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 (Psoralea 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.—Å. 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 Cycadàceæ 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 Watsonius, (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 grandiflora, 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 stellàta, 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. viscosa, 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.-1b.

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

ter, of the Botanic Gardens, Cambridge. It has a very large flower, with two dark spots, in the place of one in the Smithii. It is stated to be very beautiful.-Conds.

Noisette rose Lamarque.-This most splendid variety is now in full bloom in the unique collection of plants of Mr. Sweetser, Cambridgeport. It is a standard plant, budded four or five feet high, and has expanded four or five of its yellowish white blossoms, measuring four or five inches in diameter. This variety should be in every garden. It is of vigorous growth.—Ib.

ART. IV. Massachusetts Horticultural Society.

Saturday, February 27th.-Exhibited. From M. P. Wilder, the following species and varieties of the camellia :-reticulata, maliflòra (Sasánqua Thun. var. plena rùbra) eximia, álba plèna, Chándleri, myrtifolia, coccinea, pæoniæflora rosea, variegata, conchiflòra, spléndens, Colvilli, rosacæ'a, Dorsetti and corallina? (flórida); the four latter were exhibited for the first time; also Pæònia Moutan var. Banksia.

March 5th.-Exhibited. From Messrs. Hovey, several species and varieties of camellias:―élegans, variegata, eximia (of the French), corallina, spléndens, insignis, álba plena, imperatrice du Bresil, anemoneflòra, venòsa, ignéscens, and a variety unknown; venòsa and ignéscens were exhibited for the first time. From S. Sweetser, a bouquet of flowers, containing Rhododendron arboreum var. hybridum, R. indicum var. hybrida (Azalea indica var.) Melianthus major, Clarkia élegans, Cyclamen persicum, Iris chinensis, oxalises, crimson nasturtium, yellow tea roses, &c., &c. Read.-Letters from A. Walsh, Esq., Lansingburgh, N. Y., and from Wm. Kenrick, Newton.

Presents.-The New American Orchardist, and the Silk-Grower's Guide, from Wm. Kenrick.

March 12th.-Exhibited. From the Messrs. Winship, a great variety of flowers, among which were Rhododendron ledifolia, R. indicum phonícea, and hybrida; Erica verticillàta, and herbàcea; E'pacris grandiflora, Acacia armata and longiflòra, Melianthus major, Calceolàrea scabiosafolia, Eupatorium odoratum, Verbena Aublètia, Bryophyllum calycìnum, mimuluses, geraniums, oxalises, stocks, roses, petunias, salvias, canary asters, Calla æthiópica, Aselèpias curassávica, &c., &c. From T. Mason, Rhododendron indicum, Acàcia longifolia, Caméllia maliflòra, C. j. pompònia, and a seedling; roses, geraniums, schizanthus, stocks, primroses, &c.

Read.-A letter from the Messrs. Hovey.

Presents. The American Gardener's Magazine, Vol. I, and three Nos. of Vol. II, from the Messrs. Hovey.

REMARKS. Since our last, sales have been more brisk, although the weather has continued severe, nearly up to this time. Some potatoes have arrived from the Eastward; Nova Scotias are very plenty; Eastport have advanced in price, and there are few remaining on hand. Turnips are plenty and good. Loose onions are rather scarce, and prices have advanced by the barrel; those in bunches are plentifully abundant, and are sold remarkably low. Of cabbages there is a good supply for the season. Brocoli and cauliflowers are all gone. No celery remains on hand. Lettuce is brought in of finer quality, and in tolerable plenty for the earliness of the season. Radishes are also abundant. Spinach comes to hand in large quantities. A few dandelions, the first this year, were brought in this week; they were not, however, collected from fields, but were cut from cultivated plants; we have often wondered why they were not oftener grown in gardens; they are much superior to those culled from pastures. Canada crookneck squashes are about gone, and of the common crookneck, there are very few remaining on hand. West India are tolerably plenty, several hundred having lately arrived. The stock of apples, in general, is yet abundant, though prices have advanced on some kinds; this is, however, for those which have been picked over, and of superior quality; Baldwins are quite scarce; russets have declined in price. Pine apples are scarce. Oranges and lemons

are very plenty; several cargoes have lately arrived. Cranberries are considerably lower in price. Good chestnuts are in demand, but are scarce; those of poor quality are plenty; walnuts remain the same.Yours, M. T-Boston, March 22d, 1836.

ART. VI. Obituary Notice.

DIED, in this city, on the morning of the 20th of March, George C. Barrett, at the age of 27 years, proprietor of the New England Farmer and seedstore. Mr. Barrett was an industrious and enterprising citizen, and as such, carried on an extensive business in seeds. His loss will be deeply felt by those within the circle of his acquaintance.

ART. VII. Meteorological Notices.

FOR FEBRUARY.

THE severity of the weather, through the month of February, was almost unprecedented. Considerable snow fell, which, with that during the previous winter months, was several feet in depth. The mercury fell below zero in the morning for ten days in succession, the first part of the month; and, about the middle, it fell as low, for eight days more. The winds were prevalent from the north-west. More than half of the month was cloudy, and extremely unpleasant.

THERMOMETER.-Mean temperature, 17° 12′; highest, 44°; lowest, 11°

below zero.

WINDS.-N., five days-S. E., onee—S. W., six—W., five—N. W., twelve days.

Force of the Wind.-Brisk, eight days; light, twenty-one days.

Character of the Weather. FINE, nine days; FAIR, five days; CLOUDY, fifteen days.

Rainy, four days; Snowy, seven days.

MONTHLY CALENDAR

OF

HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE,

FOR APRIL.

FRUIT DEPARTMENT.

Grape Vines, in the green-house or grapery, will now be opening their blossoms: raise the temperature a little, and admit but a small portion of air, till the fruit is set. After that, let the vines be syringed once or twice a week, and give more air. For further directions, see Vol. I, pp. 79, 119, 159, &c.