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New England. January

California. January.

THE

California Horticulturist

•And

nry. 189&

FLORAL MAGAZINE.

VOLUME VI. -1876.

PUBLISHED BY JOHN H. CARMANY & CO.

No. 409 Washington Street, opposite the Post- Office, SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

New England in January January Number.

California in January January Number.

Weigelia Rosea — Moss Rose — Persian

Yellow Rose February Number.

California Sporting and Harvest Scene . .March. Number.

California Cam|3ing-out Scene March Number.

Big Tree of California April Number.

Mt. Tamalpais, Marin Co., Cal May Number.

Mountain Scene in California May Number.

River-bed Mining in California June Number.

Gladiolus — Tritoma Uvaria — Tomatoes. . .July Number.

Mission of San Luis Obispo August Number .

Chinese Primrose September Number.

Fuchsia (Tinted Venus) October Number.

Gladiolus November Number .

Eucalyptus Globulus December Number.

JANUARY,

Native Tuberous-rooted Caraway 9

Clouds — Rain 10

Salmon 12

Is Boiler-water Injurious to Plants ? 13

The Bulb Season 25

Fruit Cultivation, and Report on the Fruit and Vege- table Market 34

Selected Articles 14 — 31

Editorial Portfolio 32—37

Gleanings 37—40

FEBRUARY.

A Severe Winter Season 41

Fish Life— Natural Scenery in Angling a Help to the

Love of Horticulture 42

Earthquakes 45

History and Culture of Alfalfa 47

Fruit Cultivation, and Report on the Fruit and Vege- table Market 60

Selected Articles 48 — 57

Editorial Portfolio 58—60

Gleanings .64—72

MARCH.

Yucca and Aloe Lilies 73

Trees Remarkable for their Gigantic Growth and

Great Age 74

The Secrets of Angling 77

Winds— Storms— Weather 79

Fruit Cultivation, and Report on the Fruit and Vege- table Market 97

Selected Articles t 80—92

Editorial Portfolio 93—99

Gleanings 100—104

APRIL.

Aloe Plants (Agaves) 105 I Report on the Fruit and Vegetable Market 130

Commencement of the World's Vegetation 106 Selected Articles 110—126

The Mock Weeping Willow 108 Editorial Portfolio 126—129

Fly Fishing and Throwing the Fly 108 | Gleanings 134—136

IV

CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

MAY.

Bedding Plants 137

Benefits of Forests, Woods, and Belts of Trees in California 138

Natural and Artificial Distribution of Trees and Plants 140

The Bod 142

Beport on the Bruit and Vegetable Market 158

Selected Articles 144 — 155

Editorial Portfolio 156—158

Gleanings 161—168

JUNE.

Bedding Plants 169

Man's Agency on the Earth for Good and for Evil. . . 170

California Fruit Beport for 1875 173

Beport on the Fruit and Vegetable Market 192

Selected Articles 174—182

Bod and Gun 183—189

Editorial Portfolio 189—191

Gleanings 194-200

JULY.

The Study of Natural History 201 I Selected Articles 209—210

Springs 203 1 Bod and Gun 216—219

Flora of Japan 204 Editorial Portfolio 220—224

Beport of the Fruit and Vegetable Market 225 | Gleanings 228—232

AUGUST.

Flora of Japan 233

The Transformation of Insects 234

Vases and Vase Plants 236

Fruit Cultivation, and Beport on the Fruit and Veg- etable Market 257

Flower Gardening : 238

Bod and Gun 239—245

Selected Articles 245—254

Editorial Portfolio 255-260

Gleanings 261—264

SEPTEMBER.

Winter Flowering Plants 265

The Double-flowering Peach and its Treatment 266

Birds of New South Wales 267

About the "Weather 270

Practical Use of Leaves 271

Ascent of Grey's Peak in Colorado 288

Fruit Cultivation, and Beport on the Fruit and Veg- etable Market 290

Bod and Gun 273—279

Selected Articles 279—287

Editorial Portfolio 289

Gleanings 293—296

OCTOBER.

Gardening in the East Indies, and Botany back of

Madras 297

Distribution of Plants in the "World 299

Fruit Cultivation, and Beport on the Fruit and Veg- etable Market 325

Variegated Stove Plants 300

Bod and Gun 302—308

Correspondence ,308—309

Selected Articles 311—317

Editorial Portfolio 318—328

NOVEMBER.

Chinese Chrysanthemum 329

Watering— The Cactus 330

The Violet and its Cultivation 332

Fruit Cultivation, and Beport on the Fruit and Veg- etable Market 355

Bod and Gun 334—336

Selected Articles 338—348

Editorial Portfolio 350—353

Gleanings 357—360

Meteorological Becord 360

DECEMBER.

Fossil Botany 361

The Stock 363

Insect Bavages 364

Leaf Curl in Peach Trees 365

Love of Plants and Flowers in our Midst 366

Beport on Fruit and Vegetable Market 384

Bod and Gun 368—372

Selected Articles 375 -380

Editorial Portfolio 381—387

Gleanings 388—392

THE

AND FLORAL MAGAZINE.

Vol. VI. SAN FRANCISCO, JANUARY, 1876. No. 1.

NATIVE TUBEROUS-BOOTED CARAWAY.

BY DK. A. KELLOGG.

Of these we have in California two species deemed worthy of special notice :

Garicm Gairdneri is the most impor- tant, because it promises most both to the gardener and the florist. A partic- ular description is needless, as in gener- al appearance, and indeed in every way, it is the exact representative congener of the European Chervil on the Pacific Coast. The flowers are the most per- fect chaste white, and for an umbel the neatest beauty we ever saw. The only merit that saves it from being shoveled like a Potato is its small size. "We have had it cultivated occasionally, but nev- er with sufficient persistence and care as to do anything like justice to it, nor are our opportunities for the future likely to prove more promising. For this reason mainly we invite attention to it, in hopes that those who can may be induced to prove for themselves its value — not for commercial export, for it is useless to suggest, much less urge, this upon the mere dollar-and-cent cul- tivator, as we have done for a quarter of a century. What is desirable is simply to so establish its introduction

Vol. VI.— 2.

that the fancy gardener and amateur florist may have a new dish of rare deli- cacy for the rural repast, and another charm for the flower-vase. Nothing of the kind, we feel sure, can excel it. The roots, as observed, are small, seldom over half an inch in diameter by two or three inches long, pure white, with a creamy cuticle. Eaten raw as they are dug, they are delicious; but their ex- quisite sweetness and flavor is greatly improved if kept until about half-dried. There is not the least doubt that with skill in choice of suitable conditions, soil, etc., from 200 to 300 bushels to the acre could be raised. We have eaten them in soups and various ways, and have often sent the seeds abroad, but their vitality soon perishes, unless great care is bestowed in packing, as well as speed in transit. It is a hardy plant, suited to cold climates and damp well-drained rocky, gravelly, or mixed clayey loams, especially "dry runs."

Basket Plants. — These plants often suffer from too much or too little water. If from too little the leaves curl or fall. If too much they get yellow and drop off. As a rule a basket should be soak- about once a week.

10

THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST.

CLOUDS— KAIN.

BY NATUBALIST.

The horticulturist has often reason to be interested, if not anxious, about the state of the weather. The florist es- pecially dislikes either too much rain or too long a drought. The health and good condition of plants depend much upon the state of the weather and at- mosphere. The meteorological condi- tions of California are quite peculiar as compared with the rest of the States and Territories. The near vicinity of a vast ocean, with several mountain tiers running up and down at different dis- tances on our slope, exercise the great- est influence on our climate. We may describe the clouds generally which visit us, as jyell as other portions of the globe, as visible vapor suspended in the air at some distance from the level parts of the earth. Possessing the shifting, formless, shadowy character of vapor, becoming visible or remaining invisible, according to minute changes of temperature in different parts of the sky, they combine outlines with pecul- iar striking colors and other character- istics, with a capacity for change that is almost unlimited.

Clouds carry water from the ocean to the mountain tops, they signal the oc- casions on which the electric forces bal- ance themselves, they cause important modifications of light and heat on the earth, they are connected with the pro- duction of frost, they add to the pictur- esque effects which the landscape paint- er and the admirer of nature love to study, and they offer to the poet in- numerable suggestions and similitudes. "What, then, is a cloud ? If you go into a laundry on a washing day, you prob- ably find the whole of the upper part of the room full of steam. That steam

is cloud. It can't get away — being confined to the room. If it could get away it would be taken up, absorbed by the drier air without, and be apparent- ently dissipated, just as a sponge takes up a certain quantity of moisture. When your kettle " steams" it makes a cloud. Now, the air is generally in a state that will enable it to take up a certain quantity of moisture, more or less, according to its temperature and other conditions; but as aqueous or watery vapor in the air is invisible un- der ordinary circumstances, and when condensed by sufficient cold becomes rain, there must be intermediate states between the 'two, and these intermedi- ate states are the varying conditions of clouds, which we see above our heads in every condition and shape. Fog and the cloudiness in a room full of steam are only similar varieties of watery va- por. Those who have ascended high mountains and passed through clouds, as they must do, have found that the clouds, when they were in them, were just like fog, that they got above and completely out of them, and that the chilly air seemed to keep vapor in a vis- ible state, when any was present. Thus, the vapors of the eai'th and sea, con- densed by cold, and rising in the at- mosphere to a region of air lighter than themselves, form clouds or layers of visible vapors. Clouds are generally moved by the wind, and. sometimes by electric action. They may be often seen meeting from opposite directions, and then, after discharging their oppo- site electricities into each other, vanish- ing altogether. The most cloudy coun- tries are those where the winds are most variable, as Britain; the least cloudy countries are where the winds are least variable, as Egypt, and, in a less degree, California.

In the higher regions of the atmos-

THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

11

phere, where the clouds are chiefly formed at the meeting of two currents of different water capacity, sets of small clouds are produced, all nearly of the same form, as all are due precisely to the same cause. Thus we have the mare's-tail and mackerel skies, and oth- er kinds, where numerous light fleecy clouds appear at a great elevation. These are called cirrus clouds, from the peculiar curl they often present. They present very varied and singular ap- pearances. They are probably never less than three miles from the earth, and sometimes much more. Their col- or is generally the purest white before the sun sets, contrasting finely with the rich full blue of a clear sky, and at sun- set or sunrise they are often of t a lovely light vivid crimson, sometimes with the richest blue colored sky above, and a fine emerald below them. Just such a sunrise I observed the other morning from Oakland wharf, whither I had gone thus early to angle for the young salmon, which are now coming into our bay from their ocean haunts and feed- ing-grounds, to spawn in some of the rivers connected with our harbor. When these clouds (the cirrus) are more dense, occurring at somewhat lower levels, and accumulating in large quantity, but still retaining their band- ed appearance, they pass into another kind, called cirro-stratus, which resem- ble loose masses of carded cotton, and often pass rapidly into rain -clouds. Cirrus clouds are often seen near the horizon at sunset and sunrise, but it is on a fine summer's evening in the East, and during our winter season in California, when the loftiest vapors be- come tinted with the rich warm glow of the setting sun, that they are most beautiful. The clouds called cumulus differ from those just described in many essential characteristics. They appear

to be formed near the earth, in our rainy season, and ascend gradually during the day. Such clouds are not often picturesque, but they not unfre- quently present very grotesque and varied forms, changing with the most remarkable rapidity, melting away in a singular manner. When large, they cover the heavens, and altogether ob- scure the sun, being in this state en- tirely without form and beauty; but whenever they are broken up, even the heaviest clouds are capable of present- ing wonderful variety, and the most ex- quisite softness of penciling. Like the cirrus, the cumulus is frequently in lay- ers or strata, and is then called cumulo- stratus. The true rain cloud (nimbus) is limited to a moderate distance from the earth, probably not extending to more than 4,000 to 5,000feet. When these rain clouds appear a little above the hori- zon, fleecy, or like the rolls of smoke, rain is almost sure to follow the night after or the next day. We observed this before our last rain storm. These clouds are admirable studies for the artist, as well as strikingly adapted to excite the imagination of the true lover of nature, especially after they break upon the rain ceasing, and they gather up into white mountains, with the blue sky in patches between them. The colors and shadows of clouds are not less varied and beautiful than their forms. When the sun is near the ho- rizon, and its light shines through a considerable thickness of vapor, the color transmitted is always red, an ex- cess of the yellow and blue rays being absorbed. Close to the western horizon however, when the sun is about to set, and the clouds are not too thickly con- gregated, we find also every conceivable variety of yellow, passing from the pal- est and purest tint to the deepest and richest admixtures of yellow with red.

12

THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

Blue is a color rarely found in clouds, never by itself as a pure color, and rarely in mixture either with yellow as any shade of green, or with red as in shades of violet and purple. The lat- ter is, indeed, the most frequent . of such admixtures; but it is generally to be accounted for without ever being actually obliged to admit it as a posi- tive tint belonging to the cloud itself. Green clouds and a green tint of the sky are not, however, extremely rare. Our sunrises and sunsets certainly equal, if they do not surpass, the Ital- ian so much praised by travelers there. Our tints of landscape and sky are cer- tainly very fine and delightful to the eye, and they present themselves chiefly in our winter and spring months.

SALMON.

BY E. J. HOOPEB.

The plea, or the excuse, for intro- ducing this noble animal or king of all fishes in the Horticulturist, or among the beautiful and interesting produc- tions of nature in the vegetable world, is the same which has always prefaced our notices of angling and the inhabi- tants of the waters; namely, their con- nection with trees, bushes, flowers, birds, insects, and other pleasing and valuable objects of knowledge which ever surround the angler while pursu- ing his useful, amusing, and healthy art. For sport there is no fish equal to the monarch of the rivers and the lakes, and there are some great and eminent anglers who will not waste time on any fish less noble. Even the game and ac- tive trout, and the hardly less nimble bass, or powerful muscalonge or pike, will hardly ever tempt them to stray away from their lordly and-swiftly rush- ing favorite. A fly-fisherman, with

even a moderate-sized fish of the true salmon tribe at the end of his line, has no sinecure to effect his secure capture or landing, although he would be very unwilling to permit his labor to be per- formed by anyone for him. There have been instances of very large salmon be- ing played for four or five hours, but we have never seen in such instances the angler, notwithstanding great fa- tigue, willing to consign his rod to a deputy. It is always rather a thrilling moment to find that, for the first time, one has hooked a good-sized salmon, and the event is apt to produce a nerv- ousness and excitement that do not tend to the speedy landing of the fish. The first idea, naturally enough for a nov- ice, is ta wish to haul our scaly friend out of the water by sheer force, so much does he covet, at the first thought, possession of his victim; but this mode of action has of course to be speedily abandoned, for the fish, always making an astonishing dash, rushes away either up or down the stream in gallant style, taking out with it no end of line. Then when once it obtains a bite of its bridle, away it goes sulking into some great depths or rocky hiding places. In a brief time it comes out again with re- newed vigor, determined, as it would seem, to try your mettle, and it dashes about till you become so fatigued as al- most not to care whether you land him or not. It is impossible to say how long an angler may have to ' 'play" a salmon or a large grilse, but if it sinks itself to the bottom of a deep pool it may be a business of hours to get it safe into the landing-net, or for the gaff (we prefer the latter, because the hooks often be- come entangled in the meshes of the net), if the fish be not altogether lost, as in its exertions to escape it may so chafe the line as to cause it to snap and and thus regain its liberty; and during

THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

13

the progress of the battle, the angler, if fishing from the bank, has most like- ly to wade, and even sometimes to be pulled once or twice into a rather deep stream, so that he comes in for a thorough drenching, and may, as many have to do, go home after a hard day's work without being rewarded by the capture of a single fish.

There is abundance of good salmon angling with spoon-trolling, and in the spring and part of the summer with the fly, to be had in the northern rivers of this State and in Oregon, where board and lodging can be obtained at prices suited to all pockets; and there is noth- ing better either for health or recrea- tion than a few days on a salmon stream. The plan which every angler ought to adopt on going to a strange water is to consult with some shrewd natives of the place or some experienced anglers, who will very likely be able to show him all the best places and pools, and aid him with their advice as to what baits or flies he ojightto use, and give him many useful hints on other points as well. In California there is very little stop- page of the sport of some kinds of fish- ing during the whole year. It is, speak- ing now of angling generally, in fact a recreation that can be made here to suit all classes, from the boy, with his hand-line, to catch tomcods and shiners from the wharves, to the gentleman with his well-mounted rod and elabo- rate tackle, who hies away to the north in search of salmon that weigh from twenty to thirty pounds, or trout from half a pound to three or four, and re- quire several days to stay and capture. Even the weather should never stop an enthusiastic angler, but on very bad days in our spring season, when it is not possible to go out of doors, there is the study of the fish, and their natural and economic history, which ought to

be interesting to all who use the angle, and to the majority of mankind besides. And there is spread around the angler the interesting and instructive book of nature, botany and other sciences, to which we have often referred in these piscatorial papers, inviting him to the perusal. He can see the mild seal of Cali- fornia winter opened, and observe the balmy spring put forth its vernal power; note the turbid streams of winter as they are slackening their volumes of water; see the swelling buds and the bursting leaves; admire the wild flowers grow into blossom almost as he looks on them; hear the sweet notes of the mocking-bird, and the surrounding carol of the noiser birds; watch the sportive lamb or the timid rabbit; and chronicle the ever-changing seasons as they roll away on their everlasting journey of progress.

IS BOILER -WATER INJURIOUS TO

PLANTS ?

BY DR. A. KELLOGG.

In The Garden of London, England, Nov.' 27th, .Mr. "Wells inquires as above, and further says: "It smells badly, and I am afraid injury will arise from its use. Will some of your readers kindly inform me, as I am obliged to use it?" etc.

A few days ago my attention was di- rected by E. B. Mastick Esq. , to a singu- lar phenomenon; briefly this: Not long ago the locomotive ran off the track at Mastick' s Station, and the boiler was emptied. The exact area where the fluid fell is marked by an exceedingly rich vegetation, rendered more conspicuous by the poverty of the surrounding sand. The effect produced in this case is quite equal to so much guano spread over the ground.

14

THE CALIFOKNIA HOKTICULTUEIST.

This is sufficient answer to the ques- tion; but as a true rationale always adds force to any fact, and may often lead to its more general and intelligent appli- cation to use, it is well to say that abundant experience proves that where boiling water has concentrated the sol- uble vegetable matter, which greatly abounds in most waters — and also salts, silicates, lime, magnesia, potassa, phos- phates, soda, alumina, etc. — a given quantity of such solution must be far richer in fertilizing ingredients already prepared for the food of plants. Of course, "it smells badly," as most rich manures do. By no means waste the boiler-waters, but consider your boilers fountains of fertility.

"While upon the subject, allow me to suggest that if gardeners and florists will select some of their plants most difficult to bloom — those that may have proven obdurate for many years, such as Camellias, Oleanders, or indeed any — and make a slight trench some feet (according to size) from them, and fill this with that same boiler-water boiling hot, repeating it a few times during the weeks at the formative and developing period of blooms, and they will be as- tonished at their success. In general, the best mode of irrigating is that which percolates toward them, carrying its own and the soil's soluble substances to the haven of their desire.

PLANTING OKCHAEDS.

