dwt.; Lord Crew, 19 dwt. 20 gr.-White. Eagle, 21 dwt.; Ostrich, 20 dwt. 12 gr; Fleur de Lis, 20 dwt. 12 gr.; Lily of the Valley, 20 dwt. 11 gr. (Gard. Mag.)

Prize dahlias.-The following are the varieties which carried off the first prizes at the Cambridge Florists' Society. Among the names of the exhibitors are Messrs. Widnall & Brewer, well known as two of the finest dahlia growers in England :—

The best dahlia of any color.-Widnall's Perfection. Crimson, scarlet, or red.-Countess of Liverpool. White, or shaded white.-Lady Fordwick. Very dark.-Metropolitan Perfection. Orange, salmon or buff-Widnall's Prince of Orange. Purple or shaded purple.-Douglas's Augusta. Stripes of all colors.—A seedling raised by Mr. Widnall. Light ground, edged, or mottled.-Hon. Mrs. Harris. Yellow, or sulphur.-Yellow Perfection. Rose, or rosy crimson-Widnall's Perfection. Lilac.-Lilac Perfection. Claret, or puce.-Widnall's Granta. (Flort. Cab.)

Mr. Widnall gained the most prizes. The Countess of Liverpool yet stands preeminent among the scarlets.-Conds.

Scale for showing the comparative hardiness of Trees.-There are many trees, generally considered as hardy, which will not stand except in favorable situations; and others, called tender, which do very well occasionally in the open air. From observing this, it has struck me that the distinctions of hardy and tender, are too broad and too vague, to give an exact idea of the treatment they require; and I conceive that you would do a great service to planters, and to the cause of arboriculture generally, if you were to publish a scale marked thus:-Pinus sylvestris, H H H, very hardy. Portugal laurel, H. н, tolerably hardy. Arbutus Unedo, н, very hardy. Laúrus nóbilis, T, tender. Magnolia grandiflora, T T, very tender. Myrtle, or camellia, T T T, extremely tender. Pomegranate, or the genus Citrus, F, requiring a frame.-J. Phillips,-Gard. Mag.)

Hamamelis virginica. This tree is now beautifully in flower at Messrs. Loddiges's, and in Thompson's Nursery, Mile End. Its yellow blossoms, with their long fringe-like corollas, at this season of the year, when so few trees and shrubs are in flower, are most ornamental; its leaves die off of a rich deep yellow or orange. It is a pity to see such a tree so much neglected. Mr. Macnab, Jr., whose interesting journey in North America we noticed in p. 620, and shall have occasion to recur to, informs us that it attains the height of 15 feet or 20 feet, in its native situations in America; and he brought home a piece of the trunk of one tree, for a gentleman, (Mr. Nicol, of Edinburgh) who is now making observations on different sorts of timber, between five and six inches in diameter.— (Gard. Mag.) This is a fine indigenous shrub, or small tree, which we wish was more generally planted in our shrubberies. Its rich-colored foliage, in autumn, adds greatly to the beauty of the scenery in its native situations.-Conds.

ART. III. Domestic Notices.

Strawberries.-At Belmont Place, strawberries were cut, the last week in March, of fine size; they were produced on plants which were placed on a shelf on the back wall of the stove. We wish this most delicious fruit was more extensively forced in stoves and hot-beds. A few pots well managed, will produce considerable fruit, and the room they would occupy would be very small, compared with that required for other fruits.-Conds.

Forced Beans.-These have been produced, at the above place, for several weeks, from plants in pots, placed on the front curb of the stove. The beans were planted in the latter part of December. The vines have been destroyed, and a new crop is now up in the same pots.-Ib.

Primula pra nitens var. álba fimbriata.-A seedling of this primrose, with a beautiful fringed edge, has lately flowered in the garden of Wm. G. Buckner, Esq., Bloomingdale, N. Y., under the care of Mr. T. Dunlap. In our last, our correspondent, A. J. D. (p. 99) speaks of plants of the purple and white, with fringed edges, in the collection of J. W. Knevels, Newburgh, N. Y. Were it not for this, Mr. Dunlap might claim the merit of first having originated this beautiful variety.-Ib.

