cause being then full of sap, the wounds would the sooner heal up. I applied the saw to some (fortunately worthless) seedling apple trees, and found the sunshine on the exuding sap produced canker and nearly destroyed the trees. In the autumn I saw a Rambo apple tree split in the centre with its weight of fruit. The half that fell down was cut away, leaving a large wound exposed to the frosts of the following winter. Very bad theoretically for its recovery; yet it started next year with a healthy healing process, which has gone on for thirty years, while the tree has in alternate seasons been bearing large crops of fruit. From this I concluded that "an ounce of practice is worth a pound of theory," and I have since done pruning that seemed necessary in the autumn, as soon as the main growth of the 'tree was over and the wood began to ripen-not hesitating to cut away limbs where they grew too thickly, or to shorten in for a season a vine or the shoot of a pear tree, when they were slender, in order to get a better base, nor to advise my neighbor when his vines had become a wilderness of self strangling complications, to cut away nine-tenths of the wood that the residue might ripen and bear better fruit. I even believed, that where an apple tree had a tendency to shoot up to such an altitude ¦ that a farmer could only look at its fruit, but! would be unable to come to it without the aid of a balloon, that it would be well to cut off the entire stem of such a tree six or eight feet from the ground, and make it throw out strong laterals, which would give an open head to the tree, and place its fruit where it could safely be reached with a ladder, when my settled convictions were run into by something I saw in the Gardener's Monthly (I cannot find it as I write) about "all pruning being a shock to the vitality of a tree." This would be a very popular gospel among some of our lazy orchardists. This elementary principle is reached, I believe, by deduction, the formula being as follows: A tree can be pruned to death; therefore any pruning is a shock to its vitality. I use the formula in a different way, thus: A plant can be watered to death; therefore any water is a shock to the vitality of a plant, and I find the rule has its limitations or contradictions in practice. Knowing how eminently wise is the Gardener's Monthly, I sought for some broader interpretation of its "shocking" theory, that I could subscribe to, and I think I find it in the ambiguity of its terms. Thus the "Monthly" teaches that when a tree is transplanted, the top should be shortened into a proper relation to the mutilated roots. Neglect of this is death-observance of it promotes growth. Now the vitality of a tree consists in its life and development, and the "shock" of pruning here referred to is akin to the shock of a galvanic battery when applied to a paralyzed limb, to which it is expected to restore healthy circulation and its normal functions. Vitality in plants and trees depends largely on relations to sunshine and shade to proper proportions of the top to the stem or the top to the roots. So I suppose the "Monthly " uses that word "shock" in a double sense; constructively, when the pruning shocks a tree into better conditions, and destructively when the work is ill-timed or too radical. The doctors tell us that a drug may be a narcotic or a stimulant, in accordance with the quantity of it that is taken. The Gardener's Monthly, I am pretty sure, will permit us to cling to our faith that pruning is beneficial or otherwise, according to the good sense or the bad judgment that may direct the arm holding the saw or the pruning knife. Will it not? VARIATIONS IN NATURE. BY C. Just as I read thy paper on variation not caused always by domestication, I was coursing the memoirs of El Baber, the founder of the Mongol dynasty in India, (16th century) a great fighter, and a close observer of nature, and an ardent admirer of pretty flowers. In one of his military expeditions in the mountainous region N. E. of Cabul, he found immense numbers of wild tulips, of which he noticed twenty-five different kinds, and in one locality a hundredleaved tulip, which appears to have delighted him much, both by its beauty and unusual form, and also because it was found only in that one locality of limited extent. The art of man evidently had done nothing in this case. SHORT PURSES AND DUTCH BULBS. BY R. W., LANSINGBURG, N. Y. These few words are addressed to persons of limited means especially, for the reason that a supposition exists that to enjoy the delights of bulb culture necessitates the possession of a very long purse well filled, and this supposition frequently prevents that inquiry which would prove the perfect falsity of the previous impres sion. Thus many persons miss an innocent pleasure, a source of much real enjoyment, and pass the long, dreary winter without one flower to cheer and gladden their sense of the beautiful. To prove that a good collection of bulbs may be obtained for a small outlay of money, and to give the names of such as are best calculated to grow and bloom satisfactorily in the hands of the novice, is the object of the writer. We will suppose our readers to be familiar with the fact that Dutch Bulbs are