The Distributed Proofreaders Canada eBook of The Canadian Horticulturist Vol. 9, No. 2 by D.W. Beadle (ed.)

This eBook is made available at no cost and with very few restrictions. These restrictions apply only if (1) you make a change in the eBook (other than alteration for different display devices), or (2) you are making commercial use of the eBook. If either of these conditions applies, please contact a https://www.fadedpage.com administrator before proceeding. Thousands more FREE eBooks are available at https://www.fadedpage.com.

This work is in the Canadian public domain, but may be under copyright in some countries. If you live outside Canada, check your country's copyright laws. IF THE BOOK IS UNDER COPYRIGHT IN YOUR COUNTRY, DO NOT DOWNLOAD OR REDISTRIBUTE THIS FILE.

This eBook was produced by: Marcia Brooks, Cindy Beyer & the online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at https://www.pgdpcanada.net

This file was produced from images generously made available by Internet Archive.

THE VARIEGATED-LEAVED WEIGELA.

The effect produced by planting shrubs of varied foliage so that the color of the leaves of the one shall blend harmoniously with that of its neighbor, or by contrast make that of each more striking, is ever pleasing. Our shrubs are not always in bloom, hence it is desirable that they shall be so grouped that the differing hues of their leaves shall present a pleasing picture. It has been too frequently the custom to place our shrubs singly on the lawn instead of grouping them, whereby we loose the opportunity of producing a pleasing foliage effect, and the benefit of mutual protection which they give to each other when planted in groups.

We present our readers with a handsome colored illustration of one of our most desirable variegated foliage shrubs, and trust that many of them will give it a trial; planting with it, yet giving this the foreground position, some of the other varieties of Weigela. All of the shrubs of this genus are very handsome, and a group made up of Weigela candida, Lavallei, rosea, amabilis, and the variegated-leaved variety of rosea, arranged according to their several habits of growth, would command admiration from every one.

The habit of this variety is quite dwarf as compared with that of the others, and compact; the leaves are distinctly margined with white, and the flowers are of a light pink.

With regard to the hardiness of the Weigelas we need more information. Mr. Gott speaks of them as sufficiently hardy at Arkona, and so does Mr. Roy at Owen Sound, while Mr. Saunders, at London, says they are sometimes cut down, and Mr. Beall, at Lindsay, says they kill down close to the ground. Will not our readers who have planted the Weigela have the kindness to communicate their experience for the benefit of our readers.

PREMIUMS FOR 1886.

Some of our subscribers have neglected to say which premium they choose—three plants of Ontario Strawberry, a yearling tree of the Russian Yellow Transparent Apple, a plant of Lucretia Dewberry, a yearling vine of Early Victor Grape, two plants of the Marlboro’ Raspberry, or three papers of seeds, viz., Gipsophila paniculata, Aquilegia cærulea, and Delphinium, mixed colours.

THE WINTER MEETING

Of the Fruit Growers’ Association of Ontario will be held in the Town Hall, Stratford, on Wednesday and Thursday, the 10th and 11th of February, 1886, commencing at 10 o’clock in the forenoon of Wednesday.

Railway certificates will be sent to any members who may apply for them, by sending a postal card to the secretary, D. W. Beadle, St. Catharines. These railway certificates must be presented to the ticket agent when purchasing your ticket at the starting point, and be signed and stamped by him, and afterwards must be presented to the secretary at the close of the meeting and signed by him.

The following hotels will entertain members at one dollar and fifty cents per day; namely, Albion, Windsor and Commercial; the charge at the Royal and Mansion House will be one dollar a day. These are all first rate hotels.

At a meeting of members held in Stratford, a programme of subjects for discussion was prepared which will be taken up at the meeting in the order here presented.

PROGRAMME OF SUBJECTS.

The secretary has been advised that a delegation of three prominent horticulturists from the Michigan State Horticultural Society will be present at the meeting, also a representative from the Ohio Experiment station. It is also expected that some of the leading members of the Western New York Horticultural Society will be in attendance.

We expect a grand meeting, and that members will bring with them samples of fruit for exhibition, particularly of seedling apples or pears of promising qualities.

CHERRIES FOR THE NORTHWEST.

The visit to Russia of Professor Budd, of Iowa, and of Mr. Chas. Gibb, of Quebec, has brought to our knowledge a variety of cherry which thrives and bears immense crops in a climate where the thermometer indicates great severity of cold, not unfrequently falling as low as forty-five degrees below zero, Fahrenheit. These gentlemen state that these cherries are grown in such large quantities in that cold climate that they load whole trains with them for the city markets, and that in quality none of them are so poor as our Early Richmond. The trees are in truth only bushes, a little larger than our currant bushes, and are renewed by cutting out the old stalks and allowing the younger sprouts to take their place as often as age renders them unprofitable.

Now this cherry should be grown in Manitoba and the Northwest with every expectation that it will thrive there and bear abundantly. The Fruit Growers’ Association of Ontario has imported some of these Vladimir cherries, and has had some trees propagated from them which are now offered to any one who would like to give them a trial in return for a club of ten subscribers to the Canadian Horticulturist. But in order that our friends in the Northwest may be enabled to procure this cherry for trial, in consideration of the expense of transportation, the offer is now made to them of a tree of Vladimir Cherry for every club of five subscribers, accompanied with five dollars, the trees to be securely packed for transportation and delivered either at the Express Office or on board the cars, without charge, as may be directed.

PREMIUMS FOR OBTAINING NEW SUBSCRIBERS.

See the fine assortment of bulbs, plants, shrubs, roses, grape vines, books, &c., &c., which we offer for obtaining a few new subscribers, on pages 3 and 4, January number, 1886.

The Gladiolus.—Of the tender perennials, I find none here so satisfactory as the Gladiolus. It always grows and blooms, is wintered in the cellar as easily as a potato, never rots or has any disease, increases quite rapidly, and has a large range of color.—Vick’s Magazine.

WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY OF US.

We give below a few extracts from letters received, just as a sample of many. Such expressions of kind appreciation stimulate to yet greater exertions to make the Canadian Horticulturist worthy of the support of our horticultural brethren.

The Dahlia sent me this year did first rate; am well pleased with it. We are very much pleased with your magazine. It is the best one of the kind we have struck yet.

Dear Sir,—I consider the Canadian Horticulturist a most valuable publication, so plain and practical, just suited to the needs of our climate and people.

Please find enclosed my renewal subscription to the Canadian Horticulturist, which I would not like to be without at any cost. It is a great source of pleasure as well as profit.

Please continue on as you have done. We do not wish for any stories or witticisms, we want solid facts and information. My locality is unfavourable to apples, plums, grapes, raspberries, etc. Strawberries uncertain. I live in a valley which takes the frost readily, but I like the Canadian Horticulturist and think everybody should have it.

Dear Sir,—No one ever invested his money in a better way and got more for it, his full penny-worth, in return. The Association is such a credit to the province.

Many housekeepers must thank you for the recipe for making grape jam with the skins retained, it is such an improvement.

