  forms,  and  their  perfect  adaptation  to  the  various  pur- 
poses for  which  they  are  required,  have  attracted  the  attention  of  the  best 
Horticulturists  of  the  country  ;  for  we  find  from  time  to  time  various  arti- 
cles (some  of  them  very  elaborate)  make  their  appearance  in  the  different 
periodicals  devoted  to  Horticulture. 

I  notice  in  the  March  number  of  the  Horticulturist,  a  very  excellent 
the  construction  of  cheap   graperies,  from  the   pen  of  Wm.  Saun 


of  Germantown,  Pa.,  which  may  be  considei'ed  as  all  the  more  valuable,  as 
he  is  a  thorough  practitioner,  and  understands  well  what  he  writes  about. 
I  also  notice  a  plan  in  the  June  number,  of  an  Orchideous  house,  by  M.  Cole- 
man, of  Westchester,  N.  Y.  Now,  in  my  zeal  for  Horticulture,  I  also  desire 
to  contribute  my  mite,  in  the  shape  of  a  plan  for  a  Rose-House  and  Conser- 
vatory, which,  if  you  consider  at  all  worthy  of  a  place  in  your  journal,  you 
can  publish  in  any  shape  you  like.  The  design,  as  you  will  observe,  is  in- 
tended to  serve  a  twofold  purpose,  viz  :  the  largest,  or  south  division,  is  to 
be  used  as  a  winter  garden  ;  the  other,  as  a  covered  way  to  other  build- 
ings, and  will  be  so  constructed  that  each  division  may  be  used  separately, 
or  form  a  whole,  as  circumstances  may  dictate.  Perhaps  it  may  not  be  con- 
sidered inappropriate,  before  entering  more  minutely  into  the  details  of  this 
plan,  to   give  a  slight  description  of  the  place  for  which  it  is  intended. 

Hommock  Manor,  the  coutry-seat  of  B.  M.  Whitlock,  Esq.,  is  situated  in 
West  Farms  Township,  on  the  East  river,  or  Sound,  about  3  miles  from  Har- 
lem. The  estate  contains  several  hundred  acres  ;  but  that  part  on  which  the 
dwelling  is  situated,  is,  as  its  name  implies,  a  complete  Hommock  of  about 
20  acres — which  at  high  tides  is  nearly  surrounded  by  water — and  is  ap- 
proached from  the  main  part  of  the  estate  by  a  causeway.  The  whole  of  the 
ground  contained  in  the  Hommock  is  devoted  to  ornamental  or  pleasure 
ground,  which  is  always  kept  in  fine  order.  The  immense  pile  of  stabling 
in  this  place  is  well  worthy  of  remark,  as  it  is  somewhat  unique.  The 
stables  will  accommodate  about  40  horses,  and  the  carriage  house  about  half 
that  number  of  carriages.  From  the  centre  of  the  pile,  rises  a  bell  tower 
of  three  stories,  the  lower  one  of  which  is  fitted  up  as  a  lecture  and  a  school 
room.  Those  above  are  used  as  observatories  ;  while  below  are  the  stables 
and  carriage-houses,  jutting  out  in  numerous  projections,  with  pointed  ga- 
bles and  elaborate  drapery.  These,  from  their  peculiarity,  form  quite  an  in- 
teresting feature.  The  whole  throughout  is  fitted  up  with  numerous  gas 
burners.  The  gas  for  lighting  this,  and  the  dwelling  house,  and  other  build- 
ings, is  supplied  from  a  highly  architectural  and  ornamental  gas-house,  in 
which  the  gasometer  is  placed,  which  is  filled  from  the  retorts  in  a  building 
adjoining. 

A  beautiful  circular,  or  rather  curved  drive  skirts  the  base  of  the  Hom- 
mock, on  the  north  of  which  is  situated  the  bathing-rooms,  boat-house,  &c.; 
while  statuary,  and  seats  of  various  kinds  embellish  the  grounds.  But  the 
principle  feature,  and  the  one  to  which  I  desire  to  draw  particular  attention, 
is  the  immense  number  of  large  forest  trees,  which  were  removed  from  a 
great  distance  to  their  present  site.  Four  years  ago,  the  Hommock  was 
nearly  destitute  of  trees  of  any  description;  whereas  now,  there  is  a  luxuri- 
ant growth  of  timber.  To  obtain  this  result,  Mr.  Whitlock,  with  an  enter- 
prize  and  liberality  that  does  him  credit,  and  which  might  well  be  imitated 
by  some  other  would-be  improvers  who  have  the  means,  but  not  the  enter- 
prize  or  liberality  to  carry  out  their  designs,  commenced  operations  by  re- 
moving to  his  grounds,  from  a  distance  of  two  or  three  miles,  forest  trees  of 
large  size — many  of  them  upwards  of  60  ft.  in  height,  and  15  to  18  inches 
and  tipwards  in  diameter,  where  they  are  now  flourishing,  many  of  them,  in 
all  the  luxuriance  of  their  pristine  splendor.  They  are  for  the  most  part 
Elms  and  Maples  ;  which  in  one  or  two  instances  present  as  nice  a  mor- 
ceau  of  forest  scenery  as  any  one  could  desire. 

small  portion  of  the  ground  is  devoted  to  the  raising  of  small  fruits  and 
ers.     On  this  portion  are  situated  the  glass-houses  ;  one  of  which  " 


curvilinear  double-pitch,  cold  grapery,  20  ft.  wide,  and  upwards  of  10  ft.  in 
leugth  ;  another  is  a  rose-house  16  ft.  wide  by  60  ft.  in  length  ;  also  a 
forcing-house,  for  vegetables,  80  ft.  long,  erected  from  the  designs  and  un- 
der the  superintendence  of  the  writer.  On  one  side  of  this  ground,  and  near- 
er to  the  dwelling,  is  situated  the  group  of  buildings  to  which  it  is  intend- 
ed the  house  in  the  plan  here  shown  shall  form  the  connecting  link  between 
them  and  the  dwelling.  This  group  consists  of  the  gardener's  cottage,  forc- 
ing grapery,  plant-house,  ten-pin  alley  and  billiard-room,  which  are  so  con- 
structed as  to  communicate  with  each  other  ;  but  as  they  are  placed  at  a 
distance  of  nearly  150  ft.  from  the  dwelling,  it  was  necessary  to  have  a  com- 
munication of  some  sort,  so  that  the  family  or  visitors  might  traverse  the  in- 
tervening space  at  all  seasons,  without  exposure  to  the  weather,  (Necessi- 
ty, it  has  been  said,  is  the  mother  of  invention,  hence  the  plan  adopted.) 

The  structure,  when  finished,  will  be  103  ft.  in  length,  b}'  21  ft.  in  width, 
viz  :  the  covered  way,  or  corridor,  7  ft.  wide  and  10  ft.  high  at  the  highest 
point  of  the  roof  ;  the  winter  garden  will  be  14  ft.  wide  and  14  ft.  high  at 
the  highest  point  of  its  roof  From  this  it  will  be  seen  that  there  will  be  a 
space  of  4  ft.  high,  and  running  the  whole  length  of  the  building  above  the 
covered  way.  Hera  is  where  the  ventilators  will  be  placed,  as  the  roof  will 
be  a  fixture  without  openings.  The  projection  in  the  centre  is  14x20  ft. 
The  stages  shown  on  the  ground-plan  are  designed  for  specimen  plants  in 
pots.  In  the  rose-bed,  which  runs  along  the  front  of  the  house,  are  to  be 
planted  pillar  roses,  which  will  be  trained  up  the  pillars  and  under  the 
roof  ;  and  the  rest  of  the  bed  planted  with  standard  and  dwarf  roses.  The 
beds  marked  "  climbing  plants"  are  for  passifloras  and  other  plants  of  a  similar 
nature,  to  be  trained  on  wires  to  the  roof,  where  they  will  hang  in  festoons. 
The  part  marked  "large  plants,"  in  the  centre, is  for  camelias,  magnollias,  &c., 
where  they  will  be  planted  in  tlie  soil.  The  openings  in  the  ground  plan  are 
to  be  filled  with  glass  doors  ;  which  will  form  either  a  means  of  communi- 
cation or  separation,  as  the  exigences  of  the  case  may  require.  The  whole 
will  be  heated  by  means  of  a  flue  and  hot-water  pipes  concealed  beneath  the 
walks. 

One  great  object  in  publishing  this  plan,  is  to  show  how  advantageously 
old  materials  may  be  worked  into  a  house  of  this  kind  ;  for  all  the  circular- 
headed  windows,  with  a  corresponding  number  of  square  ones,  belonged  to 
the  old  Brick  Church  in  Beekman  Street,  which  was  pulled  down  to  make 
room  for  stores  ;  so  that  the  plan  had  to  be  got  up  to  meet  the  material,  and 
not,  as  is  usually  the  case,  the  materials  to  suit  the  plan.  The  design  is  to 
make  this  a  summer  garden,  as  well  as  a  winter  garden.  By  covering  the 
roof  during  the  hot  weather  with  canvas  and  removing  the  front  sashes  and 
opening  the  rear  ones,  a  thorough  circulation  of  air  can  be  obtained  during 
the  hottest  weather,  which  will  eminently  fit  it  for  plants  in  pots. 


THE  PERFUME  OF  THE  ROSE  CHARACTERISTIC  OF  ITS 

PARENTAGE. 

I  HAVE  surely  chosen  a  sweet  subject,  with  which  every  one  is  conversant, 
from  the  Queen  to  the  peasant.  Every  one,  however,  may  not  have  remarked 
the  peculiar  and  distinct  perfume  which  many  Roses  of  separate  types 
families  possess,  and  which,  notwithstanding  hybridization  through  m 


generations,  is  not  lost.  It  is  my  firm  opinion  that  wo  can  by  this  peculi- 
arity more  truly  unravel  the  tangled  net-work  of  hybridization,  in  which  many 
of  our  choicest  Roses  are  enveloped,  than  by  external  appearances  alone. 

Who  is  not  familiar  with  the  scent  of  the  old  pink  China  (Rosa  indica)  ? 
it  is  distinct,  astringent,  and  refreshing,  but  not  odoriferous  or  sweet  as  the 
Old  Cabbage  or  Provence.  This  is  the  grand  t^'pe  for  scent  of  all  the 
Chinas,  Bourbons,  and  gome  other  almost  scentless  Roses,  which  scent  still 
clings  to  them  as  a  class  through  innumerable  crosses.  Should  any  one 
doubt  this  fact  let  him  take  a  true  specimen  in  each  class  of  our  finest 
modern  Roses,  say.  Hybrid  Perpetual:  Madame  Vidot,  or  Madame  Lafl^ay; 
Tea:  Devoniensis,  or  Goubault;  China:  Archduke  Charles,  or  Beaucarmine; 
and  Bourbon:  Souvenir  de  Malmaison;  and,  if  I  mistake  not,  his  olfactoiy 
nerves  will,  in  the  dark,  tell  him  which  have  the  true  China  blood  in  them. 
The  next  distinct  family,  identical  with  the  China  in  its  habit  and  rapid 
growth,  is  the  Tea  Rose,  the  type  of  which,  the  old  yellow  Tea,  had  its 
birthplace  in  China.  This  class  of  Roses  cannot  be  distinguished  from  the 
China  but  by  its  scent,  which  the  French  with  their  nicety  of  discrimination 
considered  to  be  like  green  tea.  It  has  certainly  a  very  peculiar  scent, 
most  unlike  every  other  Rose,  This,  the  Tea,  being  blended  by  hybridiza- 
tion with  musk  and  other  Roses,  brought  our  old  delicious  fruit-scented 
Jaune  Desprez,  or  the  Raspberry-scented  Rose.  This  being  probably  ferti- 
lized by  Cloth  of  Gold  has  given  us,  in  Gloire  de  Dijon,  the  great  desidera- 
tum of  late  years;  a  hardy  free-blooming  and  magnificent  climbing  Tea 
Rose,  with  a  true  fruit  scent.  Few  or  no  Roses  are  so  odoriferous  as  the 
Teas.  I  have  found  a  single  bloom  of  Tea  Goubault  sufficient  to  perfume  a 
large  room.  Their  peculiar  scent  is  to  be  recognized,  however  they  may 
have  been  crossed  with  other  Roses. 

The  true  old  Noisette  still  retains  the  delicate  scent  of  its  parent,  the 
Musk  Rose.  The  time  is  now  come  when  the  Noisette  Roses  of  our  catalo- 
gues must  merge  into  what  they  really  are,  a  family  of  hybrid  climbing 
Teas.  The  days  of  the  true  old  Bourbon,  too,  are  numbered.  This  brilliant 
class,  for  want  of  scent,  is  now  being  largely  hybridized  with  Teas  and 
Perpetuals  to  give  its  flowers  size  and  fragrance,  so  that  novelties  in  Bour- 
bons are  every  season  becoming  more  rare,  and  in  a  few  years  they  will 
have  to  be  called  Hj'brid  Teas.  The  Macartneys  and  other  families  have 
now  become,  for  want  of  fragrance,  quite  unpopular.  So  much  for  perfume. 
What  is  a  Rose  without  it? 

I  now  come  to  the  grand  family  of  Hybrid  Perpetuals,  the  most  popular 
of  all;  and  even  here,  although  they  have  been  united  and  blended  in  a 
thousand  ways  with  all  other  classes  of  Roses  in  cultivation,  their  perfume, 
to  one  accustomed  to  the  true  scent  of  each  class,  is  of  the  greatest  assist- 
ance in  obtaining  a  clue  to  their  pedigree.  Take  the  old  well-known 
Hybrid  Perpetual,  Madame  Laffay,  as  the  standard  in  this  class.  Its  scent 
has  been  compared  by  some  to  almond  paste,  and  is  quite  distinct  from  the 
rich  astringency  of  the  Damask  Perpetual,  and  the  well-known  Provence  or 
Cabbage.  Here,  again,  hov/  readily  the  slightest  cross  with  the  Cabbage 
or  Moss  is  to  be  distinguished,  and  I  am  glad  to  see  Mr.  Rivers  has  noticed 
this  in  his  valuable  work,  "The  Rose  Amateur's  Guide,"  and  descriptive 
catalogues,  as  perfume,  the  most  delightful  attribute  of  the  Rose,  has  been 
too  much  overlooked  in  describing  its  other  perfections.  No  class  of 
flowers  on  the  face  of  the  earth  is  so  charmingly  varied  in  this  respect. 
There  is  a  very  pretty  old  climber,  well  known  to  most  Rose  lovers,  by  the 


THE   EQUINETELY    APPLE.  549 

name  of  Aja-shire  splendons;  with  its  color  I  have  not  to  deal.  I  believe  I 
could  most  readily  disting'uish  it  from  all  others  by  its  scent,  which  has  not 
any  trace  of  the  sweetness  of  the  Rose,  but  a  powerful  odour  of  myrrh. 
As  a  contrast  to  this,  the  climbing-  white  Banksia  has  the  delightful  scent 
of  Violets.  Then  there  are  the  Austrian  Briars.  Yellow  and  Copper,  which 
are  very  singular  and  distinct  in  odour.  The  little  Double  Scotch  Rose 
(Rosa  spinosissima)  has  quite  a  charming  scent  of  its  own,  reminding-  some 
of  attar  of  Roses,  others  of  Scotch  snuff!  Even  the  young  foliage  of 
several  families  is  distinctly  scented,  as  is  well  known  in  the  case  of  Sweet 
Briars,  Mosses,  and  others. 

I  fear  many  of  our  readers  will  think  I  have  drawn  distinctions  without 
difference  in  describing  the  above  varieties  of  perfume,  but  I  believe  I  can 
array  on  my  side  a  goodly  list  of  lady  amateurs  and  brother  cultivators, 
and  I  shall  be  more  than  satisfied  if  my  remarks  cause  them  to  revel  more 
in  the  sweets  of  their  Roses.  In  connection  with  perfume  I  must  not  omit 
to  allude  to  a  more  material  point,  the  extract  or  attar  of  Roses.  The  petals 
of  the  Rose  are  beautiful  objects  viewed  under  the  microscope  ;  their  little 
vesicles  of  highly  volatile  essential  oil,  which  secrete  the  scent,  are  dis- 
tinctly visible.  The  gdands  on  the  foliage  of  the  Sweet  Briar  and  sepals  of 
the  Moss  Rose  are  very  interesting  objects.  It  is  a  singular  fact  that  our 
splendid  double  Damask  and  Tea  Roses  will  not  produce  the  attar  like  the 
semi-double  Roses  of  Persia  and  India.  This  is  clearly  attributable  to  the 
greater  heat  of  their  climate  ripening,  if  I  may  so  term  it,  or  secreting 
from  the  petals  more  of  the  essential  oil  of  Roses. — R.  Curtis,  in  London 
Florist. 