Any person who designs planting out fruit-trees — and all farmers do at some time or other — will do well to read the suggestions made by J. J. Thomas in the Fruit Culturist, just out:

" A few experiments only are needed to convince anyone of the advantages of cutting in the shoots. Some years ago an orchardist carefully transplanted

one hundred and eighty Apple-trees into good soil. The roots had been cut rather short in digging. One-half had their tops shortened back, so as to leave only one bud of the previous season's wood; the heads of the other half were suffered to remain untouched. The season proved favorable.

" Of the ninety which had their heads pruned only two died, and nearly all made fine shoots, many being eighteen inches long. Of the ninety unpruned eight died; most of them made but lit- tle growth, and none more than six inches. Both the first and second year the deep green and luxuriant foliage of the pruned trees afforded a strong con- trast with the paler and more feeble ap- pearance of Peach-trees, of large size three years' growth from the bud. One- half were headed back; the rest were un- pruned. The season was rather dry, and twelve of the thirty-eight unpruned trees perished; and only one of those which were headed back. The unprun- ed which survived lost parts of the whole of the upper portions of their branches; the pruned made bushy heads of new shoots. In another instance, trees of one year's growth from the bud, trans- planted in the usual manner unpruned, were placed side by side with others of four years' growth, and with trunks an inch and a half in diameter, the heads being pruned to one-quarter their size. The growth of the former was feeble; the large trees with pruned heads grew vigorously.

" The degree to which this shorten- ing should be carried must depend much on climate. In the cool, moist atmosphere of England the leaves per- spire less, and a number may remain without exhausting the supply from the roots. In this country perspiration is more rapid, and fewer leaves can be fed, until new roots furnish further supplies.

THE CALIFORNIA HOKTICULTUKIST.

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" Cutting back after the buds have swollen, or the leaves have expanded, seriously checks growth, and should never be performed except on very small trees, or on such as the Peach, which quickly reproduce new shoots.

" Trees which quickly reproduce new shoots, as the Peach, may be more closely shortened back than others hav- ing a less productive power, as the Ap- ple. The Cherry throws out new growth still more reluctantly, and hence more care is needed in digging up the roots entire.

" Before the tree is set in the earth, all the bruised or wounded parts, where cut with a spade, should be pared off smoothly, to prevent decay, and to en- able them to heal over by granulations during the growth of the tree. Then dip them in a bed of mud, which will coat every part over evenly, and leave no portion in contact with air, which accidentally might not be reached -by the earth in filling the hole. The bed of mud. is quickly made by pouring into the hole a pailful of water, and mixing it with the soil.

" It should not be set deeper than it stood before removal. When placed in the unfilled hole, if it is found to be too deeply sunk, a mound or hillock is to be made under the centre to raise it suf- ficiently and the roots separated and ex- tended to their full length. Pine rich mould is then to be sprinkled or sifted over, taking care to fill all the inter- stices, and using the fingers to spread out all the fibres during the operation. The mellow earth should be raised two or three inches above the surrounding sur- face, to allow for its subsequent settling.

' ' In nearly all the soils, the use of water in settling the earth among the roots will be found eminently serviceable . Dashing in a few quarts before the Hole is filled is the more common way; but

an admirable mode is to settle fine earth as it is constantly sifted in, by a regular shower from a watering-pot, one man holding the tree, another filling in the earth, and the third applying the water. By this process the roots are not dis- turbed in their position, and every cav- ity about them is filled in the most per- fect manner. The trees will be found to maintain their position better than when pulverized earth alone is used."

TEEE AND OTHEK PEONIES.

Peonies, with their crimson, pink, white and other colored flowers produc- ed during a greater part of the months of May and June, were long great fa- vorites in gardens, although they are now somewhat neglected, owing prob- ably to the fact that they are so large that in small gardens they would occu- py too much room. There are, how- ever, generally to be found, even in gar- dens of limited size, spots so much shaded that scarcely any flower will thrive in them. In such places Peonies would grow luxuriantly; the color of their blooms would, in many cases, be even more intense, and they would last much longer than flowers fully exposed to the sun. They may, therefore, be made useful as well as ornamental, even in small pleasure grounds, although the proper place for them is undoubtedly the fronts of large shrubberies, planta- tions, or by the sides of carriage drives. Where distant effect is required, no plants so admirably answer the end, as their size and brilliancy render them strikingly visible even at long distances off. Planted in straight lines on either side of a grass walk, the effect which they produce is admirable, especially in the morning and at or near sunset; and when planted in masses, as, for in- stance, in beds in pleasure-grounds,

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THE CALIFOBNIA HOBTICULTUKIST.

they are invaluable for lighting up sombre nooks. Peonies grow best in light, sandy loam, and need but little attention — digging around and manur- ing in the winter, and some care in ty- ing them up neatly in spring, being all they require. They may be readily in- creased, but it is most injurious to di- vide the roots too often, as, in that case, the constitution of the plants is weaken- ed, and they generally take some time to recover their usual vigor; nor should they be dug up and removed too fre- quently, as this checks their growth for a season at least. Tree Peonies form, as is well known, robust early spring- flowering shrubs, varying from two to four and five feet in height, and bear- ing blossoms of extraordinary size, bril- liancy, and beauty. They succeed well in all ordinary garden soils, exclusive of peat, unless found upon a deep dry sub-stratum. Blooming as they do early in the year, they occasionally re- quire some slight protection to preserve the blossom buds from late frosts. I have seen them used with good effect on grass plots. They have a fine ap- pearance in a mixed border of shrubs. Their blossoms are of various shades of color, from paper whiteness to the most brilliant crimson and purple shades, and the plants are of such free-blooming habit that they become literally covered with their immense blooms during the summer months. They may be trans- planted either in autumn or in spring before they make their growth. They are propagated by root division, by grafting on the roots of herbaceous va- rieties, by taking cuttings from the young shoots in spring and striking them under glass in a little heat, and by layering young shoots after ringing round each bud, so that each bud forms a plant. Some of the best varieties are Alba grandiflora, Atro-purpurea, Carnea

plena, Lactea, Lilacina, Ocellala, Pap>a- veraeea, and the white and red double forms; Purpurea, Bobert Fortune, Bol- lissoni, Bosa Mundi, Triomphe de Grand, Triomphe de Malines, Versicol- or plena, Violacea purpurea, and Zeno- bia. — The Garden.

RAISING EAETH ROUND TREE-SHRUBS.

During the last twenty years I have often met with instances of the mis- chievous effect of raising the soil round the trunks of living trees; in some cases, where only a few inches had been plac- ed round the collar, the result was as disastrous as where the trees had been buried to a greater depth. In making alterations, sufficient care is not always exercised in this matter; and as, per- haps, for a few years no perceptible di- minution in the vigor of the tree is no- ticed, the whole thing is forgotten until the tree becomes sickly, and ultimately dies, when, perhaps, the result is im- puted to some other cause. About four years ago a fine old Walnut-tree, stand- ing in the grounds here, exhibited symp- toms— by its annually decreasing growth and early leaf-fall — of declining health. On examination, it was found, that dur- ing some alterations a few years ago the earth had been raised about eight inches round the trunk, and the bark round the collar was in some places de- cayed, but owing to the sinuosities of the trunk, the air, perhaps, had not been so effectually excluded as it would have been in the case of a younger tree, and, therefore, the ill effects had been longer delayed. The earth was at once removed down to the original level, so that the tree stood in a kind of basin, with sloping sides and a diameter of about ten or eleven feet. I am glad to say the condition of the tree is fast im- proving, and. that it will ultimately re-

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cover. Only the other day, I took up a Sycamore-tree that was past recovery from the same cause. I have, however, never met with any ill effects from rais- ing the soil over the roots of trees, pro- vided the trunk was not touched by the new soil; but, in some instances, in- creased vigor has been imparted to un- healthy trees by having top dressings of good fresh soil. Wherever it is ne- cessary to raise the soil in the neighbor- hood of large handsome trees, if the surface is sloped upward from the tree for three or four feet round the trunk, no harm will follow, or the earth may be supported by brick-work a foot or so from the trunk, and fitted with wooden gratings round the trunk at the top, for the purpose of securing a due circula- tion of air; only the gratings will have to be inspected occasionally, to see that the place is clean. — E. Hobday, in Lon- don Garden.

DEEP PLOWING.

A previously formed opinion that deep plowing is a good thing for the land, was strengthened by a conversa- tion with an intelligent farmer the oth- er day. The gentleman narrated some of his own experiences in cultivating the soil and gave the result of his observa- tion of the operations of others in the same line — all of which was testimony in favor of deep plowing. In one in- stance spoken of, one portion of a field of wheat was plowed somewhat deeper than the rest (the cultivation in other respects and the soil being the same); and a considerably larger yield resulted on the part plowed deepest. The the- ory of deep plowing is a plausible one; namely, that by it the partially exhaust- ed soil of the surface is turned under and its place supplied by that from be- low, from which less of the nutritive

matter has been drawn by the previous crop;, and also that the Stirling up and pulverizing of the soil to a great depth enables it to absorb moisture more readily and to impart its nutriment to the growing vegetation more liberally. As the surface of the land becomes im- poverished in a degree, as it inevitably must, by constant cultivation, a greater depth of soil should be stirred and new matter brought up for the seed to take root in and draw support from. And this is especially true as regards the wheat lands of California from which the same kind of a crop is taken year after year, and nothing put on to the land in return for what it yields. The Eastern farmers have learned this les- son, and deep plowing and sub-soiling have become the rule there, much to the advantage of the farmers, who find that their old fields are rejuvenated by this process. Although the Eastern farmer and Eastern farming as a rule can not safely be taken as models for California to adopt, something may be gained, by not a few of our farmers, by the adoption of the Eastern style of plowing. We suggest that this hint be experimented upon the present season, and we should be pleased to learn of the results of any such experiments. — Texas Farmer.

OBJECTS OF PKUNTXG.

When a tree is starved, and for that reason is making but little annual growth, the first thing to do is to feed it with the food ingredient that the soil may lack; but we may assist it back to a normal condition of thrift and health by reducing the number of its growth points by disbudding, or by " heading in," before growth is fully stalled in the , spring.

So, too, when a tree is robbed by

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THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST.

other and greedier roots invading its soil; as when Bine Grass sod catches the moisture and the food gases which come in from above ground and keeps them from the tree roots; or, as when the greedy proprietor demands from the orchard a crop of small grain, or as when lustier, hungrier roots of other trees, like the Willows and Poplars, sap the stock of food from the soil; the first thing to do is to choke off the robber, then enrich the soil, and then in spring reduce the number of growth points so that all left can put forth thrifty leaves and make strong growth.

And again, if severe droughts have prematurely checked growth, and then the rains come and growth if resumed, it is usually best to interfere and stop part of the points of extension, by pinch- ing as soon as they start.

Or, when the always trying winter has come with its cold and dry winds, so hard that many or most buds are weakened, and the fluid of the tree — the sap — has been actually altered from its normal condition by too great evap- oration, and too great and too equally sudden changes of temperature, we should interfere when growth is about to begin for the season, and by remov- ing part of the buds, turn the whole of the tree's energies to fewer points, to the end that the physiological action may be more perfect and stronger.

IS THE ANGLE -WORM A FEIEND ?

A correspondent of the New York Times writes : My garden Turnips are badly scarred and grooved by worms. As I find no worms in contact with the Turnips but earth-worms, the presump- tion is that the mischief is done by them. In several instances I found the mouths of the worms in the grooves, the fresh surface of the Turnip afford-

ing unmistakable evidence that the worms were then and there engaged in their nefarious work. In two instances, a worm had eaten a hole into the body of the Turnip, nearly ah inch in depth, and was so firmly wedged in that it was almost impossible to extricate it with- out breaking it. It may be objected that, as earth-worms have no teeth, they can not be the cause of the observed ef- fects. They may, however, by sucking out the natural juices of the Turnip de- stroy the vitality of the part, and so cause its gradual destruction and the characteristic grooving of the Turnip. A neighbor, who is an experienced gar- dener and an observing man, frequent- ly finds the tops of his Onion leaves drawn into holes in the ground, and looking as if they had been parboiled, or, as he expresses it, " the juices suck- ed out." On digging into these holes, to ascertain the cause of the evil, he has found earth-worms apparently engaged in feeding upon the Onion leaves. Ag- ricultural authorities, on the other hand, tell us that the earth-worm feeds only upon dead and decaying vegetable matter. Will the agricultural authori- ties please give us equally good evidence in support of their theory ?

FEUIT AND FRUIT-TREES— BEST VA- RIETIES FOR PLANTING.

The December number of the Cali- fornia Agriculturist presents us with a very important and useful list of the different varieties of fruit-trees for the home orchard and for profit, most suita- ble to our peculiar soil and climate. This selection is doubtless the result of many years' experience in the cultivation of fruit here, and will conduce much to the benefit of all orchardists, especially beginners :

Early Apples — Three Red Astrachan;

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two Red June; two White Astrachan; two Golden Pippin; three Skinner's Seedling, or Maiden's Blush; one Grav- enstein; one early Sweet Bough, for bak- ing. The Golden Pippin is a very tart Apple, making it desirable for cooking and drying. It does not dry white as some; not so fine for market as for home use. The Gravenstein falls from the tree badly before ripening, but is fine for eating. Skinner's Seedling hangs well to the tree; is an- extra eat- ing and cooking Apple.

Early Winter Apples — Six Yellow Bell- flower; two Jonathan.

Late Keeping Apples — Ten Yellow Newtown Pippins; three White Winter Pearmain; one Nicker jack, and one late Talman's Sweet. This makes thirty- four Apple-trees, all extra. good kinds for California. There are other sorts } favorites with some. Of course, we ad- vise each person to have a tree of his favorite in addition to this list.

The Apples that dry white, and are in demand by the Alden factories for desiccation, are Skinner's Seedling, Gravenstein, Smith's Cider, Fall Pip- pin, and Yellow Bellflower. For an Apple-orchard for profit, where winter Apples ripen late, as in Santa Clara County, and keep well, the Newtown Pippin is the very best one to plant. Some orchardists say the only one from one acre to a hundred acres would be the Newtown Pippin.

Early and late Pears, as they come in succession — Two Dearborn Seedlings; one Madeleine; twoBeurreGifford; five Bartlett; one Seckel; one Flemish Beauty; three Beurre Hardy; two White Doyenne; two White Morceau; three Winter Nelis; two Easter Beurre. There is no better flavored Pear for drying or canning than the Bartlett; but owing to the softness of the core when ripe enough to dry nicely, it will

not hold to the fork of a paring ma- chine, and is not so profitable for the diying factory as the Flemish Beauty, which is round, smooth, easily worked on a machine, and is one of the very nicest drying Pears. Swan's Orange and Glout Morceau are also fine drying Pears, where machinery is used. The best shipping Pears for the Eastern markets are the Winter Nelis and East- er Beurre. At one time the Bartlett and Beurre Hardy were thought the best, but they do not keep well, and arrive there when Eastern Pears are plentiful, while the winter varieties get there in a sound condition, and at a time when Eastern Pears are not brought into competition at lower prices.

Quinces — Two Orange variety. Quinc- es are exceedingly good baking fruit, and for canning, either alone or with Pears.

Plums — One Cherry Plum; two Ear- ly Golden Drop; two Royal Hative; two Jefferson; three Columbia; six Green Gage; five Ickworth's Impera- trice; two Coe's Late Red. The latter Plum will last till Christmas, and is de- sirable chiefly for its late-keeping qual- ities. Best for canning, Green Gage; best Plums for drying are Jefferson, Washington, Ickworth's Imperatrice, Columbia, Reine Claude de Bavey, Gen- eral Hand. Soft, mushy Plums are not desirable for drying, but the Plum that has a rich flavor, solid pulp, and is eas- ily pitted, is a drying Plum. The Quackenboss is called the best shipping Plum, owing to its beauty and keeping qualities.

Peaches — One Hale's Early; one Ear- ly York Serrate; one Crawford's Early; three Grosse Mignonne — one of the finest Peaches in cultivation and valuable for canning; one Late Admirable; Craw- ford's Late; two Old Mixon, cling; two Lemon, cling.

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THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

Nectarines — One Hardwick; one New White.

Prunes — Two Grosse Prune d'Agen; three Petite Prune d'Agen; two Fellen- burg. The Fellenburg, or German Prune, is the best drying Prune, and is coming into high favor on that account very fast. It pits naturally ; is high fla- vored, with firm flesh. The Petite Prune d'Agen stands second, but is rich and fine, though small. The Grosse Prune d'Agen is best for shipping, ow- ing to its beauty, size, and solidity. It adheres to the pit too tenaciously to be a favorite for drying.

Apricots — Two Early Golden; two Moorpark. Nice for cooking, canning and drying, as well as for eating.

Cherries — Two each of Governor Wood, Black Eagle, Black Tartarian, Black Arabian, Coe's Transparent, Kentish or Pie, Cleveland Bigareau, Napoleon Bigareau. The Black Tar- tarian is the most profitable market Cherry, owing to the regular and good bearing quality of the trees, and the solidity and carrying quality of the fruit, which will not discolor when bruised, and is large, handsome, and of fine flavor. There is no better canning fruit than this Cherry, also good dried.

Figs — Take a variety. The Black Brunswick, White Smyrna, and Brown Turkey are as good as any.

Grapes — Two vines each of White Sweetwater, Isabella and Catawba for a trellis, ten Rose Peru, ten Elame To- kay, fifty White Muscat of Alexandria, ten Black Hamburg, ten Black Malvoi- sie, ten Black Morocco. The White Muscat of Alexandria is the very best raisin Grax>e. Any family can make their own raisins nicely and send some to market. The best shipping Grapes are White Muscat of Alexandria, Flame Tokay, and Rose Peru, so far as tried, for profit.

Berries — Blackberries — Fifty Law- ton, fifty Kittitinny; twenty-five Rasp- berries; twenty-five Houghton Seedling Gooseberries; twenty-five Cherry Cur- rants; of Strawberries, the Longsworth Prolific and Jocunda prove the best.

The Agriculturist mentions also Olives, Oranges, Lemons, Citrons, Walnuts, Almonds, Chestnuts, Mulberries, and Mespilus. The advice which is given by those orchardists who have grown fruit extensively is to have few varie- ties, preferring those which ripen early or late, so as to avoid the low prices that prevail for three months in the middle of the fruit season.

IEKIGATION IN WINTEE.

The need of irrigation on most of our river lands only applies to a dry season, or to late summer, for the purpose of raising a second crop. On a great part of the lands, however, more crops of al- falfa can be cut with occasional irrigation than without. It always pays, too, to keep the ditches ready for droAvning out gophers — the only enemy in this sec- tion of the country to the prolific alfal- fa. These pests are constantly at work. One of them will fill up a new mound every morning, covering a spot of grass often two feet in diameter at its base. The grass is killed under it, and the tramping of stock only spreads it over a larger surface. During the season the place is seeded again, but the mounds then seriously interfere with the mower, and give the field a neglected appear- ance. On a farm near town a China- man is exclusively engaged, a good part of his time, in directing the winter water over the ground, drowning the gophers and leveling their mounds. Dogs are trained to catch them, and they will de- tect every one of the pests that have crept up into the mounds above water,

THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

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by passing- their noses over them. Crows hover over the flood, and pounce on the gopher as soon as he comes to the sur- face, and the butcher bird will sit on the fence and catch the young as they fol- low the old ones out of the holes. The work has demonstrated the iact that the winter irrigation fertilizes the ground better than at any other season of the year. The rains wash the better part of the soil of the hills into the streams, and the water is laden with the riches of an immense territory stretching for hun- dreds of miles. A tank of water, filled from a hydraulic ram, only had a depos- it of a quarter of an inch from the 1st of May to the 1st of November; while from that time to the present, after the rains, the deposit of sediment was upward of three inches. The sediment is the rich- est of the surface soil, and when dried will cut like cheese.

