,illustration3 ,,begonia ,,xanthina4 ,,the ,,florist ,,and ,,horticultural ,,journal4 ,vol4 ,,ii4 ,philadelphia1 ,july1 #ahec4 ,no4 #g4 ,,begonia ,,xanthina4 ,,yellow-,,flowered ,,begonia4 ,begoniace4--,moncia-,polandria4 ,,charac4 ,,gener4--,flores monoici4 ,,masc4 ,perigonii tetraphylli foliolis subrotundis1 #d exterioribus majoribus4 ,stamina plurima2 filamentis brevissimis liberis v4 basi-connatis1 antheris extrorsis bilocularibus1 loculis linearibus discretis1 connectivi continui obtusi margini adnatis longitudinaliter dehiscentibus4 ,,fem4 ,perigonii tubo triptero cum ovario connate1 limbi superi #d-i-partiti persistentis lobis pluriseriatim imbricatis4 ,ovarium interum triloculare4 ,ovula in placentis e loculorum angulo centrali bilamellatis plurima anatropa4 ,styli #c bifidi stigmatihus crassis flexuosis v4 capitatis4 ,capsula membranaceo-trialata trilocularis loculicide trivalvis4 ,semina plurima minima striata4 ,embryo in axi albuminis carnosi orthotropus4 ,herb in ,asia et ,america tropica indigen1 foliis alternis petiolatis integris v4 palmatilobis basi saepecordatis inquilateris integerrimis dentatis v4 mucronatoserrutis stipulis lateralibus membranaceis deciduis1 cymis axillaribus pedunculatis dichotomis floribus albis roseis v4 rubincundis4 ,,charact4 ,,specif4--,b4 acaulis1 rhizomate brevi crasso subtus radicante1 foliis amplis oblique cordato-ovatis brevi acuminatis sinuatis denticulatis subtus discoloribus 7rubris7 petiolis aggregatis crassis folium subaequantibus rubris stipulatis crinitis1 setis patentibus interioribus reflexis1 scapo petiolis duplo longiore1 floribus nutantibus corymbosis flavis1 masculis tetrasepalis1 sepalis #e oblongo-cuneatis unico majore rotundato magis concavo1 foeminis triplo minoribus hexasepalis1 sepalis qualibus ovali-rotundatis1 fructus alis duabus brevibus unica horizontaliter elongata striata4 ,,hook4 ,begonia xanthina1 ,,hook1 ,bot4 ,mag4 t4 #dfhc4 ,although many different species of this valuable genus have been discovered up to this time1 we have had only those with white or red flowers4 ,b4 cinnabarina with its orange red flowers was an approach to what we now figure--the ,begonia xanthina4 ,but even the yellow of this is shaded with the red which prevails in a greater or less degree in the flowers or leaves1 and stalks of all the genus4 ,this species1 which flowered in ,july1 #aheb1 in the collection of ,mr4 ,nuttall1 at ,rainhill1 ,lincolnshire1 was received by him in #ahej1 from the ,bootan ,himalayas1 having been sent thence by his nephew1 ,mr4 ,booth4 ,it may be some time before this beautiful plant is imported into this country2 but we know that our enterprizing nurserymen and amateurs will obtain it as soon as it finds its way into the hands of the trade in ,europe4 ,,history ,,and ,,cultivation4 ,few plants have a greater claim on the ,american plant grower than the ,begonia4 ,it has been too much the habit to sigh after1 and bewail the want of 8,chiswick ,heaths10 and other things which do not do well in ,america1 to the manifest neglect of many beautiful things which do4 ,it is time we had ceased to be the mere copyists of ,english horticulture4 ,we have so rapidly advanced1 that we should aim at an independence that can be achieved2 and1 as in government so in gardening1 take our place as one of the horticultural 8nations of the earth40 ,we have been a 8colony of ,chiswick and ,edinboro10 8,paris and ,ghent0 hitherto2 we have experienced on every occasion slights and neglects2 whatever we do is passed over in silence1 and whatever we discover remains unnoticed or is scorned4 ,these are some of our grievances4 ,all our horticultural papers have taken up the subject in turn1 and pressed our claims on ,english journalists2 but how have they been met8 ,a private letter on the success of one individual plant has been published in one magazine2 and two hybrid ,peonys have been named in ,belgium in honor of ,americans4 ,perhaps once a year a short extract in the ,revue horticole on ,forsythia viridissima from the ,horticulturist2 or1 a notice in the ,gardener's ,chronicle of how to preserve ,tomatoes from ,hovey's ,magazine4 ,we must have done with whining and complaining about these things4 ,let us strike out new courses for ourselves4 ,we may never hope to excel them in ,heaths1 ,pansies1 ,calceolarias1 or many other things1 as a general rule1 nor is it desirable we should4 ,let them boast of their excellence2 we will raise another standard4 ,the ,,begonia is peculiarly adapted to become such a plant as ,i have described4 ,requiring in ,england a moist and very artificial atmosphere1 it does not make any very great progress in popular estimation4 ,here it thrives with very common care2 all doing in a greenhouse #i months in the year2 and many doing well in the open air1 if in a somewhat shaded situation4 ,they are for the most part natives of ,brazil or ,mexico4 ,to cultivate them successfully we must divide them into two classes3--the tuberous rooted1 and the shrubby4 ,each of these will require separate treatment4 ,the following kinds are amongst the best in cultivation1 either here1 or in ,english gardens1 from whence they can be easily procured4 ,,tuberous ,,rooted4 #a4 ,b4 discolor or ,evansiana1 native of ,china1 with pinkish white flowers1 may be had in bloom from ,may to ,october4 #b4 cinnabarina1 from ,bolivia1 deep pink or cinnabar1 from ,june to ,october4 #c4 ,martiana1 from ,brazil1 deep pinky rose1 from ,july to ,october4 #d4 diptera1 ,cape of ,good ,hope1 whitish1 ,june to ,august4 #e4 ,barkeri1 ,mexico1 dull white1 ,february to ,december4 ,these require to be kept rather dry and cool in the winter season4 ,no4 #e4 may be had in flower all the year1 by having several pots1 and keeping them dry at different periods4 ,early in spring the tubers may be potted in #f in4 pots1 in a soil composed of well-decayed leaf mould1 loam1 and sand4 ,they require little water till the leaves appear1 when they will take an abundance4 ,they may be forwarded in a little heat1 but will do pretty well if allowed to come along with the season4 ,they are easily propagated from their tubers1 by cuttings1 or by seeds4 ,,shrubby ,,or ,,fibrous ,,rooted4 #a4 ,b4 nitida1 native of ,jamaica1 with pinkish white flowers1 and large1 thick1 shining leaves4 ,may be had in bloom all the year1 and made into handsome specimens4 #b4 ,b4 spathulata1 another ,west ,indian1 with a very erect habit of growth4 ,the leaves are folded in like spoons1 and the small white flowers appear at the ends of the young growth4 ,it flowers from ,august to ,december1 and is but an average kind4 #c4 ,b4 odorata1 a ,brazilian kind allied to the last1 but has a fine foliage1 resembling nitida1 the flowers came out like the last from ,august to ,december1 are much larger and sweet scented4 #d4 ,b4 hirtella1 a ,brazilian species1 with a rather starved looking habit of growth1 but an abundance of small1 pinky white flowers1 appearing from ,june to ,december4 #e4 ,b4 ulmifolia1 a ,south ,american1 with elm like leaves1 but of no great beauty of flower4 ,only desirable to form a collection4 #f4 ,b4 argyrostigma1 a ,brazilian species1 with curiously spotted leaves1 which is its chief attraction4 ,the flowers appear from ,june to ,december4 ,it is a very strong grower--occupies much room4 #g4 ,b4 hydrocotylifolia1 a ,brazilian pretty species4 ,it is herbaceous1 or has its leaves from a rhizoma creeping on the surface4 ,its pink flowers1 borne on scapes about a foot high1 appear from ,february to ,may4 #h4 ,b4 parvifolia1 a native of the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,it has very small leaves1 grows about #b feet high1 and is always in flower4 ,a white flowering and desirable kind4 #i4 ,b4 albo-coccinea1 a ,west ,indian4 ,its oblique leaves are almost round1 are very large and thick1 and of a deep red beneath4 ,the flowers appear from ,february to ,may2 white on the inside1 and scarlet on the back4 ,the best of the rhizoma producing kinds4 #aj4 ,b4 nomonyma1 a ,brazilian species1 in the way of ,b4 manicata1 with small white flowers1 continuing from ,july to ,november4 #aa4 ,b4 castanefolia4 ,the specimens that ,i have seen growing are so like ,b4 ulmifolia1 that ,i have either not seen the true species or they are both the same4 #ab4 ,b4 ,fischeri1 a rather scarce ,brazilian species1 but one of the most desirable1 approaching ,b4 incarnata4 ,in the spring months it is covered with its numerous pink or white flowers4 #ac4 ,b4 incarnata1 a ,south ,american1 that should be ,no4 #a in all collections4 ,its pink flowers may be had nearly all the year4 #ad4 ,b4 coccinea1 another first rate ,brazilian4 ,a strong grower1 covered with spikes of scarlet flowers from ,april to ,july4 #ae4 ,b4 manicata1 from ,brazil4 ,a fine species when well grown1 though the individual flowers are indifferent4 ,the leaves are distinguished by a production resembling the claws of a mole on their under surface4 ,flowers in winter and spring4 #af4 ,b4 fuchsoides1 a well known species from ,new ,grenada1 with fuchsia like foliage1 and scarlet flowers1 appearing from ,june to ,september1 a strong grower and fine kind4 ,the species of this division are readily propagated from cuttings of the half ripened wood1 put in sand1 and plunged in a slight bottom heat4 ,they are liable to damp off if kept too close4 ,indeed if they are in a situation somewhat shaded they will do better without the usual accompaniment of a bell glass4 ,they will grow well in a soil of sandy loam and leaf