THE    EQUINETELY  APPLE.* 

This  fine  apple  may  be  considered  as  one  of  the  best  among  the  southern 
native  winter  varieties.  It  originated,  if  my  memor}'-  is  correct,  near  the 
mountains  which  form  the  northern  boundary  of  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia, 
and  where  so  many  fine  varieties  have  been  found  of  late,  and  brought  into 
notice  by  our  zealous  amateurs,  J.  Van  Buren,  Mr.  McDowell  and  others. 

The  tree  is  a  very  vigorous,  upright  grower,  with  thickly  set  and  stiff 
foliage,  retaining  something  of  the  appearance  of  a  wild  seedling.  The 
fruit  is  large  or  above  medium  ;  of  a  deep  red  and  yellow  hue,  about  the 
form  of  a  Fall  pippin.  Its  flesh  is  very  tender,  white,  and  juicy  ;  with  a 
delicious  vinous  taste,  and  a  peculiar  aroma,  more  delicate  than  the  well- 
known  spicy  aroma  of  most  of  our  southern  native  varieties.  It  is  in  my 
opinion  a  superior  fruit  in  all  respects.  It  keeps  and  ripens  handsomely,  till 
February  at  least,  but  with  good  management  and  coi^venient  cellars  I  have 
no  doubt  that  its  season  of  ultimate  maturity  can  be  protracted  till  April, 
even  in  the  South  ;  while  further  north  it  would  prove  to  be  entirely  a  win- 
ter fruit. 

Its  foliage  is  dark  and  profuse.  The  wood  of  the  shoots  is  of  a  purplish 
hue,  dotted  with  ash-gray  speaks,  very  apparent,  and  woolly  towards  the 
extremities.  A  fine  erect  grower,  and  of  great  promise  to  our  orchards. — • 
L,  E.  Berckmaks. 

*  See  Frontispiece. 


"ha:ndy  helps  to  useful  knowledge." 


VISIT    TO    SAWBRIDGEWORTH,   HERTS,    ENGLAND. 

Mr.  Rivers'  pleasant  home  stands  on  the  top  of  a  bank  sloping  to  the 
road,  and  that  bank  is  like  a  cataract  of  flowers,  covered  with  white  Roses, 
as  though  a  million  of  butterflies  were  resting  there  awhile,  and  brightening 
the  scene  as  if  a  large  supply  of  newly  made  stars  were  there,  awaiting 
their  distribution  in  the  firmament. 

Of  the  Roses  at  Sawbridgeworth  what  shall  I  say  ?  Acre  upon  acre, 
regiment  after  regiment  of  statel}^  standards,  lake  after  lake  of  dwarfs, 
"  dazzle  the  eye  and  bewilder  the  brain,"  as  the  jewels  and  gold  of  the 
Baron  (was  it  Larray  or  de  Heckeren  ?)  bewildered  the  fickle  Imogene  ! 
"There  is  a  nice  little  patch  of  Mosses,"  said  Mr.  Rivers,  the  said  patch 
being  tlie  size  of  my  whole  collection,  and  a  beautiful  Rose  garden  in  itself 

Of  Roses  new  to  me  1  thought  Arthur  de  Sansales,  Cardinal  Patrizzi,  and 
Prince  Noir  very  striking  in  color,  and,  for  the  sake  of  contrast  and  novelty, 
to  be  added  to  every  collection  :  they  are  very  dark  in  tint,  and,  though  not 
large,  eflective.  Louise  Magnan,  Raphael,  and  Comte  de  Nanteuil  I  had 
never  seen  in  their  beauty  ;  and  "  when  found"  I  "  made  a  note  of"  Orne- 
ment  des  Jardius,  brilliant,  but  small.  Bacchus  anything  but  "jolly,"  and 
looked  as  though  he  had  ruined  his  constitution  by  excess.  Triomphe  de 
I'Exposition,  very  bright  and  cheerful,  uniformly  attractive  and  good.  A 
new  Rose  called  Thomas  Rivers  is  not  so  good-looking  as  its  namesake  at 
present,  but  I  thought  I  saw  a  promise  of  great  improvement  when  more 
established,  and  in  a  favorable  season.  Of  all  Roses  which  I  had  not  pre- 
viously seen  in  their  perfection,  I  liked  Madame  Vidot  best ;  and,  next  to 
her,  from  the  fine  shape  of  the  flowers  and  the  free  habit  of  growth,  Madame 
Ory,*  perpetual  moss.  Of  sorts  well-known  to  us  all,  I  think  the  most 
beautiful  were  Lord  Raglan,  Jules  Margottin,  Madame  Rivers,  Prince  Leon, 
Angelina  Granger,  General  Brea,  Madame  Place,  General  Jacqueminot 
(larger  than  usual),  William  Griffiths  (this  year  quite  as  good  as  his  rival 
Mathurin),  Caroline  de  Sansales,  Madame  Duchere,  Madame  Phelip,  General 
Castellan  ("grandly  gorgeous),  L'Elegante  Nouvclle,  and  fifty  others.  It  is 
indeed  invidious  to  particularize,  and  the  more  one  says  of  such  a  display, 
the  more  one  seems  to  leave  unsaid. —  Geant  des Batailles. 


"HANDY  HELPS  TO   USEFUL   KNOWLEDGE." 

Under  this  title  is  publishing  in  London  a  series  of  penny  treatises  on 
whatever  may  be  the  topics  of  the  day.  They  are  marvelously  cheap, 
and  necessarily  on  very  varied  themes — from  "  Eclipses  "  to  "  Mormons," 
from  "Sir  Colin  Campbell"  to  "The  Leviathan."  They  are  good  epitomes 
of  information,  relative  to  subjects  of  which  every  one  is  talking.  "  The 
In-Door  Naturalist"  gives  hints  and  directions  for  constructing  and  stock- 
ing Wardian  Cases,  Aquaria,  '&c.  It  concludes  with  the  following 
extracts  from  a  century-old  pamphlet  on  "The  Water  Garden  :" 

"  It  is  entitled,  'A  Flower  Garden  for  Gentlemen  and  Ladies  ;  or,  the 
Art  of  Raising  Flowers  without  Trouble,  to  Blow  in  full  Perfection  in  the 
Depth  of  Winter,  in  a  Bed-Chamber,  Closet  or  Dining  Room.'     From  this 

*  Madame  Ory  bloomed  in  our  garden  at  Gerraantown  lill  November  last,  and-  is  really  that  long  sought  acqui 
sition,  a  Perpetual  Moss. — Ed. 


HANDY   HELPS   TO   USEFUL  KNOWLEDGE." 

strang-e  old  book  we  will  take  the  liberty  of  making'  such  extracts  as  are 
likely  to  interest  the  in-door  naturalist,  to  whom  we  must  leave  the  task 
of  verifying'  the  statements  which  they  contain. 

"  'I  flatter  m3'self,'  says  our  quaint  author,  'that  the  following'  improve- 
ments in  the  delig'htful  art  of  g'ardening,  as  it  has  hitherto  escaped  the 
thought  of  the  curious,  will  meet  with  no  unwelcome  reception,  it  being-  a 
contrivance  to  divert  the  ingenious,  in  a  place  and  at  a  time  they  cannot 
be  otherwise  furnished  wnth  those  pleasing  objects  of  delight  ;  that  is,  to 
raise  many  sorts  of  flowers  in  a  chamber,  in  the  greatest  smoke  of  London, 
and  in  the  midst  of  w^inter,  and  to  have  them  blow  in  full  perfection 
within  the  twelve  days  of  Christmas,  as  I  had  myself  in  the  last  Christ- 
mas past. 

"'I  shall  run  into  no  extravagances,  and  only  give  the  reader  what  I 
performed  with  very  little  trouble,  leaving  the  improvement  thereof  to 
better  understandings.' 

''After  having  described  his  early  experiments,  in  which  he  succeeded 
in  raising  Tulips,  Snowdrops,  Crocuses,  and  other  plants  in  large  basins, 
filled  with  good  garden  mould,  he  arrives  at  the  conclusion  that  earth  can 
be  entirely  dispensed  with,  and  that  the  plants  may  be  made  to  flourish  in 
water  alone." 

"  '  I  resolved  to  trust  to  the  effects  of  water  only  ; '  he  continues,  '  that 
is,  without  earth,  which  would  be  a  much  neater  and  cleanlier  way,  and 
might  be  more  acceptable  to  the  curious  of  the  fair  sex,  who  must  be 
highly  pleased  to  see  a  garden  growing  and  exposing  all  the  beauties  of 
spring  flowers  with  the  most  delicious  perfumes  thereof,  in  their  chambers 
or  parlors — a  diversion  worthy  the  entertainment  of  the  most  ingenious  ; 
but  yet  further,  to  bring  this  to  a  more  profitable  use,  by  raising  young 
salads  in  the  same  place,  and  all  with  very  little  trouble  or  charge. 

"  '  I  bought  some  dozens  of  flint  glasses,  of  the  Germans  who  cut  them 
prettily  and  sell  them  cheap.  I  bought  them  from  whole  pints  to  halves 
and  quarters.  These  glasses  are  wide  at  the  top,  and  are  made 
tapering  to  the  bottom,  which  renders  them  very  convenient  for  this 
use.  I  likewise  bought  some  glass  basins,  as  large  as  I  could  get,  and 
took  care  to  choose  them  also  tapering  from  top  to  bottom  ;  then  I  fitted 
pieces  of  cork,  about  half  an  inch  thick,  to  the  inside  of  the  tops  of  the 
glasses,  which  I  could  not  sink  far  in,  by  reason  of  the  glasses  being  less 
all  the  way  from  the  top  to  the  bottom,  as  aforesaid.  In  these  corks  I 
cut  holes  proportional  to  the  roots  which  I  designed  to  place  upon  them. 
Some  glasses  would  hold  two  roots,  some  but  one,  and  some  three  or  four. 
The  corks  on  the  basins  had  manj'  less  holes  cut  in  them,  in  order  to  place 
on  them  a  number  of  smaller  roots,  which  might  blow  together  with  the 
more  splendor.  Being  thus  prepared,  which  was  all  my  charge  and 
trouble  that  way,  my  next  business  was  to  get  the  flower-roots.  A  little 
before  Michaelmas,  I  accordingly  made  a  small  collection  of  Polyanthus 
and  Narcissus  roots,  several  sorts  of  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  Crocuses,  Daffs, 
Jonquils,  &c.,  all  large-blowing  roots,  or  the  labor  of  rearing  them  would 
have  been  lost.  These  I  placed  upon  the  corks  in  glasses  proper  to  their 
size,  the  Crocuses  on  the  corks  in  the  basins,  that  they  niight,  being  of 
various  colors,  blow  together  to  make  the  more  pleasing  object.  Before  I 
placed  these  dry  roots  on  the  corks,  I  filled  the  basins  and  glasses  only  just 
to  the  bottom  of  the  corks,  so  that  the  bottoms  of  the  bulbs,  would  but 
touch  the  water,  of  which  I  take  the  Thames  water  to  be  the  best,  as  being 


strongly  impregnated  with  prolific  matter,  like  rich  earth  well  manured  for 
corn  or  garden  use.  My  dr}'  roots  being  thus  placed  in  my  windows,  some 
of  them  even  with  the  panes,  others  witli  their  tops  only  even  with  the  bottom 
of  the  sash,  which,  by  the  way,  I  kept  always  shut  because  my  glasses  hin- 
dered the  opening  of  the  casement  ;  but,  doubtless,  a  little  air  in  very  fine 
weather,  when  the  wind  was  only  in  the  south  or  west,  and  when  there  was 
no  frost,  would  have  been  very  advantageous  to  the  plants— I  took  par- 
ticular care  that  no  water  should  be  filled  up  to  wet  any  more  than  just  the 
bottoms  of  the  bulbous  roots,  for  that  certainly  would  have  rotted  them,  and 
have  destroyed  all  my  hopes. 

"  '  In  a  few  days  after  I  had  placed  my  spring  flower-roots  on  the  corks 
over  the  water,  they  threw  out  their  white  fibrous  roots  strongly  into  the 
water,  which  was  a  most  diverting  pleasure  to  behold.  The  whole  process 
of  that  germination  (if  I  may  so  call  it)  was  visible  through  the  glass. 
When  the  glasses  were  pretty  well  filled  with  these  fibrous  roots,  that  is, 
when  there  were  enough  to  draw  sufficient  strength  for  the  nourishment  of 
the  leaves,  stalks,  and  flowers,  the  green  buds  first  appeared,  which  soon 
shot  into  leaves,  and  the  stalks  with  the  flower-buds  soon  followed,  all  as 
strong,  or,  I  may  say,  rather  stronger  than  the  garden  does  afford.  They 
grew  so  fast,  and  yet  with  a  full  strength,  that  I  had  Polyanthuses  and 
Narcissuses  blowing  out  in  perfection  before  Christmas-day,  with  all  their 
perfection  of  color  and  perfume.  Several  Hyacinths  followed  them  in  the 
same  manner.  The  Crocuses  would  have  been  equally  early,  but  I  could 
not  get  any  roots  to  my  mind  till  some  time  after  Michaelmas,  which  occa- 
sioned their  being  later  than  the  rest  of  their  companions.  I  at  last  met 
with  the  large  roots  of  the  great  blue  Crocus,  which  blows  late,  and  very 
often  not  at  all.  The  j'ellow  Crocus,  and  the  white-striped,  or  very  pale 
blue,  are  the  forwardest,  and  the  best  to  be  chosen  for  our  use. 

'"At  a  time  when  the  gardens  are  divested  of  all  their  beauty,  this  early 
production  will  supply  the  curious  ladies  with  most  agreeable  perfumes  for 
their  chambers  and  parlors,  and  with  nosegays  to  adorn  their  bosoms  at 
Christmas,  when  they  dress  their  houses  with  evergreens.  It  must  be  remem- 
bered that  the  rooms  in  which  this  gardening  is  carried  on  must  have  fires 
in  them  every  day,  as  I  had  in  my  chamber,  which  was  kept  with  reason- 
able warmth  all  the  day  and  evening,  but  not  at  night.  These  exceedingly 
forward  rarities  are  certainly  most  grateful  to  the  exterior  senses  ;  but 
this  leads  me  to  a  more  useful  fact,  namely,  that  by  the  same  means  you 
can  produce,  as  early  as  you  please,  something  that  may  be  acceptable  to 
the  taste,  and  nourishing  to  the  microcosm,  or  little  world — the  body  ;  that 
is  to  say,  that  you  can  raise  fine  young  salads  in  the  coldest  part  of  winter, 
in  any  warm  room,  as  aforesaid,  and  very  nearly  after  the  same  manner.' " 


CULTUEE   OF   SPECIMEN   CINERAKIAS 


CULTIVATION    OF    THE    GOOSEBERRY. 

BY  THE  HON,  P.  B.  DE  BLAQUIERE,  YORKVILLE,  TORONTO,  CANADA. 

A  GENERAL  Complaint  exists  in  tliis  vicinity  in  the  cultivation  of  the  Goose- 
bciTj',  from  mildew  invariably  appeariHg,  when  the  berry  is  well  formed  ; 
and  the  fruit  afterwards  mostly  dropping  of;  wliat  remains  being  quite 
useless.     The  soil  is  very  sandy,  resting  on  clay. 