Dear Sir,—The time has come around again to renew my subscription for the Horticulturist, and I do it with pleasure for it is always a welcome visitor, with its monthly store of knowledge and instruction, the whole space being devoted to those things, instead of a part of it being taken up (as many of the periodicals are) with some worthless serial story.

Dear Sir,—Please find enclosed the sum of one dollar being my subscription for the Horticulturist for the ensuing year. It has regularly paid its monthly visit and has always been welcomed as a friend. It is so nice after a hard day’s work to take an easy chair and forget all about weariness and bad weather, and dull markets while reading from its clear, well printed pages, the struggles and triumphs of fellow labourers. I always learn something from each number, and I am always encouraged by the perseverance, displayed by your correspondents, under the many discouragements attending on horticultural pursuits. I love my little garden, but what with untimely frosts and codlin moths, and currant, and gooseberry, and cabbage worms, I feel like giving up, but I am getting knowledge, and I find it true, that “knowledge is power.” I am getting the upper hand of my insect enemies and if I cannot prevent frosts I can guard against them. You have asked so nicely for your readers to give their experience, that I, for one, feel tempted to try, just to please you, you know, and perhaps my experience may be of use to others.

Dear Sir,—Please find enclosed one dollar for Canadian Horticulturist for 1886, having taken it for several years I cannot do without it, for I consider it a most invaluable guide for the garden.

QUESTION DRAWER.

(1) I would like to know if coal ashes are good for anything or not. Are they good for the soil, or for bushes or trees? (2) What is the cause of lice on apple trees?

Reply.—(1) Chemists tell us that coal ashes do not contain sufficient fertilizing matter to pay for applying them to the land for that purpose. It is, however, said that the application of coal ashes to stiff clay soils is sufficiently beneficial to pay for the labor of hauling and spreading, because of their mechanical effect in loosening the soil. It is also claimed by some who have tried them that they are profitable as a mulch, when applied to currant bushes, especially black currant bushes. (2) It is not in the writer’s power to say what is the cause of lice on apple trees; either bark lice, or the green lice (aphis). They are living beings, having the power of reproduction and locomotion; they feed on the juices of the trees; and, when allowed to become numerous produce very injurious effects.

PIGEON DUNG.

I have got a couple of casks of pigeon dung, and I would like to know how and what quantities to apply to about an acre, that is set with grapes, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, currants, plums, and pears. The ground now is rich, and well manured. By answering through the Horticulturist you would much oblige,

Reply.—This is a powerful manure, equal to the best guano, and should be applied with care. If your soil be light or sandy, it would be advisable to compost it with an equal bulk of dry clay, comminuting the clay, and mixing it thoroughly with the pigeon dung; and apply this in the spring by spreading it on the surface of the ground, at the rate of five hundred pounds to the acre, just before a rain. The object sought by mixing it with dry clay in an almost powdered state, and spreading it on the ground just before a rain, is to fix the ammonia contained in the pigeon dung; hence, if your soil be a clay, it will not be necessary to mix the pigeon dung with clay, but it may be spread directly on the surface, at the rate of three hundred pounds to the acre. It is, however, desirable to apply it during rainy weather, that the ammonia may be carried into the soil, and absorbed by the argillaceous earth.

Can you inform me in next number of Canadian Horticulturist where I can obtain seeds of the Catalpa speciosa.

BINDING OF THE REPORTS.

It is a pity the Reports of the Fruit Growers’ Association, and the Entomological and Forestry Reports, could not be bound together, and sent to the members. They are all valuable, and ought to be in the library of every country gentleman, or indeed of every man who takes any interest in rural affairs, and the development of all the rural industries of this country. If the government is so parsimonious that it cannot afford to bind this volume as formerly, I for one would willingly pay an increased annual subscription, in order that I might get them bound.

Reply.—It is just because our government is so poor that ministers feel they are not warranted in the expenditure necessary to bind these reports that they are sent out in paper covers. They have been earnestly requested by the officers of the Association to have them bound; but they turn a deaf ear to all their arguments and entreaties. Surely if they are worth printing they should be worth the binding. If all bound at once, the cost would be very much less than the cost of having them bound by individuals, one at a time; and so we have to pay this extra expense because the country is so poor.

(1) Where can I get the Acacia Thorn for planting a hedge? (2) Where can I get dwarf pear and apple trees? and please name two good varieties of each. (3) Please name three good kinds of standard pear trees.

Reply.—(1) We presume that our enquirer has the Honey Locust in mind, which has been used to some extent as a hedge plant. It is not an acacia, but is placed by botanists in the genus Gleditschia. The acacias are often infested with a borer; and on that account are not often used for hedging. Any of our leading nurserymen can supply plants of the Honey Locust, and likewise (2) Dwarf apple and dwarf pear trees. You can have any variety of apple that you wish worked as a dwarf, and nearly every variety of pear. The apples are dwarfed by working them on Paradise stocks, and the pear by working on the Quince stock. Some varieties of pear do not unite readily with the quince stock; hence it is necessary to double work such varieties; which means that the quince is first budded with some variety that unites well with the quince, and then the desired variety that does not unite readily with the quince, is budded upon the pear that is growing on the quince stock. The Red Astrachan apple, and Sherwood’s Favorite, would doubtless please you; and the Clapp’s Favorite pear, and the Louise Bonne, for dwarf trees (3) For three good varieties of standard pear, take the Bartlett, Sheldon, and Seckel; these are of fine quality.

(1) Can the Industry Gooseberry, mentioned in your last paper, be purchased in Canada, and at what price. (2) How much gas lime, say quarts or bushels, do you advise to be sown on a patch of land 40 x 100 feet? Soil sandy and well enriched with stable manure. The gas lime has been exposed all winter, and is impregnated with petroleum.

Reply.—(1) Yes; at about ten dollars per dozen. (2) Not more than five bushels; and would advise spreading it now, and allowing it to remain exposed to the weather until spring. The petroleum impregnation is a feature new to us; not having had any experience with such gas lime we should be inclined to give the petroleum full exposure to the air for some time.

I would like to ask you a question if you would answer in the Horticulturist. In planting out a berry patch, does it make any difference which way the rows run—north and south or east and west?

Reply.—It is not of much importance which way the rows run, but if equally convenient would run them north and south, because the ground will then receive more of the sun’s rays.

WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY.

RASPBERRY GROWING AT OWEN SOUND.

I raised a crop of raspberries this year on a plot of ground 24 feet by 60 and this is the 26th year that I have grown them on this same plot. The varieties are mostly Franconia, about one quarter Brinkle’s Orange. We had three hundred and eight imperial quarts that we measured; there were fully 25 or 30 quarts extra of the Hauer (?). I have never protected them in the winter; have had them injured only one winter in the number of years I have grown them. Mr. T. C. Robinson measured the plot of ground.

PEARS AND BLIGHT.