Ranunculuses in Pots.-We have lately seen growing, and finely in bloom, in the green-house of Mr. Sweetser, Cambridgeport, several pots of ranunculuses. They were planted in pots, about ten inches deep (which were made for hyacinth bulbs), ten or twelve in each. In one pot, we counted twelve strong buds, besides several blossoms. We have no hesitation in saying, that, if the roots are planted in deep pots or boxes, they can be forced with the same facility as the hyacinth or narcissus. It is generally recommended to grow them in shallow boxes, from the supposition, we presume, that, as the roots are small, they need but little earth to grow in. This is a great error; they require much nourishment, and will not flourish unless they have it. Some of the flowers were exceedingly large. Any person who is desirous of growing them, can easily do so by adopting the method above named.-Ib.

Zine Labels for marking Plants.-We have been somewhat surprised to notice that this kind of labels, which are superior to any other, for retaining the names of plants, is so little used by nurserymen and gardeners. Upwards of a year since, we first tried the experiment of marking with them; and labeled several pots of chrysanthemums, which have been exposed to the weather at all times, summer and winter; the writing is at this time in no way defaced, and the names may be as quickly and as easily ascertained, as they could when first written. We have no doubt but they will remain as intelligible for many years. Common wood labels, which are in general use, would have rotted off, by this time, or become so decayed upon the part beneath the soil, that they would be in danger of being broken off, and thus wholly lost. When it is considered how little the former cost, and the certainty of their retaining the names for an indefinite space of time, we hope that cultivators will bring them into general use. Nothing is so important to the nurseryman, both to insure credit for his establishment, and reputation to himself, as the sending abroad trees, shrubs, or plants, which are truly marked. But as is too frequently the case, this is little attended to, or if done, it is with a label which either will not retain the name, for any time, or with one on which it can never be intelligibly wrote. English cultivators have adopted various modes of marking plants, but, in our opinion, none of them are at all to be compared with that of writing upon zinc. These labels can be as easily made fast to a tree, by winding one end loosely round a branch, as they can be put into a pot; and they will not need renewing for many years. We have satisfied ourselves, of their superiority to any others, and we hope, for the correctness of names of plants, which is very important, that they will now be generally adopted.—Ib.

White corollad var. of Rhododendron.-Your correspondent, A. J. D., in your last number (p. 99), speaks of "large plants of the crimson and white corolled Rhododendron arboreum," which will be in flower this spring, in the collection belonging to J. W. Knevels, Esq., at Newburgh, N. Y. I was not aware that specimens of plants of the white variety of the true arboreum, strong enough to flower, were in any collection in this country; as it flowered for the first time in England, in 1833. Does not 20

VOL. II.-NO. IV.

your correspondent have reference to the Rhododendron álbum Pursh which is a native?-Yours, An Amateur.-Boston, March, 1836.

Ribes Sanguineum.-This splendid shrub, first introduced into England by the late Mr. Douglas, should be in every garden or shrubbery. Its beautiful crimson blossoms, which are produced in numerous large racemes, have a gorgeous appearance. Do induce every person to possess a plant, who can find room to put one in his garden.—Ib.

Forced Peaches. In the green-house attached to the garden of Dr. Webster, Cambridge, are several trees trained on the back wall, which have now fruit on of the size of walnuts. Considering the severity of the season, this is remarkably early.-Conds.

The edible rooted Oxalis, (O'xalis crenata). We hope experiments will be made in the cultivation of this promising tuber, in all the different sections of the Union. In England and Germany, although it does not appear in all cases to realize the high expectations formed in relation to it on its first introduction, yet in many cases, common crops have been produced, fully attesting the prolific quality of the plant. It was, we believe, introduced into England by Douglas, from S. America, and we conceive that the temperature of our western hemisphere, in the same isothermal parallels, will be more congenial to it, than that of the eastern. It is highly probable that the desideratum in the ripening of the tubers, is a long dry autumn, which is to be found in our climate, rather than the North of Europe. In many districts it may become a very valuable addition to the list of culinary vegetables, and resembling as it does, the potato in flavor, may yet rival that invaluable root in utility. In Loudon's Mag., we observe a notice of a single tuber, scarcely an ounce in weight, which yielded ninety tubers at a crop, weighing nearly 4 lbs. Still more extraordinary is the following account, which we extract from a French periodical. "A tuber of o'xalis crenata, weighing only 28 grains, was planted on the 7th of April, in a rich old cucumber-bed in a garden at Plymouth. Five weeks after, two offsets were detached from the parent root, and replanted separately. The parent plant acquired an astonishing vigor spreading itself rapidly over a space more than 3 feet in circumference." On gathering the crop, which was found to be of delicious flavor, the following was the result:—

Production of the parent plant, 407 tubers, weighing 7 lbs. 8 oz.