Four  3'cars  since.  I  planted,  where   1  reside,  three  dozens  of  the  choicest 
sorts,  all  fine  plants,  with  single  stems;  they  are  well  grown  and  handsome 
bushes;  but  notwithstanding  every  care  in  the  culture;  and  various  experi- 
ments, each  season  has  been  attended  with  the  same  disappointment,  from 
Whei,pk.ced  on  the  ground  ^^VMew,  until  the  present  year;  when,  follow- 

ing the  plan  ot  a  neighbor,  who  has  always 
an  abundant  crop.  I  introduced  under  each 
bush  two  large  stout  shingles  joining  at  the 
stem,  and  enclosing  thus,  extending  to  the  out- 
side of  the  branches,  on  t/te  ffronnd  {my  neigh- 
bor uses  boards).  The  result  has  been  a  fine 
crop  free  from  mildew,  in  a  season  when  et'ery 
other  description  of  fruit  in  my  garden,  and 
with  others,  is  a  complete  failure. 

One  bush  in  another  compartment  was  not 
thus  treated;  and  all  the  fruit  on  it  was  mil- 
dewed, and  dropt  off. 

This  information  maj  perhaps  be  useful  to 
others,  through  the  medium  of  your  widely 
circulating,  and  valuable  Jlorticulturist,  and 
I  am  therefore  induced  to  send  it.  I  think  it 
important  that  the  shingle  covering  should  ex- 
tend to  the  outside  extremities  of  the  branches.  I  fix  them  as  soon  as  the  fruit 
is  set. 

P.S. — I  cannot  but  add  how  important  a  service  would  be  rendered  to 
horticulture,  by  exterminating  the  "  curcidioy 


the  two  edges  are  to  be  joined. 


CULTURE    OF    SPECIMEN    CINERARIAS. 

BY  DANIEL  BARKER,  SPRINGFIELD,  MASS. 

As  the  time  for  commencing  the  propagation  of  the  cineraria  for  Sjyecimen 
Plants  for  the  ensuing  winter  and  spring  months,  is  just  at  hand,  I  beg  to 
offer  a  few  remarks  with  reference  to  growing  them;  bearing  in  mind  that  I 
write  not  for  the  practical  florist,  but  only  for  the  humblest  capacities.  I 
shall  therefore,  in  the  plainest  manner  endeavor  to  give  a  few  practical  hints 
on  the  management  of  plants  for  specimens. 

The  Cineraria, — one  of  the  most  useful  as  well  as  the  most  beautiful  of 
winter  and  spring  flowering  plants,  — when  seen  under  good  cultivation 
is  one  of  the  many  floral  objects  that  possess  great  attractions  to  the  eye. 
Its  early  period  of  blooming,  its  many  varieties,  combined  with  its  compact 
habit  of  growth,  render  it  desirable  for  the  decoration  of  the  green-house, 
conservatory,  or  the  lady's  boudoir,  during  the  early  spring  months 

Apart  from   all  this,  when  well  grown   specimens   are   exhibited  at 


N.  S.:    Vol.  VIII.— December,  1858. 


36 


CULTURE   OF   SPECIMEN   CINERARIAS. 


spring'  Horticultural  exhibitions,  what  a  crowd  of  fair  visitors  gather  around 
and  admire  them,  and  justly  so.  Looking  back  some  twenty  years  amongst 
the  then  best  varieties  of  the  day  they  were  few  in  number,  and  very 
inferior  in  qualit}'',  compared  witli  the  beautiful  varieties  of  the  present  day. 
For  example,  let  the  King  Watcrhosiana,  Brewerii,  &c.,  be  placed  by  the 
side  of  such  eleg'ant  varieties  as  Baroness  Eothschild,  Regalia,  Prince  of 
Wales,  Mrs.  Colman,  &c.,  and  the  improved  character  of  the  cineraria  will 
be  finely  illustrated.  Well  grown  specimens  of  the  improved  varieties  from 
si.K  to  eight  feet  in  circumference,  (many  are  grown  much  more)  and  from 
12  to  30  inches  high  in  full  bloom,  are  noble  objects  which  none  can  appre- 
ciate without  witnessing. 

Culture. — The  soil  in  which  I  have  found  the  cineraria  to  thrive  best,  con- 
sists oftwo  parts  of  good  turfy  loam,  and  an  equal  apart  of  good,  old  decomposed 
cow  dung  and  leaf  mould,  with  an  admixture  of  pearl  and  silver  sand, 
mixing  a  little  charcoal  with  it  about  the  size  of  small  walnuts.  Not  later 
than  the  middle  of  August,  select  the  strongest  offsets  and  pot  in  well  drained 
small  pots,  being  very  careful  not  to  saturate  the  soil  by  watering  them. 
Place  them  in  a  cool  fi-ame  near  the  glass,  being  careful  to  shade  during  hot 
weather,  but  never  shade  when  not  absolutely  necessary,  as  by  so  doing  the 
plants  would  draw  up  weak,  which  must  be  strictl}^  guarded  against,  as 
g'ood  strong  dwarf  growth  must  be  encouraged  from  the  time  of  separating 
the  offset  froni  the  parent  stem,  until  the  expansion  of  the  first  flower  buds. 
Syringe  overhead  three  or  four  times  a  week  with  clean  soft  water,  which 
will  not  only  tend  to  keep  the  plants  clean  and  free  from  insects,  but' will 
g'reatly  encourage  the  full  development  of  the  foliag-e.  When  the  plants 
are  well  established  in  the  pots  remove  the  sash  entirely,  and  if  the  weather 
should  be  hot,  shade  during  the  hottest  part  of  the  day  with  canvas. 
When  the  pots  are  well  filled  with  roots  shift  into  well  drained  4  or  6  inch 
pots,  according  to  the  strength  of  the  plants,  giving  them  rother  a  liberal 
supply  of  water  at  the  root  and  overhead.  Never  allow  them  to  suffer  for 
the  want  of  water,  or  spoil  them  by  an  over  abundance,  each  extreme  must 
be  carefully  guarded  against.  By  the  middle  of  October,  if  they  have  been 
well  attended  to,  they  will  be  large  enough  to  receive  their  final  shift  into 
12  or  14  inch  pots. 

These  pots  must  be  ^pell  drained^ — place  over  the  hole  in  the  centre,  an  oys- 
ter or  clam  shell  ;  over  this  an  inch  of  broken  pots,  and  then  from  one  to 
two  inches  of  rough  loam  or  moss,  for  the  final  shift  I  have  used  the  follow- 
ing compost  with  very  satisfactory  results  ;  equal  parts  of  good  turfy  loam, 
peat  and  leaf  mould,  one  fourth  rotten  sheep  dung,  a  few  handfulls  of  good 
white  sand  with  a  small  portion  of  small  pieces  of  charcoal  all  well  mixed 
up  together  ;  after  potting,  replace  them  in  a  cool  frame  close  to  the  glass, 
in  which  situation  they  should  remain  as  long  as  the  weather  permits. 
Allow  a  free  circulation  of  air  at  all  times  when  it  can  be  safely  done, 
sj'ringing  overhead  occasionally,  and  being  very  careful  to  keep  down  the 
green  fly  by  frequent  fumigations  of  tobacco;  the  plants  will  soon  commence 
to  throw  up  these  flowering  stems,  which  must  be  stopped  when  about  two 
inches  high  and  kept  down  to  the  surface  of  tlie  pot,  by  pegging  or  otherwise. 

When  frosty  weather  occurs  the  plants  must  be  removed  to  the  green- 
house, as  near  the  glass  as  possible;  give  occasional  waterings  with  manure 
water  (once  a  week  will  be  ample),  being  careful  to  give  a  free  circulation 
of  air  at  all  favorable  times,  and  paying  strict  attention  to  cleanlin 
ing  down  the   green  fly  by  fumigation  ;  and   should  mildew  mak 


AVINTKR   rORCIXG   AND   PROPAGATIXG   HOUSE. 


appearance  b}'  a  slight  dusting  of  sulphur  upon  the  parts  affected.  A  great 
drawback  to  tlie  well  being  of  the  cineraria  during  the  winter  months  is 
the  close  proximity  to  flues  and  pipes  ;  to  obviate  this  I  place  boards 
covered  with  one  or  two  inches  of  sand  upon  the  stage  above  the  flues, 
upon  which  the  pots  are  placed  ;  watering  the  sand  occasionally,  as  the 
stems  continue  to  grow\  Let  each  be  tied  out  separately  to  neat  clean 
sticks.  Sufficient  I  think  has  been  said  with  regard  to  growing  tlie  plants, 
and  if  folh^wed  up  I  am  sure  it  will  not  fail  to  reward  the  grower  by  their  ex- 
tra beaut}".  Should  any  readers  of  the  Horticulturist  require  more  informa- 
tion upon  this  popular  flower,  I  shall  be  happy  to  give  it,  so  far  as  I  am  able. 


WINTER    FORGING   AND    PROPAGATING   HOUSE. 

BY  DANIEL  BARKER. 

Agreeably  to  your  request  I  forward  a  plan  of  my  Winter  Forcing  and 
Propagating  House,  hoping  it  may  prove  useful  to  the  class  for  whom  it  is 
designed,  viz.,  the  amateur  and  market  gardener. 

Although  I  cannot  claim  the  merit  of  first  introducing  the  novel  mode  of 
tank  heating  which  I  am  about  to  describe,  (that  being  due  to  the  Messrs. 
Hendersons,  London,  England,)  I  can  say  that  to  the  best  of  mj^  knowledge 
I  was  the  first  to  carry  it  into  practice  in  this  country.  I  will  at  once  pro- 
ceed to  state  what  I  consider  to  be  its  advantages  over  all  other  kinds  of 
forcing  houses,  which  have  come  under  my  notice.  First,  the  bottom  heat 
is  much  more  regular,  steady,  and  effectual,  than  from  the  common  tank,  or 
dung  bed.  Hence,  it  is  much  more  congenial  for  the  full  development  of 
roots,  foliage,  and  fruit,  than  by  any  other  method.  Secondly,  a  much 
greater  variety  of  plants  can  be  grown  together  with  advantage.  Hence, 
the  adaptation  of  such  a  house  for  the  amateur  and  market  gardener,  whose 
dependence  must  of  necessity  be  upon  early  productions.  The  raising 
grape  vines  from  single  ej'es  in  such  a  structure,  is  attended  with  the  most 
complete  success;  the  eyes  put  in  by  the  first  week  in  March,  will  under 
ordinary  care  attain  the  height  of  from  six  to  eight  feet  by  the  fall,  with  the 
wood  perfectly  ripened. 

The  strawberry  can  be  cultivated  and  its  fruit  ripened  to  great  perfection; 
there  is  no  fruit  we  possess  of  so  much  value  to  the  market  gardener.  A 
great  deal  miglit  be  said  here  upon  the  forcing  and  culture  of  this  universal 
favorite,  but  1  feel  that  I  am  already  trespassing  too  much  upon  your  space. 
Those  who  are  desirous  of  having  early  Cucumbers,  Melons,  Tomatoes,  Rhu- 
barb, Sea  Kale,  &;c.,  can  be  gratified  to  their  heart's  content  in  such  a  structure. 

There  is  no  subject  connected  with  decorative  gardening,  of  so  mucli 
importance,  as  being  provided  with  the  means  of  raising  a  good  suppl}'  of 
summer  bedding  plants  ;  here  all  kinds  of  soft  wooded  green-house  matters 
can  be  raised  with  tlie  greatest  facility. 

In  conclusion  I  wish  to  make  a  few  remarks,  which  I  hope  will  be  of  ser- 
vice to  the  amateur;  it  is  an  indubitable  fact  that  more  plants  are  annually 
killed  by  over  kindness,  than  by  neglect;  over  watering  in  winter,  using  a 
soil  of  too  stimulating  a  nature,  and  by  keeping  up  the  temperature  too 
high,  are  a  few  of  the  manj'  evils  which  the  over  anxious  amateur  is  likely 
to  fall  into;  in  visiting  such  a  house  notwithstanding  it  may  have  cost 
hundreds  of  dollars,  and  be  attended  with  the  most  assiduous  care,  you 
perceive  death  written  upon  the  lanky  visages  of  nearly  all  the  inmates 


WINTER   FORCING   AND   PROrAGATING    HOUSE. 


The  gi-and  secret  of  manag-ing'  tlie  winter  forcing-house  is  good  air,  good 
soil  for  the  plants,  and  good  tepid  water  when  necessary.  To  enter  into 
detail  upon  tlie  management  of  the  house,  and  of  each  tribe  of  plants  would 
occupy  too  much  space,  but  should  a  few  practical  remarks  be  deemed  desir- 
able upon  them  at  some  future  time,  I  shall  be  pleased  to  comply. 

In  the  construction  of  the  tanks  which  I  have  used,  I  have  found  it  essen- 
tial to  differ  somewhat  from  those  of  tlie  Messrs.  Henderson  in  the  filling  up 
size  of  the  pipes,  &c.  The  tanks  are  made  with  well  seasoned  li^-  inch 
white  pine*,  being  careful  to  select  such  boards  as  are  quite  free  from  knots; 
they  are  carefully  tongued  and  grooved  and  put  together  with  white  lead. 

Size  of  the  tanks  15  inches  deep,  3|-  or  4  feet  wide,  according  to  circum- 
stances. After  the  circulation  is  proved  to  be  perfect,  the  tank  is  filled  up 
as  follows;  first  with  a  layer  of  clean  stones  about  the  size  of  a  medium 
sized  nutmeg  melon;  upon  these  a  layer  not  as  large;  and  then  a  layer 
about  the  size  of  a  pigeon's  egg,  then  a  layer  of  rough  gravel,  then  more 
not  so  rough,  and  so  on,  until  the  top  is  of  the  finest  sand.  Here  I  would 
add  a  word  of  caution  in  selecting  sand  for  rooting  cuttings,  in  being  \cvj 
careful  to  select  such  as  contain  no  acid  of  iron  or  any  vegetable  matter; 
to  effect  this  the  sand  should  be  washed  till  the  water  can  be  poured  away 
quite  clean  ;  unless  the  washing  is  well  attended  to,  the  rooting  of  the  cut- 
tings may  be  attended  with  very  unfavorable  results;  the  part  used  for 
plunging  the  pots  containing  cucumbers,  &c.,  should  be  filled  the  same  as 
for  propagating,  but  the  sand  will  not  require  washing. 

After  the  tanks  are  filled  up,  one  foot  of  water  may  be  let  in  and  the 
pipes  will  heat  the  entire  mass  to  from  70°  to  85°,  more  or  less,  and  once  that 
heat  is  obtained  a  few  hours'  firing,  morning  and  evening,  according  to  the 
state  of  the  external  atmosphere  will  be  siifficient  to  keep  it  up.  Four 
inches  of  sand  will  be  sufficient  to  keep  down  all  the  vapor  in  midv.'inter, 
the  water  can  be  withdrawn  by  means  of  a  cock,  and  then  a  most  congenial 
and  beautiful  dry  bottom  heat  wnll  be  the  result.  The  kind  of  material 
used  in  the  construction  of  such  a  house  will  of  course  depend  on  circum- 
stances; those  which  1  have  put  up,  for  the  walls  I  have  used  good  oak  or 
cedar  posts  four  inches  square,  close  boarded  on  either  side  and  filled  in 
w'ith  lath  and  plaster  ;  the  roof  is  two-thirds  a  fixture,  the  upper  parts  swing- 
on  pivots  or  hinges,  and  are  opened  and  closed  by  the  same  means  as 
described  by  Mr.  Cliorlton,  on  page  52  of  his  valuable  work,  the  Grape 
Grower's  Guide. 

Much  might  be  said  upon  the  location  for  such  structures,  the  adaptation 
of  the  tank  for  other  kinds  of  houses  than  span  roofed,  the  kind  of  boiler,  &c. 
But  should  any  of  j'our  readers  require  any  further  information  upon  the 
plan,  Szc,  it  will  afTord  me  much  pleasure  to  render  them  all  within  my 
power,  privately  or  otherwise. 

REFERENCES   TO    NUMBERS    ON    PLAN. 