No better evidence can be required to induce every one to take the benefit of the abundant waters of the winter. Of- ten, by improving the time, the Decem- ber irrigation will supply the moisture of a wdiole winter's rain, and make the crop a certainty when overtaken by a dry season. "With the knowledge of the great advantage, it would be sheer neglect to overlook the importance of such timely watering, and none but an imprudent farmer would fail to avail himself of it. — Southern Calif ornian.

ORCHARD PESTS IN CALIFORNIA.

It is not more than a half-dozen years since the horticulturists of California were, proclaiming exemption from all the insect pests which made fruit-grow- ing in the East such a precarious busi- ness. But the tables "have turned" more rapidly than expected, and curcu- lios are at the California Plums, cod- dling moths at their Apples, and pea-

weevils come to us in entomological specimens from the Pacific slope, show- ing their presence in that supposed never-to-be-infested region. But worse than all this, there now come statements which show that the much dreaded Grape louse (or Phylloxera) are at work in the vineyards. Great is the conster- nation produced among the Grape- growers of California at this discovery, and they have good cause for it, inas- much as this pest has caused immense losses in the vine-growing regions of Europe, and thus far no practical reme- dy is know^n. The dry soils and cli- mate of California will doubtless prove to be congenial to this root-inhabiting pest of the vine, consequently the vine- yardists of the Pacific slope may have to bestir themselves in finding a prevent- ive, else see their vineyards destroyed. The paradise for fruit - growers appears to be still a terra incognita, although frequently announced of late years as having been found.

FLOWER MAEKET FOE SAN FRANCISCO.

Years ago the city of Milwaukee (when it was about half as large as San Fran- cisco) had its flower market, and in the early months there was always a crowd gathered about the stalls where bou- quets and potted plants were sold at prices which made it possible for the poorest to enjoy them. The German market gardeners vied with each other in producing the earliest Stock Gillies, Pansies and Verbenas, as well as Peas and Cauliflowers. Scarlet Salvias, Ge- raniums and Phloxes for bedding out were raised in great quantities, and if wedding or funeral flowers were wanted they could always be had there. I was acquainted with the rarely stocked greenhouses of Alexander Mitchell, the Midas of the northwest, but all his

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THE CALIFOKNIA HOKTICULTUKIST.

money could not make such pots of Calceolarias, such Chrysanthemums, as those broad-faced German women sold for sixpence.

It was the fashion there, created by the elegant Grerman ladies who pride themselves on their thorough knowl- edge of domestic matters, for house- keepers to do their own marketing, and it was pleasant to see the Daisies and Forget-me-nots added to the vegeta- bles stores in their ample baskets.

In California I see a great many fine places planted to order, and then given up to the gardener, just as the house- furnishing is given up to the upholster- er; but not many where every shrub and plant has been put into the earth by the mistress' hands, and whose ev- ery adornment could tell a story of some white day, or remembered visit to a friend. Floral decorations for the table are now coming to be esteemed as indispensable luxuries, but to me they lose the sweetness of their meanings when they minister only to the display of wealth. How charming it would be for ladies to go out to a flower market, make their own selections, and a morn- ing's work of weaving bouquets and table decorations which would soften the glitter of crystal and gleam of silver on their dinner tables ! How much ten- derer the association of the flower cross woven by loving fingers ! What would we think of a letter of condolence or congratulation ordered from the station- er? Thought and affection give val- ue to the most perishable things.

Again, a flower market, such as San Francisco might easily sustain, would be a great attraction to the strangers within our gates. They come to us through the snowy pathways of the mountains, in numbers increasing con- stantly, and the bright flowers are their best welcome. They will look at the

Veronicas and Fuchsias through iron railings, and catch the perfume of the violets; but a sixpenny pot earned home to the hotel is worth more in making contented citizens of them.

An impression of the abundance of beauty ought to be made with the flow- ers as well as the fruits. And this re- minds us of the flush of color, the fine display of autumn's wonder work, that came to us the day after Thanksgiving, from Alhambra Gardens, in shape of a box of leaves, rivaling those of New England Maples. "We brought them here, to make our lodgings home-like, and they brighten the walls as I write — the Abutilon leaves, singularly mot- tled with golden spots; the yellow Pear leaves, with ruby veinings, and the deep sinused crimson Grape leaves, which Bacchus might have worn for his crown.

I once sent Ole Bull a single leaf of the swamp Maple from a Wisconsin bog, laid on a sheet of Chinese rice paper, on which was written the date of his sixtieth birthday, and back from Eu- rope came a request for more leaves of "that tree," which taught so sweet a lesson of a ripened life. Such another leaf I have not found, and there are few such autumnal days for any of us as the white haired angel of the violin enjoys ere he is gathered home, but if we want a well colored, well ripened autumn, we must gather music and flow- ers into our daily lives. We must feed upon truth, beauty and goodness. For the sake of the children born and bred in city streets, let us have a flower mar- ket in San Francisco. — Jeanne G. Carr.

Ample fruit on a farm pays for itself in every regard — in improved health of the farmer's family, in diversifying the salable products of the farm, and in adding tenfold to the worth of the land.

THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

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PURE AIR AND MOISTURE FOR HOUSE PLANTS.

House plants are things of life which require pure and warm air and moist- ure as well as animals. A wide pan of water should always be placed on the stove or in the heating furnace at a point where it will be heated enough to send off Vapor into the air,;and it should be kept supplied with water at all times. Towels, napkins, or other cloths hung near the fire and wetted as often as they become dry will impart an agree- able feeliug to the air of a warm room. Every lady must have noticed how pleas- ant the change from the dry sitting or dining room to the kitchen or laundry where damp clothes are hanging round, if not in so large a quantity as to pro- duce over-dampness. The objection to stoves and hot-air furnaces has no doubt resulted from the absence of sufficient moisture-applying apparatus. Stove rooms that are not properly ventilated are ruinous to growing plants. The whole atmosphere in the conservatories of florists is always kept so moist that a person, when entering, observes the dampness. Yet such an atmosphere is congenial to tender plants.

Most growing plants become sickly and ' ' drawn up " in the parlors of our first-class houses, while in those of less pretensions we frequently see them vig- orous and flourishing. In houses with- out " modern improvements" the air is not heated until its capacity for moist- ure is such as to greedily take it from the plants, as well as from the persons who dwell there, nor are the windows sealed so tightly that the plants can not have a breath of fresh air from without. If people will make a climate in their houses like that of a desert, they must content themselves with such plants as are naturally adapted to arid regions. Cactuses, Crassulas, Sedums, and such

thick - skinned plants will endure an amount of roasting and drying which Avould kill a Camellia or a Rose, though even they must have a certain propor- tion of life-laden oxygen.

Supposing the plants to be well es- tablished in good soil, the three points to be attended to are air, water and clean- liness. Every day when the weather is not too cold, the window sash should be let down at the top, and on mild days kept open during the warmer part of the day. In the first place, cleanli- ness is to be observed with the pots. If they have become covered with green film, they are to be set in a pail of wa- ter and soaked a while, and the green matter washed off with a cloth or scrub- bing-brush. The inside of the pot should be clean down to the earth, and the surface of the soil free from moss and fallen leaves.

As to the plants themselves, the two great troubles are dust and insects. A paper or light muslin screen laid over them while the room is being swept, will keep off a great deal of dust, but even this will not obviate the necessity for washing and syringing. Broad and smooth-leaved plants may be washed with a soft sponge, or, what is better, placing the hand over the earth, turn the plant upside down and move it briskly about for a few seconds in a ves- sel of water. Then set the plant up- right, wash each leaf between the finger and thumb, and afterward give it an- other rinsing. A plant too large to be treated in this way may be syringed, or lay it down and let water fall upon it from a considerable height from a wa- tering-pot. This can be done out of doors in mild weather, and in cold weather in a sink or bathing-tub. If plants are frequently washed they will be but little troubled by insects. — Ex- change.

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THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUKIST.

PLANT OLIVE -TKEES.

There is an entire freedom from risk in planting Olive-trees in the southern part of our State, for there they have grown luxuriantly and borne fruit abundantly for nearly a hundred years. The fine Olives of the church gardens in San Luis Obispo have yielded fruit since 1782. The olive-orchards of San Diego, San Fernando, San Buenaven- tura, and Santa Barbara have all flour- ished and given forth their exquisite berries for nearly the same length of time. Thus it will be seen that there is no experimental risk in trying to grow Olive-trees almost anywhere in southern California ; and we have seen them doing nicely on the foot-hills of Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Tuolumne, Cal- averas, and Amador counties, and be- lieve that they will succeed well in forty counties in our State, at a certain height on the hills, so as to come with- in what is termed the warm belt. It is a tree that can be easily raised in this climate, requiring but little or no irri- gation, and, when once it has taken root, will grow with about as little care as any of the ornamental sorts of trees planted on this coast. And there are but few trees more beautiful to the eye than the olive after it commences bearing. Its oblong, lance-shaped leaves, with their deep green shade on top and light feathery color underneath, when dis- turbed by the gentle winds produce a peculiar and pleasing effect. The tree grows to the height of from thirty to forty feet, and its branches spread later- ally in every direction, with an erect, jaunty form, making a very inviting shade-tree for roadways and dwellings accompanied with the substantial ad- vantage of bearing fruit that will pay for the cultivation. — Pacific Grocer.

The Pecan Tkee. — The Grass Valley Union says: " Several of our contempo- raries are discussing the subject of plant- ing trees, and with all of them the nut- bearing trees seem to be most in favor. The nut-bearing tree furnishes an arti- cle of food always, and the wood of any nut-bearer is valuable as timber. Not one of the nut-bearing trees has wood which is not useful. But we have seen no mention of the Pecan -tree. The nuts are sold in every candy and varie- ty store in the State, and the nut is popular everywhere. The tree is one of the finest shade -trees that grows. It will grow on any alluvial land. As timber, the Pecan is next to the Hicko- ry in strength and far superior to the Hickory in lightness. The wood of the Pecan-tree makes finer pick - handles, axe -handles, whipstocks and that sort of thing than any other tree. In plant- ing, the Pecan - nuts should be obtained from the western part of Texas. There the fruit of the tree is much larger than any along the banks of the Mississippi."

Variegated Flowees. — A really pretty effect can be produced on any colored flower, Peony, Rose, Fuchsia, etc., etc., making them beautifully variegated, by holding the flower in the hollow of the inverted hands, and lighting a match underneath it, being careful not let the flower get close enough to be scorched. It is the fume of the brimstone that does it, and the effect is sometimes so startling as to deceive a botanist into thinking he has discovered a new varie- ty. To make a very pretty medley pic- ture, cut flowers and sprays of buds and leaves from the colored plates in catalogues, and gum them tastily on white or delicately tinted card-board, in the form of a wreath or bouquet. A rustic frame makes a very satisfactory picture of it. — Floral Cabinet.

THE OALIFOKNIA HOKTICULTURIST.

25

THE BULB SEASON.

BY F. A. MILLEB.

[CONTINUED.]

The bulbs heretofore spoken off are generally known as the Dutch, or Hol- land Bulbs, because they are almost ex- clusively grown and sent out from that country all over the globe, the climate and soil of Holland being admirably adapted to the purpose. No other coun- try can equal the " Dutch" in the culti- vation of these bulbs. However, the so-called Dutch Bulbs form only a very small proportion of the bulbous-rooted plants, which are now under cultivation in and out of doors; and it is a most remarkable fact that bulb culture is be- ginning to f orm a very important feature in floriculture everywhere. In this country the progress in this direction has been somewhat slow ; nevertheless we find a continually growing demand for bulbs. No doubt they are a beau- tiful and interesting class of plants, arid no sooner will their cultivation and management be better and more gener- ally understood than their desirability will be acknowledged by all who take any interest in plants. "We shall also find that many kinds of bulbs are par- ticularly well adapted to our mild cli- mate, and their cultivation will be much less laborious and disappointing than in the Eastern States. There are un- doubtedly some bulbs which will not thrive as well as others, but from my ex- perience so far I am hardly prepared to point out any particular kind that has proved an entire failure. Bulbs, like all other plants, require rest; some must have their season of rest during our wet winters, others must rest during our dry summers. There are some which we may call Evergreen; that is to say, their foliage is persistent, and these we may keep in a constant growing condition, Vol. VI.— 3.

yet a season of comparative rest will be beneficial to them.

The time is now at hand when we may plant Lily bulbs. The Lilies are certainly most beautiful objects and can not fail to please. The effect pro- duced by a group of Lilies in the gar- den when in bloom can not be equaled by any other class of plants, and as pot- plants in the conservatory, if well grown, they have no superior for con- trast, effect, or beauty. The number of different species and varieties is large. Upward of forty-six species are describ- ed, and many of these comprise a large number of varieties. In the more ex- tensive catalogues of Europe we find over one hundred varieties enumerated. In our own State we find a number of varieties growing wild, and although somewhat difficult to cultivate, we should not lose sight of them. Some judicious experimenting may lead to success. They are certainly entitled to as much consideration as any other variety of Lily.

I/ilium Humboldtii, although known for many years as the California Tiger Lily, was only a few years ago brought to more particular notice by Mr. Boezl. It is found in open situations, 2,000 to 3,000 feet above the level of the sea, growing in a yellow gravelly clay, some- times sandy clay, of a porous nature, exposed to a hot sun. This Lily is easi- ly grown, and bulbs which I have culti- vated for four years are producing every season finer spikes of flowers than I have ever witnessed in their native soil. Last season I had spikes seven feet high, on which I counted twenty-nine flowers and buds, all of which came to perfection. The flowers are of orange red color, with numerous dark brown or claret tinted dots, the dots being more numerous and larger toward the centre of the flower. The petals are reflexed,

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THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

and give the flower a graceful appear- ance. Certainly I can recommend this Lily for general cultivation. If culti- vated in pots, I found it to do best if planted high, so that a portion of the scales is visible. The best adapted soil is a coarse gravelly loam, and good drainage should be provided. This Lily is also called, incorrectly, Lilium Bloom- erianum.

Lilium pardalinum, another Calif or- nian Lily, found in various parts of the State; growing in moist places, shaded as well as exposed. I have found it 5,000 feet above the level of the sea in mountain meadows, where night frosts occur in June and September. There its roots form a compact mass or sod, the flower stems running up five or 'six feet high, bearing from eight to twelve graceful flowers, bright orange toward the centre and brilliant red at the end of the petals, which are well recurved. It is one of our prettiest Californian Lilies, easily cultivated if well supplied with moisture and if grown in heavy turfy loam. Its pleasing form will make it very desirable.

[to be continued.]

HOW TO MAKE A VEGETABLE GARDEN.

There has grown in this State a very general impression that none but river bottom lands are fit for vegetable gar- dens. This impression has taken so strong a hold of the minds of farmers on the higher shelf lands, usually de- nominated grain lands, that very few of these farmers even think of raising their own vegetables, but content them- selves with buying stale articles from the wagons that go about the country retailing vegetables that have been tak- en from the market gardens, sold to dealers in town, then to the peddler, and finally to the farmer, who in order

to keep a supply on hand must pur- chase enough to last him from one trip of the peddler to the next, generally a week. Now, in the first place, we will state that the rich river bottoms are the best soil we have for the production of vegetables, but while we acknowledge this we also claim that all our good grain lands in every part of the State are also as good for making successful gardens on as the same style of lands in any other State — as good as are the hilly or rolling sections of the Eastern or Middle States, or the prairie lands of the States further west. In these States, as well as here, the rich bottom lands of the creeks and rivers are the best adapted to vegetables, and will raise larger and more to the acre than the rolling lands, but on this account do the farmers of the latter abandon the idea of cultivating vegetables for their own tables and depend on buying them from peddlers? Should they adopt this plan very few of them would be able to make both ends meet one year with another, and, in fact, very few of them would be able to retain their title to their farms in themselves for any length of time.

The position of our grain farmers who have adopted this plan is by no means secure, and we assure them they will find it out some day, though too late for many of them. We urge this matter at this time, because, as we have before said, this is the time of year to make a garden and begin the planting of seeds for the vegetables to supply the table the coming year.

As very many of our farmers, whose lessons in agriculture have been taken in this State exclusively, and whose XJractical knowledge consists in the abil- ity to manage four or six mules or horses on a gang plow, or before a double drag or harrow, and run a header and steam

THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST.

27

thrashing-inachine, will feel awkard' in a little inclosure of an acre of ground, making beds for radishes, beets, and carrots, and planting the seeds and tak- ing care of them after planting, we will endeavor to give them a few practical hints in this direction. Having select- ed the spot of land for a garden near the house containing as much light loam soil as possible, plow and subsoil it or trench it with the shovel and spade to the depth of eighteen or twenty inches, trying to keep the top dirt on the sur- face as much as possible. Then, if the soil be composed of so much of clay or adobe as to cause it to be sticky in wet weather, or to bake on the surface aft- er a shower, it will pay to draw from the nearest creek bed, or from some sand or loam deposit nearer by, light sand or loam enough to cover the sur- face to the depth of from four to six inches. To this add three inches of the best rotted stable manure to be obtained from your own or your neighbor's barn. Having thus evenly spread these on the surface, put on the harrow and thor- oughly mix them. Then with the two- horse plow, set to go say eight inches deep, plow and cross plow until the whole soil to that depth shall be thor- oughly mixed and pulverized. At the end of this operation, and at very little expense other than the utilization of time that not so used would be wasted, the farmer on the stiffest adobe wheat land will have a garden spot equal, if not superior, to the best of our river or creek bottoms. The garden soil so pre- pared, and thoroughly cultivated each year, with yearly additions of well rot- ted manure, will require but little arti- ficial irrigation, and can be readily sup- plied by pump and windmill from the house that furnishes water for domes- tic purposes. Right here we would sug- gest that underground irrigation is the

best and cheapest for the garden. It will cost something to prepare for the distribution of the water under ground in the first instance, but in the long run money will be saved by adopting this plan. Two redwood two by three scantling, grooved out on one side, an inch deep and an inch wide, and the grooved side turned together so as to form an opening for the water to run through, one by two inches square, laid say eighteen inches deep and twelve or fifteen feet apart one way across the plat, and these connected with a tank at the well, will form the means of a perfect, cheap and durable system of irrigation. Of course there must be apertures at frequent intervals, say once in two feet, along this tube, to let the water out. Water judiciously distrib- uted through this system of under- ground tubes will give the garden plat so prepared the power of perpetual pro- duction. It will, in fact, convert winter and summer and autumn, so far as the limits of the garden are concerned, into perpetual tropical spring, in which vege- tables of all kinds may be kept constant- ly ready for the table from one year's end to the next.