cultivated in immense quantities in Holland, where peculiarities of soil and climate, and the scientific culture given them, induce their fullest development. It is from Holland the world draws its supply of hyacinths, tulips, crocuses, narcissus, etc., and from Holland alone. In selecting hyacinths, the bewildering confusion of names, the expansive lists of colorsdark blue, light blue, porcelain and lilac, red, pink, rose and blush-requires considerable courage on the part of the beginner in bulb culture to be attacked by him; but he need not be disheartened nearly all good; some are better suited to his purpose than others, and these are equally found among the cheapest sorts as well as among the higher priced. Of course we wish white, pink and blue, and for our white variety let us have Grand Vainqueur. If we have one or a dozen, we can find none superior to it. Its especial recommendations are earliness, a tall stem, and truss of large size, bearing no tinge of color; pure and stainless as new fallen snow. For many years the writer has enjoyed its beauty and sweet smell, thinking it each year more beautiful than the year previous. In others of different shades there are many of great merit at a low price. Crantatus for a light blue, is excellent. Always bearing a large truss, oftentimes an immense one, of flowers, good in shape, and of cerulean blue. It is fit to be the companion of Grand Vaniqueur-and is, for they bloom at the same time when planted together. Charles Dickens, for a darker sort, is very superior. Blue, of medium shade, with a darker line through the centre of each petal; sweet and spicy in smell; always sure to bloom. We must indeed have at least one of this variety. If we can afford another blue let us select Prince Von Lux Weimar. He is clothed in royal livery, and worthy of a place in our collection. We must have some pink kinds, for if but three roots are purchased, one must be white, one blue, and one pink, to be planted together. They look very pretty grown in this way, and take less room. Any of the following are as good as the best. Mdl'e. Hodson Norma, Mdile. Zontman, and Bouquet Royal. The first named is very good, having a rich bright color and delicate fragrance. Norma has fewer bells to the truss than most others, but what is lacking in number is made up in size, each flower being very large. Do not plant Bouquet Royal with any of the others mentioned, as it blooms later than they. Planting in groups we wish all to bloom together, and did we expect Bouquet Royal to bloom with Crantatus or Grand Vainqueur, we would be disappointed. Any of the hyacinths specified can be bought of the dealers, at twenty-five cents singly or three dollars per dozen. And should you mention that you were making your first attempt at bulb growing, we would not be surprised if upon opening your parcel after getting home you found a little addition to your order, given by way of encouragement to you from the kind hearted dealer-for most seedsmen and florists are very kind of heart. Perhaps goodness and tenderness are exhaled with the fragrance which fills so large a portion of their domicil. We have often thought so! Hyacinths have been given the first place, not because we think them so superior in beauty to others, but because being so sure of bloom, so brilliant of color and so sweetly fragrant, the preference is usually given them. Polyanthus Narcissus, Tulips of some varieties, and Crocuses also do well with window culture, and are not less desirable than hyacinths, and as they are of low price, and so of interest to the short pursed lover of flowers, we will consider their merits at some future time. Nothing has been said of cultivation, for where our beginner is fully persuaded to try his luck in bulb growing, he will find directions, which are very simple, in any of the catalogues published, and these he may procure without difficulty-without money and without price. "THE PARTERRE." BY W. B. WICKEN. The writer has seen many pleasure grounds, which in many respects were laid out with taste and propriety, but with an almost total neglect, or at best, a poor attempt at the Parterre, which if tastefully planned and executed, adds greatly to the beauty and interest of any grounds. Beautiful colors, arranged and contrasted in elegant and tasteful figures, in their combination, give an effect that is wanting when each are separate from the other. There is often seen on beautiful lawns, a circle described here, a diamond shaped bed there, and yonder perhaps a crescent, suggesting the idea they had dropped from the sky, and had been let remain where they fell, there being no attempt at symmetrical arrangement or system. It is evident that the beauty and pleasing effect of any geometrical design is dependent on the relative bearing of one line on the other, as selves anywhere, but it is possible for us to make use of this beauty in such a manner that we may derive greater pleasure thereby. Of course some judgment is required in planting, habit and color considered. It is decidedly not the object of this paper to advocate laying out of pleasure grounds, with walks and general features in a style of geometrical precision. But there can be no place laid out in whatsoever style