1.  Ventilators  in  front  wall. — 2.  Pit  with  movable  top.  During  the  winter 
months  the  top  is  closed,  and  the  pit  kept  filled  with  Khubarb  which  forces 
admirably ;  during  the  summer,  the  top  is  removed  and  the  pit  filled  with 
some  fermenting  material  for  plunging  j'oung  grape  vines  in. — 3.  Two  2-inch 
pipes  passing  through  the  tank. — 4.  Ret«irn  pipe  passing  round  the  outside 
of  the  tank. — 5.  Tank. — 6.  Potting  Bench. — 7.  Smoke  flues  which  pass 
directly  under  the  tank  around  the  house. — 8.  Boiler  House. 


SENSITIVE    PLANT. 

The  movement  of  the  leaves  of  the  Mimosa  pudica  have  their  origin  in 
certain  enlargements,  situated  at  the  articulation  of  ti.e  leaflets  with  the 
petiole,  and  of  the  petiole  with  the  stem.  Those  only  which  are  situated  in 
the  last  articulation  are  of  sufficient  size  to  he  submitted  to  experiment. 
If,  by  a  longitudinal  section,  the  lower  half  of  this  swelling  be  removed, 
the  petiole  will  remain  depressed,  having  lost  the  power  of  elevating  itself; 
if  the  superior  half  be  removed,  the  petiole  will  remain  constantly  elevated, 
having  lost  the  power  of  depressing  itself.  These  facts  prove  that  the 
motions  of  the  petiole  depend  on  the  alternate  turgescence  of  the  upper  and 
lower  half  of  the  enlargement,  situated  at  the  point  of  articulation  :  and 
that  contractibility  is  not  the  principle  of  these  motions.  If  one  part  of  the 
plant  be  irritated,  the  others  will  soon  S3'mpathize,  or  bear  witness,  by  the 
successive  falling  of  their  leaves,  that  they  have  successively  felt  the  irrita- 
tion. Thus,  if  a  leaflet  be  burnt  slightly  by  a  lens,  the  interior  movement 
which  is  produced  will  be  propagated  successively  to  the  other  leaflets  of 
the  leaf,  and  thence  to  the  other  leaves  on  the  same  stalk.  A  very  clever 
French  experimentalist,  Mens.  Dutrochet,  found,  1st — That  this  interior 
movement  is  transmitted  equally  well,  either  ascending  or  descending. 
2d — That  it  is  equally  well  transmitted,  even  though  a  ring  of  bark  has 
been  removed.  3d — That  it  is  transmissible,  even  though  the  bark  and 
pith  be  removed  so  that  nothing  remain  to  communicate  between  the  two 
parts  of  the  skin  except  the  woody  fibres  and  vessels.  4th — That  it  is 
transmissible,  even  when  the  two  parts  communicate  merely  by  a  shred  of 
bark.  5th — That  it  may  be  transmitted  even  when  the  communication 
exists  by  the  pith  only.  6th — But  that  it  is  not  transmissible,  when  the 
communication  exists  merely  by  the  cortical  parenchyma.  From  these  very 
interesting  experiments,  it  results  that  the  interior  movement  produced  by 
irritation,  is  propagated  by  the  ligneous  fibres  and  the  vessels.  The  propa- 
gation is  more  rapid  in  the  petioles  than  in  the  body  of  the  stem  ;  in  the 
former  it  moves  through  a  distance  of  from  three  to  six-tenths  of  an  inch  in 
a  second  ;  in  the  latter,  through  from  eight  to  twelve-hundredths  of  an  inch, 
during  the  same  portion  of  time.  External  temperature  does  not  appear  to 
exert  any  influence  on  the  rapidity  of  the  movement,  but  very  sensibly 
affects  its  extent.  Absence  from  light,  during  a  certain  time,  completely 
destroys  the  irritability  of  the  plant.  Such  change  takes  place  more 
rapidly  when  the  temperature  is  elevated,  than  when  it  is  low.  The  return 
of  the  sun's  influence  readily  restores  the  plant  to  its  irritable  state.  It 
appears,  therefore,  that  it  is  by  the  action  of  light,  that  the  vital  properties 
of  vegetables  are  supported,  as  it  is  by. the  action  of  oxygen  that  those  of 
animals  are  preserved,  consequently,  etiolation  is  to  the  former  what  asphyxia 
is  to  the  lattei'. 

M.  Desfontames  has  shown  that  plants,  even  in  their  motions  accommodate 
themselves  to  an  alteration  in  their  condition.  This  naturalist  took  some 
sensitive  plants  with  him  in  a  carriage  ;  and  observed  that  as  the  carriage 
began  to  roll,  the  plants  at  first  trembled  and  drooped;  but  soon,  accommodat- 
ing themselves  to  the  jolting,  gradually  beg^an  to  raise  their  heads  until 
the  leaves  had  gained  their  usual  position  on  the  stalks.  He  repeated  the 
periment  several  times,  and  always  with  the  same  results.  If  the  car 
e,  after  a  brief  halt  went  on  again,  the  leaves  would  droop  forthwith. 


GRAPE   HOUSES. 


but  the  danger  of  being-  shaken  from  their  petioles  was  soop  removed  by 
the  plants  re-assuming  the  erect  position,  which  they  then  continued  to 
retain. 


GRAPE    HOUSES. 

My  remarks  in  favor  of  curvilinear  roofs,  do  not  appear  to  have  had  much 
influence  with  Mr.  Saunders;  but  as  I  do  not  consider  them  quite  disproved 
by  his  last  communication,  I  have  a  short  rejoinder  to  make  respecting  two 
or  three  points  in  his  article.  I  have  no  desire  or  intention,  however,  of 
embroiling  mj-sclf  in  a  controversy,  concerning  what  many  regard  as  a 
mere  matter  of  taste  and  opinion,  particularly  as  there  is  so  little  proba- 
bilit}'^  of  either  party  being  converted. 

Mr.  Saunders'  assertion  that  grapes  can  be  grown  as  well  and  easily, 
under  a  straight,  as  a  curved  roof,  I  do  not  gainsay,  as  his  experience  is 
much  more  extensive  than  my  own;  but  some  other  of  his  arguments  I  shall 
not  so  readil}''  admit. 

Regarding  the  cost,  the  next  most  important  point,  he  states  that  the 
necessary  additional  expense  of  a  curvilinear  roof  is  "  over  thirty  per  cent." 
Now  I  am  informed  by  a  practical  mechanic,  who  has  devoted  much  time 
and  study  to  this  subject,  and  is  engaged  in  erecting  such  structures,  that 
he  is  willing  to  contract  to  build  curvilinear  houses  at  an  advance  of  ten 
per  cent  upon  Mr.  Saunders'  prices  for  angular  ones,  the  finish  to  be,  in 
every  respect,  equallj'-  good. 

I  differ  from  Mr.  Saunders  in  regard  to  the  deficiency  of  architectural 
beauty  and  proportion  of  which  he  speaks.  In  giving  the  dimensions  of  a 
curvilinear  house,  he  allows  but  two  feet  for  the  height  of  the  front  wall, 
which  I  consider  a  quite  too  low  base  for  either  a  curveal  or  straight  rafter 
to  rest  upon,  and  see  no  good  reason  for  i-estricting  it  to  that  height.  Did 
such  a  necessity  exist  in  either  instance,  1  should  think  that  his  objection 
would  apply  with  equal  force  to  both  cases. 

As  to  "the  difficulty  of  equalizing  the  temperature"  in  "narrow,  high 
houses,"  I  do  not  consider  it  necessary  that  a  curvilinear  roof  should  be 
much  higher  in  proportion  to  the  width  than  an  inclined  one.  That  they  are 
not  unfrequently  constructed  in  that  manner  is  not  to  be  denied,  and  Mr. 
Saunders  will  doubtless  admit  that  he  has  seen  "  narrow,  high  houses"  with 
right  lined  roofs,  but  my  remarks  (and  I  presume  also  those  of  Mr.  Saun- 
ders,) are  not  intended  to  apply  to  either  extreme,  but  to  the  most  approved 
form  of  each  class. 

Mr.  Saunders  deserves  some  credit  for  the  ingenuity  with  which  he 
equalizes  the  training  surface,  by  considering  the  upright  glass  of  the  one 
construction  as  a  part  of  the  roof,  and  assuming  that  none  exists  in  the- 
other.  It  is  the  case  however,  in  most  of  the  curvilinear  houses  that  I  have 
observed,  that  a  large  part  of  the  front — usually  from  one  and  a  half  to  two 
feet — consists  of  glass,  aifording  nearly  the  same  amount  of  upright  surface 
as  in  the  former  instance. 

Like  Mr.  Saunders,  my  views  of  the  subject  remain  unchanged,  but  if 
they  are  erroneous,  I  have  no  constitutional  objections  to  being  convinced. 
If  that  event  should  happen,  I  shall  not  fail  to  make  it  manifest. — John  B 
Eatok. 


IIORTICULTUIJAL    REVIEW. 


APIOS    TUBEROS A— GROUND    NUT. 

T  NOTICE  your  inquiry  in  regard  to  this  plant.  It  grows  naturally  in  rich, 
moist  places,  forming'  a  vine  of  much  beauty,  with  its  dark,  pointed  leaves. 
The  flowers  are  brownish  purple,  borne  in  small,  compact  clusters.  Their 
fragrance  is  their  greatest  beauty,  resembling  the  perfume  of  the  finest 
green  tea.  It  is  easily  cultivated  by  planting  its  tubers,  and  as  a  covering 
for  such  work  or  to  cover  a  low  trellis  it  is  worthy  of  notice.  The  tubers 
are  oblong,  arranged  a  few  inches  apart  on  a  root  attached  to  each  end. 
The  first  year  the}"  do  not  grow  larger  than  a  pigeon's  egg,  but  the  second 
they  become  as  large  as  a  hen's  egg.  The  skin  is  thick,  and  does  not  peel 
off  easily.  When  dug  in  the  spring  and  baked  or  roasted,  the  flesh  is  mealy 
and  pleasantly  flavored,  though  sometimes  a  little  stringy,  and  darker  than 
that  of  the  potato.  1  have  often  eaten  them  without  injury,  and  apprehend 
no  danger  Trom  their  use,  though  the  yield  of  tubers  is  too  small  to  render 
their  cultivation  profitable. — T.  S.  G.,   ^Vest  Cormoall.,  Conn. 


/  Ki:mp''s  How  TO  L.\Y  Out  a  Gardex. — Second  Notice. 
We  proceed  to  give  three  or  four  more  illustrations  from 
this  book,  and  regret  that  space  does  not  permit  of  more 
extracts  from  other  portions  of  the  volume  ;  but  as  it  will 
form  a  part  of  the  libraries  of  so  many  of  our  readt'rs, 
we  need  not  more  fully  forestall  their  perusal  of  it. 
"When  any  broad  sheet  of  water,"  says  our  author,  truly,  "such  as  the 
sea,  a  large  river,  or  a  lake,  forms  the  'prinipal  object  from  the  front  of  a 
house  or  from  some  point  in  the  garden,  the  value  of  a  good  irregular 
fvvegroinul  will  be  apparent.  A  great  glare  of  water  is  seldom  agree- 
able to  the  sight;  and  in  some  kinds  of  water  may  be  most  disa 
able  and  melancholy.     The  passage  across  it  of  vessels  of  all  sorts, 


wise,  becomes  far  more  interesting'  and  delightful  where  it  is  only  to  be 
observed  at  intervals,  and  is  occasionally  lost  sight  of.  If  water  be  looked 
at  through  a  leafy  scene,  it  is  moreover  in  some  degree  sobered  down 
thereby.  It  docs  not  dazzle  or  pain  the  eye  so  much.  It  has  all  the  charm 
of  light  and  shadow.  Its  own  lustre  and  loveliness  are  brightened  by  the 
contrast.     It  is  a  gem  with  a  dark  setting."  Fig.  1. 

One  of  the  most  important  points  of  landscape  gardening  is,  to  provide 
continuous  views  through  plantations,  and  here  we  have  some  just  remarks 
on  the  subject: 

"The  house  must  always  be  regarded  as  the  chU'f  point  of  vision  m  -a 
place,  and  the  best  views  of  the  grounds  should  consequently  be  had  from 
it.     The  windows  of  a  house  are  a  great  deal  more  used  for  looking  at  a 


^\^C^^''^vV'>- 


gardcn  than  any  other  position;  and  the  points  of  interest  can  there  be 
inspected  more  leisurely.  For  this  reason,  and  because  occasional  visitors 
see  a  garden  more  from  the  windows  of  a  house,  it  is  a  good  plan  to  form, 
in  laying  out  a  garden,  a  series  of  lines  radiating  from  one,  two,  or  three 
principal  windows  of  the  house,  at  irregular  distances  apart,  towards  the 
outside  boundary;  and  place  the  requisite  specimens  and  groups,  solely 
within  the  triangles  thus  made,  according  as  the}"  may  be  wanted;  never 
suffering  the  specimens  near  the  house  to  be  so  large  as  to  cover  a  greater 
space  at  the  broad  end  of  the  triangle  than  may  there  be  required  as  a 
plantation,  and  disposing  the  whole  of  them  so  irregularly,  as  that  nothing- 
like  lines  of  plants  shall  ever  appear.  The  practice  of  such  a  system  need 
way  interfere  wMth  the  beauty  of  the  lawn  as  seen  from  other  p 
can  just  as  easil}'  be  obtained  at  the  same  time.     Indeed,  cross 


HORTICULTURAL    REVIEW. 


from  all  the  openings  at  the  sides  of  a  place  will  be  of  equal  service  in  the 
formation  of  subordinate  views  or  minor  glades.  A  slig'ht  illustration  of 
this  is  offered  in  the  arrows  between  the  dotted  lines  denoting  the  various 
openings  or  glades,  both  from  the  principal  window  and  from  the  sides  of 
the  lawn."    Fig.  2. 

A  large  portion  of  the  work  is  devoted  to  the  subject  of  flower  gardens, 


which  are  treated  of  in  their  various  examples  of  geometrical,  architectural, 
and  irregular.  Although  at  the  outset  the  author  remarks  that  "  the  beds 
of  a  flower  garden  should  be  symmetrical,  and  fit  nicely  into  each  other," 
as  signally  failed  in  carrying  out  his  own  suggestions  in  the  many 
ans  which  are  given.     It  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  with  the  exceptions 


of  Figs.  IGO  and  161,  (wliicli  by  a  little  thinning-  out  would  form  a  pleasing 
arrangement  of  the  flower  beds)  there  is  not  a  truly  artistic  design;  many 
of  them  are  ridiculous  and  beneath  criticism;  the  positions  they  occupy, 
which  is  by  far  the  most  important  point  the  landscape  gardener  has  to 
decide  upon,  are  also  unhappily  selected.  He  falls  too  often  into  the  error 
of  dotting  what  might  otherwise  be  a  desirable  and  pleasing  fragment  of 
lawn,  over  the  whole   surface  with  an  unmeaning  assemblage  of  beds  and 


lFio.  3. 


IIORTICULTUEAL    REVIEAV. 


single  plants.  Fig.  3.  (155  of  the  book),  one  of  the  best  of  the  plans  given,  (all 
things  considered  we  would  pronounce  it  the  very  best,)  illustrates  the 
defects  to  which  we  have  alluded.  Here  the  aim  is  to  make  a  formal,  narrow 
vista  from  the  house,  to  the  green-house.  To  eifect  this,  two  parallel 
rows  of  flower  beds  cross  the  lawn  exactly  through  the  centre,  which  not 
only  destroys  all  breadth  of  effect,  but  fails  in  producing  the  feature 
evidently  intended,  viz.  to  direct  attention  to  the  ornamental  green-house  in 
the  distance.  A  far  bolder  and  more  effective  result  would  have  been 
attained,  if  the  centre  of  the  lawn  had  been  kept  free  of  beds,  shrubs,  and 
water-basins,  and  the  shrubber}^  near  the  lower  end  of  the  lawn,  in  front  of 
the  green-liouse  had  been  brought  out  into  the  lawn  so  as  to  form  a  dense 
mass  through  which  a  vista  might  have  been  formed;  then  as  a  frame  to 
the  picture,  place  a  compact,  conical  growing  tree  on  each  side  of  the  bay- 
Avindow  of  the  house,  and  a  pleasing  vista  would  be  produced,  and  retain  a 
sufficiency  of  clear  lawn  to  give  a  charming  eifect.  This  is  not  by  any 
means  a  solitary  instance  of  over  planting,  or  dotting,  as  Loudon  well 
termed  it.  Most  of  the  plans  are  defective  from  an  anxiety  to  plant  Hodg- 
kin's  Hollies,  and  Andromeda  floribundas. 