I was very greatly delighted by your recent reproduction of the article on this subject from the “New York Experiment Station.” The popular Professor is evidently doing some profitable work in this direction, and we may learn useful lessons from it. The cause and cure of pear blight is an old question and as virulent now as ever, and these observations tend to furnish a key to a successful solution, and to the proper treatment of the pear. This subject is of very great interest to us and with a climate so favorable to the growth of the most excellent pears, we should much like to be freed from this pestilent blight. If pears of acknowledged excellence cannot be satisfactorily produced we must look to those of lower grades of excellence but with hardier and more robust nature in the trees. A few days ago I received a pamphlet from a fruit company in the State of Georgia advocating the great merits of the Le Conte and Kieffer pears as the most promising fruit investment in that state. They claim that these trees are nearly and in some localities quite blight proof. This led me to recall some remarks of a gentleman at one of the Western New York Annual Horticultural meetings. He said “that the direction of promise in pear growing to-day lay in the lines of the Japan or Chinese Sand pears, and our hopes for the future must come through these.” This doctrine of course was not nor is it now very grateful, so used as we are to looking to Belgium and France instead of to Japan or China for our delicious pears. Whether this teaching be correct or not there is evidently something in the very nature of the pear tree in its relation to our condition and its treatment here that requires the closest study before its prosperity can be assured in all positions and locations in Ontario. But we maintain that this will never be the case as it is contrary to our knowledge of the first principles of fruit growing to expect it. In the case of no fruit do we find that every locality is equally suited to its most complete production. For these reasons we will unhesitatingly resort for this purpose to the notion of

SELECTION OF LOCATIONS

for the pear as the direction of our surest and best hopes. I am not, Sir, going to lead you and your numerous readers into every hole and corner of Ontario to find these locations, but I am at present simply intending to confine my remarks on this subject to this locality and district. As you may already know there is a fine promising region of country here bordering the long and winding but picturesque and beautiful River Aux Sables, coming out as it does from the county of Huron and running through the county of Middlesex empties its volume of water into Lake Huron, at a point in this county called Port Franks. Along the upper course of this water ravine there are thousands of acres of rich deposit of strong clay loamy soils, in undulating positions, thoroughly drained and rolling. These very soils along this stream and through its adjacent county, are the best and most promising location for the successful growth of the pear that has come under our observation. In this region, as far as we know, there have been no cases of pear blight in its most virulent form with its depressing results of death to the tree. The soil throughout is a deep, heavy, clay loam, resting at a distance of 10 to 20 feet on the rock, and is in every direction cut up and ravined by the powerful force of small streamlets making their way to the river, and the intersected high lands are in some cases mound like and hill shaped and in others broad beautiful table lands. We would ask why not use a region like this of so much promise for the special purpose of growing pears. There is not the least possible doubt but that it could be done. Up to the present the most beautiful and charming Bartletts and Flemish Beauty have been produced here, where scarcely anything else could prosper or grow. We have known pears to be planted on the most desirable acres of strong rich alluvial soils that were thought to be “just the thing,” but before the trees came into profitable bearing they were overtaken with blight and their soft, sappy immature wood fell an untimely and disappointing prey. This makes us to look to “the hills” from whence cometh our hope. But we know that this region is not the only one of promise in the borders of our proud Ontario. There are doubtless many others as accessible and equally as good for the successful growth of pears were they properly looked up and utilized. I would beg simply to throw out this idea affecting our cherished pears by way of kindly suggestion, and hope that it may be the means of drawing out the observations of others better qualified, for further light and further knowledge.

REPORT ON PREMIUM SEEDS.

Dear Sir,—The three packets of flower seeds duly reached me; and were sown in a small piece of prepared land carefully attended to, and I have derived the utmost satisfaction from them. The Salpiglossis were exceeding beautiful and were very much admired, they produced a long succession of fine flowers of great variety of color, the veins and markings of which were lovely. The Pinks also were a success, though not such showy flowers as the Salpiglossis, and the Striped Petunias, also, supplied me with a great variety of brilliant hued flowers; and these, like the two former, remained in full bloom until cut down by the frost. I shall be glad to report you a similar experience on another occasion.

GRAPES AT COLLINGWOOD.

Dear Sir,—In the last number of the Canadian Horticulturist an enquiry was made by one of your correspondents as to the history, etc., of a white grape which was exhibited at the Northern Exhibition held in this town last fall. I can give him the information required.

A few years ago I weeded out of my vinery all vines which I judged to be of inferior quality, and having at the time a man employed building another vinery I gave him one of the vines, a Chasselas Fontainebleu which I procured from your nursery. Having no vinery he planted it in the open air and has succeeded in getting from it good clusters of grapes, I believe every year. I saw them at the Exhibition and they are really very fine and I quite understand how the judges were staggered at finding them among the outdoor grapes. About the same time I gave to a boy employed in my garden a West St. Peter’s which he also planted in the open air and which has produced good crops. It does certainly seem strange that in this northern region we can grow grapes in the open air which can only be grown under glass elsewhere, but this locality seems especially favorable for grape growing; this year our outdoor grapes produced most luxuriantly and the crop ripened well. Moore’s Early is generally the first to ripen, then Salem, Creveling, Delaware, Wilder, Agawam, in the order named, Jessica about the same time as Delaware, Niagara has not yet fruited with me but is a very strong rampant grower, Prentiss promises well, Pocklington a very poor grower, Lindley a strong good grape but a little late. Jefferson has not grown well with me, Worden a slow grower, on the whole I should say Wilder would be the most profitable grape here for any one who grew for the market. The bunches are large, it is a great bearer and the grapes are very handsome with a beautiful bloom when fully ripe. I do not care for the flavour, but when mixed with Delaware and Salem they make a very good wine, which is wholesome, unintoxicating, and, as far as human agency is concerned, an infinitely better remedy for whiskey drinking than that most pernicious of all Acts—the Scott Act, the producer of perjury and of secret drinking.

FAILURE OF GRAPE VINES—WHY?

My garden soil, is a sandy loam, with a considerable depth of sand beneath, rather more of sand than of loam, by the way. It is also new, having been brought into cultivation only recently; has been for some time a waste common and in Oct. 1883 I had it enclosed, gave it then a heavy top-dressing of good stable manure, and ploughed that and the sod under and have since, with a liberal hand, applied both stable manure and decomposed leaves. I have been very successful with my vegetables, my radishes, cabbages, beets, carrots, parsnips, etc., having attained unusual size, but of my vines I regret to have to give a very different report, I have tried many of the hardiest kinds, the majority of them died and the survivors have made very unsatisfactory progress and this appears the more singular as the apples, plums, and all the small fruits grow luxuriantly, and if you could suggest a course of cultivation by which this deficiency of growth may be overcome I would be much obliged. I may say that a near neighbour, and old horticulturist, reports a similar experience with his grape vines and for which he cannot account unless it is the presence of some constituent of the soil injurious to the vines. I am of opinion that the soil is too light and have lately been applying old stable manure and phosphates liberally and if these be suitable manures I may hope for better growth in the future, meanwhile I will be glad if you can assist me to this desired end.