Confirmation of this statement, of a character convincing to all who may feel an interest in the subject, may be readily found in the perpetual green in the Chinese gardens in the suburbs of every town and hamlet in the State. These gardens have the advantage of constant irrigation during the day sum- mer and winter, but the underground irrigation proposed would be as much superior to the surface irrigation of the Chinese as their plan is superior to no irrigation at all. While the one will draws the roots of all vegetation deep down in the soil, and consequently give them a firm hold of life, and in- duces an even growth, the other keeps

28

THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

the roots near the surface, subject to the slightest change in the weather, and liable to uneven and unhealthy growth. We have no reservation in the opinion that a garden on the uplands in any part of the State, prepared and irrigat- ed as we have suggested, and well at- tended, will be superior to any ever yet cultivated on the richest bottom Ian is in the most favored locality, and will attest their superiority upon actual ex- periment.

The fence around the garden should be high and tight, first, to keep out all poultry, etc. , and second, to screen the oontents from the effects of the cold south winds in the winter, and dry north winds in the summer. These fences will answer also for the special protection of vines and small fruit-bush- es that may be trained against them. Along the line of the south and east fences plant your Currant and Goose- berry bushes, as well as red Raspberry plants, and the shade of the fence will furnish the protection from the direct rays of the sun in the warm parts of the day so necessary to the successful cultivation of these fruits in our dry climate.

On the north and east sides make your hot beds and cold frames for the earliest vegetables, and plant your Blackberries and Orange, Lime, and Lemon-trees, and such semi-tropical plants as you may wish to cultivate in the garden. Let also your beds for winter vegetables be made in this end of the garden under the protection of the northern fence, and exposed to a southern view. Here plant your early Peas, early Potatoes, early Beets, Tur- nips and Onions, Corn, Beans, etc., while the southern part of the garden may be reserved for later planting of these same kinds of vegetables. — Sac- ramento Record- Union.

DECIDUOUS TKEES AND SHEUBS.

A judicious selection of trees and shrubs is needful if we desire to make our surroundings a joy to the eye; and as this is the best season to plant them, a few directions concerning them may not come amiss to our readers. There are few trees and shrubs that are not objects of beauty and admiration, if they grow luxuriantly and are well trimmed, but the style and contour of them should be such as will harmonize the best with the architectural arrange- ment of the house. Those which have a symmetrical habit of growth, whether upright or gracefully drooping, are the best adapted to mingle with classical statuary and geometrically laid out flower gardens, and will be in good taste when planted near homes of mod- ern erection ; while as the distance from the house increases, the style and habits of the plants niay. be of a freer or more massive character. Quaint old-fash- ioned country houses can be embellish- ed and improved if the trees and shrubs are of a more rampant growth, but plants of statelier habits can be grouped together in flower-beds at some little distance from the buildings.

But we should not presume to dictate that plants of decisive, uniform, and symmetrical shape, could not be inter- spersed with a rambling style of growth, when the houses are not of a decided character, for then a system of mixed planting is often very ornamental and desirable. In planting shrubs, or re- moving them to other locations, it is not needful to wait until all the leaves have fallen, but they can be planted as late as the middle of December if the ground is not too cold; but when planted two or three weeks earlier, they will often become more firmly rooted, and better able to bear the dry weather of the en-

THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

29

suing summer. The ground should be well dug over for the reception of the shrubs, and it should also be thorough- ly drained, for if it is wet and pasty it will injure the tender fibres of the plants.

Stake and tie up each shrub or tree as soon as planted, so that the wind cannot disturb their roots, and if the season inclines to be severe, mulch the roots with a few inches of stable litter. When buying shrubs and ornamental trees, select young and vigorous plants, rather than those of a larger size and less healthy appearance, for in a year or so they will be in a better condition than the larger ones.

The following is a select list:

Forsythia viridissima is a very showy yellow flowering shrub; blooms early and profusely.

Leycesteria formosa is very curious ; its long clusters of white flowers with purple calyxes presenting a handsome appearance.

Pyrus Japonica and P. spectabilis are fine; the first has brilliant scarlet flow- ers, the other a delicate peach-bloom shade. Blooms very early.

Deutzia gracilis is a low growing sbrub, covered with white flowers in early summer.

Daphne mezereum,an upright growing shrub, produces an abundance of purple flowers before the leaves appear.

Weigela rosea variegata is a compact growing shrub, deep leaves margined with white.

Spirea Bevesii has a drooping habit, is free flowering and pure white.

Spirea callosa alba is a new white flow- ering variety of dwarf habit.

Hydrangea Japonica is a very hand- some shrub from Japan; flowers, a rich rose color.

Hydrangea Empress Eugenie is a new variety from France; flowers a delicate blue and pink.

Deutzia Forlunii, a lovely shrub of two to three feet in height, has white flow- ers and is perfectly hardy.

Cupressus disticha (deciduous cypress) has a feathery foliage of a delicate pale green, is pyramidal in shape and very ornamental.

Amelanchier botryapium (snowy mes- pilus) is a very graceful tree, with white flowers.

The double-flowering Cherry— a showy tree of slow growth ; is covered early in the spring with a profusion of double white flowers.

Double-flowering Peach has double pink flowers, similar to the Cherry.

Cercis canadensis (Judas-tree) has bright rosy pink flowers, but ■ has an ir- regular habit.

The Mop-headed Acacia is a very handsome, symmetrical tree, the head forming a perfect globe.

Magnolia purpurea is a large leafed tree, of straggling growth, with pur- ple, tulip-shaped flowers; blooms early in summer.

Salisburia adiantifolia (Gingko, or Maiden-hair tree) is of slow growth, but very handsome and symmetrical; foliage of a light green, resembling the fronds of the Maiden-hair Fern.

Gytisus laburnum (Laburnum) is very graceful in habit, with racemes of showy, yellow, pea-shaped flowers.

The Old Man and the Young Trees. — The young man in the beautiful fable of "La Fontaine" ridiculed the man of four-score for planting «an avenue of little trees, because he could not hope to live long enough to see them as high as his head. "Well," said he, "and what of that? If their shade afford me no pleasure it may afford pleasure to my children, and even you; and, there- fore, the planting of them gives me pleasure."

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THE CALIFOKNIA HOBTICULTUEIST.

WINDOW GAEDENS.

Just as drapery adds to the grace of a room, and gives it what mirror and picture and artistic furniture can not with all their elaboration of form or color afford, so the vine gives to our window gardens their overshadowing air of protection and comfort, and of brooding persuasiveness — something like the effect in sacred pictures of kindly, hovering wings. Our first thought, then, in ornamenting our win- dows may well be for the vines, and they reward care more readily, perhaps, than any other house plants. At any rate, their luxuriance is sufficiently sym- pathetic to give answer, and quickly too, to the tending touch. Shall we choose for ourselves a variety of these over- arching and daintily climbing greener- ies ? First of all, then, is the Ivy, which hai'dly needs words of praise, since it speaks so frankly for itself. Only for beginners in its culture need advice be offered, and to those not yet beginners, to whom we say : Do not let your house, do not let your sitting-room, at least, be without this unexacting but generous little friend. Ivy is readily grown from cuttings. All we have to do is to cut from the parent plant little branches about three inches in length and im- merse them in vials of water, or plant them in shallow boxes filled with sand and wet to the consistency of mud, and kept so fully moistened until the roots have sprouted from the Ivy stems. Ivy already potted out of doors should be brought into the house in November, and by degrees accustomed to the heat of the sitting-room, so as to flourish all winter. You must wash its dusty leaves, and once a week give a tiny stimulant of guano and nip off with sympathetic judgment the terminal shoots, so as to duplicate the upreachiug effort of new

leaves, and your Ivy will gratefully re- spond and domesticate itself, and you will ask little of it that it will not per- form. Of flowering vines there are a hundred beauties, and selections must be made from the florist's tempting lists with reference to the temperature of our rooms and the exposure of our windows. In windows facing the south, and with rooms of warm temperature, we may have the variegated kinds of the Mexi- can vine, named after the priest who brought it from the wilds, the Goboea scandens, with its bell-shaped flowers, and the Passion-flower (Passiflora cera- lia and fiernusina), which needs also for profuse blooming such sunlight and temperature of from sixty to seventy- five degrees, and the ^.ssus discolor, a close dependent upon heat and light. For shadier windows there are the ipo- mcea — the Morning Glories — in many varieties and colors, from sky-blue to scarlet, generous rewarders of care, and so rapid in growth that they will blos- som six weeks after the seed is planted, and the Vinca, the charming little per- venche of the French, with its leaves glossy like myth, and its starry blos- soms, lavender-colored and blue. And again, is the temperature too warm for Ivies, one may have for foliage vines the Smilax, an exotic from South Africa, a plant requiring rich sandy soil and plenty of watering, and sometimes, if attacked by its mortal enemy, the red spider, a dusting with cayenne pepper. And for the same conditions of growing there is a new vine, a wonderful Fern, called the "Walking Fern, just now ap- pearing in the conservatories — a vine so graceful, so novel, the Smilax has hard- ly a hope to remain the reigning belle among the festoon plants of the win- dow basket or the winter's beauty in the epergne or the vase. — New York Mail.

THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTUKIST.

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THE CULTUKE OF THE HAZEL-NUT.

"The Eegister of Rural Affairs for 1876" (an almanac that no well regu- lated farmer's family should be without) contains an article on the culture of the Filbert. It is a curious fact that this paper, emanating from one of the most intelligent sources of horticultural in- formation, can do no more than give English experience. American experi- ence of any extent seems to be wanting. Downing says he has found the English kinds productive in this climate; but we do not remember to have seen any accounts of their successful Western culture, nor indeed of their being grown to any extent anywhere in the United States. .

The Genus Corylus, Hazel-nut and Filbert, belongs to the Oak family, and comprises :

G. Avellana, European Hazel-nut or Filbert, which grows, according to Gray, to nearly double the height of the com- mon Hazel-nut. Loudon describes it as a shrub or low tree, a native of Eu- rope, and the east and west of Asia, growing to the height of twenty feet and upward, but commonly found in the character of a bush, as undergrowth in woods, especially of the Oak. He adds that in Eastwell Park, Kent, among Thorns, Crab-trees, and common Ma- ples, they are upward of thirty feet high, with trunks one foot in diameter at the ground.

G. Gorluna, Constantinople Hazel, according to Loudon, is a tree fifty or sixty feet high, a native of Turkey and Asia Minor, but hardy in England. Who has known of any experience with it in the United States ?

G. Bostrater, beaked Hazel-nut, is found generally in the Northern States, but extends down the Atlantic coast as far south, we believe, as the Carolinas.

We do not know that it is found in the North-west. It is lower and stronger than our common Hazel-bush, and has the " hulls " curiously twisted about the nut, whence its name. Two to five feet is all its altitude.

C. Americana or American Hazel-nut is very common in the West, and unlike the other species seems to only thrive permanently in the open ground. It is of a better flavor than the Filbert as re- ceived here, and varies enough in size and quality to suggest the desirability of attempting its improvement. We presume some of our readers may have observed somewhat in the same direc- tion, and possibly experimented with them under culture. If so, we should be very glad to hear from them.

It would also be of interest to know whether the Filbert has been propagat- ed on our common Hazel-nut, as a stock, and with what success. The time is not far off when the Hazel-nut must be grown under cultivation, if at all. Civ- ilization and better farming does away with wild Strawberries, Raspberries, and Nuts, and makes it needful that we should grow them.

The monster pumpkin of the world has been raised in this valley. Mr. J. R. Truman brought to the depot last Friday afternoon a pumpkin which weighed two hundred and thirty-three pounds. This monster measures seven feet and a half in circumference and twenty-four and three-quarter inches in diameter. It was raised by Mr. Truman on sandy land and has never had a drop of irrigation. It is intended to prepare this pumpkin for shipment to the Cen- tennial. It can't be beat anywhere, and is only another evidence of the aston- ishing fertility of the soil of this valley. — Downey Courier,

32

THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTUBIST.

^tutorial UoriMio.

OUR FRONTISPIECE.

"We have been disappointed in receiv- ing from the East a beautifully colored grdlip of flowers, with which we intend- ed to embellish the Horticulturist this month. In its stead, therefore, we have selected two characteristic engrav- ings of a winter scene in the Eastern States and one in California. The con- trast will readily strike every one. While in the East old winter reigns in all his usual rigor and severity at this season, with frost, ice, and snow cover- ing the landscape, here in California our mountains, hills, plains, and valleys are covered with verdure from the late plentiful and mild rains, and many wild plants and flowers are already begin- ning to bloom; and our many native evergreen Oaks and other native ever- green shrubs and trees, together with the numerous exotic Eucalypti, Acacias and other important vegetation, lend an almost complete summer aspect to the view. "We speak of this difference to the rest of the States in the climate of this portion of the "Union not in any spirit of boasting, but only with the thankfulness and satisfaction that it is our lot to dwell in such a highly favor- ed climate as we enjoy in this beautiful, mild, and genial Pacific Slope.

THE NEW GOLDEN -TINTED CYPRESS.

In our last number of the Horticul- turist we noticed this lately-discovered species of the Cypress family of plants, and stated that we would make further inquiries concerning it. "We have as- certained from Mr. John Begg, of Gil- roy, that at Centreville, Alameda Coun- ty, there is a specimen of this beautiful evergreen sixteen feet high, and branch- ing out horizontally thirty or forty feet,

growing side by side with the Monterey Cypress, and entirely distinct from the latter, and that it has not yet been bo- tanically described. "When the branches become of a certain age and in a bearing state, the edges of the foliage assume a bright yellow color nearly all the sea- son, but especially in July. Mr. Begg raised some seedlings of this very hand- some variety two or three years ago, which he has disposed of. In the sum- mer, in their native habitat on one of our southern ranges of mountains, he says they form a lovely scene, similar to a golden-tinted grove of trees, attract- ive to the eye of the explorer or botan- ist. No doubt we shall soon hear more concerning this addition to our arbore- tum from some of our nurserymen and florists.

VICE'S FLOWER AND VEGETABLE GAR. DEN, AND FLORAL GUIDE FOR 1876.

This zealous, refined in floricultural taste, and enterprising proprietor of one of the famous Rochester nurseries and floral depots, has presented the lovers of flowers, this year, an enlarged and improved number of the " Guide," and given us in it four beautiful new chromo plates, being groups or bou- quets of flowers representing the differ- ent classes, as a group of Annuals, Per- ennials, Flowers of Tender Bulbs, and of Hardy Bulbous Flowers, and has named it ' ' Vick's Floral and Vegetable Garden." Mr. Vick has also continued in his " Floral Guide " for this year an entertaining narrative of his late "Trip to the Pacific." The somewhat humor- ous and graphic account of his visit to the Calaveras Big Trees, the Tosemite Valley, with his description of the In- dians there, and of the curious tarantula spider and its trap-door nest, is quite interesting. In speaking of the Califor- nia Ilex or Holly (Photinia arbutifolia)

THE CALIFORNIA HOKTICT7LTUFJST.

33

he says: "This tree, from what we heard and what we know, must be beautiful in the autumn and winter, but we were not in the season to see it in all its glory." This, as is well known, is an evergreen very similar to the English Holly.

It is much used here, as in Europe, for decorating our churches, halls, etc. It grows, as a lady correspondent to Mr. Vick says, on rocky hillsides and on the banks of creeks. It blossoms late in the season; and when winter comes it makes a very showy appear- ance, with its bright red berries and green leaves. The berries hang on the the bushes until quite late in the spring. They will grow from the seed, and may possibly endure the rigor of the Eastern climate, as they bear a good deal of frost here. The bushes are so loaded with berries they almost break down with their weight. They are a lovely sight. The Indians make great use of the berries for food. Mr. Vick, in his " Floral Guide," has a valuable chapter on Berry - bearing Plants, including the English Holly, "Winter Berry (ilex ver- ticillata), the Mountain Ash, Berberry, Snow Berry or Snow Drop, the Bitter Sweet, and the Strawberry Shrub or Spindle-woods ( Euonymus latifolius). There is, also, " Garden Work for In- valids," "Winter Floral Decorations," a chapter on the beautiful Chautauque Lake in New York State, and various other useful and valuable chapters in this splendid and instructive miscellany.

The Weeping Larch. — The European Larch has long been known as one of the most valuable timber and orna- mental trees. It is extensively planted on the Western prairies for timber, and will doubtless prove to be of great value to the inhabitants of those regions of country. The variety of the Larix Eu-

ropcea, known as the Weeping Larch, is a most graceful tree, with long, slender, pendulous branches. In autumn the leaves change to a beautiful golden tint, affording a fine contrast with the deep green of the Pines and evergreens belonging to closely allied species. Like the common Larch the weeping variety is a deciduous tree, losing its leaves in winter, but in spring the new foliage assumes a bright, lustrous green, seen in no other tree of its class. As the tree becomes well established, cones appear, and in spring their peculiar violet color adds another charm to this unique and beautiful tree.

To get En) of the Nest Cateepellab. — These nuisances, whether nest cater- pillars or measuring worms, or any oth- er species of caterpillar which huddle together in bunches or nests, may be best got at by either using the Abe Lin- coln swinging torch, which works at all angles, and so burning them, or a bunch of rags may be saturated with creosote, lighted, and so scorched to death; or a fowling-piece may be used with less than a thimbleful of powder, which will blow them all to pieces very easily. The gun may be discharged at them by holding it only in one hand. We have destroyed great numbers of them in both these latter ways, when we farmed and gardened in Kentucky.

To Destkoy Dodder on Alfalfa. — We have been informed by an experi- enced party that a good plan to get rid of this pest to Alfalfa is,- in the dry sea- son, to build a fire with straw over the spots of the dodder, and it will bum it off and not injure the Alfalfa. It will burn the top of the Alfalfa, but it will grow up again readily. The best time to perform this work is on calm days, that the straw may not be blown away.

34

THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST.

FRUIT CULTIVATION AND REPORT OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MARKET.

BY E. J. HOOPEE.

In our last paper on pruning, in our December number, we treated on the subject of general pruning. "We will now speak of summer pruning, wbich is done chiefly with a view to the pro- duction of fruitfulness in the tree at that season. At the same time, or dur- ing the growing season, much may be done to advantage, both in thinning out and shortening in such parts of the tree as may need these plans of treat- ment. Various methods are pursued to produce fruitfulness, all of them de- pending upon the fact that this condi- tion arises from the natural habit of a tree to make its wood-growth freely for a series of years. After it has built up a complicated structure of limbs and branches, with some consequent ob- struction to the flow of sap, depending on the woody tissues, and the tortuous course of its circulation, it then appears to have reached its maturity, or its fruit bearing condition. It then ceases to make such free wood-growth, and pre- pares a set of buds, which develop flow- ers and fruit. Now, this period of growth and unfruitfulness may contin- ue for a longer or shorter time in differ- ent varieties of fruits; and the shorten- ing of this is the great object of summer pruning, and of other methods of pro- ducing fruitfulness that may be classed under this second head of the objects of pruning. To appreciate their import- ance and the mode in which the effect is produced, we must ever bear in mind the two great acts of vegetable life, that of wood-growth or growth by extension, and the wonderful change of this growth into flowers and fruit. These are in some sense antagonistic. The first is essential to the production of

timber, to the building of the tree, and should be encouraged to do its work undisturbed up to a certain point, that we may have a substantial frame-work by which our fruits can be supported. The latter, however, is the ultimate de- sideratum with fruit-growers, and in our impatience to reap a quick reward, we often resort to measures that tend to curtail the usefulness, size, and beauty, as well as the permanence, of our trees. This is an illustration of the axiom, that whatsoever threatens the vitality of a plant tends to make it fruitful; it calls into activity the in- stinctive effort to perpetuate the spe- cies by the production of seed, that may be separated from the parent, and establish a separate and independent ex- istence, to take the place of that the life of which is threatened.