Carriage  roads  to  the  house  ai'e  so  evidently  necessary  and  being  the 
first  position  from  which  the  house  and  its  surroundings  are  viewed,  that 
their  proper  location  and  direction  is  of  the  first  im])ortance.  On  this  sub- 
ject the  author  has  very  valuable  remarks,  and  he  illustrates  his  ideas  by 
several  engravings  which  are  instructive.  Fig.  4.  we  have  had  en- 
graved for  tlie  purpose  of  remarking  that  we  consider  it  one  of  the  worst 
arrangements  fcjr  an  entrance.  It  is  of  course,  an  arrangement  for  a  house 
near  the   outside  road,  and  the  group   of  shrubbery  in  front  is   intended  to 

screen  the  front  door.  So  far  it  is 
desirable,  but  the  road  in  this  posi- 
tion tends  much  to  destroy  isolation 
in  front,  and  breaks  up  the  front 
lawn  so  as  to  defeat,  in  a  great 
measure  the  object  intended  to  be 
gained.  A  better  arrangement  in 
such  instances  is  to  bring  the  en- 
trance in  on  one  side,  and  provide  a 
carriage  turn  on  the  other;  or,  have 
two  gatewa3's,  one  on  each  side,  so 
as  to  preserve  the  front  entire;  this 
is  tlie  most  desirable  in  limited 
fronts,  and  is  only  more  extensive 
in  so  far  as  the  cost  of  the  first  con- 
struction of  an  additional  gate;  the 
amount  of  road  in  both  cases  being 
nearly  alike. 

Mr.  Kemp's  principles  are  better 
than  his  details;  whilst  he  seems  to 
comprehend  and  display  a  familiarity 
with  the  rules  that  govern  taste,  the 
details  of  his  plans  are  open  to 
much  criticism.  There  are  a  few 
features  wln'ch  seem  always  present; 
straight  walks  terminating   in,  and 


PROP.    OWEN'S    ADDKESS. 


tlieir  continuity  shortened  by  small,  niimeaning-  circles,  are  too  frequently 
introduced,  even  in  positions  where  their  continuation  would  evidently  lead 
to  increased  perspective  beauty. 

Again,  his  groups  and  trees  are  in  the  main  very  judiciously  located,  but 
the  details  in  their  planting  are  as  injudiciously  wrought  out.  There  is  no 
harmony  or  system  in  the  selection  of  plants  for  the  developments  of  the 
groups,  and  in  positions  where  a  full  sized  tree  would  be  in  the  very  best 
position  we  find  a  Rhododendron  or  Mahonia  located.  This  is,  after  all,  the 
one  thing  desirable  in  a  popular  treatise  on  landscape  gardening,  and  as  it 
is  one  which  can  only  be  properly  treated  after  a  long  and  extensive  expe- 
rience, and  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  growth  and  peculiar  characteristics 
of  trees  and  shrubs,  it  is  the  least  of  all  entered  upon  by  writers  on  tlie 
subject.  It  is  the  want  felt  by  most  men  of  educated  taste  and  no  practical 
experience.  They  know  where  a  certain  formed  group  would  be  well 
placed,  but  they  do  not  know  the  best  material  of  which  to  form  such  group. 

With  these  remarks,  and  referring  again  to  the  lists  of  plants  as  not 
adapted  to  our  wants,  we  leave  the  book  to  the  consideration  of  the  public. 


Professor  Owen's  Address  before  the  late  meeting  of  the  Biitieh  Asscciation  at  Leeds, 
is  an  impressive  document.     Alluding  to  the  topics  of  this  journal,  he  goes  on  to  say : — 

"  In  the  operations  of  nature  there  is  generally  a  succession  of  processes  co-ordiii.ited  for  a 
given  result:  a  peach  is  not  directly  developed  as  such  from  its  elements;  the  seed  would, 
a  priori,  give  no  idea  of  the  tree,  nor  the  tree  of  the  flower,  nor  the  fertilized  germ  of  that 
flower  of  the  pulpy  fruit  in  which  the  seed  is  buried.  It  is  eminently  characteristic  of  the  Crea- 
tive Wisdom,  this  far-seeing  and  prevision  of  an  ultimate  result,  through  the  successive  opera- 
tions of  a  co-ordinate  series  of  seemingly  very  diflerent  conditions.  The  further  a  man  discerns 
in  a  series  of  conditions,  their  co-ordination  to  produce  a  given  result,  the  nearer  does  his  wis- 
dom approach— though  the  distance  be  still  immeasurable — to  the  Divine  wisdom.  One  philan- 
thropist builds  a  fever  hospital,  another  drains  a  town.  One  crime-preventer  trains  the  boy, 
another  hangs  the  man.  One  statesman  would  raise  money  by  augmenting  a  duty,  or  by  a 
direct  tax,  and  finds  the  revenue  not  increased  in  the  expected  ratio.  Another  diminishes  a 
tax,  or  abolishes  a  duty,  and  through  foreseen  consequences  the  revenue  is  improved.  Water 
is  the  cheapest  and  most  eificient  transporter  of  excreta:  but  it  shoidd  be  remembered  that  the 
application  of  the  water-supply  as  a  transporting  power  is  to'  be  limited  to  all  that  comes  from 
the  interior  of  the  abodes ;  this  alone  can  be  practically  applied  to  agriculture.  Whatever 
flows  from  the  outside  of  houses,  together  with  the  general  raiu-fall  of  the  town  area,  should 
go  to  the  nearest  river  by  channels  wholly  distinct  from  the  hydraulic  excretory  S3"stem.  Agri- 
culture, let  me  repeat,  has  made,  and  is  making,  great  encouraging  progress,  but  much  yet 
remains  to  be  done.  Were  agriculture  adequately  advanced,  the  great  problem  of  the  London 
sewage  would  be  speedily  solved.  Can  it  be  supposed,  if  the  rural  districts  were  in  a  condition 
to  avail  themselves  of  a  daily  supply  of  pipe-water,  not  more  than  equivalent  to  that  which  a 
heavy  shower  of  rain  throws  down  on  2000  acres  of  land,  but  a  supply  charged  with  thirty  tons 
of  nitrogenous  ammoniacal  principles,  that  such  supply  would  not  be  forthcoming,  and  made 
capable  of  being  distributed  when  called  for  within  a  radius  of  one  hundred  miles  ?  To  send 
ships  for  foreign  ammoniacal  or  phosphatic  excreta  to  the  coast  of  Peru,  and  to  pollute  by  the 
waste  of  similar  home  products  the  noble  river  bisecting  the  metropolis,  and  washing  the  very 
alks  of  the  Houses  of  Parliament,  are  flagrant  signs  of  the  desert  and  uncultivated  state  of  a 
where  science  and  practice  have  still  to  cooperate  for  the  public  beneiit." 


FRUIT    GROWERS'    SOCIETY    OP    WESTERN    NEW    YORK. 


(Reported  for  the  Horticulturist  ) 

FRUIT  GROWERS'  SOCIETY  OF  WESTERN  NEW  YORK. 

The  summer  meeting  of  the  Fruit  Growers'  Society  of  Western  New  York,  was  held  at  the 
Court  House  in  Rochester,  on  Wednesday,  Se-pt.  29th,  at  11  o'ch>ck,  A.  M. 

Tlie  following  are  the  subjects  discussed : 
Stocks — their  influence,  and  the  propriety  of  selectino^  or  rejecting  the  different  stocks  com- 
monly or  uncommonly  used  for  pear,  plum,  peach,  and  other  fruits. 
Pears — can  they  be  grown  profitably  for  mankind  ?  and  if  so,  in  what  way,  and  under  what  cir- 
cumstances?    What  are  the  most  frequent  causes  of  the  failure  of  the  pear  ? 
Grapes — best  varieties — best  modes  of  cultivation — &c. 

Stocks — Mr.  J.  J.  Thomas  spoke  of  the  stocks  upon  which  the  pear  was  budded,  and  doubted 
whether  anything  better  could  be  used  than  the  stocks  we  are  now  using,  provided  they  be 
healthy.  It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  strong,  healthy  stocks  should  be  used,  and  none 
other,  for  either  budding  or  grafting.  The  difference,  caused  by  neglect  on  this  point,  was  very 
great,  and  began  to  show  very  early  in  the  life  of  the  tree. 

Mr.  Barry  thought  that  if  the  intention  of  the  cultivator  would  be  to  neglect  the  tree,  to  let  it 
take  care  of  itself,  the  way  was  to  use  the  pear  stock  ;  but  if  the  land  was  to  be  cleanly  culti- 
vated, to  be  kept  in  heart  and  devoted  to  the  crop  of  pears,  as  we  devote  other  lands  to  crops  of 
corn  or  wheat,  then  use  quince  stocks,  and  great  crops  were  to  be  made  from  dwarf  trees. — 
Whatever  stocks  were  used,  however,  "  use  good  of  its  kind." 

Mr.  Ainsworth,  for  general  cultivation  liked  the  free  stock  best,  but  to  take  a  different  course 
is  worse  than  useless.  On  quince  stocks  the  trees  require,  and  must  have,  good  culture.  A 
gentleman  cultivated  buckwheat  in  his  pear  orchard  the  first  year  after  planting;  the  second 
year  he  raised  oats,  and  then  he  seeded  the  land  down  to  grass  and  raised  hay  !  !  What  was 
the  result?  Why,  what  few  trees  the  meadow  mice  left  and  the  blight  spared,  refused  to  grow 
thriftily,  or  to  bear  fruit,  except  in  exact  proportion  to  the  kindness  they  had  received.  Mr. 
Ainsworth  knew  hundreds  of  trees  not  grown  four  feet,  when  those  well  tilled  had  grown  twelve 
and  fifteen  feet.  If  you  are  going  to  neglect  your  orchard,  don't  buy  trees  on  quince  stocks. 
Mountain  ash  stock,  which  is  sometimes  used,  is  worse.  The  thorn,  which  is  also  occasionally 
budded  upon,  is  very  poor.  The  apple  stock  has  also  been  used  for  the  pear,  but  is  no  better, 
and  fails  to  do  well  after  a  few  years.  In  answer  to  a  question  as  to  which  were  most  subject 
to  blight,  he  was  not  able  to  say.     All  are,  and  much  depends  upon  the  soil. 

Mr.  Pinney  hadlargeorchardsof  pears  under  cultivation,  and  coincided  fully  with  Mr.  Ainsworth. 
Mr.  Barry  remarked  that  this  subject  of  stocks  was  of  the  utmost  importance.     In  fact,  stocks 
lie  at  the  foundation  of  our  success  or  failure  in  fruit  growing.     Of  whatever  tree  it  is,  it  must 
be  good  of  its  kind,  for  "puny  stocks  grow  puny  trees."'     We  cannot  be  too  strenuous  in  in- 
sisting upon  good,  sound,  healthy,  vigorous  stocks.     The  merits  of  quince  are,  that  the  trees  are 
of  less  size ;  that  consequently  they  are  better  for  gardens,  and  for  circumscribed  localities  in 
cities  or  villages.     3d,  they  bear  sooner,  generally  fruiting  the  third  or  fourth  year  from  the 
bud.    4th,  many  sorts  of  pear  are  larger  on  quince  bottoms  than  free  stocks.     Where  the  soil  is 
well  prepared,  and  the  sorts  of  pear  are  adapted  to  the  climate  and  locality,  good  two-year-old 
trees,  properly  transplanted  from  the  nursery,  will  bear  the  first  year  after  setting  out. 
On  pear  stocks  we  cannot  get  the  earliest  sorts  under  seven  years  from  the  bud. 
On  the  quince  stock,  the  pear  is  not  as  long  lived  as  on  its  own  free  stock;  therefore  for  per- 
manent orchards,  the  pear  is  the  stock.     Do  not  think  from  what  has  been  said  here  that  the 
trees  do  not  require  care.     Standard  trees  need  cultivation  as  well  as  dwarf;  and  they  will 
pay  for  it,  too. 

The  idea  of  planting  pears  for  profit,  and  seeding  down  the  land  to  grass,  is  perfectly  preposterous. 
Mr.  Langworthy  inquired  as  to  the  application  of  fresh  manures.     Mr.  Barry  replied  that  the 


FRUIT    GROWERS'    SOCIETY    OF    V»'ESTERN    NEAV    FORK.  5G7 

compost  must  lie  for  one  or  more  years.  The  more  thoroughly  it  was  mixed  and  rotted  the  bet- 
ter.    Fresh  stable  manures  are  dangerous. 

Mr.  Ainsworth  spoke  of  the  practice  of  some  in  taking  the  sucker  stocks  from  the  roots  of  old 
pear  trees,  and  using  them  to  bud  on ;  but  they  make  very  poor  trees.  The  best  stocks  are 
from  the  seeds  of  hard  winter  pears,  gathered  from  healthy  trees  while  the  leaves  are  all  hang- 
ing on.  Differed  from  Mr.  Barry  as  to  the  time  when  standard  pear  trees  can  be  brought  into 
bearing  ;  but  it  is  by  careful  and  judicious  pruning  that  the  fruit  growing  is  to  be  hastened. 

Mr.  Barry  admitted  that  two  or  three  sorts  will  bear  very  soon  upon  the  pear,*if  often  trans- 
planted, and  if  pruned,  as  Mr.  A.  says  ;  but  it  is  ouly  a  very  few  sorts,  and  only  with  extra  care: 
not  generally. 

Mr.  Thomas  remarked  that  Bartlett  would  bear  very  young  on  the  pear  stock,  and  that  if  we 
took  pains  to  select  Washington,  Bartlett,  and  Belle  Lucrative,  we  could  get  our  standard  trees 
into  early  bearing.  As  a  general  rule,  dwarfs  will  bear  much  sooner  than  standards.  For  in- 
stance, a  Tysou  standard  bears  in  fifteen  years,  a  dwarf  iu  four  years,  a  standard  Sheldon  in  ten 
years,  while  as  a  dwarf  it  bears  iu  two  or  three  years. 

Mr.  Ainsworth  mentioned  the  pear  orchard  of  Mr.  Wheelock,  of  Moscow,  N.  Y.,  which  this 
year  was  bearing  tv\'enty-two  barrels  of  fine  Tysons.  From  one  tree  only  seven  years  old  a  bar- 
rel of  nice  fruit  was  sold  this  Autumn. 

Mr.  Langworthy  always  used  to  expect  when  planting  a  pear  tree  that  it  would  be  twenty- 
two  or  twenty-five  years  before  it  came  to  bearing ;  but  the  great  improvement  in  the  cultiva- 
tion of  dwarfs  enabled  a  man  to  plant  with  some  certainty  of  eating  the  fruit  in  a  very  few  years. 

Pears. — Mr.  Thomas  had  once  adopted  the  opinion  that  standard  pear  trees  were  the  best 
for  orchards,  and  dwarfs  were  the  best  for  small  patches  of  land.  This  opinion  prevailed  ex- 
tensively, and  was  very  difficult  to  I'oot  out.     Dwarfs  do  well  in  large  orchards  if  well  treated. 

Mr.  Frost,  of  Schuyler,  spoke  of  a  very  usual  custom  of  setting  dwarfs  on  each  side  of  a  walk 
in  a  garden ;  and  this  afforded  a  phrase  concerning  the  tillage,  whether  in  fields,  orchards,  or 
elsewhere,  "Dwarf  pear  trees  must  receive  garden  culture." 

Mr.  Langworthy  inquired  whether  it  would  even  be  admissible  to  have  any  crop  whatever 
grown  among  the  trees  of  a  dwarf  orchard. 

Mr.  Thomas  replied  that  "  the  impediment  was  greater  than  all  the  benefit." 