FRUIT TREES AND GRAPE VINES IN EASTERN ONTARIO.

Mr. Beadle,—As I for many years have been growing fruit trees and given it a study, I here drop you a few words of information on this subject, which I trust you will lay before your many readers. It is stated by some that what is called the

BLACK KNOT

on fruit trees, is caused by a fungus, or a worm. It is not true. I admit that flies of a certain kind do deposit their eggs or young after the knot is formed, and the worm is sustained by the jelly or soft wood of the knot. Now for the cause. A hard, changeable winter, with a cold, wet spring, the sap well nigh froze out of the tree. In the spring, the ground and air being cold, the roots being covered or submerged with water, the tree being nearly lifeless (frozen), has not power of attraction sufficient to draw from the earth nutriment for a healthy growth. The water sap that goes up the tree meets the frozen, lifeless sap, both combined is not sufficient for a healthy growth, it remains stagnant. June heat sours the sap, and it breaks out into what is called Black Knot. It should be called Scrofula. The same is the cause of bad blood in people. It breaks out in sores on the surface. There is no other cure, only good moderate winter and a fine warm spring.

DEAD SPOT ON TREES.

The cause. In trimming large limbs from a tree, the axe or saw may chance to bruise the bark next to the cut. The sap is bruised, and it soon turns black. If it doth not dry up soon with heat of the sun, it soon sours, and like leaven, it sours or mortifies the live sap next to it. If it doth not dry up with the heat of the sun, it may encircle and kill the whole tree.

Again, it may be caused by a clip or a blow against the tree, which will bruise the sap or soft wood under the bark, the sap will turn red and sour, and mortify the live sap by it. Now for the cure: When you see the bark look dark and shrink to the wood, take your knife and cut along side the dead bark and live bark, or wood, to prevent the dead or sour sap to come at, or to touch the green sap or bark. Cut to the wood one-eighth of an inch wide and the cure is accomplished. If a limb should wither and dry up in June. The cause: The limb nearly perished in winter, there being sap enough left to cause it to leaf out, the limb being too dead to draw fresh sap to grow, it dried up. The only cure is to cut the limb off to the green bark or wood.

Now, sir, I have heard it stated that some have got trees, not from my nursery, called the McIntosh Red. After they had them a few years they froze to death. Why they perished they were not the genuine or true McIntosh Red, only bogus trees, or perhaps grafted over and over so many times in other stock or trees. Perhaps the true McIntosh Red is nearly run out. I am the owner of the original McIntosh Red. It is over eighty years old. I have lived over seventy years within a few yards of it, given to me by my father over fifty years ago. It is a yearly bearer. A winter apple. The best flavored apple known. Fall of 1885, I sent several barrels to Glasgow, Scotland. The remainder of my crop I sold round about Dundas County from three and a half to four dollars a barrel, while the best of other good apples only fetched two dollars. I send trees and scions of the original stock to any ordering them. I am raising trees from a seedling of my farm. It is a very juicy, sweet apple, larger than the Snow, ripens 20th of August, keeps till October. When ripe, light golden color. Upright grower, a heavy yearly bearer. No sweet apple known to equal it in flavor. The original tree bore itself to death at the age of forty. I have propagated from it. Along the River St. Lawrence many of the hardy kinds do well. The river modifies the air. But six miles back, where I have my residence, from there to the Ottawa River, it is very trying on fruit trees and grape vines, only the hardiest trees and vines can be grown here with profit. I planted a few trees of those that were called very hardy, the Wealthy among them; planted three years. In the spring of 1885 they were all froze to the ground. All the grape vines I did not cover last fall were froze to the ground this last spring, the Concord not excepted. All grape vines here in winter must be covered, or they will freeze to death. I have travelled through the Eastern Townships for the past ten years, and have inquired about the longevity of certain trees that are called hardy. The Fameuse, they commence to die at eighteen or twenty years. Tallman about sixteen to eighteen years. Northern Spy fifteen years, and many hardy kinds nearly the same age. The Duchess of Oldenburg, they commence to die in the top at the age of twenty-eight. My native seedling, sweet, Golden apple, bore yearly, and died at the age of forty years. The original McIntosh is now over eighty years old, is still a good bearer, and bids fair for many years more. It will, I believe, outlive in Eastern Ontario four generations of the best hardy winter apple that is known on this Continent.

SLANTING GRAPE TRELLIS.

I can most strongly endorse Mr. Fuller’s system. (See Horticulturist for December, 1885, page 284.) I have three Clinton grape vines planted to hide the back of a lean-to shed. They bore very little fruit, the bunches were small, and always so mildewed they were not worth gathering. By accident the top shoots grew over and spread down the other side of the nearly flat roof, facing the north, until they half covered the surface, quite rotting the shingles. And now every year this slightly sloping roof is by the end of September one mass of beautiful dark-blue bunches. It is quite a sight to stand upon a ladder and look down at them. And though they are so close together, often in a tangled heap, lying one upon the other, flat upon the shingles, with no ventilation under them, they all ripen, and there is little or no mildew. My other grapes, on upright trellis in the open garden, are a complete failure. The situation near the Lake (Ontario) is too low and damp. A mile or two back, where the ground begins to rise, they succeed better. I take no pains with these grapes on the roof, never pruning them, only cutting out any dead wood occasionally. And, of course, they are never covered or protected in any manner.

With reference to page 211, Annual Report for 1884, I can fully recommend Mr. Beadle’s plan of making grape jelly or jam, adding the skins. We formerly threw away the skins with the stones, but it was always too thin. Now, by using the skins, it is much stiffer, and nicer to eat besides. Also it is much less trouble than one would think.

GRAPES IN LAMBTON COUNTY.

Dear Sir,—Your card, dated 12th November, re varieties of grapes grown in the open air in this section of country, was duly received, but sickness and deaths in my family prevented me from sooner attending to it, and left me in sorrow to look across that bourn from whence none return.

The arduous efforts put forth by yourself and other members of the “Ontario Fruit Growers’ Association,” in disseminating useful information respecting fruit raising, and cultivating a taste for the adornment of our homes, through the Canadian Horticulturist, merit the gratitude of all who sincerely desire the welfare of our country.

The cultivation of fruit is one of the most interesting pursuits that can engage the mind of man, furnishing an endless variety of objects for contemplation, exciting our wonder, and leading forth the soul in adoration of the providence, wisdom and goodness of the Almighty hand which bespangles the heavens with radiant orbs, and carpets the earth with living gems no less brilliant and wonderful. All is now locked in the cold embrace of winter, but with the beautiful flowers that spring up with the first impulse of spring, when all nature seems to teem with gladness, we are filled with adoration at the order and infinitude of His works, in which we see goodness, beauty and glory blended.

We place wreaths on the tombs of our departed loved ones, and cover their last abode with flowers. Why then should we not surround our earthly homes with Heaven’s buds, showing as they do the gorgeous colors of the rainbow, and reminding us of the amaranthine flowers of fadeless bloom which luxuriate in that land where “The wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.” In looking back a few years, it is gratifying to mark progress in this direction, to which yourself and co-workers have greatly contributed.