Summer pruning and pinching inter- feres with the growth by extension, and threatens the very life of the tree; the entire removal of all new shoots and their foliage, and the removal of the successive attempts by the tree at their reproduction, will cause its death in a little while. Their partial abstraction, as practiced in summer pruning and pinching, being an attack of the same kind, results in the formation of fruit- buds. The operations of budding and grafting upon an uncongenial stock, in- terrupting the circulation by ringing, by ligatures, by hacking, twisting, and bending downward, all tend to check the growth by extension, and are at- tended by similar results, since they are antagonistic to the mere production of wood. Shortening, in the branches of some species which form their fruit- buds upon the shoots of the current year, has the effect to give them a fuller development if performed during the summer, but if deferred until the fol- lowing spring, it will have the directly

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35

opposite result, and will cause the pro- duction of woody shoots at the expense of the fruit. But we can not spare fur- ther space in this number for this sub- ject connected with fruit culture, and will now take up our usual report on our markets.

About the middle of last month (De- cember) Strawberries were coming for- ward daily, but the supply had for some little time previous become very light. Still we can inform our Eastern friends that those who choose to do so can, no doubt, regale themselves on Strawber- ries and cream, or Strawberry short- cake, on both Christmas and New Tear's Day. They will not be so ripe and delicious as in the fullness of their sea- son, which lasts here from April to Sep- tember, but, assisted by plenty of cream and sugar and made within a covering of good pastry, they will be apt to suit the palate very well. At any rate, to be able to tell our Eastern brethren that we had Strawberries in any shape of preparation during the holidays will be something to feel proud of. The first new crop of California Oranges ar- rived from Los Angeles on the 16th ul- timo. They were, it is true, too green and sour, but being of good size met with a fair demand. Sugar, too, is a great help for them as well as half-ripe Straw- berries. The market was well stocked with Mexican Oranges and Limes, and Californian, Australian, and Mediter- ranean Lemons. The supply of Ba- nanas was running low, but was re- plenished by the steamer from Honolu- lu. Pears became suddenly very scarce, and the best sold as high as $4 per box, wholesale. Apples could be had at $1.50 to $2.50 by the single box. Late Pears seem to have run shorter than usual this year. The Winter Nelis, one of our best Pears, are scarce. Newtown Pippins are very large, juicy,

and good this season, and are the best sort in market.

About the middle of December a few Peppers, Lima and String Beans, Cu- cumbers, and Tomatoes, of poor quality, were all that remained of the long list of summer vegetables. To compensate for the deficiency, the market was abundantly supplied with Mushrooms from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, and the usual profusion of the regular winter assortment, including Cabbage, Cauliflowers, Celery, Beets, Carrots, Turnips, Radishes, Lettuce, Asparagus, etc. The few Green Peas in market were raised at Warm Springs, Alameda County. Sweet Potatoes were plentiful, but were neglected. Com- mon Potatoes by the sack sold at SI. 50 to $2.25 per 100 pounds, delivered. Asparagus retailed at 50c. to 60c; Lima Beans, 8c. to 10c. ; Egg Plant, 8c. to 10c. ; Chile Peppers, lie. to 15c. ; Rhubarb, 10c. to 12ijc; Horseradish, 15c. to 20c; "Marrowfat Squash, 2c to 3c; Artichokes, 75c to $1; Brussels Sprouts, 6c to 8c; Dried Ochra, 40c to 50c; Garlic, 12c to 15c per lb.; Mushrooms, 15c for the wild, and 25c per tb. for the cultivated variety.

California Raisins show to great ad- vantage this year in the markets, being most of them of superior quality, and nearly, if not quite equal to the best imported ones. They are put up in nice boxes in much the same way as the foreign fruit. This is likely to be- come an important interest here, and to rank highly with other undertakings of the same kind, for which our soil and climate are so very favorable.

On Christmas Day the fruit stalls presented the following collection of fruits : California-grown Apples, Pears, Pomegranates, Strawberries; seven va- rieties of Grapes — Mission, White and Flame Tokay, Muscat, White Malaga,

36

THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

Black Morocco; Black Arabian, and Verdelho; Oranges, Lemons, Limes, and Medlars. Eastern-grown Cran- berries; foreign-grown Oranges, Lem- ons, Limes, Bananas, Pine-apples, Co- coanuts, and Persimmons. Then there was, also, a long list of vegetables grown only about four miles from the heart of the city.

Strawberries held out remarkably well, and still came forward daily, though in diminished quantities. The markets were abundantly supplied with many tropical fruits — Oranges, Lemons, and Limes from Mexico — Bananas from the Hawaiian Islands; Pine-apples and Bananas from Panama, and [Lemons from the Mediterranean and Australia. California Oranges promise to be of ex- cellent quality this season, but are yet unripe and too sour to meet with ready sale. The Mexican variety has the pre- ference at present. Some choice showy Lady Apples, largely used for decorat- ing Christmas trees, were offered at 12J and 15 cents. Other varieties of Ap- ples, by the box, sold about Christmas- time at $1.50 to $2.75. We copy the following interesting article from the Evening Bulletin:

"A gentleman residing in this city, who is interested in its horticultural progress, has just received a few speci- mens of the Navel, Bahia or Seedless Orange, from a Florida correspondent. Some of them measure thirteen inches in circumference. They were grown by W. M. Newbold, of Putnam County, Florida; and although they have been eleven days on the way, passing in the meantime through the icy zone of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra, they arrived here in excellent condition. The Navel Orange is a superior variety of fruit. It was originated at Bahia, Brazil, from which place it takes one of its names. The tree is without thorns

and the fruit without seeds. Its intro- duction into the United States is of re- cent date. The variety has been intro- duced to this State from Florida and from Australia. In the latter country it is grown extensively."

The vegetable stalls exhibited Green Peas, String Beans, Cucumbers, and Tomatoes in considerable quantities, in addition to the ordinary winter varie- ties. Asparagus and Rhubarb were to be had at the old prices, but vegetables generally were higher. Choice Pota- toes were scarce, though the market was overstocked with inferior kinds. Good to choice sold by the single sack at $2 to 2.25 per 100 lbs.

During Christmas week a large and profitable business was done in fruit and vegetables as well as in other things. About the last of December the vegeta- ble stalls were comparatively very spar- ingly supplied with summer varieties. Lima Beans had disappeared, and String Beans and Green Peas were very scarce. A few Cucumbers and Tomatoes could still be obtained, but the quality was very poor, and the supply soon gave out.

No Strawberries had been received for several days, and it is probable that the frosty nights we have had put an end to the supply until spring. California Apples and Pears were very scarce, but the market was well stocked by liberal shipments from Oregon. Very choice Italian Chestnuts were offered at the Pacific Fruit Market at 50c. ; Pine Nuts 25c. per lb. Apples, by the single box, sold at $1.50 to $2.50, delivered.

Beautiful Groups of Flowers in Water Colors, and Carving in Wood. — At Winter's picture establishment, on Kearny Street, we had the pleasure of examining several water-color paint- ings by Miss O. E. Whitney, of New

THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

37

York, and E. R. Campbell, of the same city. They are all, by both these emi- nent artists, in the highest style, color- ing- and drawing of this most pleasing department of art. Many of our gar- den as well as a few of our Eastern and Western wild-flowers are most delicate- ly and at the same time boldly depicted. The carving and truly natural coloring of the splendid English pheasant, by A. Pope, suspended in front of a hand- somely painted grained panel work, is calculated to deceive anyone in suppos- ing it to be the bird itself handsomely and skillfully stuffed by the the best taxidermist.

Something about a Name. — A corre- spondent asks for information about the pilogyna suavis. We have never heard of a plant under that name, and con- fess our inability to give the required information. It is, perhaps, a mistake on the part of our correspondent.

^tutorial <Bta»ug0.

The Orange and Lemon in Martinez. — Although the fact is well known that Oranges, Lemons, and other fruits formerly supposed to require a tropical climate for their growth, have been suc- cessfully cultivated in this vicinity, there is a wide-spread idea that so much care is demanded, so much shelter neces- sary, and so many indispensable condi- tions to be observed, that it is practi- cally useless for any one to indulge in the undertaking who is not well posted in all the requisite and multifarious de- tails. A ramble through the pleasant grounds of the Messrs. Eish Brothers, in this place, recently, gave us an op- portunity to notice the imaginary char- acter of these supposed difficulties. Here are Orange and Lemon-trees, of several varieties, of luxuriant growth,

in full bearing, with no extra shelter, and receiving about the same amount of care that is bestowed on the other trees in the orchard. The localities bordering on the bay are exempt from the heavy frosts that have proved so de- structive in the interior valleys, and no danger from that source is to be appre- hended. Here are also the Palm, the Olive, and the Pine-apple, and and all apparently in healthy and vigorous growth. If all can not indulge in the wealth of floral beauty that surrounds the residence of the Messrs. Eish, we hope the time is not far distant when the beautiful foliage of the Orange and Lemon will adorn the premises of every householder who desires to make home attractive, and the golden fruit fill the air with its delicious fragrance. — Con- tra Costa Gazette.

Potency oe Sunshine. — From an acorn weighing a few grains, a tree will grow for 100 years or more, not only throw- ing off many pounds of leaves every year, but itself weighing several tons. If an Orange-twig is put in a large box of earth, and that earth is weighed when the twig becomes a tree, bearing lus- cious fruit, there will be very nearly the same amount of earth. From care- ful experiments made by different scien- tific men, it is an ascertained fact, that a very large part of the growth of a tree is derived from the sun, from the air, and from water, and very little from the earth; and notably, all vegetation becomes sickly, unless it is freely ex- posed to sunshine. Wood and coal are but condensed sunshine, which con- tain three important elements, equally essential to both vegetable and animal life — magnesia, lime and iron. It is the iron in the blood which gives it its sparkling red color and its strength; it is the lime in the bones which gives

38

THE CALIFORNIA HOKTICULTTJKIST.

thern. the durability necessary to bodily vigor, while the magnesia is as impor- tant to many of the tissues. Thus it is that the more persons are out of doors, the more healthy, the more vigorous, they are, and the longer will they live. Every human being ought to have an hour or two of sunshine in winter, and in the early forenoon in summer.

Action of Plants on Impure Water. — At a recent meeting of the Societe Cen- trale d'Horticulture de France, Jeannel related the following experiments with water containing putrid matter : — In the month of May, sixty grammes of water which had been used for steeping hari- cots until it had become offensive, and which the microscope showed to be full of bacteria — small animalculae, supposed to be the ordinary agents of putrifac- tion — was placed in a glass, and the root of a young growing plant plunged therein. «An equal quantity of the same water was placed beside it in a test glass at the same time, without a root. The water in the second glass remained in- fected; that containing the living root, on the contrary, was pure at the end of the fourth day; all the bacteria had dis- appeared, and had been replaced by large infusorial animalculse of kinds found only in potable water. Water containing putrid meat was treated in the same way, with the same results. It was found that it was only necessary to immerse the root of a living plant therein for five days, to remove all the ill odor and render the water pure and sweet.

The Good Influence of Flowers. — A parlor without a blossom in it in the summer-time is apt to have a desert as- pect, a want of life and cheer. For wherever flowers are seen in one, there is always as much sense of companion-

ship as if the little flower-people them- selves came visibly with the flowers to inhabit the house.

And perhaps in a way they do. For certainly the delicate spirits of grace, of gentleness, of taste, and beauty are everywhere indicated where a dish of flowers fills a table, where a vine adorns a bracket, where a Rose blossoms in a vase, with a mirror repeating and re- fining it in fresh loveliness. We know when we see these attempts at simple decoration, be they ever so slight, that there is some one in the house to whom color and contour and fragrance ap- peal; some one who loves nature as much as upholstery, some one who makes an effort after the ideal, the love of flowers seeming so often to accom- pany the finer traits, the sweetness and quiet and pleasant habits that make a home as happy as the flowers make it beautiful.

That they do make home beautiful no one will dispute, and a choice between a room furnished in the simplest straw and chintz, with plenty of fresh flowers and vines about it, and a room gorgeous with gilding and velvet and without a blossom, is for the most of us, some- thing-like a choice between a house of light and one of lonely dreariness.

Ornamentation with Autumn Leaves. — A very pretty way to ornament any plain article of furniture, a cabinet or paneled trinket, cupboard, boxes, jars, trays, etc., is by the following simple process : Having collected the ferns and leaves in all their endless variety, pre- pare them thus : Lay the leaves one by one on a piece of soft paper, wrong side up, and with a sharp j>enknife pare off the projecting veins, so that there will be as little roughness as possible, then place them in books, with a heavy weight, and press them smoothly, leav-

THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

39

ing them there until you are ready to use them. Prepare the article by paint- ing it black, using a fine brush for the purpose, because it will leave fewer traces. "When this is perfectly dry and hard, give it a coat of fine transparent varnish, and before it has become entire- ly dry, lay on the leaves and fern sprays in graceful groups, according to fancy, pressing them smoothly down, so that every part will adhere. When they are entirely dry, give it another coat of the same transparent varnish, going over the whole surface, leaves and all. If you wish to bronze the black ground in im- itation of the Japanese lacquer ware, it can be done by sprinkling a little bronze powder over the sticky varnish after putting on the leaves, then rubbing it lightly with a soft rag to burnish it. These ornamentations are both perma- nent and effective. — Cabinet Maker.

Utilizing Pine -leaves. — We have al- ready, in these columns, called atten- tion to the fact that the Austrians had discovered and were making large use of a process for utilizing Pine - leaves, or, " needles." And now, according to the Scientific American, the' industry bids fair to be put in the way of a prac- tical trial in this country, by Mr. Chas. Fulton, of New York. The coherent parts of these acicular leaves are dis- solved and removed by boiling in suita- ble chemicals. The result is a sub- stance resembling cotton, or perhaps more nearly wool, of a dark greenish brown color. It is prepared in four qualities, adapted for stuffing mattress- es, pillows, etc. , and for weaving. For the latter purpose, the fibres of the ma- terial are separated and treated in ma- chines similar to fulling - mills. Other processes follow, which result in the production of an excellent thread, which can be woven alone or mixed with wool,

cotton, silk, or other fibres. Cloth of very close and fine texture is exhibited, made of the thread. It is soft and pli^- able, and resembles a fair quality of flan- nel. There is an enormous amount of raw material for this manufacture in the country, which now is of no value, and which can be obtained at simply the cost of transportation. By the process above described, it is rendered availa- ble both for textile and for paper in- dustries, and hence may form a new and valuable supply.

Japanese Peksimmon. — When the at- tempt was made to establish a Japanese Colony and the cultivation of the tea plant in California, we heard much of the Japanese persimmon, which was praised as a valuable fruit. Many young tea and persimmon plants were set out, but the tea experiments were abandoned, and we heard nothing for years of the Japanese persimmon; but several of the trees, fortunately, fell in- to the possession of W. W. Hollister, of Santa Barbara, and they have now commenced to bear, producing a fruit shaped like a tomato, three inches in diameter and two inches deep, with five faintly marked lodes, brilliant orange in color, with a skin as smooth and glossy as glass. The appearance and flavor are so fine that when numerous enough to be sold in the market — and they may not be for years — many will be bought for curiosity and ornament. The Vir- ginia persimmon, about which there has been some talk of late, cannot compete

with the Japanese species. The three

year-old almond trees at Santa Barbara have this year borne about 3^ pounds each of almonds, on the average, while the two-year-olds yielded about a quar- ter of a pound. The crop on Col. Hoi- lister's place amounted to 17,000 pounds — Alia.

40

THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICULTUKIST.

A Valuable Fibrous Plant. — AFrench marsh plant, commonly known as the Massette, and comprising three varie- ties, is found to yield a fibre capable of being utilized in a valuable way for textile purposes. The plant grows in a wild state and very abundantly, in streams of water, ponds, etc., and reaches to a height of some ten feet. Heretofore it has been employed for seating chair bottoms, for thatching, etc., in the same manner as straw. The mode of extracting the fibre from the leaves, after the latter are cut and dried, consists simply in boiling them for several hours in an alkaline solution, and afterward dressing them in a mill or under rollers, the process being then completed by washing. A yellowish paper is made, worth about seven cents per pound. The fibre will also prove useful, it is thought, for fabrics and for cordage, being considered equal to hemp, flax, or jute.

A New Oleaginous Seed. — The Com- mission of the Permanent Exposition of the French colonies has lately called the attention of Marseilles soap-makers to a new source of oil, found in the seed of the Carapa, which is a tree abounding in immense forests in French Guiana. Twice a year the tree pro- duces an abundant harvest of seed, which at certain times cover the earth to a depth of four or five inches. These immediately subjected to pressure give thirty-five per cent, of their weight in an excellent soap-making or illuminat- ing oil.

Coal Ashes for Pear Trees. — Coal ashes have a wonderfully vitalizing ef- fect upon pear trees, especially those 'growing in light soil. Our ashes of last winter were used around these trees in liberal quantities, and those thus treat-

ed have outgrown anything else in the orchard. Some that were even sickly, and apparently ready to give up their hold on life, have been restored to per- fect health by this remedy. — Peninsular News.

The annual Vegetable and Flower Seed Catalogue of Gregory, the well- known seedsman of Marblehead, Mass., is advertised in our columns. "We can indorse Mr. Gregory as both honest and reliable. The bare statement of the fact that he grows so large a num- ber of the varieties of seed he sells will be appreciated by market gardeners, and by all others who want to have their seeds both fresh and true.

METEOROLOGICAL RECORD, Fob the Month ending Decembee 31, 1875.

(Prepared for The Hobticultueist by Thos. Tennent, Mathematical Instrument and Chronometer-maker, No. 423 Washington Street, near the Post Office) .

BABOMETEB.

Mean height at 9 a. m 30.19 "in.

do 12m 30.19

do 3 p. m 30.18

do 6p.m 30.18

Highest point on 31st, at 9 a. m 30.32

Lowest point on the 28th, at 3 and 6 p. si 29.90

THEBMOMETEB. ( With north exposure and free, from reflected heat. J

Mean height at 9 a. m 50°

do 12 m 53'J

do 3 p.m 54°

do 6 P. m 50°

Highest point on 1st, at 12 m. and 3 p.m 64c

Lowest point on the 18th at 9 a.m 41°

SELF-BEGISTEEING THEBMOMETEB.

Mean height during the night 44°

Highest point at sunrise on the 1st 56°

Lowest point at sunrise on the 18th and 19th 38°

WINDS. North and north-east on 17 days; north-west on 4 days; south-east on 5 days; south-west on 5 days.

WEATHEE. Clear all day 10 days; cloudy all day 10 days; variable on 11 days.

BAIN GAUGE. Inches.

1st 0.19

3d 0.46

18th 0.06

19th 0.25

24th 0.53

25th 0.08

26th 2.10

27th 0.06

28th 1.22

31st 0.13

Total 3.08

Previously reported 6-95

Total for the season 10.03

Weigelia Rosea. Moss Rose. Persian Yellow Rose.