Mr.  Piuney  was  strongly  in  favor  of  the  dwarf  pear — he  had  some  1500  trees  under  cultiva- 
tion. The  Bartlett  was  always  one-third  larger  on  dwarf  than  on  standard  trees.  Eaising  pears 
at  present  prices  is  the  most  profitable  business  a  man  can  follow  in  Western  New  York."  The 
quince  root  does,  when  properly  treated,  spread  over  a  large  space,  and  absorb  nourishment  from 
considerable  land.  Has  dwarf  Bartletts  eight  or  nine  years  old,  which  have  not  lessened  at  all 
in  the  quantity  they  bear. 

Mr.  Fisk  spoke  of  the  "  most  frequent  causes  of  the  failure  of  pear,"  and  said  one  was  the 
want  of  proper  cultivation. 

Mr.  Barry  spoke  of  opinions  opposing  high  cultivation  as  those,  as  quite  the  common  notion. 
The  trouble  is  that  the  great  bulk  of  the  people  know  but  little  of  what  good  cultivation  means. 
Look  at  our  grapes.  Some  magnificent  ones  are  shown  here  to-day.  See  how  superior  some  of 
them  are  to  others.  What  makes  them  thus?  We  must  answer,  cultivation.  But  will  any  one 
say  it  is  too  high  cultivation  ?  Are  those  vines  over-fed  ?  -The  magnificent  Sheldon  pears  ex- 
hibited on  the  tables  by  Mr.  L.  A.  AVard— how  did  they  become  so?  Was  it  by  extreme  cul- 
tivation? Does  any  one  know  of  any  one  who  has,  while  cultivating  judiciously,  cultivated  a  tree 
too  highly?  (Quite  a  pause  ;  but  no  answer.)  Mr.  B.  continued — The  time  is  coming  when 
such  things  as  we  now  show,  when  such  fruits  as  we  now  are  proud  of,  will  not  be  called  good  at  all. 
There  is  no  danger  in  manuring,  provided  the  manure  be  well  prepared,  not  too  fresh  and  rank. 

The  subject  of  stocks  was  discussed,  because  there  is  some  difficulty  and  danger  in  crossing 

Extract  from  Hovey's  Magazine  for  October. — "  It  is  the  surplus  product  of  ih-se  amateurs  whicli  creates  so 
aUiiiiralion,  and  lornis  Uie  liasis  of  some  ol  the  aliiiosl  labulous  stories  of  tlie  profits  of  ptar  culture." 


FRUIT    GRO^A^ERS'    SOCIETY    OF    WESTERN    NEAV    YORK 

one  tree  upon  another.  Putting  the  pear  upon  the  quince  stock  is  not  exactly  a  natural  opera- 
tion ;  but  art  is  art,  and  must  bring  its  ends  to  pass  by  the  means  of  art.  Horticultural  art  re- 
sorts to  all  these,  and  many  more  processes.  The  success  of  art  in  the  horticultural  field  is  its 
warrant  for  going  further.  Let  those  who  decry  horticultural  skill  cease  to  eat  of  the  fruits 
thereof;  let  them  turn  from  such  a  show  of  enormous  and  highly  flavored  fruits  as  are  on  our  ta- 
ble to-day,  and  retura  to  Fox  grapes,  Choke  pears,  and  such  other  natural  fruits. 

Mr.  Ainsworth  said  that  the  main  thing,  after  having  the  land  good  and  the  trees  good,  was 
to  keep  it  thoroughly  pulverized.  A  horse  hoe  between  the  rows  of  trees,  once  each  week  dur- 
ing the  summer,  is  none  too  often. 

Grapes. — Mr.  Barry  spoke  of  the  Delaware  (concerning  which  so  inuch  has  been  lately  said,) 
as  very  early,  and  perfectly  hardy.  Of  the  Rebecca  as  a  very  handsome,  free  grower,  and  bear 
ing  a  fine  crop  ;  does  not  mildew  under  good  treatment. 

The  Concord  is  pleasing  people  very  much  ;  is  not  so  good  as  the  Isabella  ;  is  jet  black,  fine 
flavored,  and  as  large  as  the  Black  Hamburgh. 

The  Hartford  Prolific  was  shown  in  quantities  at  the  Pouiological  Congress  in  New  York  city. 
"Was  once  in  Boston  condemned  as  foxy ;  but  has,  in  spite  of  that  condemnation,  been  latterly 
more  cultivated,  and  improves  upon  acquaintance.  It  is  a  large  grape,  bears  great  crops, 
sweet,  though  somewhat  foxy,  and  upon  the  whole  is  a  pretty  good  grape;  a  great  reconnnend- 
ation  is  that  it  is  so  early,  and  such  an  enormous  bearer. 

The  Diana  on  Mr.  B.'s  grounds  ripens  about  the  same  time  as  the  Rebecca. 

The  Delaware  is  much  superior  to  the  Catawba  in  quality,  even  when  the  Catawba  is  fully 
ripe.  Had  eaten  the  Catawba  in  its  best  and  ripest  state  in  Cincinnati,  and  the  Delaware  sur- 
passed it,  even  under  the  most  favorable  circumstances. 

Mr.  Thomas,  of  Cayuga,  spoke  of  visiting  the  vineyard  of  Dr.  Farley,  containing  six  acres. 
AVas  planted  four  years  ago  with  Isabella  vines  at  three  years  of  age.  The  ground  had  a  good 
slope,  sufficient  to  drain  it  well ;  had  been  previously  worked  two  feet  deep,  was  naturally  strong, 
but  was  enriched  by  two  hundred  loads  of  muck  to  the  acre.  In  1857  he  gathered  one  and  one 
half  tons  of  grapes,  which  he  sold  at  fifteen  cents  per  pound.  In  1858  he  raised  from  seven  to 
eight  tons,  for  which  he  gets  fourteen  cents  per  pound.  The  vines  are  trained  upon  wire  trel- 
lises fastened  to  cedar  posts,  and  are  pruned  and  trained  with  a  great  deal  of  skill.  "  Never 
saw  a  more  beautiful  sight  than  as  standing  at  one  end  of  the  trellis,  I  looked  along  through  the 
purple  clusters  hanging  in  such  profusion,  both  of  numbers  and  size:  for  they  were  large  as 
Black  Haniburghs.  Many  grapes  I  measured  were  eight-tenths  and  nine-tenths  of  an  inch  in 
diameter."  The  posts  of  trellis  are  seven  to  eight  feet  high  ;  trellis  six  feet  high;  plants  are 
twelve  feet  apart  on  the  trellises,  which  are  eight  feet  apart. 

Isabella  should  never  be  less  than  twelve  feet  apart. 

Mr.  Ainsworth  spoke  of  the  vineyards  in  Bloonifiekl.  The  growers  there  had  thus  far  found 
the  Isabella  the  most  profitable.  Hopes  the  Society  will  recommend  Eebecca,  Delaware,  and 
Diana,  for  general  cultivation.  The  vineyard  of  Dr.  Miner,  of  West  Mendon  Village,  consists 
of  five  hundred  Diana  vines,  which  have  fruited  for  several  years.  The  Diana  with  him  ripens 
two  weeks  earlier  than  the  Isabella  upon  the  same  trellis.  Last  }  ear  the  Diana  ripened  well ; 
while  the  Isabella  did  not  ripen  at  all.     The  Diana  is  a  good  wine  and  table  grape. 

Mr.  A.  also  spoke  of  the  vineyard  of  Mr.  Peck;  wliere  there  was  a  system  of  high  cultivation 
carried  on  with  refuse  bones,  waste  from  a  slaughter  house,  Ac,  which  system  produced  enor- 
mous crops.  This  year  there  was  a  very  heavy  crop,  and  admirably  well  ripened.  The  prun- 
ing was  only  medium  ;  five  leaves  were  left  beyond  the  farthest  bunch  of  grapes,  balance  pinched 
oft'.  On  the  laterals  the  shoot  was  pinched  oft"  two  leaves  beyond  the  bunch.  A  Mr.  Wilcox 
has  two  vines  eleven  years  old,  from  which  he  is  raising  this  year  500  pounds  of  grapes  each. 
The  branches  cover  an  area  of  sixty  feet  square  upon  an  horizontal  trellis,  and  the  bunches  hang 
through  the  trellis.  The  sight  of  these  purple  clusters  deserves  particular  mention,  as 
are  indeed  a  sight  to  behold.     These  vines  are  Isabella,  and  last  year  the  fruit,  although 


nearly  as  fine  as  this  year,  did  not  ripen.     We  want  a  grape  that  will  ripen  its  fruit  in  every 
season. 

Mr.  Thomas  said  that  W.  A.  Uuderhill,  of  Croton  Point,  was  decidedly  opposed  to  high  ma- 
nuriiij^  upon  a  vineyard  ;  hut  made  up  the  diflerence  by  constant  stirring  of  the  soil.  Has  the 
cultivator  go  between  his  vines  once  each  week  during  the  whole  summer. 

Best  time  to  transplant  grape  vines,  Spring  or  Fall  ? 

Mr.  Ellwnnger  thought  it  did  not  make  much  difference ;  but  no  grape  vine  should  be  placed 
in  a  wet  soil  at  any  season. 

Mr.  Ainsworth  thought  that  if  the  land  be  well  ,subsoiled  and  undermined,  Autumn  was  the 
best  time. 

Mr.  Thomas  asked  the  Society  which  grape  would  sell  best;  the  Delaware,  which  is  excel- 
lent in  quality  (in  fact  cannot  be  surpassed  in  flavor)  but  is  small,  or  the  Isabella,  which  is  sim- 
ply good  in  quality,  but  is  larger. 

Mr.  Salter,  of  Rochester,  answered  that  the  great  desideratum  here  was  to  have  a  grape  that 
ripened  early  and  surely.  "  A  grape  that  ripens  on  the  first  of  September,  that  is  the  grape  that- 
will  sell."  Attention  is  now  being  paid  by  the  fruit  growers  to  grapes,  and  we  must  have 
those  that  are  early  as  well  as  good.  "  Some  "gentlemen  have  to-day  mentioned  cases  where 
the  Isabella  ran  into  the  foliage  of  trees,  and,  clinging  to  the  southern  and  leeward  sides  of  the 
tree,  ripened  its  fruit  earlier  than  on  the  trellises  beneath.  In  this  case,  the  earliness  is  owing 
to  the  shelter  of  the  tree  foliage ;  but  under  ordinary  circumstances,  the  Isabella,  four  seasons 
in  five,  wont  ripen.  On  my  grounds,  the  Catawba,  in  a  dry,  warm  situation,  is  already  quite 
ripe,  while  twenty -five  feet  off  there  is  not  one  Catawba  on  the  vine  ripe." 

Mr.  Salter  did  not  think  the  size  made  any  difference  as  to  selling,  provided  the  fruit  was  rij^e. 

Mr.  Barry  :  very  desirable  to  have  a  grape  that  will  surely  ripen.  The  Delaware  is  one  of 
the  greatest  acquisitions  in  the  grape  way  for  amateur  cultivation ;  will  ripen  where  Isabella 
wont  ripen  at  all ;  differed  from  Mr.  Salter  as  to  the  kind  that  would  sell.  People  when  they 
buy  a  market  grape  want  size.  Pity  that  the  public  taste  is  not  more  refined ;  but  we  must 
take  things  as  they  are.     A  market  grape  should  be  black  and  large. 

The  Catawba  is  not  a  safe  grape  to  plant  in  this  county.  The  cultivation  of  the  vine  is  a 
subject  of  the  greatest  importance,  and  the  instances  told  here  this  day  are  sufficient  to  turn 
the  attention  of  hundreds,  yes  of  thousands  of  farmers  in  western  New  York,  to  the  culture  of 
the  vine.  Thousands  of  acres  near  us  are  more  fit  for  the  raising  of  the  grape  than  for  wheat. 
One  of  the  objects  of  this  Fruit  Growers'  Society,  is  to  turn  the  attention  of  farmers  and 
others  to  fruit  culture. 

The  impetus  given  to  grape  culture  by  the  introduction  of  dozens  of  new  varieties,  has  been 
very  great  and  no  doubt  will  be  felt  very  extensively.     Will  do  great  good. 

Mr.  Picard  said  that  he  produced  from  one  vine  last  year  one  and  a  half  barrels  of  wine,  has 
in  three  years  from  one  vine  propagated  1000  vines.  Anybody  can  raise  all  the  vines  he  wants 
to,  if  he  only  gets  a  start. 

In  the  show  of  fruits  the  display  of  grapes  was  unusually  fine,  especially  of  the  early  varieties 
Delaware,  Diana,  Concord,  and  Eebecca.  Mr.  Brocksbank,  of  Hudson,  among  a  large  assort- 
ment, exhibited  Isabellas  measuring  three  inches  in  circumference ;  also  Concords  as  large  as 
Isabellas  usually  are,  and  fully  ripe,  and  very  fine  Hyde's  Eliza. 

Messrs.  Bissell  &  Salter,  of  Rochester,  exhibited  some  very  fine  Delawares,  Dianas,  and  Logans. 

Pears,  Apples,  and  Peaches,  were  also  shown  of  magnificent  proportions,  and  in  some 
respects  it  was  the  finest  exhibition  the  society  has  ever  had  in  September. 

The  Annual  Meeting  will  as  usual  be  held  in  the  winter  at  Piochester.    The  officers  are 

HON.  HENRY  P.  NORTON,  of  Brockport,  President. 
MR.  C.  P.  BISSELL,  of  Rochester,  Secretary. 
MR.  W.  P.  TOWNSEND,  of  Lockport,  Treasurer. 


N.  S.:    Vol.  VIII.— Decembek,  1858. 


i? 


570 


EDITOE'S    TABLE. 


f0  Contributors  huij  C^'tlriingcs,  ^t,,  h. 

Communications,  Letters,  Catalogues,  Periodicals,  &c.,  &c.,  intended  for 

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A  FEW  WOEDS  ON  BUSINESS. 

The  close  of  a  volume  is  .ilways  an  event  in  the  history  of  a  periodical,  especially  in  one  that 
depends  for  its  support  on  a  single,  and  that  not  a  very  large,  though  most  intelligent  class.  To 
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or  otherwise  to  continue  the  work,  and  bring  friends  and  neighbors  to  the  same  conclusion. 

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ing up  a  few  dollars  at  each  town,  sometimes  finding  the  reader  absent  from  home,  and  return- 
ing with  a  pocket  emptied  by  expenses.  Our  readers  understand  this  necessity  of  prepayment, 
and  it  is  unnecessary  to  expend  many  words  upon  it,  except  to  refer  our  friends  to  the  terms  as 
set  forth  in  the  advertisement,  by  which  it  will  be  seen  that  fifty  cents  will  be  hereafter  invaria- 
bly added  to  all  subscriptions  upon  which  payment  is  delayed  over  three  months. 

Whether  the  public  will  support  a  Journal  on  our  topics,  perfectly  independent  in  its  charac- 
ter, is  the  question  they,  and  they  only,  can  determine  ;  divorced  from  all  interests  but  those  of 
truth  and  information,  it  proposes  to  be  the  medium  of  intercourse  between  the  producer  and 
the  consumer,  without  favor  or  influence.  It  advises  no  grower  what  he  shall  specially  devote 
his  industry  to  produce,  but  when  a  good  fruit  or  desirable  plant  is  brought  forward,  it  makes  it 
known  at  once  to  general  favor ;  a  bad  one  it  does  not  hesitate  to  denounce.  The  conductor  en- 
deavors to  place  himself  in  the  position  of  an  interef>ted  looker-on,  as  he  is;  observing  the  work- 
er, whether  encountering  mental  or  bodily  fatigue  ;  he  is  anxious  and  ready  to  embody  in  his 
Journal  everytliing  that  will  abridge  labor,  and  by  consulting  the  ablest  minds  in  each  depart- 
ment, to  disti-ibute  the  concentrated  knowledge  of  the  age  we  live  in  advantageously.  He  would 
bring  the  producer  to  the  acquaintance  of  the  consumer,  dig  out  from  every  progressive  nation 
their  knowledge  and  acquired  developments  ;  without  partiality  or  favor,  he  gives  to  every  writer 
who  displays  a  talent  for  imparting  information,  a  fair  hearing  ;  he  has  no  enmities,  except  against 
ignorance  and  false  pretension  ;  he  wishes  to  do  a  benefit  to  his  generation,  and  of  course  cannot 
sanction  the  mere  quack  ;  the  toiling  millions  must  not  knowingly  be  misled,  and  if  he  can 
constantly  pei'using  the  best  works,  and  examining  for  himself  the  products  of  industry 


jealous  pretension  into  a  corner,  and  liberate  that  knowledge  which  in  every  age  is  "  slow  to 
travel,"  he  will  be  amply  rewarded  ;  he  will  gladly  say  to  one,  abridge  this  operation  to  save  your 
time  for  something  else  ;  to  another,  you  may  be  doing  very  well,  but  would  not  some  neglected 
material,  within  your  reach,  do  better  ? 