mould4 ,they should never be grown in very large pots2 or1 in the language of gardeners1 should be always under potted4 ,when growing fast they take a good supply of moisture2 love a moist atmosphere and frequent applications of the syringe1 and may be placed in the full light4 ,if a moist atmosphere cannot be maintained1 they will do better in a shaded part of the green house4 ,the chief thing to guard against1 is their damping off2 small1 well drained pots are the securities4 ,when they are not growing they will live and do better with very little water4 ,they are easily raised from seed1 sown on the surface of the soil in pans1 and placed in a warm shaded place1 with the only attention of never being allowed to get dry4 ,some fine varieties1 ,i believe1 have been lately raised by hybridizing in ,europe4 ,it opens a fine field4 ,i think the remark of the ,calendar writer in the last ,no4 worthy of repetition2 that the ,horticultural ,society would do well to encourage the growth of the ,begonia by a premium4 ,a ,,philadelphia ,,gardener4 ,,the ,,auricula4 ,dear ,sir3 ,allow me to draw the attention of your readers to that much neglected but truly desirable class of flowers the ,auricula4 ,there appears to be a general idea prevailing amongst many persons that considerable difficulty is experienced in cultivating this lovely gem in our climate4 ,this notion is certainly erroneous1 and the object of the following remark is to show how this may be accomplished4 ,the ,auricula1 7,primula auricula17 is one of the very numerous species of ,primrose1 and no mean species either4 ,linnaeus claims this genus for ,pentandria monogynia1 and it forms the type of the natural order ,primulace4 ,our present subject is indigenous to the alpine districts of the ,european continent1 ,syria1 and occasionally is found in the same situations in ,britain1 though rare4 ,its name ,auricula has been applied from the supposed resemblance of the form of the leaves1 to the ear of an animal1 and hence the vulgar cognomen 8,bear's ,ears10 a name somewhat revolting to the taste of some of our delicate and sensitive belles1 but quite in character with the quaint and uncouth1 yet intelligent and enthusiastic class of individuals1 with whom it originated4 ,in a wild state1 the colours are yellow1 purple1 and variegated1 and ,i am inclined to think1 in opposition to the acknowledgement of some botanist1 that two or three which are considered as distinct species1 are nothing more than varieties of this1 if so we may include white also4 ,handsome as the different varieties of this flower appear naturally1 the claim to beauty has been so much enhanced1 by the perseverance and enthusiasm of the florist's fostering care1 for the last three hundred years1 that at length1 it has assumed a perfect symmetry of outline and marking1 which renders it truly a gem4 ,were it only for the peculiarly rich odor of the flowers1 it deserves a place in every garden1 but when we combine this with the evergreen and neat habit of the plant1 and the exquisite beauty of the flower1 it seems strange as the cultivation is so easy1 that it is not more generally seen1 even what is grown are mostly varieties of no pretension to perfection1 but simply a step or two removed from the natural state4 ,the ,auricula is divided by florists into four classes1 viz1 green edged1 gray edged1 white edged1 and selfs1 the edged classes being mostly esteemed as exhibition flowers1 although the selfs are tolerated and encouraged4 ,there are also1 several double varieties1 but these are not considered equally valuable1 yet they are well worthy of attention4 ,the following criteria constitute what is considered to be the main points of excellence in a prize ,auricula4 ,the stem should be strong1 erect1 and high enough to raise the truss of flowers above the foliage4 ,the individual footstalk1 sufficiently strong to support the flower1 and of a proportional length to the number of pips1 so that they may not crowd each other1 and which should not be less than seven in number1 that the truss may be close and compact1 and form somewhat a half globe4 ,the tube containing the anthers1 the eye1 and the exterior circle1 ought to be well proportioned1 which will be the case if the diameter of the tube be one part1 the eye three1 and the whole pip six or seven4 ,if edged the margin should be about equal with the next inner circle4 ,the edges ought to be smooth1 having no serrature1 so as to appear starry1 and the limb or upper surface1 flat and even4 ,the nearer the outline approaches to a perfect circle the better1 although the very best flowers do not quite come up to this point as yet4 ,whatever the colours1 they should be clear1 bold1 and distinct1 and divided in a perfect circle1 or the dark markings form a circle next the eye1 and extend out towards the outer rim on each lobe1 so as to form so many half circles4 ,in the selfs the colours ought to be uniform1 bright and solid1 or shaded off towards the outer margin distinctly and clear4 ,around the cultivation of nature's greatest beauties there is generally a halo of mystery thrown4 ,when any thing of this kind becomes recognized as a general favorite1 speculative ideas1 and vague theories have each a portion of precedence1 and as some of these peculiarities happen to succeed1 they are lauded1 made public1 and the tyro catches up the most ridiculous notions4 ,our present subject has not entirely escaped from this general contagion1 for if we refer to some old and long established growers of the ,auricula1 we find that one thinks that the rotted down roots of the ,willow1 is the only matrix in which it will approach perfection2 others again suppose1 that nothing is so suitable as rushes decomposed into mould1 and a portion of the same material cut short in a fresh state1 and strewed over the drainage2 while some will not believe in any fertilizer1 but blood1 mixed up with maiden earth1 and laid together for a season4 ,now all these materials are well enough in their place for other things besides the ,auricula1 but to say that they are absolutely necessary1 and that nothing else will produce the same quality1 partakes of a superstitious and retrograde movement1 and belongs to the old school4 ,the fact is1 all that is required1 is a tolerably rich and cool base1 for if too poor the plant will be weak and the flowers correspondingly so1 and if too rich the trusses are apt to become monstrosities1 having irregular shaped flowers1 and too crowded to form a handsome bunch1 with confused colours1 and undefined markings4 ,in these remarks1 ,i would not wish to detract from the honor due to the old floral veterans1 to whose zeal we owe a debt of gratitude1 whose exertions have produced many of the very best flowers1 and without which we should have been minus of many classes of the greatest beauty4 ,still we must move ahead we live in an age of progress1 and if we cannot accomplish greater individual perfection1 we can certainly attain to the same by more simple means4 ,to grow the ,auricula1 plant in a tolerably rich soil1 a suitable compost may be formed1 by mixing two thirds fresh loam from a pasture1 and one third cow dung1 well rotted1 and laid in a heap a few months before being used4 ,fresh dung injures the colours1 and causes the plant to grow too rank and deficient in substance1 when thin and papery flowers are the consequence4 ,the ,auricula may be grown in pots1 or planted out into frames1 or the open ground4 ,if it is desirable to have a show of this flower in the greenhouse or parlour window2 about the middle of ,august1 prepare a quantity of six inch pots1 place in the bottom of each1 about an inch of broken crocks1 or what is better the same depth of lumps of charcoal1 over this put a layer of moss or fibry turf1 to prevent the soil from falling down amongst the drainage1 next fill in a portion of the above mentioned compost1 and place into the centre of each pot a good and strong single crown4 ,before planting examine the roots and cut away any decayed portions1 spread them out carefully1 and fill up to the rim with soil1 press it a little tight about the crown1 and give the pot a smart rap or two upon the potting bench1 which will settle all and leave a little space for future watering1 do not plant too deep1 but let the collar of the plant be somewhat elevated1 which will prevent damping off1 after potting give a good watering1 but do not repeat this afterwards further1 than to keep the plant in health1 for the ,auricula is impatient of too much moisture1 and most particularly so while at rest in the winter4 ,in order to avoid continued saturation1 the pots should be placed in a position where the water can pass away freely1 and likewise shaded from the sun's rays2 if plunged in a bed of sand or porous ashes1 so much the better1 and if worms should get into the pots1 give it a soaking when dry with lime water1 using the clear liquid2 here they may remain till the approach of severe weather1 when the pots ought to be washed and the plants carefully looked over 7all decayed leaves should be removed clean away17 when they may be taken into the greenhouse and placed near the glass1 freely exposed to the air and light2 water carefully and rather sparingly at first1 afterwards gradually increase it1 7but at no time unduly17 as they advance towards blooming2 do not give much artificial heat1 or the flowers will be rendered weak or abortive2 a ,camellia or ,geranium house is quite hot enough1 in which a