66

of the two offsets, 198

66

66

3 "8"

“This,” as the editor observes, "is almost without a parallel in the annals of horticulture."* The only notice we have seen of the culture of the edible rooted oxalis, in the United States, is given by your Philadelphia correspondent, (p. 76) where it is stated that a single root had produced, during the past season, two quarts, and another a half peck of tubers of good flavor. The leaves of the Oxalis crenata are, like many other species of that genus, produced in threes, and the plant is, during the summer, covered with a profusion of bright yellow flowers. As the tuber can now doubtless be procured at the principal seed-stores, we would recommend their distribution by the different Horticultural Societies in various parts of the country, and communication to the public, of the results of their cultivation.

The Mexican Quinoa, (Chenopòdium Quinòa). A few seeds of this new esculent plant, came into our hands, but had probably lost their vital principle, as we could not induce them to vegetate. It is an annual, and not only bears great crops of seeds, which are much used in Mexico, in the same manner as rice, and as an ingredient in soups and broths, but affords a great quantity of succulent leaves, excellent when eaten as

* Annales de Fromont, tome VI. p. 172.

spinach. Dombey, the botanical traveller, mentions that the grains are in universal use throughout Peru. They are much more easily prepared for food than rice, and, judging from a few experiments lately made in Europe, can be grown in a much shorter time than rye, wheat or barley. There can be no reason why this plant should not succeed admirably in the Middle States.

The Bread-root of the western Indians (Psoràlea esculenta). Pursh, who gave the first description of this plant, furnished also the often quoted information in relation to it, that it was "a staple article of diet among the western Indians." The plant does not appear to be known to botanists east of the Alleghanies, except as a dried specimen in their herbaria. Some of your correspondents in the west, would confer a favor by sending seeds or roots to the Atlantic States, where they could receive a fair trial in our gardens.*—A. J. Downing, Botanic Garden and Nursery, Newburgh, N. Y.-Feb. 1836.

Monograph of the North American Cyperaceae.-We have been gratified with a sight of the proof sheets of a monograph of this extensive order of plants, by Dr. Torrey, now publishing in the 3d volume of the Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History, N. Y. It is remarkably complete; Professor Torrey (with Dr. Gray, whose monograph of Rhyncospora has recently been published in the Annals,) having devoted a great deal of study and research to this extensive group of vegetation. The generic and specific descriptions, in many instances entirely new, and in all cases thoroughly revised, evince the quantity of labor which has been bestowed upon it; and the observations which follow the copious list of localities in almost every species, are characterized by that acuteness of investigation which has contributed to give to Dr. Torrey so distinguished a botanical reputation both in Europe and America.—Â. J. D.

Transplanting Evergreen Trees.-There is but one period,in this climate, when the removing of evergreens from their native situations can be attended with certain success. It is that season when the buds are distinctly swollen, and the whole tree is full of nourishing juices. This may happen at various times in different localities, and with different species, but generally takes place in the Middle and Eastern States, from the 1st of April to the 10th May. The spongioles and small fibres of evergreen trees are much more susceptible to injury from the action of drought than those of deciduous trees, and they should by all means, if possible, be preserved moist until replanted. Many persons err, by following the rules laid down in European publications, laudatory of late summer and even winter planting, and find, to their mortification, that they are not adapted to our seasons. The early and copious autumn rains, which make August a favorite month for this operation in many parts of England, are often protracted to too late a period here, to be of any service in the production of fresh roots, and the hot sun, and dry soil extinguish the last remnant of life in the withering trunk. Winter transplanting, though useless if practised in the ordinary way, may be carried on with great success if the trees are taken up with balls of frozen earth. With holes previously prepared, and a strong drag-sled for transportation, evergreen trees of very large size may be removed with astonishing success: and a beautiful effect may be produced almost immediately. The success of all experiments in transplanting, and more especially with large individuals, is wonderfully insured by depositing upon the surface of the soil which covers the roots, a layer of a few inches in depth, of any old litter, mulch or coarse vegetable substance, which will preserve a moisture in the soil, and prevent the injurious