There  is  a  vast  amount  of  intelligence  now  occupied  in  elevating  labor  to  its  true  eminence, 
as  well  as  in  shortening  the  processes  by  which  labor  seeks  its  reward ;  to  promulgate  this  is 
not  within  the  scope  of  any  single  periodical.  We  take  the  garden,  and  the  operations  embraced 
by  its  surroundings, — the  house  no  less  than  the  grounds.  The  world  works  under  disadvanta- 
ges for  a  long  period  before  it  adopts  the  best  modes.  The  steam  engine  lingered  till  genius 
seized  its  mighty  powers ;  how  long  the  interval,  considering  the  intelligence  abroad,  between 
the  silken  string  of  the  kite  aud  the  Atlantic  Cable  ;  we  go  on  telling  sometimes  the  same 
things  that  were  told  before,  but  in  each  department  we  arrive  certainly,  if  slowly,  at  happy  re- 
sults. We  are  disappointed  a  thousand  times  by  circumstances  which  were  entirely  unforeseen  ; 
the  insect  blights  our  hopes,  aud  we  must  resort  to  other  contrivances  to  attain  the  desired  end. 
By  cheap  glass  structures  we  can  have  an  "  orchard  "  under  our  control,  leave  the  stinging  pests 
outside,  or  smoke  them  away.  We  are  all  students  and  observers,  and  presently  will  come 
some  master  mind,  who,  with  the  wand  of  enchantment,  will  conquer  the  present  destroyers  of 
our  fruits  ;  but  we  must  keep  up  an  agitation — we  must  stimulate  the  growth  of  mind,  awarding 
due  praise  to  those  who  accomplish  much,  while  we  let  down  the  unsuccessful  with  the  relief 
that  we  believe  they  meant  to  do  a  service. 

We  desire  to  make  the  Horticulturist  more  and  more  national,  and  not  sectional.  We  be- 
lieve that  the  true  lover  of  his  art  may  derive  advantage  from  the  study  of  every  climate  and  its  re- 
sults ;  the  North  may  learn  much  from  the  South,  and  the  Southern  cultivator  may  impart  much 
to  the  Northern.  The  fruits  of  each  are  to  be  tried  in  all,  in  doors  or  out,  till  we  arrive  at  the 
truth.  A  local  journal  some  may  desire  this  to  be,  but  it  is  no  longer  such,  nor  would  the  sup- 
port accorded  to  it  in  any  one  region  supply  the  means  of  merely  printing  it.  The  grandest  re- 
sults are  produced  from  the  information  each  one  throws  into  the  common  stock.  We  fully  ap- 
preciate the  fact  that  our  readers  are  not  merely  the  beginners,  but  rather  those  who  know  much 
already,  and  are  anxiously  seeking  to  know  more.  By  adapting  thework  in  some  measure  to  all  the 
members  of  a  fitmily,  the  conductor  is  happy  in  knowing  that  a  large  addition  of  subscribers  has 
been  enlisted,  and  that  a  large  increase  of  its  readers  has  been  secured.  Both  he  and  the  pub- 
lisher will  be  cheered  by  every  encouragement,  and  they  hope  their  several  exertions  will  not 
be  without  results. 

».      m  m  »     ^ 

Madison,  Wisconsin,  is  by  all  accounts  a  gem  of  a  city.  A  friend  who  attended  the  Fruit 
Growers'  Convention  there,  writes : 

"  Madison  is  indeed  a  beautiful  place  spread  around  and  among  four  lovely  lakes,  each  of 
which  would  be  a  gem  in  a  European  scene.  Possibly  you  hardly  imagine  how  unusually  favor- 
able the  elegance  of  some  of  the  buildings,  corresponds  with  the  newness  of  the  cittj. 

The  location  of  the  Fair  Grounds  could  hardly  be  surpassed.  From  an  eminence  in  the  rear 
part,  the  whole  inclosed  space  was  overlooked,  and  the  pleasant  country  on  either  side.  From 
this  height  many  of  the  fine  public  and  private  buildings  showed  distinctly  out  from  masses  of 
autumn  foliage.  The  natural  growth  of  the  forest  has  been  left  for  parks,  and  shade  trees,  as 
far  as  possible.  In  all  the  hurry  which  there  must  have  been  to  accomplish  so  much,  in  so  short 
a  time  in  the  way  of  architectural  and  other  improvements,  the  horticultural  has  not  been  for- 
gotten. Much  taste  is  displayed  by  many  of  the  citizens,  in  their  surroundings.  It  was 
supposed  there  were  some  "30,000  strangers  in  the  city  ;  you  may  wonder  how  so  many  could 
be  comfortably  entertained,  when  only  eight  years  ago,  ice  thought  it  too  new  and  uncivilized 
for  our  residence ;  too  far  out  of  the  world  for  comfort,  with  not  a  railway,  or  a  plankway,  to 
one  to  it  with  any  sort  of  ease  or  speed. 

enjoyed  the  agreeable  hospitalities  of  the  secretarj'  of  the  Society,  aud  Editor  of  the 


EDITOR'S    TABLE. 

consin  Farmer.  We  many  times  wished  the  Editor  of  the  Horticulturist  would  in  his  many  jour- 
neys, visit  this  north-west  corner  of  his  parish.  It  would  at  least  spare  one  of  his  lady  cor- 
respondents the  necessity  of  telling  him  so  much  about- it." 

Apples. — The  capacity  of  Virginia  to  grow  the  best  apples  is  demonstrated  by  the  samples 
laid  before  us  by  Mr.  Franklin  Davis,  of  Staunton.  Earely  have  we  seen  finer  specimens  of 
the  best  sorts.  The  Fall  Pippins,  and  Rambo,  Fallawater,  &c.,  are  enormous,  and  very  fine. 
The  old  ribbed  yellow  Belleflower  causes  reminiscences  of  the  old  times  which  are  but  too 
rarely  recalled.  If  such  productions  can  be  raised  in  sufficient  quantities  for  export,  that  fine 
portion  of  Virginia  should  be  turned  into  an  orchard,  and  fill  its  rail-road  with  fruit  for  the  ci- 
ties. The  inhabitants  can  have  no  better  exponent  of  the  best  kinds  and  the  best  modes  of 
cultivation,  than  Mr.  Davis,  who  is  devoting  his  time  and  attention  to  the  nursery  business,  in 
an  enlightened  spirit  which  cannot  fail  of  success. 

A  Work  of  Art. — The  balustrades  for  a  stair-case  in  the  House  of  Representatives,  at 
Washington,  made  by  Archer  and  Warner,  of  Philadelphia,  have  been  on  exhibition  in  Philadel- 
phia, and  we  are  free  to  say,  the  whole  effect  exceeds  that  of  any  casting  we  have  seen.  The 
natural  productions  of  our  country  are  all  displayed  with  extraordinary  exactitude,  and  will  be 
admired  as  long  as  good  taste  exists.  We  congratulate  the  country  that  it  has  artists  capable 
of  producing  such  grand  and  magnificent  results. 

Raspberries  and  Bulbs. — Mr.  Andrew  Brldgeman,  878  Broadway,  forwarded  us  in  Octo- 
ber some  fine  plants  of  Bagley's  Perpetual  Raspberries,  with  the  fruit  upon  them,  but  not  in  a 
state  to  compare  them  with  the  Catawissa,  which  bore  until  heavy  frost.  Bagleys  we  have  not 
yet  tasted,  but  hear  from  others  a  good  account  of  them. 

Mr.  Bridgemau's  bulbs  are  the  largest  and  heaviest  we  have  ever  seen  this  country;  the  hya- 
cinths and  tulips  are  quite  astonishing  in  these  respects.  By  the  way,  from  a  single  bulb  re- 
ceived from  Mr.  B.  last  season,  we  had  the  pleasure  of  welcoming  nine  very  handsome  separate 
stalks  of  bloom  ! 

Travel. — All  who  have  experienced  the  true  pleasures  of  traveling  abroad,  must  also  have  a 
keen  perception  of  the  gratifications  of  returning  home.  These  will  appreciate  the  just  remark 
of  a  modern  essayist,  who  says  : 

''  Those  who  wish  to  forget  painful  thoughts,  do  well  to  absent  themselves  for  a  while  from 
the  ties  and  objects  that  recall  them  ;  but  we  can  be  said  only  to  fulfil  our  destiny  in  the  place 
that  gave  us  birth.  I  should  on  this  account  like  well  enough  to  spend  the  whole  of  my  life  in 
traveling  abroad,  if  I  could  anywhere  borrow  another  life  to  spend  aflencards  at  home." 

Courtesy.     In  our  next  number  we  shall  publish  an  article  on  "  Horticultural  Courtesy." 

Catalogues,  ifcc.  Received. — Bridgemau's  Descriptive  Catalogue,  No.  4.  Fruit  and  Or- 
namental Trees,  Shrubs,  Vines,  &c.,  1858.  A  well  arranged  and  very  full  list  of  all  that  can 
be  required  by  amateur  or  planter. 

Catalogue  of  Superb  Dutch  Bulbous  Roots,  imported  and  for  sale  at  Bridgemau's  Horticultu- 
ral Establishment,  876  and  878  Broadway,  New  York.  These  bulbs  we  have  noticed  elsewhere  ; 
they  are  priced  in  this  list  and  cheaper  than  we  have  noticed  in  any  other,  say  from  eight  to  fifty 
cents  for  Hyacinths,  and  for  Tulips  five  to  twenty  cents. 

Catalogue  of  Annual,  Biennial,  and  Perennial  Flower  Seeds  sold  at  Bridgeman's  876  and  878 
Broadway,  New  York.  Ditto  of  Vegetable  Seeds,  same  proprietors ;  both  of  these  contain 
ample  lists  of  pure  seeds.  We  see  in  the  last.  Garlic  sets,  at  thirty  cents  per  pound :  some 
gourmets  will  thank  us  for  noticing  the  fact. 

No.  7. — Keystone  Nursery,  P.  A.  Mish,  Proprietor,  Han-isburgh,  Pa.  A  great  list  of  valua- 
and  popular  fruit  and  shade  trees,  strawberries,  raspberries,  &c.  &c.  Such  a  nursery  must 
acquisition  to  any  neighborhood. 


Catalogue  dos  Especes  et  Varietes  de  genres  Rosiers  Eemontants,  cultives  par  Francois 
Fontaine,  a  Chatilloa-les-Baigneux  (Seine)  France  ;  Paris,  1858. 

Horticnltural  Monthly,  Morrisania,  New  York. 

Gardener's  Monthly,  No.  5.     South  Cth  Street,  Philadelphia.    Edited  by  Thomas  Meehan. 

Trade  List  of  Evergreens,  Fruit  Trees,  Stocks,  &c.,  for  1858  and  1859,  offered  for  sale  by 
Jtihn  Saul,  Washington,  D.  C. 

The  Illustrated  Annual  Register  of  Rural  Affairs,  and  Almanac.  By  J.  J.  Thomas,  Albany 
and  New  York,  Tucker  and  Son,  and  New  York,  C.  M.  Saxton.  This  little  cheap  volume  con- 
tains a  world  of  good  sense,  as  indeed  one  might  expect  from  the  care  of  the  editor.  There  is 
110  farmer  that  would  not  be  benefited  by  its  perusal,  and  it  is  a  convenient  almanac  for  all. 

Catalogue  of  Fruit  and  Ornamental  Trees,  cultivated  and  for  sale  by  Peters,  Harnden  and 
Co.,  Atlanta,  Georgia.  This  is  the  state  for  fruit  grower's,  from  the  nature  of  its  soil  and  cli- 
mate, and  that  it  must  partly  supply  us  at  the  north  is  becoming  evident ;  we  see  a  demand 
made  upon  the  railroads  running  to  the  Atlantic  for  large  additions  to  the  "fruit  cars," — a  good 
sign.  Peters,  Harnden  and  Co.,  and  P.  J.  Berckmaus  and  Co.,  will  not  be  behind  any  demand 
that  may  be  made  for  the  trees. 

Commercial  Nurseries,  Saco.  Apple,  Pear,  Plum  and  Cherry  Trees,  &c.  Daniel  Mahony 
Practical  Gardener. 

Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Vines,  &c.,  with  explanatory  remarks  and  indications  for  cultiva. 
tiou.  By  C.  W.  Grant,  lona,  near  Peekskill,  N.  Y.  A  valuable  pamphlet  received  too  late 
for  more  extended  notice  this  month :  in  our  next  we  shall  give  some  remarks  on  the  grapes  no- 
ticed, from  the  pen  of  Charles  Downing.     Dr.  Grant  has  a  fine  stock  of  all  the  best  grape  vines. 

Buist's  Almanac  and  Garden  Manual,  Philadelphia.  Like  most  things  that  the  author  does, 
this  is  well  done,  and  we  shall  notice  it  again,  giving  Mr.  B.'s  long  experience  on  the  list  of 
"best"  roses,  &c. 

Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruits,  Hardy  Ornamental  Trees  and  Shrubs,  &c.;  Louis  C.  Lishy, 
Nashville,  Tenn.     A  very  full  and  valuable  list. 

Other  Catalogues  were  received  too  late. 


ANSWERS  TO   CORKESPONDENTS. 

CAMELLIAS  IN  A  Drawing-Room  (Alice). — A  drawing-room  is  about  the  worst  room  for 
a  camellia  to  be  in,  when  it  is  in  blossom,  or  in  blossom  bud.  The  camellia  is  an  "evergreen," 
and  the  roots  of  evergreens  are  not  so  active  or  so  excitable  as  the  roots  of  other  plants ;  there- 
fore when  an  evergreen  is  kept  in  a  warm,  comfortable  room,  t}ie  dry,  warm  air  in  the  room 
excites  the  plant  or  the  leaves,  flowers,  and  buds  of  the  plant,  faster  than  is  natural  for  the 
roots.  The  roots  might,  therefore,  be  immersed  in  water,  and  yet  the  plant  want  for  water  at 
the  same  time.  It  is,  consequently,  essential  that  blooming  camellias,  in  warm  living-rooms, 
should  be  constantly  and  abundantly  supplied  with  water  all  the  time  ;  and  they  stand  in  need 
of  rest  and  refreshment  as  much  and  as  often  as  the  other  inhabitants  of  drawing-rooms,  who 
may  be  exercised  beyond  their  powers,  at  routs,  balls,  and  all  the  rest  of  gayeties.  The  way  to 
rest  a  camellia  in  bloom  is  to  put  it  for  so  many  hours  into  a  much  cooler  room  than  a  drawing- 
room  ;  and  the  way  to  refresh  it  is  to  allow  it  to  breathe  the  cool  night  air  as  long  as  it  is  above 
the  freezing  point,  and  not  in  a  "draught."  Not  that  frosty  air  in  uwtion  is  hurtful  to  the 
camellia  itself,  but  that  the  delicacy  of  the  flowers  cannot  hold  up  against  it  with  impunity. 
Those  who  cannot  sleep  a  "  wink  "  if  they  retire  early  to  rest,  and  who  keep  blooming  camellias 
in  the  drawing-room,  ought  to  ring  every  night  about  half-past  ten,  to  have  the  camellias  taken 
to  "  their  own  room,"  where  they  should  rest  and  be  refreshed  till  the  drawing-room  was 

dusted  and  put  to  rights  "  the  next  day.  With  that  attention,  no  inmate  of  the  drawing-room 
look  more  fair,  or  more  free  and  cheerful  than  the  camellia. 