temperature of #de at night ought to be kept4 ,where there is not the luxury of a greenhouse1 the same object may be accomplished by a common garden frame1 7in fact a much better display to my taste7 and with much less trouble and expense considering the great number of plants that may grown4 ,in this case1 during the latter part of ,august1 or early in ,september1 place one or more frames1 according to the number of plants1 in a situation freely exposed to the sun1 and upon a well drained bottom1 dig up the base so that the water may pass freely through1 and fill in with about eight inches of the before mentioned compost1 divide the plants into single crowns1 the same as recommended for pots1 and plant about six inches apart2 if dry weather give a good watering1 and keep off the glass till frosty weather sets in1 when the sashes may be put on1 and air admitted freely through the day4 ,in case of rain the lights may be tilted up at the back1 which will keep the plants dry and prevent any danger from rot4 ,open early in the morning1 and keep all at rest till towards the middle of ,january1 when the lights may be closed somewhat earlier in the evening1 and the sun's heat allowed more freely3 cover with straw mats or other material1 to keep out the frost1 and line round the sides with rough litter or clean straw for the same purpose4 ,when the flower trusses commence to push1 water may be more freely given1 but not overhead1 unless in case of a genial showers1 which seldom occurs at this time1 and after the pips begin to expand1 do not let even the rain in upon them1 as much of the fine powdery substance1 which constitutes a great portion of their beauty1 would be thereby washed off1 but apply water more freely between the rows1 admit air sufficient1 but avoid beating winds4 ,by following these directions1 and having a good stock of plants1 the lover of flowers may be rewarded through the months of ,march and ,april1 without the aid of a greenhouse1 with one of the loveliest sights1 and most enchanting scents in ,flora's kingdom4 ,so far we have spoken of the little favorite as a nursling and treasured up pet1 but like many other of ,god's blessings1 it is not so very mindful of man's fostering care4 ,there are many of our city yards in which there is a shaded and sheltered spot1 in all such there is ample accommodation for this plant2 use a fertile and well drained soil1 screened from the burning orb of summer1 and the thawing gleams of winter1 and we can be recompensed by a sight of its beauty1 and refreshed by its delicious odor1 without any other protection1 although of course if protected and taken care of under glass1 we have greater perfection1 and shall be no losers for our extra trouble4 ,after blooming is fairly over1 choose a piece of ground sheltered from the midday sun1 if moist but yet drained1 so much the better1 plant out in rows a foot apart1 and six inches in the row1 place a little deeper than before1 which will cause them to push out side roots4 ,if dry give a good watering when planted and an occasional repetition1 in case of drought through the summer2 no further care is required1 unless ,red ,spider1 or ,aphides should attack1 when a good syringing with soap-suds1 will speedily eradicate them4 ,the following list1 containing twelve of the best in each class1 is from the authority of ,mr4 ,john ,slater1 one of the 8,lancashire ,heroes10 and a sure guide1 a man whose enthusiasm knows no bounds1 and whose honesty is equal to his perseverance4 ,,green ,,edged4 ,litton's ,imperator1 ,leed's ,colonel ,taylor1 ,booth's ,freedom1 ,pollitt's ,highland ,laddie1 ,ashton's ,prince of ,wales1 ,pollitt's ,standard of ,england1 ,yates' ,morris ,green ,hero1 ,oliver's ,lovely ,ann1 ,barlow's ,king1 ,howard's ,nelson1 ,moore's ,jubilee1 ,page's ,champion4 ,,grey ,,edged4 ,cheetham's ,lancashire ,hero1 ,syke's ,complete1 ,kenyon's ,ringleader1 ,grimes' ,privateer1 ,fletcher's ,ne ,plus ,ultra1 ,fletcher's ,mary ,ann1 ,waterhouse's ,conqueror of ,europe1 ,rider's ,waterloo1 ,kent's ,queen ,victoria1 ,taylor's ,plough ,boy1 ,beeston's ,fair ,flora1 ,ashworth's ,newton ,hero4 ,,white ,,edged4 ,taylor's ,favorite1 ,lee's ,venus1 ,ashworth's ,regular1 ,taylor's ,incomparable1 ,taylor's ,glory1 ,wood's ,delight1 ,catharina1 ,popplewell's ,conqueror1 ,kenyon's ,lord ,chancellor1 ,hepworth's ,true ,briton1 ,cheetham's ,countess of ,wilton1 ,pott's ,regulator4 ,,selfs4 ,netherwood's ,othello1 ,kay's ,jupiter1 ,blegg's ,blue ,bonnet1 ,berry's ,lord ,primate1 ,berry's ,lord ,lee1 ,grimes' ,flora's ,flag1 ,redmayne's ,metropolitan1 ,schole's ,ned ,lud1 ,whittaker's ,true ,blue1 ,bradshaw's ,tidy1 ,barker's ,nonsuch1 ,gorton's ,stadtholder4 ,yours ,most ,respectfully1 ,,william ,,chorlton1 ,new ,brighton1 ,staten ,island4 ,june #bg1 #ahec4 ,,gardens ,,of ,,paeonia ,,moutan ,,in ,,china4 ,,by ,r4 ,,fortune4 ,these gardens are situated near the village of ,fa-who1 about #e or #f miles west from ,shanghae1 in the midst of a vast country of cotton plantations4 ,on the way ,i met a large number of coolies each carry two baskets of ,moutan-paeonies in full flower2 they went to sell them in market4 ,arrived at the gardens ,i found there a number of these plants in flower and of a remarkable beauty4 ,the purple and lilac species especially attracted the sight3 among others a very pretty kind apparently distinct1 with finely cut leaves and flowers of a velvety purple1 like the ,tuscany rose of our gardens4 ,the ,chinese call it ,moutan ,peony 7black7 and ,i believe it to be the same as that called atro-sanguinea by ,dr4 ,lindley1 in the journal of the ,horticultural ,society of ,london4 ,another species called 8tse0 or purple1 had double flowers of a remarkable size2 it is probably this variety which they say has a thousand petals1 and did not exist but in the garden of the emperor4 ,the third kind is called 8lan0 7blue27 it is a lilac variety2 its flowers are of the color of ,wistaria ,sinensis4 ,there are besides other kinds of purple differently shaded1 very distinct from the preceding and equally beautiful4 ,the double whites are also numerous and very remarkable4 ,the largest among them has been called ,p4 globosa by ,dr4 ,lindley1 but there are #d or #e others which approach very near to this4 ,some have a light shade of lilac1 which gives tone to their color4 ,the best is that called 8wang0 7yellow7 by the ,chinese2 this variety1 of a straw color1 is very beautiful1 but notwithstanding inferior to some others4 ,the red peonies 7,hong7 are equally numerous4 ,what is strange1 is1 that the kinds common at ,canton and in ,england1 are very rare here4 ,these gardens contain about a half-dozen of new varieties of red peonies2 among others1 that called 8,van-yang-hong0 by the ,chinese1 is the most beautiful plant which ,i have ever seen4 ,its flowers are of a bright and pure red1 entirely different from all the others perfectly double2 each of them is about ten inches in diameter4 ,in all ,i counted nearly thirty distinct varieties in these gardens4 ,the greater part of these beautiful varieties of ,paeonia ,moutan are unknown at ,canton4 ,this may seem strange in a country where flowers are so generally sought for2 but the ,chinese are in everything such conservatives that a slight acquaintance with their customs will suffice to explain this apparent anomaly4 ,the gardens of ,canton derive their supplies of ,p4 ,moutan from a district situated more in the west than ,shanghae4 ,from time immemorial the same gardens have furnished these flowers2 they arrive always by the same road1 and at the same time of the year4 ,it seems that ,shanghae until the end of the last war1 has never been in communication with ,canton1 at least in what concerns flowers1 consequently these beautiful varieties of ,peony could not obtain a route towards the south and thence to ,europe4 ,the establishments where they cultivate exclusively the ,paeonia ,moutan are numerous1 but very small4 ,they have the appearance of our cottage gardens1 and are cared for in the same way1 that is1 by all the members of the family3 the women take as much part in it as the men3 they are very avaricious and love money extremely4 ,when they have been consulted1 ,i always had to pay dearer for the acquisitions of plants which ,i made4 ,the soil of these gardens is rich and well-manured2 this latter circumstance renders it less compact than the soil where they cultivate cotton4 ,the propagation and management of the ,paeonia ,moutan seems to have been perfectly understood by the ,chinese at ,shanghae1 much better than with us4 ,our horticulturists complain without ceasing of the difficulty of multiplying this beautiful plant1 and this makes the price remain high4 ,here is the method which the ,chinese pursue1 and which our growers may try4 ,at the commencement of ,october1 they collect in the sheds and out-houses a great quantity of the roots of a certain herbaceous ,peony1 roots which must serve for subjects of ,paeonia ,moutan4 ,the bundle of tubercles which forms the root of a herbaceous peony is divided1 and each little root1 in shape of a finger1 becomes a subject upon which they graft the ,p4 ,moutan4 ,having placed a great number of these tubercles upon the potting table1 they bring the grafts of the plants which they wish to multiply4 ,each graft is but an inch and a half to two inches long2 it is the extremity of a shoot made during the summer just finished4 ,the under part of it is cut into a wedge and inserted on the top of the