Engraved on Wood, and printed in Colors by Geo. Frauenbergek, Rocltesttr, N.7.

THE

llfii

AND FLORAL MAGAZII

Vol. VI. SAN FRANCISCO, FEBRUARY, 1876. No. 2.

A SEVERE WINTER SEASON.

BY F. A. MILLEE.

Our mild and pleasant winter months have become proverbial at home and abroad, and although flowers in the month of January are usually scarce, one can always manage to make up a bouquet from the garden. For five yeai's past frosts have become more se- vere from year to year, and Certain plants have suffered most severely in and out of doors, while others were killed outright. The present season, however, is perhaps the coldest we have experienced since the country was set- tled. It is not my object here to spec- ulate on the probable causes of these atmospheric changes, which, in all probability, may be traced back partly to the destruction of our forests, or to the march of civilization and its una- voidable consequences. This is a prob- lem which science must solve. To us gardeners such cold spells as we have experienced within the last four weeks are worthy of particular notice and con- sideration. "While we might feel in- different to the freezing of Cinerarias and other tender herbaceous plants, and perhaps be a little vexed at the de-

Vol. VI.— i.

struction of Heliotropes and Nastur- tiums, we can hardly avoid feeling mor- tified at the loss of such shrubs as Oes- trum aurantiacum, Habrofhamnus elegans, Tecoma capensis, Plumbago, and others which have been considered perfectly hardy about San Francisco. If this is to be repeated, we may just as well make up our mind that our usual list of " Hardy Shrubs " must be reduced to a much smaller number, or we must use more precaution in their cultivation or protection. While some of our people may feel discouraged in the cultivation of plants in their gardens, which are not thoroughly hardy, I would suggest that a proper mode of cultivation would greatly lessen the chances of los- ing certain plants by such frosts as we have had lately. I have frequently ob- served that the growing of plants is forced to such an extent by over water- ing throughout the summer season and late into the autumn, that a large amount of young and weak shoots are produced, unable to withstand a mod- erate frost, nor is the plant itself in con- dition to hold out. To this is added the unfortunate practice of fall pruning, which in this climate has the effect of producing new and tender shoots al-

42

THE CALIFOKNIA HOKTICULTUKIST.

most instantly, which are certainly not capable of enduring heavy frost. In speaking of over watering plants in the garden, I should also add that such practice is most dangerous for the soil itself, which must become sour and poisonous to plant life. In a number of cases where my attention has been called to sickness of Roses and other plants, I found that the roots were de- cayed from the very effect of over wa- tering, and the soil was alive with slugs and worms, which are always encour- aged by a superabundance of moisture. When this excessive watering has been resorted to for five, ten, or fifteen years, without provision for drainage or a thorough replenishment of the soil, what can be expected of plants subject to such conditions? If growth is pro- duced, it can not be of a healthy nat- ure, and unhealthy growth is easier af- fected by frost, than sound wood, and far less liable to injury if the wood is allowed to harden.

But heavy frosts also tell heavily on tender plants cultivated under glass, and our practice to do without artificial heat can not be relied upon any more with safety. We may keep some of the more hardy greenhouse plants alive dur- ing our winter months without fire-heat, but we can not expect them to grow luxuriantly and flower well without the aid of artificial heat. When the ther- mometer falls to thirty-six degrees, as it did several times during last January under glass, Camellias and Azaleas will not suffer, but such as Begonias, Bou- vardias, Primroses, and nearly all soft- wooded plants will receive a serious check, if not a detrimental blow. Cut flowers are now so scarce that not one- half of the demand can be supplied, and the flowers offered are of very inferior quality. No city, perhaps, of equal size can boast of as many little green-

houses and conservatories as can San Francisco and its surroundings, in which plants of delicate nature are cul- tivated, and to many of these amateurs the construction of a heating apparatus and the consumption of fuel will be a great burden, yet we can not deny the fact that it will be very difficult, yes, almost impossible, to nurse the more tender plants through frosty weather. In this case I would also strongly urge to keep plants dry during winter, and give air whenever the weather permits, in order to harden the plants, and to make them less liable to injury from cold or extremely wet weather. It is a wrong practice to shift small plants into large pots during autumn or winter, when the roots are inactive. Watering such plants in winter is almost death to them. The water in use here is not of the best quality for plants, containing impurities detrimental to plant life. Boiled water used in a warm state will be very beneficial to plants, particularly during winter.

FISH LIFE AND GEOWTH — NATUEAL

SCENEEY IN ANGLING A HELP TO

THE LOVE OF HOETICULTUEE.

BY E. J. HOOPEE.

The reason that we have given sever- al times for introducing the subject of angling in a magazine of horticulture is, that there is spread around the fish- erman, generally, in his piscatorial ex- cursions, that most delightful and in- teresting book of nature, in trees, shrubs, and flowers, that he can not fail to take great pleasure in perusing, and by so doing he is apt to become a nat- uralist, if not actually a horticulturist. In our mild and genial California cli- mate we can fish, at any rate in our ocean and bays, all the year round. Still, although we are not, like the

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Eastern portion of the States, sealed up in winter by snow and ice, we have just sufficient of cold, and sometimes long rainy weather too, to be pleased when the spring- puts forth, even here, its sweet vernal power, and the yellow- colored and turbid streams slacken their volume of water, the buds on the trees swell and the leaves burst forth, the flowers grow into bloom almost as we look upon them, the birds utter their charming notes, the sportive lambs and the timid hares play, and mark the changes which even the comparatively almost uniform climate of this coast as- sumes. But we must now pay attention to our caption — "Fish Life and Growth" — upon which we intended to treat. The creatures' forming this department in natural history are not only highly important as furnishing us material for wholesome food, but also for the pro- motion of exercise and health in a ra- tional and pleasing recreation in their capture. Some remarks, therefore, concerning this fourth class of verte- brate animals may be here not unac- ceptable to many of our readers. We are all sensible how beautiful fish are as regards form and color. There are comparatively few persons notwith- standing, who have an opportunity of seeing them at the moment of their greatest brilliancy — namely, just when they are brought out of the water. We allude more particularly to some of our sea- fish — as the herring, mackerel, salmon, etc. What, for instance, can surpass the silvery brightness and dor- sal shades of green and blue which ap- pear in the specimens of the grilse or young salmon — some call them (erro- roneously, we think) salmon -trout — which are now being daily taken by an- glers on the Oakland long wharf. The form, too, of these fish is as perfect and graceful, if not more so, than can be

found in any inhabitants of the water. The moment a fish is taken from its own element its form alters and its del- icate hues fade; and, also, in different localities fish have, like the chameleon, different colors, so that it will almost defy the greatest artist — even our Brookes — to paint these fish so accurately as to catch the rapidly-fleeting tints of the animal. What a wondrous pantomimic mixture of glancing of silver, and blue, and green, blended into one great burn- ing glow of harmonious color, lighted into brilliant life by the sun, do these same young salmon (by some called sil- ver trout or salmon) of the Oakland wharf point, present to the enraptured eyes of their captors! The motion of most fish is excessively rapid — especial- ly the salmon tribe ; they can dash along in the water with lightning-like velocity; perhaps the seal can. alone surpass them in this respect, which makes them such formidable enemies even to the swift salmon. A fish when in the water has very little weight to support, as its specific gravity is about the same as that of the water in which it lives, and the bodies of these animals are so flexible as to aid them in all their movements, while the various fins as- sist either in balancing the body or in helping it to progress. Fish of all kinds are evidently admirably adapted to their mode of life and the place where they live, as, for example, in a cave — the Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, where light has never entered — there have been found fish without eyes. Fish are considered, by the best judges in science, to be nearly insensible to pain, and are cold-blooded, their blood being only two degrees warmer than the element in which they swim. It is, likewise, worthy of being noted that fish have small brains in comparison to the size of their bodies. So far as

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the personal knowledge of many close observers goes, it is believed that the senses of sight and hearing are well de- veloped in most fish, as also those of smell and taste, particularly the sense of smell, which chiefly guides them to their food. We may, indeed, take it for granted that fish have a very keen sense of smell — more so than most oth- er animals; and thus it is that strong- smelling baits are so successful in fish- ing. Salmon-roe, which has a strong scent, is a deadly bait in most waters, but fishing with salmon-roe in the East and in Europe is now illegal, and it ought to be so here. It has been said by some naturalists that fish do not hear well, but that assertion is contrary to the experience of many practical men, for pet fish have been summoned by means of a bell, and trout have been whistled to their food like dogs. Wa- ter is an excellent conductor of sound; it conveys a noise of any kind to a greater distance, and at nearly as great a speed as air. We are of opinion that the great noise and vibration of the trains on Oakland wharf has some ef- fect on the salmon near by, so as par- tially to frighten them off during the time while the cars are running, but probably the fish soon return to their haunts. Most fish — especially the game fish — are voracious feeders, and prey upon each other without the slightest ceremony; and one of the greatest difficulties of the angler is ex- perienced after the fish have had a good feed of young fishes or what not, when even the most practiced artist with his most seductive bait will not induce them to nibble, far less to bite. How often do we seem to experience this in our bay, many disappointed fishermen can readily and painfully aver. Many of our fish — as the salmon — have a di- gestion so rapid as only to be conrp ara-

ble to the action of fire, and in good feeding grounds — the ocean, for in- stance— the growth of a fish usually corresponds to its powers of eating.

There are many facts of fish life that have yet to be ascertained. Beyond a knowledge of mere generalities, the an- imal kingdom of the sea is almost a sealed book. The salmon is the one particular fish that has as yet been com- pelled to render up to those inquiring the secret of its birth and the ratio of its growth. We have imprisoned this valuable fish in artificial ponds, and by robbing it of its eggs have noted when the young ones were born and how they grow. In consequence of its migratory instinct, we have access to it at those seasons of its life when to observe its habits is the certain road to informa- tion. Among many controversies con- cerning it are the kind of food it eats, how long it remains in the salt water, and whether it makes one or two voy- ages to the sea per annum. There has also been a grilse controversy as well as a rate of growth dispute. A most re- markable fact in the history of the grilse or young salmon is, that we kill them in thousands before they have an opportunity of perpetuating their kind. With regard to their growth in Scotland grilses, about four pounds weight, that had spawned, were marked with copper wire rings in their fins to ascertain the rate of their growth in salt water. Aft- er their journey to sea and back again it was found that the four-pound grilses had grown into beautiful salmon, vary- ing from nine to fourteen pounds. This was repeated for several years, and, on the whole, the results were found the same. The majority returned in about eight weeks, and they invariably re- turned salmon. Food is not often found in the stomachs of salmon. But in some few cases, when fish caught on

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Oakland wharf were opened, young fish, and shrimps were found, some in a partly digested, and others in a wholly undigested state. The rapid growth of the salmon (some say that it grows at sea a pound in six weeks, at least) seems to imply that its digestion must be rapid, and accounts, perhaps, for food being so seldom found in its stom- ach. Salmon attain to a very large size on this coast. It is quite possible that our salmon on this slope make two voyages in each year to the sea; but sometimes, although it can swim with great rapidity, it takes many weeks to accomplish its journey, because of the condition of the rivers. If there is not sufficient water to flood the course, the fish have to remain in the various pools till the state of the water admits of their proceeding on their journey either to or from the ocean. Millions of fish, how- ever, are lost before they get to the sea in our rivers. One thing is certain, that salmon can exist perfectly well, with the exception of growing so large, in fresh water. This has been tested satisfactorily in Lakes Merced and San Andreas. Parr, or one-year old fish, are stated by good authority to die when placed in contact with the sea- water. To conclude, why should we not cultivate our waters as we cultivate our land? Our checks, by law, to the annual destruction of salmon and grilse, at certain seasons of the year by nes- ting, are very important and salutary. At any rate, our artificial breeding sup- plies much the deficiency by any un- lawful or lawful slaughter of the inno- cents. By means of pisciculture the French people have recreated their fish- eries. Happily we are commencing now the same most desirable process. Let us by all means clean our rivers by removing impurities and obstacles of all kinds. Let us do our best to pre-

vent poaching. Let us legislate so that there be no more nets among the Chi- nese, Italian and Spanish fishermen with meshes less than an inch and a half, or wider, if necessary. And, as eveiy lit- tle helps, let us destroy in part, at least, the sea-lions, which are so well known to devour tons upon tons of fish, at the mouth of the bay. But we at all events trust that the Committee on the Fisher- ies appointed by the Legislature will fully perform their duty.

EARTHQUAKES.

BY NATUBiilST.

That these vibrations, or earthquakes, are in many cases very clearly connect- ed with volcanoes — that they precede, accompany, or follow volcanic eruptions — and that the cessation of ordinary volcanic action is very generally suc- ceeded, as in the neighborhoods of iEtna and Vesuvius, after a longer or shorter interval, by an earthquake, there is no doubt. On the other hand, it is equally certain that earthquakes sometimes originate and are chiefly felt in countries, as in California, where there are no volcanoes, and where all varieties of volcanic rock (though this is not the case here) are absent. They are therefore phenomena that require separate consideration.

An earthquake is the result of a vi- bration or concussion produced within the earth by some explosive force. It must originate in a comparative small area, and the chief force of the explo- sion must expend itself in that area. The area disturbed may be one of a series of cavities having great linear ex- tension, or it may be part of a large dis- trict of any form, in which are numer- ous cavities or spaces more or less iso- lated. The explosion may be single, or

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it may be repeated many times. It may be yery sudden and rapid, and of ex- treme violence, or it may be less rapid, and tbe force produced may tend more toward upheaval than fracture. The force, however, must act in a way not unlike that of gunpowder exploded in a mine, or steam bursting a boiler.

Where they are felt at the earth's surface, earthquakes are of three kinds — undulatory, perpendicular, and hori- zontal; the latter frequently appearing to be rotary or vortical. The first are the most common and the least mis- chievous; these seem to be the charac- ter, generally, of our tremors or con- vulsions on this coast. The second, much more rare, are far more destruct- ive. The third are altogether excep- tional; but when they occur in the neighborhood of towns they are alto- gether unparalleled in the disastrous catastrophes and the appalling loss of life that accompany them. The first are mere undulations, heaving the ground at any one place upward, and sinking it mostly rather gently down- ward, and producing the same or near- ly the same result at a great many pla- ces along a certain definite course on the earth's surface. The second resemble the explosion of a mine; they consist of a sudden upheaval — a thrust upward — but with no undulation. The third are complicated, including a direct and sudden upheaval, with an advancing wave, either of the earth or ocean, and this complication produces a mixed mo- tion, like that of a steamer advancing through a cross sea. We need not give an account of the greater earthquakes in various parts of the world, as they are well known to all. Earthquakes are sometimes preceded or accompan- ied by a peculiar state of the air and weather, by rolling, detonating, and other noises, and by marked electrical

phenomena. The kind of noise that oc- curs is different in different places. Frequently it is a rolling, rumbling sound, like the moving of heavily load- ed wagons over a hard or frosty road, although it may be in summer, as we once experienced in Kentucky, when, about 10 o'clock p. m., we were shaken for a few moments in our bed by one or two slight shocks. Sometimes it is like the clanking of chains; sometimes it re- sembles thunder close at hand; and now and then it has been described as clear and ringing, as if obsidian or oth- er vitrified masses clashed together, or were shattered in subterranean cavities. The vibration is sometimes beneath the sea. Earthquakes are much more wide- ly felt and more numerous than volcan- ic eruptions. We have bands of earth- quake movement reaching from Japan through the Kurile Islands to Kamt- chatka; and on the shores opposite are those of the Rocky Mountains and Cali- fornia, Mexico and the South American Andes, whose influence is felt on the oceanic rather than on the land side of the chain, owing to the compression of the mass of the land checking the wave. There seems a preponderance of earth- quake action in the temperate and tor- rid zones on both sides of the equator. There are recorded between 6,000 and 7,000 separate earthquakes over every part of the known globe, both on land -Jnd ocean. About 8 in every 600 of those recorded were so destructive as to reduce cities and towns to rubbish, and destroy much human and animal life. There have been upon an average about sixty earthquakes per annum, or rather more than one every week. Of great earthquake disasters there has been on an average one every eight months. In North America there are recorded 134 earthquakes; 86 of these took place in winter and 48 in summer.

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The totals of winter and autumn are equal to those of spring and summer.

With regard to earthquakes in Cali- fornia, it is not, according to Dr. Trask, to be presumed that a greater frequen- cy of shocks have occurred here than in some other parts of the earth, but that the same attention has not been bestowed in recording their occurrence in other countries, where they are known to be much more frequent and severe than upon our coast.

There is no good reason for the sup- position that we are in more danger from these phenomena than upon the Atlantic border. Indeed, within a year or two they have experienced in the East as many shocks, at least, as we have; the reason of this being so is, that we are so far removed from the centre of immediate and volcanic action, that it would require dangerous tension of the imagination to place California within the range of those physical causes which are so conducive to vio- lent, repeated, and destructive shocks. This State can not be considered more subject to earthquakes than it is to volcanoes, relatively, and this is said, too, in the face of our own records re- lating to the former. We need have very little fear from these disturbances, so long as we are so far removed on either hand from the great centres, and even from the terminal points of those centres of volcanic disturbance, from the action of which such disastrous consequences have therefore followed to their immediate districts. From careful inquiry of the early settlers by scientific persons, they have not been able to learn that any more than three or four earthqukes have occurred here which were in any considerable degree of a serious character, and but two of which have caused the destruction of either life or property to any extent.

The earthquake of 1812 was the most serious; then about thirty to forty-five lives were lost. That of October, 1868, was much less serious, and but very few lives were lost. The winter months have given the largest number of shocks in the aggregate. The summer months the smallest. The autumn rather more than the spring months.

HISTOKY AND CULTURE OF ALFALFA.

BX E. J. TBUMBULL. OF THIS CITY.

Alfalfa, Lucerne (medicago saliva). — This plant was cultivated in Greece 500 years before Christ, having been brought from Media. Later it was extensively cultivated by the Romans, and, through them, introduced into France. Bui by whom it was introduced into Chile is not known positively. Its cultivation there, at present, is very extensive, and in the pampas of Buenos Ayres it grows wild in the utmost luxuriance. From Chile it was brought to California, where it has proved itself the most val- uable of all forage plants. In Europe it is known as Lucerne, and on the Pa- cific Coast as Alfalfa. There is no doubt that originally they were the same, but the modifications of climate have so affected what we know or style Alfalfa that it may now be regarded as a distinct variety. It sends down its tap-roots in mellow soils to great depths, having been found in sandy soils fifteen feet in length — far below the reach of drought. The flowers are a pale blue, violet or purple. Its seed is larger than red clover, and more of it is re- quired to the acre. When the seed is ripe, it is yellow, plump and heavy; if unripe, it is small, and of a greenish hue; and if blighted or blasted, it is a dark brown. ef When properly man- aged, the number of cattle which can

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be kept in good condition on an acre of Alfalfa, during the whole season, al- most exceeds belief." Twenty to twen- ty-five sheep are not considered too many to the acre when well established. The quantity of hay produced varies very much, as all soils are not equally adapted to it, nor are all growers of it equally careful in its culture, but we are warranted in saying that an acre will produce from six to sixteen tons of hay in a season. From experiments made in the Eastern States by many persons to whom we have sent samples of the seed, we are convinced that it is quite hardy.