The grape is one of the most grateful and delicious of fruits. From the days of Noah, “who planted vineyards,” the vine has been the most universally cultivated of fruit bearing plants. The promised land was a land of wheat and barley and vines. Throughout the Bible the vine is represented as the emblem of fruitfulness and plenty, yielding, as it generally does, at an earlier age, and in greater profusion than most other fruits. Why then should it not be more extensively grown, seeing that so large an area of our Province, more especially along the borders of the lakes and large rivers, is so admirably suited for its cultivation?

Along the valley of Bear Creek, in the County of Lambton, the soil is very rich, and in many places capable of producing abundantly most fruits peculiar to our temperate zone, subject, however, to the drawback that the slight depression renders it more liable to summer frosts than where the ground is more elevated, or where the temperature may be modified by proximity to large bodies of water.

With the slight experience I have had in raising grapes in this section, I would place them, taking all things into consideration, in the following order of excellency:—

1. The Concord.—This popular variety succeeds well. The vine being healthy, vigorous and productive. The bunch of fair size, berries juicy and sweet, and ripening nearly two weeks earlier than the Isabella, which used to be the standard variety in this section. The vine is also hardier.

2. The Delaware is superior to the Concord in flavor as a table grape on account of its sweet aromatic taste, but the vine does not thrive so well on clay soils as the Concord, and is less vigorous.

3. The Eumelan is a hardy, prolific, and early variety, with a good sized bunch resembling the Clinton, to which it seems allied, only larger in bunch, and berry of a bluish black color, melting and sweet, with vinous flavor, and earlier than the two preceding varieties. Got the first vine from the Fruit Growers’ Association in 1870.

4. Clinton bears well every year, and the vine is hardy. In short, it is our best wine grape. Too acid for a table grape, but keeps well, and good for canning and cooking purposes.

5. Isabella, a healthy and productive variety, and with its large bunches and berries, one of the most profitable to cultivate, were it not that our seasons are too short for it, sometimes, to fully ripen before fall frosts. It is, however, likely to hold its place for some time amongst collections as an old friend.

6. Creveling ripens with the Hartford Prolific. Well flavored and berries large, but set irregularly on the bunch. Vine hardy.

7. Hartford Prolific.—Vine not as hardy as could be desired. Berries resemble the Isabella, but ripening much earlier; large, round and black.

8. Adirondac is somewhat tender, and the wood does not ripen well. Berries ripe before that of the Hartford Prolific, with a sweet and agreeable flavor.

The Catawba, in favorable situations, yields heavy crops, and in some years, but often requires more heat and longer summers to develop its flavor properly.

Pressure of business and advancing years have not allowed me to attend to the introduction of the many new varieties lately brought under notice, neither have the old standard kinds grown been attended with such assiduity and care as they deserved.

Wishing you every success in your laudable endeavors, through the Horticulturist, to propagate amongst the farmers of Ontario a deeper interest in fruit raising,

HORTICULTURAL DISAPPOINTMENTS.

Mr. Editor,—You invite all to contribute to the interest of the Horticulturist by giving their experience on fruit culture, &c. I don’t know as my experience will be of any interest to any one else, but I do know it has not been attended with pecuniary profit, at least, to myself. In the spring of 1884 I set out 5,000 Gregg Raspberry plants which made a fine growth, and notwithstanding the severe winter and their exposed position, they were not materially injured. The last season they made a vigorous growth, and I picked 1,400 quarts of fine fruit. In August some of the canes began to blight, turning a dark purple color, and the leaves falling off, and at the present time about 1,000 plants are destroyed, they kept going until winter set in. I have examined a number of the bushes, but have not succeeded in finding any insect in either the cane or root.

My Strawberry plants (of this year’s setting) shared about the same fate. Something eats the roots off about two inches below the surface of the ground. They commenced immediately after planting, and continued their work until winter. I could find nothing but an abundance of small ants in the soil. Whether they were the cause or not I could not ascertain. I have a small collection of grapes, raspberries, currants, &c., which have not fruited yet, on which I may report at another time. If any of your correspondents would enlighten me with regard to the trouble with my plants, or a remedy, they would confer a favor.

SMALL FRUITS IN CANADA AND MANITOBA.

Dear Sir,—The December Number of your valuable publication just received. Permit me to express to you the pleasure I have had in perusing carefully the numbers issued during this year. Every monthly issue contained many hints of great value to those who take an interest in horticulture either for pleasure or otherwise.

On my little farm close to this city small fruit was the past season a very large crop. In raspberries the “Souhegan” was a great success, the canes bearing an enormous quantity of fruit. The “Cuthbert” and “Gregg” also yielded abundantly, and are well deserving of favorable mention. All three varieties are very hardy.

This fall I had the pleasure of spending two months on the south side of Manitoba Lake, Province of Manitoba, and met a number of settlers in that section from Ontario, all well to do, and well pleased with the country, from whom I obtained glowing accounts of the richness of that neighborhood for wheat raising, stock raising, &c. They all have fine herds of Durham cattle, and have numbers of the animals registered in our “Canadian Short Horn Book,” and find ready sale for same. Westbourne Station and Post Office, on the Manitoba and North Western Railway, being only from three to five miles from their homes.

Small fruit, such as black currants, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries (high bush), grow wild in great quantities. Also three kinds of cherries and plums, all wild. All making delicious preserves. We were all highly delighted with our trip, and with the richness of the country from all stand points.

Wishing the “Fruit Growers’ Association” every success the coming new year,

PEAR-BLIGHT—GRAPE VINES—GOOSEBERRIES.

Dear Sir,—I have been much pleased with the Magazine so far. It contained a good deal of practical and useful information.

Blight.—Within the last two years I have lost several pear trees from 4 to 9 inches in diameter, Duchess, Bartlett, Rosteizer, Flemish Beauty, White Doyenne, Clapp’s, Louise Bonne de Jersey and Sheldon. I have 30 or 40 seedling pear trees from 8 to 10 years old. After fruiting I intend to graft in the top those not proving good, (probably all) the cause of so many pear trees dying, I think, over-manuring. I feel satisfied of this. I have lost none of the seedlings.

Grape-vines.—Two years ago my Concord grape vines on the wire trellis were killed and the Delaware was not damaged. This last winter my Delaware was killed and the Concord not hurt; the Hartford Prolific stood both winters; the Burnet grape got killed down; Moore’s Early died; the Eumelan kept killing down every year; about dead now. Downing and Houghton gooseberries have done very well, no mildew.

SLANTING GRAPE TRELLIS.

I see that there is one man after my own heart, as I have tried this plan for some years past, and find it does better than any other way. I put them about eighteen inches at bottom of vines and about three feet at top. The bunches all hang down between the vines. The sun does not strike so strong on the bunches as it does when up straight. When the sun strikes fully on the grapes it has a tendency to soften the skin, and for that reason they are not so good. And another reason I think it better, is the wind has no chance to break or tear the vines loose.