finger shaped tubercle of which we spoke4 ,the graft is covered by a ligature or by clay and the operation is complete4 ,a great number of grafts being thus made1 they are carried to the garden and planted in rows distant about a foot and a half2 the same space is left between plants in the same row4 ,in planting1 the head of the graft only remains above the soil2 the part where the graft unites with the tubercle is always buried4 ,kaempfer says that the ,chinese multiply the ,moutan ,peony by bud-grafting2 this is an error1 this process is never practiced by them1 they do not even understand it4 ,the author has been led into the error by the smallness of the bud which they use1 this having but one eye at its end4 ,each autumn sees thousands of plants grafted in this way4 ,the little empty space which may be seen in the rows proves the goodness of the method2 in fact a graft rarely fails to grow4 ,at the end of about fifteen days the union of the root and the graft is complete3 in the following spring the plants are beautiful and vigorous4 ,they generally flower the first spring or at the latest in the second2 it is then that they are taken up and carried to be sold in the market in the way ,i have described4 ,the plant which has but one stalk and one flower has more value in the eyes of the cultivator at ,shanghae than a stronger one2 it is sold more easily1 produces a very large flower1 and presents no difficulty neither for lifting nor for transportation4 ,thanks to this circumstance ,i could always procure strong plants more advantageously than small ones4 ,in the gardens of the mandarins can often be met ,peonies of a considerable size4 ,near ,shanghae there is one which annually produces #c to #djj flowers4 ,the proprietor takes as much care of it as could the most enthusiastic amateur of his tulips4 ,during its flowering1 it was protected from the burning rays of the sun by a tent of canvass2 in front was a seat where the visitor enjoyed in full the sight of these magnificent flowers4 ,every day1 for several hours1 the old man installed himself there1 and while pipes and bowls of tea succeeded each other he looked lovingly upon his favorite 8,moutan wha40 ,it was certainly a noble plant1 well worthy of the admiration of the old amateur1 to whom ,i wish the pleasure of sitting a long time yet under his tent1 to enjoy so beautiful a sight4 ,translated from the ,flore des ,serres4 ,,chinese ,,primrose4 ,winter flowering plants are not too plentiful1 at least such as will bloom in the cool temperature of a greenhouse2 we have many fine winter flowering exotics1 but they either require a hothouse temperature to bloom freely1 or are more difficult to manage during summer2 we are indebted to the ,celestials for many of our most valuable winter flowers1 ,azaleas1 ,camellias and among others that beautiful little gem the ,chinese primrose4 ,they are all of hardy and robust habit1 and are thus within the reach of all1 so far as cultivation is concerned1 a recommendation of much importance to those amateurs who cannot devote much time to their collection4 ,it has often occurred to me when visiting amateurs' greenhouses1 that they would derive much more pleasure from their labors were they more select in the choice of their plants1 choosing those only of known hardy and free blooming qualities1 instead of aiming at a varied assortment1 often expensive1 and rarely satisfactory4 ,i was more deeply impressed with this fact during a visit to an enthusiastic amateur last winter4 ,on entering his greenhouse ,i was struck with the gay and cheerful appearance it presented1 and it was only when about leaving that ,i observed the only plants in flower were a few ,camellias1 two or three ,cinnerarias1 and a quantity of ,primulas of various colors1 but these were so well arranged and set off with a profusion of healthy foliage1 and the ,primroses showing such fine rounded trusses1 that ,i am confident not one person in ten would have noticed this simplicity of its production4 ,although this plant is very hardy1 ,i am aware that many amateurs are not so successful with it as they would wish4 ,this1 ,i presume1 arises principally from its liability to decay if kept too damp at root1 either from using pots of a large size1 or supplying water too freely4 ,four and six inch pots will be found of ample size1 not that a plant will not grow in a pot three feet in diameter as well as it would in one inches4 ,the only difference would be that1 in the former1 the plant would probably require water once a month and the latter daily4 ,to keep up a succession of flowers for four or five months1 seed should be put in at intervals of five or six weeks1 from ,june to ,september1 soil of a sandy nature should be prepared1 and the seeds very slightly covered4 ,the front shelf in the greenhouse will be a suitable place for them while growing1 they should be encouraged by transplanting into a shallow box as soon as the first true leaf makes its appearance4 ,if thinly planted 7not closer than three inches7 they can remain until sufficiently strong to be placed at once into flowering pots4 ,these must be well drained by placing a handful of broken material in each pot4 ,if attention is paid to this1 there will be little fear of damp1 if ordinary care is given in watering4 ,two small stakes should be inserted one each side of the plant1 crossing other at top1 no tying will be necessary1 this will prevent them from toppling over and breaking off at the neck where they are very weak4 ,a few of the latest sowing should be set apart for seedling4 ,a little care and attention should be given to their selection1 choosing those with large1 well colored fringed flowers4 ,sometimes they incline to be semi-double2 these should have the preference4 ,about the middle of ,may they should be set out in the sun1 watered regularly1 and if they receive an occasional application of manure water the value of the seed will be enhanced4 ,under these conditions an abundance of seed will be secured4 ,it is not worth trouble to preserve old plants2 young ones flowering with much more vigour2 any particularly fine variety1 however1 may be turned out of the pot after it has done blooming1 some of the old soil removed and replaced in fresh compost4 ,the double varieties are much superior to the single ones4 ,they are increased by dividing the plant into cuttings4 ,to propagate them requires a cool dry situation1 partially shaded1 paying great attention in watering1 they must be kept rather dry until they begin to show symptoms of growth2 otherwise they are certain to decay4 ,it is probably on this account that they are not so extensively cultivated as they deserve to be4 ,,delta4 ,,on ,,the ,,double ,,chinese ,,primrose4 ,to the ,editor of the ,florist1 ,sir3 ,as you invite communications from practical gardeners1 ,i offer a few remarks on the above2 as ,i think it a much rarer plant than it ought to be--few plants excel it in simple beauty1 and by proper management it may be had in bloom every month in the year4 ,being double1 it can only be propagated by cuttings1 which may be taken off at any time1 and readily struck in sand under a bell glass4 ,in about three weeks they are sufficiently rooted to pot into single pots4 ,i find them to thrive best in a compost of rough leaf mould and sandy loam1 in well drained pots4 ,i repot them as often as they become well rooted2 and pinch off every flower stalk that appears till the plant is six months old at least4 ,i then let it flower on1 and as each flower truss shows symptoms of withering1 pluck it out4 ,by this course it will continue to flower a whole year4 ,they frequently die out from exhaustion at this time1 and the only way ,i find to prevent this1 is to divide the plant into off-sets1 and so start with them as with new plants4 ,they always do well with me by this treatment4 ,the double white is the commonest and most easy to be procured2 but ,i have observed in a report of the ,pennsylvania ,society1 that the purple exists also in your neighborhood4 ,if you think the above worthy of insertion in the ,florist1 ,i should be happy to send you some others when ,i have leisure4 ,yours1 c41 ,,hortus4 ,,notes ,,on ,,rose ,,culture1 ,,by ,a ,,lover ,,of ,,roses4 7,continued47 ,,hybrid ,,perpetual ,,or ,,remontant ,,roses4--,this division of the ,rose was introduced to us about #ae or #af years ago and according to the opinions of good judges it originated between the perpetual ,rose ,du ,roi and the ,bourbon ,rose2 they have been till very recently nearly all of a crimson or dark red color4 ,florists and ,rose-growers generally esteem these the finest of all ,roses1 to which ,i would coincide1 provided1 they were constant monthly bloomers1 which they are not1 giving only two or perhaps faintly a third bloom with a meagre flower in the autumnal months4 ,they richly deserve special attention for their fine bold flowers1 rich foliage1 and luxuriant shoots when on their own roots2 or if budded they make very admired standard ,rose trees4 ,but oh6 what nicety of eye1 how critical the judgment to detect the difference of one half of them4 ,for my own pleasure and gratification ,i would not give a groschen for ths of them2 but we are so led off our guard by 8have you got so and so10 we blush to own up1 and buy nearly all1 good1 bad1 and indifferent2 but pray who would grow ,doctor ,marx1 ,dr4 ,margolin1 ,madam ,laffay1 and nearly #ej others2 all red1 rosy red1 dark red1 light crimson1 and such transpositions1 