Strawberries.  "  Cultivator." — Yes ;  our  plate  of  strawberries  is  not  exaggerated  as 
to  their  size.  They  were  drawn  from  nature,  neither  the  largest  nor  smallest  were  taken,  but 
a  fair  average  ;  the  artist  was  to  "  nothing  exaggerate,  nor  set  down  aught  in  malice  !  " 

S. — Your  last  plant  is  a  Dolichos,  but  beyond  that  we  cannot  go  without  further  information. 

Mrs.  E.  Baker,  Alleghany  Furnace,  Pa.  The  mildew  on  the  leaves  of  rose  bushes  can 
only  be  attacked  by  sulphur.  Apply  it  as  directed  for  grape  vines,  that  is,  sprinkle  or  blow  it 
on  to  the  diseased  part,  repeating  it  occasionally  till  the  mildew  has  disappeared. 

OiiiOENSis.  Yes ;  we  have  a  high  opinion  of  the  artichoke  as  a  root  crop.  It  is  very  pro- 
ductive and  useful  as  food  for  the  horse  and  the  hog.  It  is  said  they  can  be  raised  for  four  cents 
a  bushel ! 

In  the  October  number,  Wilson's  Albany  Seedling  Strawberry  was  stated  to  be  pistillate. 
This  is  an  error,  as  it  is  a  true  staminate. 

Erratum.  On  page  544  of  present  number,  line  14,  "  fears  "  should  read  "  pears,"  and  in  the 
last  line  of  the  article  "  something"  should  have  been  printed  "  sometimes."  The  delays  of  the 
post  office  prevented  these  corrections. 


aossii>. 

The  Cloth  Moths,  ( Tinea  piUonttta,)  deserve  to  be  celebrated  on  account  of  their 
interesting  proceedings.  They  are  born  naked,  but  immediately  think  of  clothing  themselves, 
thinking  nothing  of  colors.  They  are  little  cylindrical  worms,  which  make  themselves  muffs 
exactly  the  shape  of  their  bodies,  and  open  on  one  end.  The  stuff  is  manufactured  by  the 
insect  itself,  and  consists  of  silk  of  its  own  furnishing,  and  the  detritus  of  the  cloth  on  which  it 
feeds,  and  out  of  which  it  makes  its  dress.  When  its  covering  is  completed,  it  lines  the 
interior  in  immediate  contact  with  its  skin,  with  very  soft  silk ;  it  never  puts  on  a  new  dress,  but, 
as  it  grows,  it  adds  to  the  old  one.  This  is  easily  lengthened  by  adding  some  of  the  same 
material  at  each  end  ;  but  to  make  the  coat  fit,  when  the  body  grows  broader,  is  a  more  com- 
plex affair.  This  it  does  by  slitting  open  the  cylinder  half  way  down,  first  on  one  side  and  then 
on  the  other,  and  connecting  the  parts  thus  let  out  by  very  ingeniously  adding  new  pieces, 
which  are  sutured  on  to  the  old  by  means  of  silk,  of  which  the  little  creature  keeps  a  constant 
supply.  If  a  Tinea  which  has  fed  on  red  cloth  for  a  time,  be  put  upon  blue,  the  sutui'es  will 
be  blue,  and  he  will  appear  in  a  short  time  in  a  party-colored  dress. 

In  very  many  cases  fruit  trees  are  planted  in  the  natural  soil,  perhaps  with  a  superabundance 
of  manure;  no  preparation  precautionary  against  the  descent  of  the  roots  into  a  most  ungenial 
subsoil  has  been  nilide,  and  the  ci)nsequences  have  been  what  we  find  everywhere  in  the  case  of 
tender  fruits — an  annually  occurring  immaturity,  which,  of  course,  becomes  accumulative. 
And  what  must  be  the  consequences  of  heedless  planting  on  soils  which  receive  the  solar  heat, 
as  it  were  with  reluctance  ?  Why,  late  growths,  and,  of  course,  immaturity,  nakedness  in 
portions  of  the  limbs  or  branches,  and  barren  fruit  spurs,  which,  being  only  half  organized, 
blossom  in  a  future  spring  only  to  deceive.  Drainage  in  soils  of  a  hard,  clayey  character,  and 
large  holes  for  the  trees  with  a  mixture  of  manure  and  top  soil,  is  the  remedy. 

PiNUS  Wincesteriana  is  the  name  of  a  new  pine  cultivated  in  England,  from  near  Tehic  in 
Mexico.  It  is  remarkable  for  its  long  incurved  resinous  cones,  and  is  very  distinct  from  any 
heretofore  described ;  the  leaves  are  in  fives.  Forty-three  species  of  rhododendrons  were  discov- 
ered by  Dr.  Hooker  in  the  Sikkim  Himalaya  Mountains,  and  yet  Mr.  Booth  shortly  after 
discovered  sixteen  more. 


It  is  only  when  climbing  roses  as  pillar  roses  have  been  fully  established,  and  have  nearly 
filled  their  places  that  pruning  can,  or  ouojht  to  be,  dispensed  with,  in  a  great  measure;  that  is, 
an  (inmtal  cutting  back  of  all  shoots ;  but  all  plants  in  cultivation,  from  a  forest  of  oaks,  to  a 
bed  of  mignonette,  require  to  be  thinned  more  or  less  occasionally,  and  so  must  all  roses. 

The  pigeons  recently  employed  in  carrying  messages  are  not  the  kind  called  "carriers,"  but 
those  crossed  between  a  dragon  and  a  tumbler,  and  are  called  skinnums.  Another  error  consists 
in  the  supposition  that  birds  can  carry  letters  of  the  ordinary  size  tied  under  the  wing — a  fatal 
hinderance  to  their  flight.  When  messaj^es  are  sent  by  them  they  must  be  written  (m  a  narrow 
strip  of  thin  paper,  say  three  inches  by  three  quarters  of  an  inch,  rolled  round  the  shank  of  the 
leg,  and  secured  by  a  thread.  In  flig-ht  the  foot  is  drawn  up  into  the  feathers,  and  no  I'esistance 
is  offered  to  the  passage  of  the  bird  through  the  air. 

Yucca  Glouiosa. — This  fine,  tropical-looking  plant  is  not  half  so  much  patronized,  as  it 
deserves  to  be;  for,  independent  of  the  rigid,  uniform  appearance  its  foliage  always  presents,  no 
flowering  plant,  that  we  are  acquainted  with,  can  equal  it  for  length  of  spike  and  number  of 
florets  expanded  at  one  time.  It  is  true,  they  do  not  flower  well  in  everj'  situation  ;  but,  where 
they  do  succeed,  no  plant  of  late  introduction  gives  so  distinct  a  feature  as  this  yucca.  The 
yucca  gloriosa  is,  perhaps,  of  the  yuccas,  most  highly  esteemed,  and  a  finer  object  when  in 
blossom,  can  hai'dly  be  conceived.  It  is  majestic,  bold,  and  even  grand.  It  is  a  common 
remark  that  every  plant  is  a  weed  in  its  own  country ;  but  it  would  be  hard  to  cfdl  this  a  weed, 
although  we  meet  with  a  forest  of  them.  Wherever  it  is  desireable  to  impress  an  exotic 
character,  wherever  what  is  called  ''sentinels"  are  needed,  and  near  to  buildings  of  any  kind, 
there  the  yucca  will  be  found  at  home.  The  Irish  yew  is  another  most  distinct  and  significant 
tree,  wherever  stifl'  formality  or  deep  contrast  is  required.  And  then  its  color  is  so  good  ;  per- 
haps one  of  the  darkest  shades  of  green  we  possess. 

Without  trying  some  experiments,  what  is  the  real  use  of  a  garden  at  all  ?  The  best 
gardeners  in  the  country,  try  experiments  every  week  of  their  lives,  and,  at  the  end  of  the 
longest  life,  one  only  begins  to  see  how  much  more  there  is  to  do  and  to  learn.  The  only  secret 
about  experiments  which  amateurs  should  know,  is  this — Never  to  depend  on  the  issue  of  an 
experiment ;  make  sure  of  your  crop  or  bed,  or  anything  in  hand,  and  let  your  experiments  be 
extra. 

The  most  inexperienced  fruit  grower  may  soon  rival  and  outshine  the  most  successful  of  old 
practitioners,  if  he  will  only  give  himself  the  trouble  to  thoroughly  understand  and  execute 
two  facts  well  ascertained  and  fully  established.  First,  that  extreme  luxuriance  in  growth,  and 
exti'eme  fertility  in  fruit,  are  entirely  antagonistic  to  each  other.  The  second,  which  is  only  a 
repetition  or  modification  of  the  first,  is,  that  the  rapid  luxuriant  production  of  timber,  and  the 
early  production  of  well-flavored  fruit,  are  most  easily  and  thoroughly  secured,  by  the  roots 
being  placed  in  circumstances  entirely  different;  depth  of  soil,  moisture,  and  richness,  being 
not  more  necessary  in  one  case,  than  comparative  shallowness,  dryness,  and  soil  uustuffed  with 
rank  manure,  in  the  other. 


fates  for  tlie  STonllr. 

VINEYAED    CALENDAR   FOR   NOVEMBER. 

BY    R.    EUCHANAX,  CINCINNATI,  OHIO. 

December  and  the  two  succeeding  months  afford  but  little  employment  for  the  vinedresser, 
except  pruning  the  vines  in  pleasant  weather,  sharpening  stakes,  mending  walls  or  trellises,  or 
such  work  as  can  be  done  now,  to  lessen  the  labors  that  press  upon  us  with  the  opening  of 
The  vines  are  pruned  as  heretofore  directed,  and  the  branches  brought  into  the  " 
liar,  to  be  cut  up  into  proper  lengths   for  planting,  in  slips,  or  cuttings,  and  the  refuse 


EDITOR'S    TABLE. 

to  feed  the  fire,  or  to  put  into  ravines  to  prevent  washing  out  the  soil.  These  cuttings  are 
prepared  in  wet  days,  or  in  wet  evenings,  to  economize  time.  I'hey  are  tied  in  bundles  of  100 
or  200,  with  willow  ties,  and  kept  in  a  cool,  damp  cellar,  or  set  on  the  ends  in  the  earth,  to  keep 
them  fresh.  The  young  shoots  from  the  yellow  willow  may  now  be  cut  from  the  tree,  tied  up 
in  bundles,  and  placed  in  the  cellar  until  wanted  for  use.  Tlie  tcine  casks  will  merely  be  re- 
quired to  be  kept  bung  full,  and  tight. 

BY  WILLIAM  SAUNDERS,  GERMANTOWN,  PA. 

Orchard  Houses. — The  culture  of  fruit  trees  in  plots  has  recently  been  on  the  increase, 
and  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  it  will  become  a  favorite  and  remunerative  system.  Taking 
into  consideration  the  climate,  and  other  casualties,  which  render  out-door  culture  of  fruit  a 
matter  of  considerable  uncertainty — such  as  the  mildew  on  the  grape  and  gooseberry  ;  the  crack- 
ing of  the  pear,  and  frequent  destruction  of  its  bltssoms ;  the  curculio  on  the  plum,  nectarine, 
and  apricot ;  the  yellows,  borer,  and  leaf  blister  on  the  peach — any  means  by  which  a  moderate 
but  certain  continuation  of  crops  can  be  secured,  will  demand  attention. 

Growing  fruit  in  pots  is  no  new  idea,  but  it  has  only  recently  been  reduced  to  a  system.  The 
orchard  houses,  introduced  by  Mr.  Kivers  in  England  have  been  the  means  of  concentrating  at- 
tention to  this  subject,  and  these  structures  have  there  been  rapidly  increasing,  and  from  all  ac- 
counts are  proving  entirely  satistiictory  when  properly  managed. 

The  difference  between  these  orchard  houses  and  common  green-houses,  is,  that  in  the  latter 
the  pots  or  tubs  containing  the  plants  are  set  on  shelves  and  stagings;  whereas  in  the  fruit  house 
they  are  set  on  a  bed  of  soil.  Much  of  the  success  attending  the  system  depends  upon  this  man- 
agement. It  is  well  known  that  barrenness  in  fruit  trees  is  very  frequently  occasioned  by  exces- 
sive vigor  of  growth  ;  consequently  the  expedient  of  grafting  upon  stocks  of  weaker  growth  has 
been  successfully  I'esorted  to, — the  pear  on  the  quince,  and  the  cherry  on  the  mahaleb,  ai'e  ex- 
amples. In  pot  culture,  the  same  object  is  gained  by  curtailing  root  extension ;  which,  of  course, 
exerts  a  similar  influence  on  the  growth  of  the  branches,  favorable  to  the  production  of  fruit 
buds.  Having  secured  flower  buds,  there  is  no  difficulty,  under  a  glass  roof,  of  expanding  the 
blossoms,  and  under  the  protection  thus  afforded,  almost  every  flower  will  set  a  fruit. 

In  pots,  a  heavy  crop  cannot  be  maintained  without  extra  nourishment,  and  here  the  prac- 
tice of  placing  the  pot  on  a  bed  of  enriched  soil  meets  the  difKculty ;  ample  means  being  allowed 
for  the  roots  to  protrude  through  the  bottom  of  the  pot,  they  will  extend  into,  and  derive  nour- 
ishment from  the  soil  below,  and  the  plant  will  mature  a  comparatively  heavy  crop. 

To  ensure  maturation  of  the  wood  and  a  continuation  of  fruitfuliiess,  growth  may  be  checked 
by  simply  twisting  the  pot  so  as  to  disarrange  the  roots.  They  may  be  all  cut  away  and  the  pot 
removed,  if  the  growth  is  sufliciently  advanced  ;  but  a  gradual  stopage  of  root  growth  will, 
in  general,  be  the  safest  mode  of  proceeding. 

The  most  economical  form  of  house  for  the  above  purpose,  is  that  which  allows  the  greatest 
surface  area.  Low  roofs  are  indispensable,  and  possibly  the  horizontal  ridge  and  furrow  meth- 
od may  ultimately  become  prevalent. 

Much,  however,  can  be  done  in  a  green-house.  After  the  plants  are  turned  out  for  the  sum- 
mer, it  may  then  be  turaed  into  a  fruit  house,  and  rendered  both  profitable  and  attractive. 

A  stock  of  ti"ees  in  pots  may  be  kept  on  hand,  wintered  in  a  cellar,  or  any  equally  suitable 
place,  removed  to  the  open  air  early  in  Spring,  and  introduced  to  the  greenhouse  after  the  flow- 
ering plants  are  taken  out.  We  have  seen  fine  crops  in  this  way.  They  may  be  assisted  by 
the  application  of  liquid  manure  when  ripening.  Fruits  from  pots  are  generally  superior  in  qual- 
ity to  those  from  open  air  culture. 

At  the  close  of  a  volume,  seems  a  fitting  occasion  to  make  a  few  remarks  upon  the  necessity 
of  cimibining  science  with  our  practical  operations,  and  urgently  enforcing  the  necessity  of  study- 
ing the  principles  of  vegetable  philosophy — the  relation  that  the  agents  of  vegetation  bear  to 
each  other,  and  in  combination  to  plants.  We  can  seldom  look  into  the  pages  of  any  horticultu- 
ral or  agricultural  periodical,  without  perceiving  many  discrepancies,  contradictory  assertions, 
false  conclusions,  and  absurd  reasonings,  which  the  writers  woiild  never  have  penned  had  they 
been,  in  the  slightest  degree,  conversant  with  the  simple  chemical  rules  which  regulate  the 
growth  of  plants. 

The  difficulty  in  establishing  rules  of  practice  that  would  be  uniformly  successful,  arises  from 
the  vai'ied  action  of  the  agents  in  vegetation,  and  their  individual  modification  under  different 
circumstances.  Hence  the  paramount  necessity  of  cultivators  informing  themselves  of  the  the- 
ory of  action  among  these  agents,  so  that  they  may  decide  upon  a  course  of  practice  suited  to 
the  circumstances  by  which  they  are  surrounded. 

The  most  instructive  elementary  works  on  these  subjects  are  Lindley's  "Theory  of  Horticul- 
ture," Carpenter's  "Vegetable  Physiology,"  Liebig's  "Agricultural    Chemisti-y,"   Johnson's 

Lectures  on  Agricultural  Chemistry,"'  and  Chaptal's  "Chemistry  applied  to  Agi-iculture." 


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