ORANGE QUINCE.

I may state that the Orange Quince flowered with me for the first time last year, and this is the first instance I know of its flowering in this neighborhood.

GRAPES AT BRUSSELS.

As far as I know the Concord is most generally grown. There have been a few Brighton and Worden planted, but they have not done very well. My own few are Concord, excepting one White Ann Arbor I got from ——, and it is like all that comes from him.

FRUIT REPORT FOR COUNTY OF LAMBTON FOR 1885.

Gentlemen,—I am pleased to be able to make the following report of the standard fruits and their culture for the year in our county. I still think that the first place, both in position and importance, should be given to

THE APPLE.

Our soils are in general admirably adapted for the successful growth of the apple, and, as a consequence, the planting of apple trees continues to be very large and very general. The time will come when this county will be noted among the noted counties for the production of very excellent apples. The crop this year was very large and very fine. It is impossible at present to gather the full statistics of the crop in barrels for the whole county, but as near as can be ascertained it is close in the neighborhood of 125,000 barrels, valued at $100,000, with the growth of the trees. And in this section alone the marketed crop was 40,500 barrels. This is a very large product, and represents $37,125 of positive income to our farmers and growers of this section alone. An item that they have not heretofore calculated much upon, as their apples formerly represented no particular value. But when the eager buyer comes into the orchard and offers of his own free will to take all their apples, both fall and winter fruit, and give them a good price for them right in their hand, it at once stamps the crop as a thing of real, positive value that is not to be trifled with. The great trouble has been that our people have planted too many varieties, but they are now gradually learning better through reading and observation, and are in their later plantings restricting themselves to fewer and those mostly standard winter sorts. One of the buyers told me to-day that our apple crop was by far larger and better than he had any conception of. That the worst apples to handle were Fall Pippins and Snows, and that he should strongly advise the farmers of this section to regraft many of their early ripening apple trees with hard winter sorts, and then our country would be one of the very best in which to pack apples for distant markets. The prices offered this year have been for fall apples 75c. per barrel, and for winter apples $1 per barrel; the purchaser to find the barrels and pack them, and the farmer to pick the apples and draw them to the market. About one third of the apples bought were fall, and brought in this section $10,125, and the other two-thirds being winter, brought $27,000, or a total of $37,125. The sorts mostly grown in the county have been, for summer, Early Harvest, Red Astrachan, Sweet Bough, Tetofsky, Early Joe, &c. These are used mostly for family purposes. For fall, almost everything is found in the section, but the best and most popular are Duchess of Oldenburg, Colvert, St. Lawrence, Maiden’s Blush, Fall Pippins, &c. But in young plantations the people run into the other extreme, and plant nothing but winter sorts to the exclusion of all others. For winter, Baldwin best of all, afterwards Northern Spy, Rhode Island Greening, American Golden Russet, Grimes’ Golden, Rambo, Snow, Tallman’s Sweet, Ben Davis, Yellow Bellflower, Seek-no-Further, Wagener, &c. When we consider the great value of the apple crop, it is quite clear that greater attention will annually be given to it, and the improvement in its management and culture will be very marked. The question of overstocking the market has been brought up, the farmers at first not liking the prices offered for their apples, but when the net proceeds are considered they are better reconciled, and appear perfectly pleased with the bargain. The buyers have lost a little on their investments in soft sorts or fall apples, and they will in the future be shy at offering for them, except for home markets, as foreign shipment is found to be very unsatisfactory. They say the only alternative is for farmers to regraft to harder and better shipping sorts. But on the whole I assure you that this year, with farm produce of all kinds so low in price, and business so dull, and money so hard to get, the apple crop has been a great boon, and coming in so easily without any special outlay it has helped very much; as some of them say, they do not know what they would have done without it.

THE PEAR

Is rapidly growing to be a very interesting variety of hardy and delicious fruit, and our people are more and more appreciating its real value. It so happens that in this county we have very much excellent soil, perfectly adapted to successful growth of pear trees and pears. We have many acres of strong alluvial clay loams that, when well under-drained, make the very best soils to produce good pears. And even if these should be found to be too stimulating so as to produce the much dreaded fungus known as blight, yet we are not stopped in our efforts or daunted in our prospects. We have along the whole course of the beautiful River Aux Sable, traversing our county, many fine locations, splendidly well drained clay hills of immense fertility, that will produce pear wood in slower growths and perfectly free from all fungus attacks or blights. These can, and no doubt will in the near future, become utilized for these and similar purposes in many broad acres. There is nothing but lack of enterprise to hinder us from using these splendid soils of ours and producing pears at least equal, if not greatly superior, to the far-famed regions of Lockport and Rochester, N.Y. The crop this season has been very large, and prices at one time fell quite low for such fine fruit as was offered. The Bartlett and the Flemish Beauty are still the great staple pears of this section, and there is more of these produced then all others together. They are so hardy in the tree, so fine in the fruit, and so productive, that everybody desires to plant them, and will do so with the greatest assurance of the best results in the basket. The trees planted are mostly standards, on pear roots, but few dwarfs are used. Besides these old and well known sorts, a few White Doyenne, Clapp’s Favorite, Louise Bonne de Jersey, and Seckel are grown. But this last, though of the highest quality, is too small for the market, and consequently not popular amongst growers. The pears known as Beurre pears are some of them very fine and of excellent quality. We this year fruited Beurre Clairgeau, and are very much pleased with it as a fine, showy pear of excellent quality. We fruited also the pear known as Dr. Reeder, a middling sized, high flavored pear, that will successfully take the place of Seckel, and the bearing qualities of the tree are immense. As the knowledge and fine tastes of our people are annually cultivated up to better standards, so there will be no lack of pears and other fine and delicious fruits to gratify these improved tastes and demands.

THE PLUM.

The conditions of soil and climate for successful plum culture are similar to those for the pear, and a good pear region is a good plum region. There are, however, some difficulties to plum culture, outside of climate and soil, that we do not know how to cope with. A few years ago we could raise plums in almost any quantity, and nothing injurious seemed to affect them or the trees, but unfortunately it is not so now. The fruit is attacked by the destroying insect, and what is worse, the trees are attacked by the deadly fungus, and dies before our eyes, and no helpful hand is offered to cheer us in our despondency. Our only relishable repasts of plums is now in the recollection how we used to feast upon them, and the fine crocks of luscious preserves our mothers used to put away for our winter’s entertainment. In some favored sections, however, the plum was raised this season in tolerably plentiful quantities. Favored spots on the lake shore, and well sheltered and properly exposed locations elsewhere, made some fine showings, and partly supplied the home demand. Up north, in our neighboring county, the crop was simply enormous, and these plums came down by every express. There is only one other fruit, viz., the peach, that will supply the demand for plums; but this year there being no peaches, every plum near was studiously looked up. The varieties most popular are the green plums, as Imperial Gage, and other Gages, and the Lombard. The larger plums are very desirable, but these old and smaller sorts pay the best. I think the only proper resource open for us to successfully grow plums, as also pears and peaches, is “the selection of proper locations and conditions.”