Selection of Soil. — We are satisfied that many attempts which have been made to grow Alfalfa, and which proved failures, are to be attributed to the selec- tion of improper soil. Thin soils and compact clay soils should be avoided, for in neither will it succeed to satisfac- tion. It will succeed, however, in a light soil which has a permeable subsoil consisting of loam, or sand, or gravel, into which its roots can penetrate and imbibe the moisture and nutriment found far -below the reach of other plants. For Alfalfa a suitable subsoil is of the utmost importance. A com- parative shallow soil will do for the short-lived, red clover, but Alfalfa, which, if properly managed, will yield abundantly for twenty-five years at least, should have a soil that will offer no hindrance to the extension of its roots.

Culture. — Thoroughly mellow and prepare the soil by clean and careful tillage. Have one plow follow the oth- er, and this done in the most thorough manner. Harrow smooth and fine. Sow, in California, twenty pounds of good, clean seed to the acre. In our opinion, sixteen pounds is sufficient in the States east of the mountains, for they are favored with continuous mois-

ture, which tends to make the plant more bushy and fully cover the ground. The seed should be "bushed in," and a light roller passed over to properly imbed it. In Central and Southern California, the seed may be sown dur- ing the fall and early spring. In the Eastern and other States, subject to severe winter weather, it should not be sown till all danger of frost is passed in spring. Alfalfa should be cut as soon as it begins to flower or even a lit- tle earlier; if cut much earlier, it is apt to be too watery and less nutritious; if later, it becomes coarse and hard, and is less relished by cattle. In no event should it be allowed "to go to seed" the first season, as the tendency is to materially weaken the plant. Strange as it may seem, the growing of Alfalfa improves rather than exhausts the soil. This, like other leguminous, broad- leaved plants, derive much of their nu- trition from the atmosphere, and the vast quantity of roots which are left in the soil when it is at last broken up very greatly increases its fertility. As a fertilizer, it stands at the head of the list. It may be exterminated at any time by simply plowing thoroughly, and removing the crowns to some con- venient place where they can remain till burned or rotted.

ENCOURAGE THE BIEDS.

We have recently noticed in a few of our exchanges suggestions that the in- troduction of some varieties of singing birds from the East would be an ex- periment worth trying, and also state- ments that Eastern quails and prairie chickens had already been imported and turned loose in certain portions of the State with encouraging results. These suggestions and facts merit more attention than they have yet received.

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Not that the introduction of game- birds is particularly desirable at pres- ent, for we now furnish to sportsmen a better field than they can find else- where in the country, and farmers are often troubled now, as were once the Israelites in the desert, by an overabund- ance of quails. All the birds belonging to the family of which the prairie chick- en and quail are prominent members are almost wholly granivorous, and, when occurring in a country like this, which offers so few drawbacks to their rapid propagation, and furnishes such abundant food in broad acres of grain, soon become great nuisances. During the comparatively few years since the settlement of this State, the California quails have increased so rapidly that only the annual slaughter in the fall keeps them within bounds, and if to them are added legions of prairie chick- ens and " Bob Whites," our farmers will soon be obliged to expend a good share of their yearly profits in buying powder and shot to rout these feather- ed invaders. The sportsman has his claims, of course, and laws for the pro- tection of game can not be too strin- gent, but the farmer's rights are para- mount, and if any one is to give way it must be the non-producer rather than the producer. The time will come to this State, as it has to nearly every oth- er in the country, when the introduc- tion of game-birds will be advisable, but it is not yet.

With the introduction of the other class, the singing-birds, the subject as- sumes a different light. California is very deficient in singing- birds, and every one who delights in the music of nature — and who does not? — would re- joice, to see their number increased. Yet the farmer requires other reasons than aesthetic ones before he clamors for their introduction; he wants to see

some material result of the proposed movement, some argument which ap- peals to his pocket as well as to his heart. Well, here he has it. The song-birds of the world, almost without exception, are insectivorous, and their numbers are largest and their songs sweetest where there is the greatest abundance of bugs and worms. When the problem of irrigation is solved — and it seems likely to be soon — the ne- cessity of encouraging our own insecti- vorous birds, and introducing others from the East, will become imperative. There seems to be little connection be- tween the two, but they will be found to be intimately related. For Nature's grand law is that of compensation, and no sooner are our many barren fields rendered fertile and rich with abund- ant crops, than she will send upon them all manner of winged and creeping and six-legged abominations, which will de- vour the grain and blight the tender vegetables, and blast the juicy fruits, and drive the tiller of the soil to his wits' end to keep them under. In this strait he will call upon the birds, for, with all his boasting of supremacy over the lower animals, man has never yet been able to cope successfully with the least of them, the insects; but he will call in vain if he depends upon the few native varieties. That evil day is sure to come; so, forewarned, let him be forearmed, and lose no time in bringing into his fields the cat-birds, the thrush- es, the fly-catchers, and the countless other varieties which so assist the East- ern farmer, as well as delight him by their graceful presence and sweet song. But to insure their continuance with him he must provide for them by do- nating to them a useless grove or two, a moist thicket and a tangled cluster of vines, where they may nest and breed; but this small sacrifice of land will

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bring him in a larger percentage of profits than all his broad, rich acres.

Yet a random gathering together of Eastern birds is not all that is neces- sary; some discrimination is needed in the selection, or the farmer's last state is worse than the first. Above all, let him beware of the English sparrow, that feathered pest which might reason- ably have been the eleventh plague of Egypt, had not Pharaoh succumbed at the tenth, and which has already ap- peared, in small quantities, in this State. Whoever introduced it into this country was either wholly unacquaint- ed with the characteristics of the vari- ous classes of birds, or else he employ- ed this method of satisfying a grudge against our agriculturists, all of whom with any experience of the bird in question pray that his memory may be accursed. About New York, where they were first introduced to destroy the canker worms which were stripping the trees in the public parks, they turn- ed from their allotted work, and de- scended like locusts upon the market- gardens and the orchards of small fruits, and devastated them so rapidly and fearlessly that .the papers were full of howls from agonized horticulturists desiring information as to how they should save their property — for the as- tute Solons of the Legislature had pro- hibited the slaughter of the birds under heavy penalties — while the canker worms held high carnival, as if there wasn't a sparrow in the country. A half hour's study of ornithology would have shown the first advocate of the in- troduction of these birds|that they, like nearly all sparrows, wouldn't eat bugs and worms while they could get grain and fruit; but he had never considered the subject, and the loss of thousands of dollars a year is the result. Besides all this, they raise four or five broods a

year, and the parent birds of springtime are grandparents, at least, by fall, and, being of a very quarrelsome disposition, no other bird can live near them. So, beware, we say, of the English sparrow, but introduce and encourage the many valuable birds which could be brought from the East, and an increased pro- duction of crops and a farm free from the inroads of noxious insects will quite repay the trouble and expense, even if the songs of the birds, which are great educators of humanity and kindliness, are not taken into account. — Bulletin.

FABLES AND FLOWEES.

The historic and fairy mysteries con- nected with flowers are many and sweet. From time immemorial they have been the elfin wee, and the cups from which fairies have sipped dewdrops; beneath the concealment of their leaves mis- chievous brownies have hidden, only venturing forth to perpetrate some of the tricks and bewitching frolics which they have plotted in their sweet homes, where, one would suppose, gentle deeds would be inspired.

A few of the lovelier meanings and more interesting facts respecting flow- ers I offer you, gleaned from many sources — a wild and mingled poesy — but the perfume of fields and woods may still cling to them, and if so I need offer no apology for its scantiness or crudeness.

We can never weary of the beautiful and ancient fable of Anemone. Venus loved the beautiful youth Adonis. As she was with him in the forest one day, he perceived a wild boar, and, despite her entreaties, gave it chase and drew his bow. The arrow hit its mark, but the infuriated beast, only stopping to draw the dart from his side, turned upon Adonis and gave him his death

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wound. Venus heard his cries as she was floating through the air in her chariot toward Olympus; she turned back, and hastened to the spot where Adonis lay. In despair, as she sees him dying, she lifts her hand in sup- plication, the finger-tips reddened with his heart's blood. A zephyr comes and wafts the ruby drops to the earth, and there springs up the delicate Anemone, the wild flower.

Too closely allied with the goddess of beauty that it should be omitted, is the history of the red Rose. As Venus flew through the woods to her wounded Adonis, a treacherous thorn pierced her foot, and the blood which flowed fell on a white Rose, which ever after retained the hue.

The sorrowful story of Narcissus causes us to regard that pale flower with sadness — the poor foolish youth who fell in love with his own image, which he saw reflected in the clear, de- ceptive waters as he reclined on a mossy bank at the brookside. Yearning after this mythical being, whom he could never find except at the brooklet, and who would never address even one word to him, he wasted away with sor- row and weeping, until all that remain- ed of the poor youth was the pale Nar- cissus.

There is the Poppy, which is said to grow at the entrance of the Palace of Sleep; and the beautiful Hyacinth, me- mento of the dead youth Hyacinthus, whom Apollo loved.

The Rose has many legends connect- ed with it, and was the best loved flow- er of the ancients. Wreaths of Roses always encircled their wine cups at feasts, as they believed the presence of this lovely flower dissipated the intoxi- cating property of the red wine.

Margaret of Anjou, the fair young queen, glorified the beautiful Daisy

when she left France to become the bride of Henry. She took it as her em- blem, as suited to her extreme youth, and, we may add, loveliness. In her honor all the nobility of France wore it emblazoned on their crests, and the king added it to the decorations of his crown. The Marguerite may have de- rived its name from the fact also.

Of the wee Forget-me-not, the flower of heaven's hue, we have pretty tales. A lofty Plantagenet did not deem this floweret too lowly to adorn his crest; and he, it is held by many, first endow- ed it with its poetical name. As he was about to leave France and claim his English throne, he had a spray of this flower emblazoned on his shield, and caused his initials to signify in re- gard to it, Souvenez-vous de moi — for- get-me-not. The G-erman maiden, while standing at a brook-side with her lover, longs for the flower blooming on the opposite side of the stream; he plunges into the water to gratify her half-spoken wish, procures the cluster of flowers, and just as he would regain the shore where she stands waiting, his strength fails; with one desperate effort he casts the flower upon the bank, and, dying, prays, "Forget-me-not." Maid- ens' tears we read in this sweet flower.

The Thistle is a sturdy flower, by many greatly despised; still, we should not look alone at its rough setting, but at the royal amethystine heart. Many years ago a powerful enemy invaded Scotland. Having planned to surprise the Scottish forces at night, they re- moved their boots that they might ap- proach the sleeping garrison more stealthily. When near the encamp- ment, one of the foe stepped on a this-' tie; he cried out loudly with the pain, aroused the camp, and Scotland was saved. No wonder they adopted it as their national emblem.

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THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

AFTER THE RAIN — A CALIFORNIAN PICTURE.

BY MES. E. A. S. PAGE.

"When the hills are growing green Where the insatiate drought has been, How the grand, resistless forces

Of the earth, and sun, and sky, Nature wields, like some magician,

To revive and beautify !

Then the wild and turbulent rains Wash away the grime and stains, Till the dun and sullen landscape

Wears a loveliness untold, Like some gem of rare old painter

Brought to light from dust and mold.

Then the humid atmosphere Takes all hues, compact or clear; Pearl-gray clouds like quarried snow-drifts,

Violet haze where waters glide ; Crimson banks with rifts of opal

Down the west at eventide.

Or the day strikes clear and bold

Up the east suffused with gold,

Till the brown hills stand transfigured,

Canon, crest, and wooded height, Sharp, as if by hand of sculptor

Carved against the walls of light.

Unperceived, what beauty creeps Up the bare and rugged steeps; Yellow moss that garners sunshine,

Soft tints piercing the brown mold, Like a marvelous mosaic

Set in lichens gray and old.

Soon the glades with gorgeous hues Springing grasses interfuse; Purples and such bits of color

As an artist's palette shows; Dash of ruby, streaks of amber,

Flakes of amethyst and rose.

Green the Eucalyptus towers

Sentinel of all the hours;

And the regal Oaks, that tempests

Of gray centuries have defied, With a low deciduous murmur,

Weave anew their crowns of pride.

And the soul keeps holy time In the budding, rain or rime; Blooms the sweet celestial manna,

Falls the hydromel unseen, For the festival of Nature

When the hills are growing green.

THE BOTANICAL GARDEN.

There is an aspect of the question of the establishment of a Botanical Gar- den in this State that has not been suffi- ciently considered in the discussion of the subject by the press. We refer to the fact that such a garden, in which living specimens of all the more impor- tant, useful, and ornamental plants can be exhibited to the student, stands in a similar relation to instruction in agri- cultural pursuits, as the library, labora- tory, and museum do to literary and other scientific studies. As an indis- pensable adjunct to instruction, the es- tablishment of a garden of general and economic botany at Berkeley is, there- fore, merely a question of money and time, and can not be, in Ihe nature of things, very long delayed. We under- stand that the subject has been urged upon the Board of Regents by Profess- or Hilgard from the outset, and that want of funds alone has stood in the way of immediate realization. It stands among the first on the list of improve- ments contemplated in the Agricultural Department of the University, and the question is whether it shall be slowly built up out of the current income of the institution, or called into existence and usefulness by a Legislative appro- priation for the purpose.

There is much misapprehension both as to the character and necessary cost of such a botanical garden. The Gar- den of Plants at Paris, which is so often mentioned in this connection, is the slow growth of over two centuries, and can not reasonably be made the model of what California is now prepared to do. The most costly feature is the col- lection of animals and the building for the museum with its contents, which form a part of the educational appli- ances of the University of Paris. Sim-

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53

ilar considerations apply to the Kew Gardens ; and were establishments of this kind the thing in view, the propos- ed appropriation of §25,000 would in- deed be absurdly inadequate. But for a garden of economic and general bot- any, which shall fulfill the purposes of the Jar din d'Acclimatation, to subserve the legitimate objects of instruction and experiment in connection with the Uni- versity, the sum is not at all inadequate. The Durfee Plant-house at the Massa- chusetts Agricultural College was built for $3,500 ; $5,000 would put up on the University grounds a similar building, of which the State might well be proud. $12,000 would go far toward stocking and preparing both plant -house and grounds, leaving a balance to defray the running expenses for some years to come, in view of the fact that but little additional skilled labor, beyond that al- ready employed on the grounds, would be required. It is not at all difficult to so combine usefulness and beauty that the University Park, outside of the Ag- ricultural grounds proper, shall largely be made available for the purposes of illustration and instruction, so as to af- ford sufficient room for reasonable com- pleteness in the list of plants.

We trust the time will come when California, with her wonderful climate and facility of communication, will pos- sess a garden of plants and animals that will easily rival the magnificent es- tablishments of England and France. But that which is most needed should be done first, and at the place where it will be most useful to the instruction of youth and to the development of the resources of the State. From such be- ginnings a natural and healthy process of growth will gradually and surely carry us to the realization of the more comprehensive plan, which it would be fatal to attempt at this time. — Bulletin.

ON GATHERING RIPE FRUIT.

This is what Josiah Hoopes, well known as a nurseryman and horticult- urist of Chester Co., Pa., says:

' ' In regard to the gathering of ripe fruits of different kinds, no fruit should be taken from the tree or plant during a damp time, and especially when the dew is plentiful in early morning. Never be so hurried as to find any cause for the excuse, ' I had no time to hand- pick my fruit, and consequently was forced to shake them off,' for such is poor policy. Fruit so gathered will al- most inevitably decay from the effects of bruises. Each specimen should be taken from the tree one by one, han- dled as if they had been so many eggs. The lightest bruise or abrasion of the skin is the sure forerunner of a dark spot, which will eventually change into some form of rot. The spores or seed of fungi are always ready to assist in the work of dissolution, and the slight- est scratch gives them a foothold for their destructive work. Scarcely any variety of the largest fruits color and ripen so well if left to perfect themselves on the tree, and especially is this true in respect to Pears. Summer varieties, as they approach maturity, loosen their hold somewhat on the limb, and by gently raising the fruit they will easily detach themselves at the proper period. This is an excellent test, and may al- ways be relied on. To color up fruit nicely, all that is necessary will be to spread a blanket on the floor of a cool room, and then thinly and evenly place the fruit on the floor. A second blan- ket must be spread over them, and in a short time the effect of this treatment will be apparent in the most golden col- ored Bartletts, and rich, ruddy-looking Seckels imaginable. Pears perfected in this manner rarely have the meali-

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THE CALIFORNIA HOBTICULTUBIST.

ness of their naturally ripened compan- ions, nor do they prematurely decay at the core as when left on the tree. Peaches are too frequently gathered be- fore attaining the full size, and when this is the case we need not expect good flavor. They must obtain this requisite before gathering; although it is not nec- essary to delay picking until very mel- low. As a general rule, all small fruits are gathered too early; and, as high col- or is not a sign of maturity, many ex- perienced fruit-growers are frequently misled. Never pick Strawberries be- cause they are red, nor Blackberries solely on account of their dark appear- ance. Each should remain on the plant for some time thereafter. The Albany Seedling Strawberry changes to a deep crimson hue, and gains continu- ally in size after its first coloring pro- cess. It is then soft, and excellent eat- ing. And so with Blackberries in like manner, many complaining of their ex- treme tartness, when the fault was in gathering imperfect fruit. The Lawton or New-Rochelle variety, in particular, is delicious eating, if allowed to remain on the plant until soft, when the slight- est touch will sever its hold. Straw- berries picked with the calyx (or hull) adhering will always carry better and be less liable to decay than if carelessly pulled off without this appendage. The foregoing remarks in relation to the proper time for gathering fruits are equally applicable to the Grape. These generally color long before they are ma- ture; and thus many a novice in fruit- culture frequently forms an unjust opinion of his varieties simply from testing unripe specimens. Grapes should always be severed from the vine with strong scissors or trimming shears, and never twisted or broken off. The nice appearance of fruits of all kinds, in their boxes or baskets, in the mar-

kets, will command a better price than when slovenly ' done up.'"

OECHIDS AND THEIR VARIETIES.

A few years ago but few Orchids were seen growing in private establishments, arising from an erroneous belief that they could only be grown where a high temperature and moist atmosphere were maintained, and therefore to try their cultivation in a common greeenhouse, among other plants, was useless. Such false notions have of late years been giving way, and now in every good col- lection of greenhouse plants are found a few, and in some collections a large number of the different species of what are termed "cool Orchids," among which are found some of the finest species of the Orchid family, and at this dull season of the year are found enliv- ening, with their superb blossoms, the greenhouse. We shall therefore give a short description of some, the kinds in flower now, and which can be grown with success in a common greenhouse.

Cyprepedium insigne. — This is one of the oldest inmates of the greenhouse; the flowers are produced singly, on a spike about a foot high, the petals and sepals being of a greenish white, spot- ted with brown, the dorsal sepal tipped with white. They last a long time in flower, and increase very rapidly. If the plants get liberal treatment, large specimens can soon be procured.

Dendrobiumnobile. — Another old spe- cies, the flowers being produced along the sides of the ripened stems. They are of a pinkish white, with a large purple spot on the centre of the lip. This plant does best in a basket, grown in a mixture of sphagnum, peat, and pieces of charcoal. When growing wa- ter abundantly. Toward the comple- tion of its growth, withhold water, and

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55

during the season of rest, just give as much water as will keep the stems from shriveling.