to which the parterre will not be an interesting and beautiful addition. If at all possible, the parterre should be laid out near the terrace or house, as its beauty is great as the piazza, terrace, or house, then all the shape in detail can be taken into the eye at once. there is certainly as much respective harmony ly enhanced when seen from some point above, in form as in sound. Perhaps the accompany ing sketch of a few beds may help to demonstrate the ideas of the writer, and perhaps may set some of your fair readers thinking and plan- SUITABLE COMPOST FOR GRAPERY ning, and so bring about a better state of things next season. There may be some impression that similar beds would require an extra quantity of bedding stuff to fill them, but there are many plants that are planted in one corner or another and so on, that might be planted here with heightened effect. Of course flowers are beautiful in them BORDERS. BY MANSFIELD MILTON. The cultivation of the grape vine has been practised by all nations from their earliest ages, and no fruit better repays good cultivation. Its delicious flavor and health giving qualities making it preferable to every other. Although several species are indigeneous to this country, and well-flavored varieties by hy- suitable. Plenty of manures there are that for bridizing and crossing been raised, still none a year or two create a most luxuriant effect, equal in flavor the different varieties of the Eu- then as quickly in effect decay. The principle ropean species Vitis vinifera Very good aim being to secure fertilizers not only suitable hybrids have been raised from hybridizing some for causing a vigorous growth to the vines, but of the American species with the European the essential qualities of which are of a lasting species. We, however, believe that a greater success will yet be attained, and varieties raised possessing the hardiness of the American species and the delicious flavor of the European. 1 nature. The best animal manure for this purpose is horse manure, which ought to be mixed with the soil in a half decomposed state, for if allowed to decompose, too much ammonia escapes-the most important component of the manure, as from it nitrogen is derived, which is the main food for the grape vine. The more ammonia As the European varieties cannot with any thing like success in the Northern States, be grown out doors, it is consequently necessary to cultivate them under glass. We shall, therefore, give a few remarks upon the compost best suit-, therefore that pervades the soil, the more beneable for grapery borders. Turfy loam should constitute the main part of the compost. The surface of old pasture, half decayed sods, or any good fibrous loam that has not been under cultivation for a good while being the most suitable. The more fibrous loam is, the more adapted it is for supplying for years vegetable nourishment. If of an inert state when put into the composition of a border, it soon acquires that sour, deadened state so detrimental for supplying suitable food for plants, especially grape vine roots, as they are very impatient in stagnant or inactive soil. But if of a fibrous nature, it for years retains that life and porosity so necessary for soil which has to be undisturbed for years. Another evil to guard against is chopping the soil too fine. We believe in leaving it, (especially loam that is to be used for a grapery or any permanent border) in a rather rough state. We have seen several borders with all the soil carefully sifted, one of the most foolish ideas, as no one of ordinary os r vant qualities but knows the best of the soil is taken out by sifting. Peat or muck in part is very good for borders if not of too spongy a nature, as it is then so apt for getting saturated with water, especially if a large quantity of it is used, and also converts the loam into the same inactive state. If the loam is good there is no need for using much peat, but if of a gravelly nature peat may with advantage be more freely used. Well decomposed leaf mould is better than bad peat; carefully clearing out all pieces of wood, as they create a fungus, which prove injurious to grape vine roots. Manures for grapery borders are very numerous, each having its advocate, but from personal experience, and observing the results of the experiments of others, we think but few are really ficial the results in procuring strong, healthy vines and foliage. Unless the vines be possessed of a strong constitution in the commencement of their growth, they ever after show the effects of early weakness. Cow manure does not contain so large an amount of ammonia as horse manure, nor does it possess so warm a nature. It is also slower in action, and is apt for becoming a deadened mass when used in large quantities, but when mixed with horse manure, and well fermented, it then becomes highly serviceable, and thought by many when so used to be more beneficial than horse manure alone. Pig manure, although containing more ammonia than either horse or cow manure, assimilates the latter in other qualities, and therefore should be used, mixed with horse manure. Without being well decomposed it should not be allowed to come directly in contact with the roots, being so strong as to generally