meaning nearly the same in color and character8 ,so be it4 ,i will not detail before your thousands of readers such equivocal terms1 but give off hand and full in my eye1 a score that will please the most fastidious4 ,auguste ,mie1 clear waxy rose1 cupped petals4 ,baronne ,hallez1 dark purple crimson1 fine form4 ,baronne ,prevost1 rose color1 very large4 ,caroline de ,sansal1 large1 rosy blush1 pink centre1 of remarkably strong growth4 ,duchesse de ,montpensier1 pale satiny rose1 very fragrant4 ,giant of the ,battle1 nearly bright scarlet4 ,is this not the rose of the group8 ,everyone of your readers that wishes a rose bush that is perfectly hardy1 bright in color1 and constant in bloom may chose this subject4 ,julie de ,krudner1 a new rose1 nearly white1 very double1 and agreeably fragrant4 ,la ,reine4 ,i hesitate about this though a most superb flower2 it has a paucity of bloom not altogether to my fancy2 the color too is undecided being a rosy lilac1 but extremely large and luxuriant in growth4 ,lion des ,combats1 reddish crimson1 shaded with scarlet1 large1 full1 and fragrant4 ,louise ,le ,clerc1 delicate blush1 perfect form1 very profuse and fragrant4 ,madam ,laffay1 purplish lilac1 inclining to crimson1 very full regular flower1 plant of strong growth4 ,madam ,rives1 quite a new variety1 of a pale flesh or silvery blush color1 of great substance1 very distinct and perfectly formed4 ,marquis ,boccella1 pale blush1 dwarf habit1 a constant bloomer1 very distinct4 ,pius #ith1 crimson purple1 very large1 full and perfect1 a profuse bloomer of strong growth4 ,patenotte1 pale rose1 very exquisite form1 fragrant and profuse1 quite a new variety4 ,queen ,victoria1 7,paul's7 blush white1 shaded with pink or peach blossom color1 large1 very full1 and distinct from any other variety1 quite new1 very desirable4 ,robin ,hood1 bright carmine1 beautifully globular1 and a rampant grower4 ,william ,griffith1 satiny rose1 distinct color1 a large bold petaled flower1 quite new1 and will rank amongst the best4 ,william ,jesse1 a favorite variety of a rosy crimson color1 edged with lilac1 very large1 full1 and constant4 ,yolande d',arragon1 pale rose1 producing its flowers in clusters the whole season1 a strong grower4 ,sydonie1 a newer variety1 is very like this1 and ,i am doubtful if it is any improvement upon it1 unless to a very critical observer4 ,i have not seen a clear good white as yet in this group4 ,florists and catalogues tell us of ,blanche ,vibert--white it is1 but a sickly looking flower and plant1 at the best4 ,blanche ,portemer has nothing more attractive about it4 ,a good white such as the old ,madam ,hardy is much wanted1 it would be a treasure4 ,there are over #ajj of these ,hybrid ,perpetual varieties cultivated1 one half of them are nearly facsimiles of each other4 ,they all require more stimulation in their culture than any other roses2 if a strong luxuriant growth is not produced a very meagre show will follow2 dark rich green foliage and strong shoots will produce a corresponding bloom--but yellow foliage and weak growth produces similar sickly blooms1 deficient in color1 size1 and fragrance4 ,also1 observe that taking off one half of the buds in ,may and ,june1 is beneficial to a continuance of bloom during the season2 in dry weather they should be liberally supplied with rich water or soap suds1 or if the ground has been abundantly manured1 water of any description will suit2 observing that one copious supply once a week is better than a small portion every day4 ,,noisette ,,roses are those clustering sorts that bloom from early in the season till destroyed by frost2 their flowers are generally small1 though there are now some of them nearly as large as any others1 but the size takes from their profusion4 ,the growth of the family is of all grades1 from #a foot to #bj feet in a season2 unfortunately for us1 however1 the finer kinds are rather tender1 being nearly or entirely killed in our severe winters4 ,those tender kinds of greatest splendor are ,lamarque1 ,cloth of ,gold1 ,solfatare1 ,la ,victorieuse4 ,these are hybridised with the ,tea ,rose1 making them more tender2 but for milder climates than ,philadelphia the splendor of them equals any description4 ,a friend writes me from ,texas1 that ,cloth of ,gold reaches the #c;d story1 and is in bloom #i months of the year1 and its odor equal to the magnolia4 ,in pruning ,noisette ,roses1 thin out the old wood1 and shorten the wood of the previous season4 ,the young wood should always be allowed to have its full growth1 as it is most frequently terminated with a cluster of flowers2 the sorts without encroaching upon their beauties might be curtailed to one full dozen1 which would comprise as follows3 ,aimie ,vibert1 pure white1 very compact1 a dwarf grower4 ,cloth of ,gold1 a very luxuriant grower1 requiring dry rich soil2 flowers quite large1 frequently #e inches in diameter1 opening a bright lemon yellow1 and fading to a pale straw color2 should be protected by covering in winter4 ,desprez or ,jaune ,desprez1 flowers buff color shaded with pink1 in profuse clusters1 very fragrant1 plant vigorous4 ,fellenberg1 color pink1 red1 or crimson as the season may be2 a constant bloomer--does very well for a piazza or pillar1 quite hardy4 ,lafayette1 this old fine pink rose must not be neglected2 there are few or none to equal it in color and profusion2 a moderate grower1 flowers prettily cupped and quite profuse4 ,odorata1 pure white1 very sweet1 an abundant bloomer and perfectly hardy2 stood the winter of '#ea1 without any protection2 of moderate growth4 ,ophirie1 color orange1 orange and pink1 pale yellow or bright yellow1 all according to the weather and season2 blooms abundantly1 especially in the autumnal months1 flowers very double1 plant hardy and growing freely2 quite distinct1 foliage of a pleasing lively green4 ,philippart1 dark pink1 must be well established before its character is fully ascertained2 blooms in large clusters2 exceedingly hardy and of strong growth4 ,pourpre de ,tyre1 not easily to decide whether this variety is a ,bourbon or ,noisette2 but florists place it where ,i now do4 ,the flowers of medium size1 dark red or crimson color2 plant of moderate growth4 ,triomphe de la ,duchere1 one of the very best ,noisette roses1 flowers abundant1 large1 full1 of a rosy pink color and fragrant2 plant strong1 but not rampant4 ,vittelina1 pure white1 fine form1 buds shaded with pink1 very double1 medium size1 growth moderate1 very desirable4 ,lamarque1 flowers very large1 white with a sulphur yellow centre1 plant of strong growth1 requires a dry sheltered situation with a rich soil1 and to be protected during the severe weather about ,philadelphia4 ,i have omitted many others nearly equal to the above1 such as ,solfatare1 ,du ,luxemberg1 ,phaloe1 ,boulogne1 ,augusta1 c4 ,of the latter ,i may say that ,i have not yet conversed with a judge or no judge of roses1 in this vicinity1 who pronounces it equal or nearly equal to the published description of it4 ,i paid a ,v4 for my plant1 and consider it fully paid4 ,if ,i was now to make out a list to send to my ,florist1 ,i would say ,cloth of ,gold1 ,ophirie1 ,augusta1 c4 ,to be continued4 ,,the ,,strawberry ,,controversy4 ,the communication of ,mr4 ,meehan to the ,pennsylvania ,horticultural ,society1 seems to have excited the opposition of all those persons1 and we believe they are the majority1 who have settled the question to their own satisfaction1 that the ,strawberry is either pistillate or staminate1 and unchangeably so4 ,mr4 ,meehan has produced his plants 7of ,hovey's ,seedling71 with staminate flowers4 ,the ,strawberry cultivators pronounce them 7in the teeth of ,mr4 ,m's assertion that they are runners from pistillate plants17 to be not ,hovey's1 but another variety4 ,some others talk of the absurdity of plants being fruitful without fertilization1 which1 whether absurd or not1 ,mr4 ,m4 does not claim for his plants2 we have seen nothing yet on that side in the way of argument1 it is all assertion2--,the ,cinn4 ,hort4 ,society1 formally pronounced it impossible1 and with them there is no appeal from their 8ipse dixit40 ,in the last number of the ,farm4 ,journal1 we have a letter1 which we suppose is from the eminent botanist of that region1 which we copy1 as suggesting many reasons why ,mr4 ,meehan may be right4 ,the statement of ,,mr4 ,,meehan1 in the ,april number of the ,farm ,journal1 alleging that he has observed the sexual characters of the ,strawberry flowers to be variously modified by culture1 or different methods of treatment--has elicited some strong asseverations of opinion1 in contradiction to that allegation of fact4 ,one writer unhesitatingly declares the alleged change to be 8utterly impossible30 and ,i understand that in the ,queen ,city of the ,west1 they have had a public gathering1 to deliberate on the subject1 which resulted in a ,pronunciamento adverse to ,,mr4 ,,meehan',s statement1--his facts and observations being rejected by a clear majority of the voters present6 ,the matter being thus settled1 by preamble and resolution after the manner of political difficulties at a war-meeting1 it may seem to be out of order1 now1 to offer any remarks on the controverted topic4 ,nevertheless1 as this is reputed to be a ,free ,country1 ,i should like to be indulged with the privilege of submitting a few suggestions1--if not in arrest of judgement1 at least as a plea in mitigation of the sentence1 against my friend ,,meehan4 ,it is the