THE INDUSTRY GOOSEBERRY.

I think that I recognize an old Friend in the Industry Gooseberry and in my school-days all the other kinds in my father’s garden were safe while any fruit remained on it. But the name is new. We called it Red Jacket. I will send you a piece of wood and bark from one of my dead apple trees to see if the cause is known to you. Had several die the last season, some that had been bearing.

PEARS, PLUMS, AND CHERRIES.

Sir,—To my experience with apple trees in November number, 1885, page 249, I may add a little with other fruit trees. I have tried one each of three varieties of pears, the Bartlett, Flemish Beauty and Lawrence, but they all died of blight. The two first named died the first summer. The Lawrence stood it for about three years. In the spring of 1883, I planted one each of three varieties of plums, the Yellow Egg, Yellow Gage and Imperial Gage. They were all killed to the snow line the first winter. At the same time I planted one Early Richmond Cherry, which seems to be pretty hardy so far. I have two plum trees eight years planted which are hardy, although their leaves fell rather early this fall. I have a Green Gage tree the same age, which will neither die nor do well living. It freezes back every winter, and bears about half a dozen plums each summer.

EXPERIMENTS WITH STRAWBERRIES.

1. I took 285 baskets of Wilson Strawberries last summer from 90 square yards of ground. The plants were set in April, 1883, in rows 2½ feet apart. Simply kept clean and slabs laid between the rows this last season. From the same 90 yards I took 21 bushels of Globe Mangels between the rows, some of which took a prize at the Great Northern Exhibition in Collingwood in 1884.

2. This year (1885) I have tried a plot three rods by five on the same plan. The proceeds were 60 baskets of strawberries and 65 bushels of roots, about half mangels and half Belgian carrots, leaving the ground well covered with strawberry vines for next year’s crop.

THE TREE BEAN.

From one bean-stalk called the “Tree Bean” from Burpee’s, Philadelphia, in 1884, I gathered 450 beans. From the 450 I raised this year twenty pounds some ounces of beans—over an Imperial peck by measurement.

NOVA SCOTIA APPLES.

Dr. Hoskins, of Newport, Vermont, three or four years ago gave the same kind of notice about a seedling apple that you give from Mr. C. E. Brown. I sent to Dr. Hoskins, as directed in the Rural. He forwarded some “scions.” This season I had one apple upon one of them. It ripened in September, was ten and a half inches in circumference, weighed 8½ ounces, beautiful in shape and color, and delightful in taste. Some who tasted it declared it excelled a peach.

REPORTS ON PLANTS RECEIVED.

I have been taking the Horticulturist for three years, and I am well pleased with it. I think the Report of the F. G. A. worth the subscription price, without saying anything about the premiums we get every year.

The premiums so far have done very well. Moore’s Early Grape-vine fruited this last season, and fine fruit it has, both in size and flavour, besides ripening early. The Prentiss has grown vigorously and will likely fruit next year.

I am sorry to say that both the Worden and Prentiss were winter-killed last winter, though they did nicely the year before. The Fay’s Prolific Currant seems to be growing well.

I received Fay’s Prolific Currant from you last spring, and it is as large now as one I got a year ago that cost me $1. I was much pleased with the manner it came to hand, done up in apple-pie order.

My Catalpa tree grew very nicely last summer, but I am afraid it will not stand the winter, as the first hard frost killed the top for about four inches; but I have wound it well to protect it.

The Fay’s Currant which I received from the Association last spring grew remarkably well and seemed to be worm-proof, because when my other currant bushes were covered with worms the Fay’s did not show one.

Spirea prunifolia was so well protected by snow that it flowered a little this last summer. The Worden Grape is dead. The Catalpa grew well last summer. How it will get through the winter is doubtful.

The Fay’s Prolific Currant has grown very nicely. I planted it in rich clay soil.

The Prentiss Grape I received in 1884 got frozen to the ground last winter, and made a very poor growth this summer. Fay’s Currant that I received in 1885 grew very well.

My Catalpa did nicely. Its growth is three feet and one inch. It has beautiful foliage. My Niagara Raspberry got killed back about one third down by the frost last winter, but there was a fine crop of very large berries. I am very much pleased with them.

The Fay’s Currant did very well with me, and I hope that it will give me a sample of its fruit this coming season.

The Catalpa I received last year has grown very well. I planted it in a grass plot, and gave it no special care.

The Hardy Catalpa grew well and promises to be a very ornamental tree. The Prentiss Grape-vine sent me in 1884 has made but little growth.

Fay’s Prolific Currant that I got last spring did well. The Niagara Raspberry that I got in 1884 sent one fine shoot out. This spring it was killed to the ground, but the root sent out three fine shoots, which I will protect if I can from the winter.

The Dahlia which was sent me last spring came to hand in good time and in good condition. It bore a number of large and beautiful double blossoms, and gave me a number of tubers for next year’s planting. My land is a sandy loam.

My Catalpa has grown very well. Some of the leaves were nearly 6 in. long by 4 in. broad. It sent out three branches—two grew about a foot long, and the other 8 inches. My Canadian Baldwin Apple is alive, and has done well considering the chance it got. Last winter was very severe; some of my neighbors lost 90 out of a 100 trees planted, and others not quite so bad.

The trees and plants I got all came in good order and did well, the Gladiolus excepted. I think my soil must be too heavy and cold. It made poor progress the first year, and failed altogether the second.

The Ontario Apple is quite at home here and quite hardy. It had just one apple on it last year, but the codlin moth found it out and it fell prematurely, so I could not know its size or flavor. The Saunders’ Raspberry has grown well, and is a great bearer; but the fruit is small and the color is uninviting.

You wish all subscribers to report success on what they have received as premiums. The first I had was Moore’s Early Grape; last year was the third season it blossomed, but as yet no fruit. I expect next season to be able to report on the fruit.

The next was the Worden. I had a few bunches. They were good—I can recommend them as a good grape.

The Fay Currant is growing well. I had it last season. Should it bear this year I will report on it.

The Burnet Grape-vine bore a full crop this year. A great many of the bunches had two kinds of grapes on—one small, without seeds, sweet and luscious; the other large, with one or two seeds, and not so sweet as the small ones.

The Beurre Clairigeau Pear fruited the first time this year; the fruit was fine looking, large in size, with a fine red cheek, in quality good.

The Bloodgood bore the first time this year. In appearance much like the Seckel, near twice as large, but not so sweet.

The Beurre D’Anjou Pear Tree is a fine looking tree; it has not been touched with blight, yet it bears every year.