destroy them. Crushed bones is one of the most useful manures there is for grapery borders. If crushed into dust their effect is immediate, but not so lasting as when broken into one inch pieces. Not only do they supply vigorous growth to the vine, but also contribute suitable nourishment required for the enlargement of the fruit. The dead bodies of animals in a crude state have been extensively used in the formation of borders. Few people using them once, and closely observing the effect, will do so a second time, and would advise those intending doing so to abandon their intention. Dead bodies in their crude state are more antagonistic than useful as food for vegetation, and not until an advanced stage of decomposition has been reached can plants derive any nourishment from them. Those intending to use them for border purposes should decompose them before applying, by burying in loam or muck until well rotted, and mixing well by several turnings of the whole mass. One particular part to be attended to is mixing the soil for the border and manure thoroughly before either forming the inside or outside border. About one fourth of the whole mass should be animal manure, and we have advantageously used from eight to twelve barrels of bones for the borders of large houses. We deem about fifteen feet wide and three feet deep sufficient for outside borders. Giving good drainage, for unless all superfluous water is carried off (allowing the compost to be of the best materials) only a few years will be sufficent in showing the evil effects of improper drainage, or both vines and fruit. | t is a shade of red, to my taste, not at all pleasing. Didon is a flower that Mr. Dombrain considers only second rate, but as I saw it, no taste, however critical, could fail to be pleased with it. The throat of this flower is largely pure white, gradually deepening towards the edges into the most delicate lilac imaginable. Jupiter is gorgeous, a dark and superb crimson, flaked with blackish crimson. Minerva was the only one I did not see. Ossian has a fine spike of rose colored flowers, tinted with deep violet and carmine; not sufficiently remarkable to be in the first rank, but decidedly fine. Phoebus is very fine indeed, throwing up a flower spike of striking fire-red flowers, finely | lighted up with white. Virginalis is exquisite, being very pure white bordered with delicate rose color. These few remarks I make in the spirit of jus THE NEW VARIETIES OF GLADIOLUS. tice merely as to the new varieties, and by no BY GEO. SUCH, SOUTH AMBOY, N. J. I notice in the December number of the Gardener's Monthly, a short article taken from the London Journal of Horticulture, in which comment is made regarding the new varieties of Gladiolus. The writer says, "From what I have seen here and elsewhere, there is but little new or good amongst them; indeed some of them are merely repetitions of the old sorts." Allow me to say that this judgment is extremely unjust, and by referring to the Journal of Horticulture for October 24th, you will notice that the Rev. Mr. Dombrain, one of the very best authorities on the Gladiolus, says that "so far from thinking the sorts sent out last autumn the worst set we have had for some years, I think them one of the best." Having grown all the new varieties but one, in my own garden, the following impressions may be of some value: Antigone is certainly a very fine flower, being tender rose color, flamed with crimson, and with a very long flower spike. means intending to make little of the older kinds, many of which are of such superb beauty as to be quite unsurpassable in their peculiar sections. I am from time to time called upon by customers to name what I consider, say, the best dozen kinds of Gladiolus, and it is a difficult matter to decide. Not long ago, replying to a letter from Boston, I named twelve that were all admirable, and the gentleman to whom I wrote expressed his surprise at not seeing the name of any one of the latest novelties mentioned in the dozen; but in reality there was no cause for surprise, the novelties being novel from the fact of being distinct from the other kinds rather than as surpassing them. Such flowers as Shakespeare, Meyerbeer, and Madame Desportes - not mentioning others of former years- have such claims upon our admiration as will enable them to securely hold their own against all new comers. Shakespeare and Meyerbeer especially, stand distinct from all others, and to attempt a comparison between these and others, whether new or old, would be Ariane has a white ground more or less blazed like attempting to compare a very fine peach with rose and lilac; very handsome. Alcyon and Arsinoe are good, but not very remarkable. with a pear of equally fine quality. THE TANYAH-SPROUTS. As the season for preserving this valuable esculent for winter use is approaching, a few sug. Antiope is a showy and very neatly shaped flower, its general tone of color being cherry tinted with orange. Beatrix is admirable; a pure white ground, gestions, dictated by a long experience in their slightly marked with crimson lilac. cultivation and use, may not be unacceptable to As the fall up Celimene I do not so much like, however, as it some of your numerous readers. |