remark of a vigorous and sagacious modern writer1 that 8no scientific question was ever yet settled dogmatically1 nor ever will20 and ,i think the same may be especially predicated of questions of fact1 in ,natural ,history4 ,i may here observe1 that ,i was favored with the opportunity of examining one of ,,mr4 ,,meehan',s specimens1--in which there were certainly two scapes from the same root--one bearing a cyme of pistillate flowers 7with minute rudiments of abortive stamens17 and the other a cyme of perfect1 or hermaphrodite flowers3 and whether the specimen was the progeny of a pistillate1 a staminate1 or a hermaphrodite plant1 ,i should think the inference plausible1 that the flowers on at least one of these two cymes1 must have been a modification1 or altered product1 of the parent plant4 ,it is this kind of change1 in the character of the flowers1 which ,i understand ,,mr4 ,,meehan to announce1 as having occurred in plants under his management4 ,now1 in view of the countless modifications daily observable in the organs of plants--and especially in the floral organs--,i can perceive no sufficient ground for declaring the changes1 reported by ,,mr4 ,,meehan1 to be 8utterly impossible40 ,the modifications here referred to1 are a very different thing from the alleged transmutation of one kind to another1--which is vulgarly supposed to take place in certain plants1 just as the ,alchemists formerly pretended was affected among the metals4 ,they merely alter the texture1 distort the forms1 or affect the developements of organs2 but do neither change nor annihilate those essential characteristics1 by which the plant is rendered permanently distinct from every other genus and species4 ,the floral organs of many plants are remarkably subject to modification1 under the long-continued influences of soil1 climate1 and culture1 or management4 ,some flowers are rendered double1 as it is termed1 by the expansion of stamens into petals2 others become imperfect1 and even neutral1 by the abortion or blighting of the stamens1 or pistils1 or both4 ,the ,strawberry appears to be very liable to this kind of blight2 and hence the much talked of sorts1 among cultivators1 of pistillates1 and staminates1--though in all the pistillate flowers1 which ,i have examined1 there were vestiges more or less obvious1 of abortive stamens1 on the rim of the calyx4 ,it also varies much1 under culture1 in some other features1--especially in the developement and character or quality of the receptacle1 or what is commonly regarded as fruit3 but no one1 ,i believe1 has yet seen a ,strawberry plant transmuted into a ,cinquefoil1 though so nearly allied in habit4 ,the organs of plants may be greatly disguised by the influences above mentioned2 but still the essential distinguishing traits are preserved1--and there seems to be no insuperable obstacle to prevent a plant1 with modified or abortive organs1 from reverting1 under a change of circumstances1 to its original condition1 and resuming its pristine form and character4 ,the normal1 or what may be called the constitutional character of the ,strawberry-flower1 is to be perfect--i4 e4 furnished with both stamens and pistils 7possibly such may be the true normal structure of all flowers72 and although many other plants1 as the ,strawberry1 are found with imperfect1 and even neutral flowers1--every ,naturalist and careful observer knows1 that there is often an obvious effort and tendency1 in such flowers1 to a more complete development3 i4 e4 to become perfect and regular4 ,we occasionally see diandrous flowers become didynamous1--and didynamous plants developing regular petandrous flowers2 and it is not at all unusual to find the staminate tassel of the cultivated ,maize 7,zea ,mays1 ,l4 a monoicous plant17 bearing fertile flowers1 and exhibiting a very successful attempt at the production of an ,ear--or cluster of ,ears--of ,indian corn4 ,these instances1 ,i trust 7for it is needless to multiply them17 may suffice to show that there is nothing irrational1 nor incredible1 in ,,mr4 ,,meehan',s observations2 and that it is rather strong phraseology1 to declare such phenomena to be 8utterly impossible40 ,the polemic writers on this ,strawberry question1 speak of the necessity of staminate plants among the pistillate1 to produce1 or perfect the fruit4 ,no doubt1 the pistils must be fertilized1 in order to produce seeds that will vegetate4 ,but what do those gentlemen understand1 by the 8fruit80 ,do they mean the little single-seeded akenes or nutlets1 which are sprinkled over the enlarged pulpy receptacle1--or do they refer to the receptacle itself1 which in popular parlance is intended by the term 8fruit80 ,if they have reference to the real fruit--the nutlets which contain the seed1--there is probably no question 7as already intimated7 about the necessity of staminate influence to produce perfect fruit4 ,but ,i have a suspicion1 that by the term 8fruit10 they mean the delicious receptacle which bears the fruit1 and if they mean to allege that the pistils must be fertilized by the stamens1 in order to produce that enlargement of the receptacle which affords an esculent substitute for fruit1--then ,i have only to say1 it is a question of fact which ,i have had no adequate opportunity to determine2 and concerning which ,i1 for one1 should be happy to receive reliable information4 ,to ascertain the point satisfactorily1 would require very careful experiments and observations4 ,whether such have been made1 ,i am not informed4 ,i may remark1 however1 by way of analogy1 that there are instances in which pistils1 and even receptacles1 are enlarged1 where no staminate influence has been exerted4 ,the conglomorate coalescent pistils of the ,osage ,orange 7,maclura17 for example1 attain to their full natural size 7although the seeds are necessarily imperfect17 where no staminate plant is in the neighborhood2 and1 what affords a closer analogy1 the including receptacle of the pistillate ,fig is fully developed2 when entirely free from any staminate influence4 ,whether the receptacle of the ,strawberry ever enlarges1 without the pistils being fertilized1 7as already stated17 is more than ,i can tell2 but ,i feel well assured1 that any competent authority1 who may furnish the information1 will make an acceptable contribution to physiological ,botany4 ,w4 ,d4 ,west ,chester1 ,june #f1 #ahec4 ,,the ,,strawberry ,,question4 ,,mr4 ,,editor3--,who among horticulturists has not heard of the 8,strawberry ,question0--has not wondered at the opposite opinions held by eminent cultivators1 and perhaps like myself has been surprised that the spirit of inquiry has not been more generally diffused concerning a subject of so much importance4 ,is it because our instructors cannot come to a unanimous conclusion upon it1 that we pupils in horticulture have been doubtful about expressing our opinions upon it1 or have we never studied the subject for ourselves but left them in their wisdom to decide it for us8 ,i was in this position waiting for their decision1 but as it was not likely to be forthcoming1 ,i resolved to study the subject for myself1 have done so this season1 and will give you my experience in connection with the 8,strawberry ,question40 ,the points of difference between a staminate and pistillate strawberry flower are so marked that a very casual observer cannot fail to notice them at once1 for in staminate varieties the flowers are lax1 the sepals of the calyx appear alternately with the petals of the corolla1 the stamens occupy the most prominent place in the flower1 rising half their length above the central pistils1 are very much swelled at the base1 and very large compared with the other parts of the flower1 anthers broadly heart shaped1 large1 and producing abundance of pollen4 ,pistils1 loose1 long1 and having a barren appearance1 which is soon proved by their withering away1 and leaving the stamens masters of the field4 ,the embryo receptacle when it does exist at all is very much flattened1 and in the most of cases cannot be said to exist at all1 the pistils being inserted in the thickened cup of the calyx4 ,all flowers that have this appearance in these varieties1 very soon wither away and leave this impression on the mind of the observer1 that they were surely staminate varieties4 ,but as all staminate varieties do not thus wither away1 but many of them produce fruit1 it may be asked are the flowers all the same in appearance4 ,it is here where the peculiarities in this class are met with1 for there are few but what produce some fruit1 and as real staminate flowers could not produce this fruit1 it would readily be seen that staminate varieties produce two sorts of flowers2 the one where the organs are unequally balanced which produce no fruit1 the other where the flowers are perfect and are fruit bearing4 ,the appearance of the flower that will produce fruit is markedly different from the other--by the shortness of the stamens1 the conical shaped receptacle1 the pistils stiff and thickly set thereon4 ,the flower is altogether more compact1 and is as perfect in its organs as any of the ,alpine varieties4 ,the following sorts have proved staminate with me4 ,cuthill's ,black ,prince1 ,boston ,pine1 ,kittley's ,goliath1 ,alice ,maud1 ,british ,queen1 ,ross's ,phnix1 and ,victoria4 ,among pistillate varieties1 the flowers are cup shaped1 compact1 with the sepals of the calyx scarcely perceptible between the petals of the corolla4 ,stamens seldom visible1 and when seen at all