Lcelia anceps. — From Mexico we have this beautiful Orchid. The flowers are produced on spikes from the top of the bulb — the sepals and petals a rose lilac, the lip a dark purple. This Orchid does best in a dry, cool house, and is well adapted for the greenhouse.

Zygopetalum crinitum. — The flowers of this Orchid are produced on spikes from the base of the bulbs. The petals and sepals are green and brown, the lip white, streaked with blue. They are sweet-scented.

Lycaste Skinnerii. — Of all cool house Orchids, this stands pre-eminent. There are a great many varieties, all well worth growing, and the flowers last for months in perfection. The sepals and petals are of a light rose, darker towards the base, and' the lip spotted with crimson. In some varieties this spotting is of a very bright color.

This class of plants, when in flower, should be kept dry, and no water allow- ed on the flowers, as it soon causes them to decay. None of the Orchids is better adapted for decorating the sitting room or parlor than Lycaste Skinnerii. If taken in from the greenhouse when the flowers open and kept in a cool room, they will last for several months in perfection.

EFFECT OF CAMPHOR ON SEEDS.

Some curious and all but forgotten experiments of much interest to agri- culture and gardening, observes a Lon- don paper, have lately been revived by a German savant. Very many years ago it was discovered and recorded that water saturated with camphor had a re- markable effect upon the germination of seeds. Like many another useful

hint, the stupid world took no notice of this intimation; but a Berlin professor came across the record of it, and he ap- pears to have established the fact that a solution of camphor stimulates vegeta- bles as alcohol does animals. He took seeds in various sorts of pulse, some of the samples being three or four years old, and therefore possessing a slight degree of vitality. He divided these parcels, placing one moiety of them be- tween sheets of blotting-paper simply wetted, and the other under strictly similar conditions between sheets soak- ed in the camphorated water. In many cases the seeds did not swell at all un- der the influence of the simple moist- ure, but in every case they germinated where they were subjected to the cam- phor solution. The experiment was ex- tended to different kinds of garden seeds, old and new, and always with the same result of showing a singular awakening of dormant vitalism and a wonderful quickening of growth. It also appears from the professor's re- searches that the young plants thus set shooting continued to increase with a vigor and vivacity much beyond that of those which are not so treated. On the other hand, when powdered camphor was mixed with the soil, it appeared to exercise a rather bad effect upon the seeds. The dose in this latter case was possibly too . strong. At all events there is here a line of inquiry well worth following up by seedsmen and gardeners; and even farmers might try how far wheat and barley would profit from the strange property which seems to be possessed by this drug over the latent life of vegetable germs.

Positive good comes by using tepid water on all plants, while evil is often wrought by cold water.

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THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

KEMEDIAL ACTION OF THE AILANTHUS.

The Ailanthus, as an ornamental and shade tree, has of late years gone into disrepute on account of the offensive effluvium of its male blossoms, and its planting in Washington was positively forbidden by an Act of Congress — at least an appropriation for the District of Columbia, made some years ago, was granted upon the condition that no Ailanthus trees should thereafter be planted in the city of Washington. The tree is, however, one of very great value as a timber tree, and is highly recommended for growth upon the Western prairies, as its development is extremely rapid, and the wood is equal to Chestnut in mechanical properties. It is one of the largest trees known, be- ing said to attain a height of 300 feet in China. Very little attention has been directed to its medicinal virtues; but according to Dr. Robert, of the French naval fleet in the waters of China and Japan, the bark of the root, in the form of a powder, is more efficient in the treatment of dysentery than ipecac, cal- omel, astringents, opiates, etc. For this purpose, one part of the bark of the root is cut into very fine pieces and pounded up in a mortar, to which one and a half parts of warm water are add- ed. The whole is to be allowed to stand for a sufficient time to soften the bark, and it is then strained through a piece of linen. The infusion is admin- istered in doses of a tablespoonful, morning and evening, either pure or in a cup of tea. This is to be continued for three days under a very strict diet- ary regimen. After that, bread and milk may be given, and, subsequently, ordinary diet. If at the end oft eight days a cure is not effected, the treat- ment may be renewed. This substance is extremely bitter, and its administra-

tion frequently produces nausea. In Dr. Robert's experience, a complete cure was almost always brought about within eight days; in only one instance was it necessary to renew the applica- tion.

STAETING ANNUAL FLOWEES.

So far as relates to the removal of this class of plants they might be di- vided into two distinct sections — those that can be readily transplanted, and those which are almost sure to die if disturbed. The first of these will make better plants if the seed is sown at this season in boxes of light soil, and placed in a warm, sunny window. Do not bury small seed, but merely sprinkle them upon the surface of the soil; gen- tle watering will cover them sufficient- ly for germination to ensue. A good plan is to place a little soil in a fine sieve, and while holding it over the pot of seeds give it a slight jar; this will be amply sufficient to cover them. Large or medium sized seeds should be pushed beneath the surface, to a depth depend- ing solely upon the size of the same, as the larger the seed, the deeper it may be inserted. This may seem of trivial importance, but professional gardeners think differently; hence their better sue cess. The young seedlings will appear- sooner and more evenly if the box should be covered with a pane of glass; care being taken that the moisture is wiped off once a day, and a little air ad- mitted as soon as the young plants show themselves above the soil. Grrown in this way, Potulaccas, Phlox, Mignon- ette, Zinnias, Marigolds, Ageratum, Ger- man Asters, Cockscombs, Balsams, Gril- liflowers and Petunias, appear to form better plants than when grown in the ordinary way, by sowing the seeds where the plants are to remain. On

THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTUBIST.

57

the other hand, Lupins, Eschscholtzia, (Euothera, etc., must be grown where the seed are scattered. If the colors are to be grown* in separate lines for ribboning, the young plants can be planted out in different styles so as to form very pleasing effects. Select a damp, cloudy day for removal, and shade with paper at first, when the sun is not obscured.

OLIVE CULTURE.

A writer in a contemporary corrects the erroneous impression which has gone abroad that Olive-trees do not bear for eight or ten years after plant- ing, and says that he has trees in San Diego County which bore at three years. It is difficult to see how such impres- sions could be given, for it is a well- known fact that Olive cuttings stuck in the ground will produce fruit before there is wood enough to support the load. "We have frequently seen Olives over an inch in length grown on trees so small that the fruit could be picked from the topmost branches without the use of a step-ladder.

And this leads us to remark that San Diego and Los Angeles Counties are not the only localities by any means where the Olive will flourish. There are a number of large trees in the old Catholic church-yari in Santa Clara, which are noted for the fine fruit pro- duced. The middle portion of the State as far north as Eed Bluff is ad- mirably adapted to the growth of these trees. Very little direct and reliable information has been disseminated as to the productiveness and profit of the Olive, or the orchardists of California would certainly have given the subject more attention. As high as 200 gallons of fruit have been gathered from one tree in the Olive groves of the Jesuit priests,

Vol. VI.— 1.

San Gabriel Mission, and the entire or- chard would probably average 100 gal- lons to the tree. Of co urse this is not to be taken as a criterion, as these trees are almost a century old, having been plant- ed by the Jesuits soon after this Mission was established. But at five years of age it is safe to say that the trees will yield 50 gallons each, which, at 75 cents a gallon, and 100 trees to the acre, would be §37 50 a tree, and $3,750 an acre.

This is an average price for the Ol- ives for the purpose of pickles. The manner of taking care of the fruit is very simple. After the fruit is gather- ed it is put in barrels and covered with water, which is drawn off and fresh wa- ter added every two days, for about four months. This deprives them of the bitter, milky substance, after which they are either placed in salt and water, or vinegar, and are then ready for mar- ket.

No more handsome trees can be planted to adorn a farm, the dark green foliage making a dense shade, and pre- senting a beautiful appearance, espe- cially when viewed at a distance. -^-Call.

Prices of Bake Plants in England. — In London, last month, a collection of Orchids, consisting of 639 lots, brought £2211 14s., or more than $11,000. One plant of Saccolabium guitatum, described in the catalogue as being ' 'from two to three feet high and wide,5' and as hav- ing "twenty-two strong leaves, two strong young plants at bottom, with ten and eleven leaves respectively," and as having "produced ten spikes of bloom this year," was sold for £65 2s. (about $325). Twenty, thirty, and even forty pounds were freely given for other lots, very few of which brought less than ten guineas.

58

THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTUKIST.

(BAiUvmX WmUvVw.

<±/<

OUE FRONTISPIECE.

"We present our patrons, this spring month, with a delicately colored and most graceful group of some of our de- servedly favorite flowers : Weigelia Bo- sea, Moss Hose, and Persian Yellow Rose. The Weigelia Rosea is a very beautiful and profuse flowering shrub, growing about six feet in height, with pink flowers intermixed with a little white, similar to Apple blossoms. It is a desirable addition to every good gar- den or shrubbery, and makes a hand- some display of lovely bloom, mingled with its vividly green and finely-formed leaves in the spring and- summer. It is indeed a most strikingly showy plant. The Moss Rose, or, as it used most generally to be called, the Moss-Pro- vence, is considered by the best author- ities to be a distinct species from the Rosa Gentifolia, but its original country is not known. It is a fine delicate Rose of great fragrance. But that which renders it of such great estimation is that singular and rough, moss-like sub- stance which surrounds the calyx, and the upper part of the peduncle or foot- stalk of the flower. We have not found the climate of San Francisco favorable for this species of Rose, as well as some others, in the open air, on account of our strong and rather cold winds. It is very much subject to mildew, with many others, but in some of the milder climates on this coast does well. The Persian Yellow Rose is one of, if not the very, best of our yellow varieties. It blooms well, and is, in fact, the only dark double annual bloomer we have. It is impossible to mention Persia with- out recalling ideas of love, Roses, and nightingales! We naturally turn our thoughts to a country so peculiarly in- teresting— "to those romantic regions of

the sun" — to a country which has been se- lected by some — not without reason — as the site of primeval paradise, and which is now emphatically paradise lost! It is still a garden where nature revels in the most unbounded luxuriance, but where man is fallen, indeed, yet still

"Where the soft Persian maid the breath in-

Of love-sick Eoses wooed by nightingales."

We are reminded on our return of spring in California of the following beautiful stanzas of the Persian poet, Hafez, on the same subject (substituting the mocking-bird for the nightingale) :

"The love- struck nightingale's delightful strain, The lark's* pathetic note, are heard again; Again the Hose, to hail spring's festive day, From the cold house of sorrow hastes away. ' '

" See, where the Rose and spring to mirth

awake ! So cheerful looks the Rose, 'twere wisdom's

part To tear the root of trouble from the heart."

CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURAL ASPECTS AND PROSPECTS.

Mr. R. J. Trumbull, one of the most practical and intelligent nurserymen and florists of this city, in his " Guide and Catalogue " truthfully, we consider, speaks of California's position and pros- pects in horticulture: " Our coast, with its charming climate, its unrivaled scen- ery, and its marvelously wonderful pro- ductiveness, is well worthy of constant study. This much-favored land should have much consideration bestowed upon it. Time was, and that not many years ago, when California- was only known to fame by her crops of bullion ; but now her genial and health-giving climate, with her bountiful and hand- somely perfect vegetable productions, are not only attracting but challenging

* The meadow- lark.

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59

the world. The future reputation of this coast rests with the tillers of the soil. We have only begun to demon- strate what our soil and climate are ca- pable of producing. "We have the fa- cilities, if brought into proper exercise, of furnishing our neighbors over the mountains with a full supply of Or- anges, Lemons, Limes, Prunes, Figs, Raisins, Almonds, Guavas, Bananas, and we believe eventually, with Pine- apples. The market for these fruits may be said to be without limit, and the culture of them in this State has been simply experimental. Now, how- ever, the great aim of our fruit-growers should be the highest possible degree of perfection. There will soon be no more need of New York merchants sending to foreign countries for the fruits we have named, than for San Francisco to send to Australia for a supply of flour, if our fruit-growers will bestir themselves. Nearly all the semi- tropical fruits required for the supply of the United States may be produced in our Golden State, and shipped to the remotest points fresh and sweet as if just picked from the trees."

THE ALDEN PKOCESS FOE PRESERV- ING FRUIT.

"We have several times noticed this valuable invention. Past experience has strengthened our confidence in it. More than 200 Alden factories have been established in the United States. Articles dried by it are cheaper, when the quality is considered, than by any other mode, and they are brought to resemble more the fresh fruit than in any other way of preservation. It is contended that by it fruits of a particu- lar description, such as Apricots, Plums, Grapes, Peaches, and Nectarines, can be raised with profit, especially near

the Alden establishments, at one cent per pound; and for the following rea- sons: 130 trees to the acre, and 100 pounds of fruit to the tree, is not a high a high estimate, and yet will yield $130 per acre at this price. This will be better than any kind of grain raising, in the long run at any rate. In Cali- fornia we can produce an almost unlim- ited quantity of the above fruits, be- cause we are as yet almost entirely free from destructive insects compared with the Eastern States. With regard to Apples the States east of the Rocky Mountains, we acknowledge, can sur- pass us, but, in the majority of fruits, we have immensely the advantage of them. The policy of the Company is to employ the best workmanship, and to use the best material, with instruc- tions to do everything in the most thorough manner. To dry fruit so as to make it keep is the sole idea of many persons. Dried fruit of any kind is dried fruit to them, and there are cus- tomers just like them, and hence the poorer qualities will find a market at a poor price. But to produce first-rate dried fruits, free from insects and their eggs, so common with the fruits dried in the open air, is a most important point. This the Alden process does, with extra care and attention bestowed in preserving the color uniform, without the appearance of burned or decayed spots, and the Company is rewarded in the extra price their fruit brings in the market. They are now producing fruit jelly, fruit flour, and crystalized fruits, conserves and marmalades. Their rai- sins have given great satisfaction, and have nearly, if not quite, equaled in the market the foreign article. This is undoubtedly going to be a great busi- ness on our coast, and we can go far to supply the world in all the above-named dried and preserved productions. Per-

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THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST.

sons who wish to enter into the busi- ness of fruit-raising will do well to con- fine themselves, as far as regards the markets and supplying the Alden Com- pany, chiefly to the cultivation of the Apricot, Plum, Grape, Peach, and Nec- tarine. These will pay better than growing the Apple, Pear, Cherry, etc.

CATALOGUES EECEIVED.

R. J. Trumbull's " Guide for 1876 to the Vegetable and Flower Garden, and Catalogue of Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, and Bulbs, Plants, etc." Warehouse, 419 and 424 Sansome St., San Francisco. Nursery, corner H and Centre Sts., San Rafael. Annexed to the " Guide " is a catalogue and price- list of semi-tropical fruit-trees, embrac- ing many new varieties. Mr. Trumbull has paid much attention to the Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus), the Monte- rey and Italian Cypress and their cult- ure, and has a great number of these for sale.

D. M. Ferry & Co.'s "Seed Annual for 1876, illustrated and descriptive, comprising an extensive and excellent list of Garden, Flower, and Agricult- ural Seeds," from Detroit, Mich. This work forms quite a large volume, and contains valuable hints and instructions on all the above seeds.

Root's " Garden Manual and Seed Catalogue of all kinds of Seeds for 1876," Rockford, Illinois. In this are good directions for the cultivation of all field produce and garden vegetables; also for the destruction of all field and garden pests.

Beach Son & Co.'s "Annual Spring Catalogue, 1876, comprising a complete assortment of Flower and Vegetable Seeds, Flowering Bulbs, Gladioli, Lil- ies, etc." This is appended to their

quarterly illustrated journal, the Amer- ican Garden, devoted to garden art.

J. M. Thorburn & Co.'s "Annual Descriptive Catalogue of Vegetable and Agricultural Seeds, embracing every standard improved variety; also, tested novelties." No. 15 John Street, New York.

FRUIT CULTIVATION AND REPORT OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MARKET.

BY E. J. HOOPEE.

We have observed rather more plenti- fully in our markets this winter than usual the Shaddock, which may not be familiar with a majority of our citizens. This tropical fruit is like a large, coarse Orange, with a very little of that fruit's flavor, and a good deal of stringent bit- ter, especially when any portion of the skin, or parts of the division which separate the fleshy pulp, are eaten. Therefore, for a hand fruit, it is not of much value; but for preserves, it, no doubt, is good. Still, in our markets we never have a sufficient quantity of them to reduce their price sufficiently moderate to induce people to use them in that manner. We are informed that when this imposing looking fruit has fully ripened on the tree, its juices are saccharine and subacid, and those which are heavy and soft are usually found the best. We believe it is not much cultivated in the southern parts of California owing to the far superior qualities of the common Orange.

Among those fruits which are least common in our markets is the Medlar (mespilus). This fruit is quite round, and about as large as a Plum, though some, varieties are nearly as large as the small Lady Apple. The color of it is brown. The pulp is thick, and contains five wrinkled stones; but they are not esteemed for the table until they have

THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

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been kept some time, or been touched out of doors with a little frost. The large Dutch Medlar is of the best qual- ity. Its flavor is peculiar, but much liked by some persons, who have acquir- ed its taste by the habit of eating it, similar to that relish which can be gain- ed by the perseverance of some, who, disliking them at first, become greatly folid of Olives and oysters. It is a fruit which is much grown in Europe, and forms, generally, a portion of the dessert of fruits at Christmas time, af- ter the substantial portion of the dinner is removed from the table. It is con- sidered a very wholesome fruit, although it is eaten while actually in a state of decomposition. We have so large a range of fruits in California, that Med- lars are but very seldom seen on the stalls. Miller, in his Gardener's Dic- tionary published in England, names eight varieties of the Medlar. It grows naturally in Sicily, where it becomes a large tree. It rises there with a straight- er stem, and the branches grow more up- right than it does here or in England. The flowers of the Dutch Medlar are very large, and its fruit are the largest of all the varieties. The Mespilus (arbu- tifolia) grows naturally in some parts of this continent. It but rarely rises more than five feet high. It produces a small roundish fruit a little compressed, of a purple color when ripe. All the sorts grow taller and succeed best from the seed, instead of grafting or budding upon the common white Thorn.

There is another fruit which we ob- serve now more frequently in our fruit stores than we have formerly. It is the fruit of the Tamarind. This fruit, or rather pod, has anything but a tempt- ing appearance. It looks like so many dry brownish chips. But that which they contain is a very agreeable mix- ture of a material composed of sugar

and Lemons. But it is most found here in a preserved state • in our drug, gro- cery, and fruit stores. It is generally used, though, without preparation as an article of food, and occasionally as a medicine. There can be no doubt of the Tamarind tree bearing good fruit in this State equal to that imported. In- deed the trees are now succeeding in vari- ous portions of the country. The best are cured with sugar, and are known as the sugar Tamarinds. Another kind is also cured with molasses, and known as the common molasses Tamarinds, or West India Tamarinds. These are all excellent for fevers. This fruit is in season all the year round, but is best with us in the months of February and March.

About the months of October and No- vember we have a few Whortleberries, Huckleberries, or Blackberries. We have at least one kind, chiefly found in the northern part of our coast, equal to the Eastern kinds. There are several varieties of this prolific fruit known, among which those growing on the high bushes are usually preferred. The best variety is called the Swamp Huckleber- ry or Blueberry, which yields the largest berry, of a purplish black; when ripe is subacid, rich, and juicy. Another va- riety, called the common or Highbush berry, is also a rich, fine berry, of a dark