*Prof. Short, of Lexington, Kentucky, will, if this note should meet his eye, oblige us by any information, respecting it, which may be in his possession.-A. J. D.

effects of the drying winds and hot sun upon the mould where the enfeebled rootlets are endeavoring to re-establish themselves.—A. J. D.

Flowering of Cycas revoluta.-There is a noble specimen of the Japanese sago, (Cycas revoluta,) now in a state of inflorescence in the rich exotic collection of J. W. Knevels, Esq., Newburgh, N. Y. The trunk (which in none of the Cycadaceæ attains any great altitude) is about three feet six inches in height, nearly the same in circumference, and has the aged and venerable appearance of a century's growth. It is crowned by a beautiful tuft of the deep green pinnated fronds. Cycas revoluta belongs to the Dice 'cia Polyándria, of Linnæus, and the present plant is a female. The inflorescence exhibits itself in the form of a globose cluster, about the size of a man's head, of brownish metamorphosed leaves, on the sides of which are arranged the embryo drupes, crowned each with a single stigma. The appearance of the plant in blossom is highly interesting to the botanist, and striking to a general observer, though there are no gaudy colored petals to arrest the eye. This specimen is believed to be about forty years of age, and is probably the first female plant that has produced flowers in the United States.-A. J. D.

The Season in Georgia.-The following extract is from a letter from a correspondent in Georgia, dated March 7th, 1836. It will be seen that the severity of the winter has not been confined to New England, alone, but has extended throughout the country:

"The season with us is backward, but promises well as yet for fruit. Peach buds scarcely begin to show red. Gladiolus Watsònius, (new with me) has flowered finely, and I like it much: G. lineàtus (?) and undulatus, are coming on strong. Watsonia aletroides, is in bud; W. marginata and Meriana, will soon be so. Sparaxis grandiflòra, two bulbs out of twenty, from seed sown about fourteen months ago, are going to flower in a few days; S. tricolor is weak. Ferrària undulata, and Hypoxis stellata, are showing buds."

Tigridia pavònia, in the climate of Georgia, flowers abundantly from new offsets nearly all summer and autumn.-Conds.

Rhododendron nudiflòra Azalea nudiflora L.-This elegant species, which grows in large quantities near Worcester, and also near Keene, N. H., should be introduced into every garden. Its vivid brilliancy cannot be appreciated unless seen in its native situations, especially on thin sandy soils which border a deep growth of wood, or rocky banks of our rivers. Near its more lofty companion, the gloomy Kálmia latifolia, we scarcely know of the two, which excites the most admiration. We have seen it oftentimes growing in this manner on the high precipitous and picturesque banks of the noble Hudson, contributing its humble beauty to the united, unsurpassed loveliness of the scene. Transferred to our gardens, and planted in large clumps, it loses none of its attraction, but gives additional richness to the surrounding shrubs. R. viscòsa, common in the vicinity, if planted in masses, has also a beautiful appearance.— Yours, R.

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.-At the meeting of the Society on Monday, the 15th inst., the premium, for the best variety of vegetables, viz., asparagus, seakail and lettuce, was awarded to Wm. Chalmers, gardener to Mrs. Stott. Mr. Chalmers also obtained the premium for the best bouquet. Mr. Engleman exhibited lettuce and excellent scarlet radishes. Horace Binney, Esq., was elected president, instead of Geo. Voux, Esq., deceased. Yours, A. B.—Philadelphia, Feb. 16, 1836.

Lemon Hill, the residence of Henry Pratt, Esq., was sold yesterday for the handsome sum of $225,000,-the very superb collection of plants included. They will be offered at public sale in May next.-lb.

New Seedling variety of the Mimulus.-A very beautiful seedling mimulus, much resembling M. Smithii, has been raised by Mr. W. Car