they are very minute1 not longer than the pistils at the base of receptacle1 never showing signs of having fertilizing powers1 as the anthers never expand2 the whole remains perfectly abortive4 ,pistils very numerous1 uniform1 stout1 longer than in perfect flowers1 and have not such a feathery appearance as in staminate sorts4 ,receptacle large1 conical1 always coming to perfection1 and the instances where pistillate flowers do not produce berries are very rare1 in fact scarcely ever to be met with2 at least my sorts have proved so2 and it is reasonable to conclude that this has been occasioned by the sorts growing together4 ,the following sorts have proved pistillate with me4 ,bourbon ,pine1 ,hudson1 ,swanson1 ,burr's ,pine1 ,hovey's ,seedling1 ,iowa1 and ,moyamensing4 ,the varieties enumerated1 ,i have growing together 7both pistillate and staminate7 under what might be called the ordinary mode of cultivation in one place2 and in another completely isolated from them1 ,i have a collection of the same sorts which have stood some years longer1 and are almost worn out4 ,but this difference of situation1 culture1 c4 don't at all seem to have affected or in the least degree altered the organs of re-production in any variety2 for to me it seems that the character of pistillate or staminate is as permanent and unchangeable as in any other deciduous plant4 ,a writer in one of the periodicals of the day1 supposes it possible that the receptacle of the strawberry might enlarge1 or even come to perfection without staminate influence having at all been required4 ,that the experiment of planting a pistillate strawberry in a situation where staminate influence could not reach it and that plant produce no berry1 is the fact2 as was proved by a cultivator in this neighborhood3 but it is to be hoped that the coming season will be taken advantage of by many of your correspondents1 for making experiments that will place this question in such a clear and forcible manner before the public1 so that all may be convinced1 and those interested in the culture of this fruit may take advantage of1 and turn to good account the information received4 ,f4 ,we hope that those of our friends who have made any observations1 or have anything to say on this interesting subject will be kind enough to communicate them to us4--,,ed4 ,,ammonia ,,on ,,plants4 ,the subject of the action of ,ammonia on plants is exciting considerable attention in ,england4 ,we copy below from the ,gardener's ,chronicle accounts of experiments1 the first of which is being tried at the ,horticultural ,society's ,garden4 ,m4 ,ville's mode of giving ,ammonia to plants1 with a view to increase their bulk and vigour1 is being tried in the large stove in which one of his apparatuses has been placed4 ,it consists of two clear glass bottles with long necks1 furnished with tight-fitting corks1 in each of which is inserted a small bent glass tube4 ,these two tubes are joined together by means of an ,india-rubber connection1 or small hose1 thus forming a communication between the two bottles4 ,in the cork of one of the bottles is an escape tube 7also of glass71 which is connected 7by means of a small ,india-rubber hose71 with other small glass pipes that are laid all along and across the bed1 and through which the ammonia is intended to pass1 in order that it may be the better diffused among the plants4 ,when the bottles are put to work1 one is charged with chalk1 on which is poured sulphuric acid1 and the other with unslacked lime1 over which is poured a solution of ammonia4 ,the result of this experiment will1 of course1 be published in due time4 ,its conduct has been entrusted to ,mr4 ,spriggs1 the young man in charge of the house1 who is to note down its effects daily1 and report the same to the ,vice-,secretary4 ,in another column will be found some further account of furnishing plants with more ammonia than they can get under ordinary circumstances4 ,by ,mr4 ,deane1 ,vice ,president of the ,pharmaceutical ,society4 ,effects analogous to those produced by ,m4 ,ville 7see last year's volume1 p4 #gee71 with ammoniated air on the leaves of growing plants1 have been observed by me1 as the results of applying solutions of ammoniacal salts to the roots4 ,my attention was first effectively turned to the subject about eight or ten years since1 when an extensive grower of ,pelargoniums1 ,fuchsias1 and ,roses1 applied to me for some remedy for the sickly condition of his stock2 which1 if left unchecked1 would insure a very severe loss to him4 ,on examining the plants they were found to be in a starving condition1 the roots having filled the pots and exhausted the soil2 consequently1 the leaves had lost their healthy green colour1 and become very pale1 with a strong tinge of yellow2 the lower leaves were quite yellow1 spotted1 and falling off4 ,the natural remedy was obviously fresh potting1 but as the plants were already in pots best adapted to answer the purposes of the grower1 some other remedy had to be devised4 ,i therefore made a very weak solution of sulphate and carbonate of ammonia1 and therewith watered the roots of the plants once a day1 in the evening2 and to insure any observed results as to the effect of the ammonia1 certain rows of the plants on the stage of the greenhouse were selected for the experiment4 ,in a few days the effects of the ammonia were most marked and satisfactory4 ,the leaves began to put on a very remarkable appearance1 the course of the veins1 or spiral vessels1 becoming perfectly green1 the colour commencing at the basal portion of the midrib1 and thence spreading through all the reticulations1 until the tissues were perfectly restored to their normal and healthy condition2 and1 in fact1 the plants thus treated looked more vigorous than they had ever done before1 being much darker colour and firmer in texture4 ,the contrast between these plants and those which had received no ammonia left no doubt about the efficiency of the application4 ,i forget the effects upon the flowering of the ,pelargoniums1 but there was certainly no deficiency of flowers on the ,fuchsias and ,roses2 they were1 moreover1 finer and better coloured than usual4 ,on a subsequent occasion a gentleman's gardener applied to me in a similar dilemma2 he had a house full of fancy ,pelargoniums preparing for a flower-show1 at which he expected to take the first prize4 ,just as the trusses of flower buds were emerging1 and there was every prospect of a good bloom1 the lower leaves of the plants began to turn yellow and spotted1 and then to fall off1 leaving the plants bare1 where the foliage was considered an essential point of beauty4 ,i examined the roots and found them nearly filling the pots1 it was therefore evident there was not sufficient nutriment left in the pots to meet the extra demand made by the large number of flower-buds2 the latter were1 consequently1 deriving their nourishment from the leaves--the natural storehouse of the food of plants during the growing season--and of course exhausted the lower leaves first4 ,they were treated precisely as in the former instance1 and with the same results2 the lower leaves became healthy1 and the flower-buds progressed favourably to maturity1 being of good form and colour4 ,the success of these experiments became known to other gardeners in the neighbourhood1 some of whom were equally successful1 while others did not derive that satisfaction from the use of the ammoniacal solution1 either from not understanding the principle of its application1 or from a desire to accomplish more than they were capable of1 when it frequently happened the plants became too vigorous to flower well4 ,there is no doubt but that ,m4 ,ville is correct in stating that the flowering is arrested if the application of ammonia is made at a certain period of the development of the flower-buds4 ,few plants if grown too vigorously will flower well1 if at all4 ,a certain check in their growth is absolutely necessary1 and the summer's sun or winter's cold1 under ordinary circumstances1 effects this perfectly in this climate--the former by perfecting and condensing the elaborated sap1 and the latter by arresting vegetation altogether4 ,too much moisture and shade cause those parts intended for flower-buds to be developed as leaves4 ,in the ,aloe tribe when the flower stem is thrown up1 it is at the expense of the outer leaves1 the elaborated juices of which it appropriates1 the roots at this time not being in action1 because it is towards the close of a long period of dryness4 ,if when the flower-stem is beginning to rise1 the roots are watered1 all further development of the stem is arrested1 the leaves only being developed4 ,the same thing takes place with many bulbs whose period of flowering is not the same as that for leafing4 ,many ,cape bulbs follow this law2 for example1 the ,hmanthus1 the flowering of which is at the expense of some one or more of the outer coats4 ,if these plants are watered at the wrong period1 or if they have had not that proper rest which ,nature designed they should have under the influence of a roasting sun1 such as their native country affords1 no flowers will be produced1 but in their stead a vigorous development of leaves4 ,it would appear1 therefore1 that the arrest of development of the flowers and fruits of the plants treated with ammonia1 is not so much the result of any specific property possessed by this substance1 as by its bringing about artificially those conditions which may occur naturally1 or be produced by other means4 ,also1 that the application of ammonia to plants may be attended by results varying according to the conditions under which it is applied1 and the object it is desired to obtain4 ,the following is the formula for the solution alluded to in the previous note by ,mr4 ,deane3--,sulphate of ammonia1 #gjjj grains2 sesquicarbonate ditto1 #ajjj grains2 water1 #hj fl4 oz4 ,dissolve4 ,of this solution one fluid once to a gallon of water will make a solution1 sufficiently strong for all ordinary purposes4--,pharmaceutical ,journal4 ,,calendar ,,of ,,operations4 ,,disbudding4--,this operation does not appear to be sufficiently recognised in its proper sense as distinguished from pruning and pinching4 ,in performing these latter operations we remove a portion of the growing shoot1 in the former case the young bud is removed as soon as it can be rubbed off4 ,these operations are therefore quite distinct1 and their distinction is of much importance4 ,most fruit cultivators are aware that trees suffer materially by suddenly depriving them of a large portion of foliage while in active growth1 and expedients are resorted to in order to render the operation less injurious4 ,in spring when the buds burst1 attention should be directed to the quantity of young shoots desirable either for fruit or uniformity of growth2 these being secured all others should immediately be rubbed off4 ,as growth proceeds luxuriant shoots are stopped or their points pinched off1 removing more or less of the shoot1 according to the object to be attained4 ,if the plant is very luxuriant1 more leaves may be removed and if every shoot upon a tree is operated on in this manner it amounts to a severe check on its growth4 ,in the case of young trees1 or weakly ones1 where a certain form is desired1 the young growing point should be bruised without removing any of the elaborating foliage1 securing density of habit without any perceptible check of growth4 ,suppose a shoot that has grown #ab or #ad inches to be pinched back one half of its length1 the uppermost bud will burst again and the others remain comparatively dormant2 but allowing the same shoot to have been checked in its longitudinal growth1 by pinching or bruising its extreme point1 it will be found that all the lower buds will be benefitted and several additional shoots produced4 ,we have alluded to this subject more particularly at present as we are aware of having occasionally made use of the term pinching when disbudding would have been the more appropriate expression4 ,,strawberries4--,preparations should now be in progress for securing plants for early forcing next spring4 ,various methods are adopted to get strong plants1 such as filling small pots with rich soil and plunging them in the strawberry patch1 introducing a young plant on the pot1 and removing into larger ones when rooted4 ,others again prepare full sized pots at once and place them in this manner1 securing the young plant in both cases with a small stone laid on the surface4 ,when close attention is paid in watering1 these plans are good4 ,an equally successful and less troublesome method is to prepare a few square yards of ground in a somewhat sheltered situation1 manuring it well and digging deeply1 and filling it thickly with young plants4 ,they should be partially shaded for a few days1 and duly watered4 ,in the course of three or four weeks they will lift with good balls of earth and are potted at once in fruiting pots4 ,pistilo-staminate or hermaphrodite varieties are found to produce better when forced early than pistillate sorts4 ,root pruning of fruit trees is sometimes commendable1 and the present is the proper season for its more immediate beneficial effects4 ,it is mostly performed on young vigorous trees that show no disposition to fruit4 ,by cutting away some of the strongest roots at this time the supply of sap will be lessened and the wood ripening process accelerated4 ,no fruit need be expected from badly ripened wood4 ,in nine cases out of ten the non-appearance of fruit on healthy trees arises from this cause4 ,mild autumn weather induces growth to a late period and sudden frosts arrive before the wood is sufficiently matured4 ,this is more particularly noticeable on soils inclined to be wet1 and here again we perceive the necessity of underground drains1 in order to remove surplus water4 ,it is an exceedingly erroneous idea that drains are worse than useless in localities where long droughts are of frequent occurrence4 ,the truth is that draining enhances humidity during hot weather1 since it enables the soil to exercise its absorbing properties to the fullest extent1 there being more air in the soil water is retained in its pores1 constituting a reservoir holding a lasting supply when other sources fail4 ,,renovating ,,old ,,trees4--,most satisfactory results have been obtained from old and apparently worn out trees by changing the soil about their roots1 or applying a top dressing of wood ashes1 guano1 salt and plaster in equal quantities1 allowing about one bushel of the mixture to each tree4 ,if nothing better is convenient1 a heavy dressing of well made barn manure forked in about the roots will have a decided effect4 ,the absorbing points of the roots extend a considerable distance from the trunk1 therefore1 the principal part of the top dressing should embrace a circumference at least equal to that of the branches4 ,it might be considered unnecessary to mention this very apparent fact1 were it not usual to observe manure applied to the stem instead of the roots4 ,,grapes ,,under ,,glass will now be approaching maturity4 ,dryness both in soil and atmosphere favors this process1 still they must not be allowed to suffer for want of moisture should the weather prove dry4 ,the young growth may be stopped more rigidly as the ripening process proceeds4 ,this will concentrate the sap and strengthen the buds for a future crop1 if pinched back too severely these buds may start into growth1 which must be guarded against4 ,,out-,,door ,,grapes will require attention in thinning out lateral shoots and stopping others especially those on bearing shoots4 ,thinning out the berries is seldom practised on these1 nor1 indeed is it always necessary4 ,occasionally1 however1 the berries are so thickly placed that room is not afforded them to swell out and ripen properly4 ,by thinning out a few of the most central and smallest berries1 the fruit will ripen earlier and be much improved both in size and flavor4 ,s4 ,b4 ,,august4 ,,flower ,,garden ,,and ,,pleasure ,,ground4 ,this is the month many prefer to plant their evergreens1 and it is perhaps as good a time as any4 ,take advantage of a 8wet spell0 for the operation4 ,be particularly careful that as many roots as possible are preserved4 ,if this can be well attended to1 trees of any size can be moved successfully4 ,it becomes a question of power--of profit and loss4 ,if any amount of power can be applied1 and expense is no object1 the largest trees will move as easily as small ones4 ,in moving an evergreen #bj feet high1 ,i commence to open my 8trench0 #aj feet from the base of the trunk1 go down about two feet1 and continue to undermine and lay bare the roots their full length1 right up to the collar of the tree4 ,i care nothing for 8ball of earth40 ,if ,i have a good supply of hands at the job1 ,i only care to keep them aside a little to prevent injury by the operations of the workmen4 ,if ,i have but few men1 ,i roll the long roots1 as fast as they are exposed1 in mats to keep them moist4 ,for mechanical means and adaptations to take out the tree and convey it to its destination1 an intelligent workman is never at a loss4 ,trees taken up in this manner scarcely miss the change2 and besides after they are transplanted they require no staking1 as they are capable of withstanding the strongest wind through their long roots4 ,the broom should be well applied to lawns at this season of the year1 even more sedulously than in spring4 ,many species of weed become so dwarfed by the summer's drought1 that they flower and fruit below the reach of the scythe1 and can only be kept down by the hard sweeping4 ,i have seen some lawns almost ruined by these weeds1 especially by one of the nettle tribe4 7,pilea pumila47--,conclusion in next number4 99 99 99 99 99 ,it is a pity that the rules adopted by ,florists are so very rigid1 that unless a flower equals a certain standard in shape and markings it must be rejected4 ,last week we had submitted to us by ,mr4 ,t4 ,f4 ,croft1 a beautiful seedling ,verbena1 a lilac with a broad stripe of white down each petal1 quite distinct and very handsome1 but the petals were too narrow1 leaving a large space between each one4 ,this must condemn it as a ,florist's flower1 but to all who want a handsome and distinct variety it will be desirable4 ,he calls it his ,no4 #c4 ,it is in style of ,iphigenie4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the article on ,tile draining in the last number should have been credited to the ,ohio ,cultivator4 ,we never intentionally copy articles without credit4 ,we wish that ,dr4 ,warder of the ,western ,horticultural ,review were as conscientious4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,errata4--,in the report of the ,maryland ,horticultural ,society1 the ,winter ,bon ,chretien pears were shown by ,mr4 ,fuss1 not ,mr4 ,feast as printed4 ,the premium for strawberries was for 8the best #d distinct varieties1 #a quart each04