Sir,—As you have solicited reports I will endeavor to give mine. Bad as it is, it may benefit someone. I have received Burnet Grape, but have not got one good bunch. The Saunders’ Raspberry is too sour, but crops well. Moore’s Early Grape is doing very well. Senasqua died out. I have planted the Prentiss, Pocklington, Lindley, Massasoit, Delaware, Brighton, Worden, Burnet and Jefferson on the south side of greenhouse, lean to, carrying them through the wall one foot from the ground into the inside, running them under glass, English fashion. They have done well under the circumstances, as they were entirely smashed up on the 7th of June by hail, both inside and out—all trees and market garden crops included. What trees are not dead will die yet, at least some of them. Now for a little experience. Raspberries completely stripped, broke again and carried a nice little crop in September. Peonies broke and flowered in August, also Delphinium. I will report on grapes in the house, God willing, next year.

Dear Sir,—As you want reports on premium plants and trees sent out by the Association, I will give you a report of the premiums I have received since I became a member in 1878. The Burnet Grape-vine, received that year, is still living, although is has been badly killed back the past two or three winters, owing to insufficient protection. It will not stand the winter here without a covering of snow or earth. Where I have mine planted the snow drifted off. I got a few bunches of fruit from it three years ago, but none since. Moore’s Early was a weak grower, and after two years I moved it to another place, thinking it might do better; but something ate the buds as fast as they came out, and that finished it. I have not tried any other grape. The Ontario Apple was too tender on my grounds. The Wealthy was injured badly last winter. The new Russian with the jaw-breaking name did not grow very strong. Saunders’ Raspberry did very well at the first, but was badly injured the past two winters. Niagara also winter-kills badly with me. The Deutzia crenata is a rather weak grower, but has not had much cultivation.

BOOKS, &c., RECEIVED.

Alden’s Library Magazine is quite the peer of the great $4 monthlies, in the amount and high quality of the literature which it presents, though its cost is only the nominal sum of $1.50 a year. Among the contents are articles by such noted authors as Canon Farrar, Max Muller, the Bishop of Carlisle, Cardinal Newman, Philip Schaff, and others. This magazine ought to have a circulation of a hundred thousand. You can get a specimen from the publisher, John B. Alden, New York, for 15 cents.

“Elia” and Charles Lamb.—A unique genius, that of Charles Lamb. Just like nothing that ever appeared before them, or has since appeared, are the quaint and delightful “Essays of Elia,” a new edition of which has recently been issued by Alden, “The Literary Revolution,” publisher of New York. Turn to any of your cyclopedias and they will tell you that Charles Lamb was one of the most charming essayists that the English language has ever known, and also that his “Essays of Elia” are the choicest of his works. They are not merely the first work of their class, but, like “Pilgrim’s Progress” and “Robinson Crusoe,” they constitute a class by themselves. The volume is certainly one of the most delightful of the books described in Mr. Alden’s 148-page illustrated catalogue, which he offers to send for 4 cents, or the 16-page catalogue which is sent free. Address, John B. Alden, Publisher, New York City.

The Toronto News is published by Edmund E. Sheppard, daily and weekly. The weekly is now offered at one dollar a year, and with it he gives to each subscriber a dollar’s worth of books FREE. The list from which choice may be made comprises over thirty books, and the prices quoted are the lowest published rates. Subscribers can select from this list such as they may prefer to the value of one dollar at the prices quoted. Surely no one need be without instructive and entertaining reading matter on such terms as these. He further offers to send the daily News for three months and the weekly for the remaining nine months of this year, and books to be selected from this list to the value of one dollar and seventy-five cents, for the sum of one dollar and seventy-five cents. Mr. Sheppard assures us that these unusual offers will be carried out to the letter. No doubt they will, but the profit on such transactions must be microscopical.

The Transactions of the American Horticultural Society for the year 1885, are replete with most valuable papers. The one on Cranberry culture by Mr. Augur is most instructive, pointing out in concise terms the essentials to success in the cultivation of this fruit, and that on Fungoid diseases of the Strawberry by F. S. Earle, is a most valuable contribution to our knowledge. The effect of the pollen of different varieties of strawberry upon the size and form of the berries of pistillate varieties is ably discussed in a paper on the fertilization of the Strawberry by C. M. Merwin. A most exhaustive paper on the native Grapes of North America is well worth the cost of the whole, which may be had by remitting two dollars to Mr. W. H. Ragan, the Secretary, at Greencastle, Indiana: or better yet, by remitting $2.30 secure Vols. I., II. and III.

The American Agriculturist for January announces that it enters upon the new year under unusually auspicious circumstances. The old editorial force, who have been connected with that periodical for periods, running up to a quarter of a century, has received further accessions in Dr. F. M. Hexamer, so long the editor of the “American Garden,” and Mr. Chester P. Dewey, a writer of national reputation, and Mr. Seth Green, the noted Fish Culturist. The illustrations, of which there are a very large number, represent noted horses, cattle, pigs, cows, new fruits, new potatoes, designs for new buildings, farm conveniences, household conveniences, fruits, flowers, etc. There are nearly one hundred original articles. The Household and Childrens’ Department abound in illustrations, while several new frauds are exposed in the Humbug Department. Price, $1.50 per year; single numbers, 15 cents. Address, American Agriculturist, 751 Broadway, New York.

AN EXTENSIVE FRUIT FARM.

The London Garden says that Lord Sudeley is the only land owner in England who has taken up fruit farming in a thorough and business-like manner. He has already planted 500 acres, and 200 more will be at once added. This 700-acre fruit garden is not like McKinstry’s 300-acre fruit orchard on the Hudson, or some of the 500-acre peach orchards at the South. It takes up no fruit as a specialty, but embraces the whole catalogue of large and small fruits. It is situate in the northern part of Gloucestershire, some forty or fifty miles north-east of Bristol, and cannot but be well situated for market, in that full arrangements are made to consume the whole of the fruit in home manufacture. Although only four years have elapsed since planting, 10 tons of strawberries were raised last year, and it is expected that 100 tons will be grown the coming season.

Our readers may judge of the miscellaneous character of the selections when informed that the plantation includes 3,000 trees of the best sorts of apples, 800 pears, 32,000 plums, including 9,000 damsons, 50 acres of black currants, 100 acres of strawberries, and 60 acres of raspberries. The gooseberry bushes number 130,000, the black currants number over 200,000. It is probable, we think, that experience will cut down the lists of some of the fruits, such, for instance, as the 44 different kinds of plums, and the 45 different varieties of the gooseberry.

Shelter belts are regarded as important, and such quick-growing sorts as poplars and Scotch firs have been placed around the plantation to shelter it from prevailing winds. Beds of osiers have been planted along the margin of a stream and have succeeded so well that the addition of 10 acres will supply all the materials for the baskets needed on the estate. A nursery for raising trees and bushes has been formed, where standards, pyramids and bushes of all sorts are grown, trained and worked, and the owner is thus sure of obtaining what he wants. It will thus be seen that this is a complete establishment within itself, including the raising of the trees and plants for setting out, the manufacture of the baskets for the fruit, and the finishing preparation of the fruit itself in jars for market. Such a plantation as this, with the great number of laborers which it must profitably employ, affords a favorable contrast to the large domains kept only for hunting grounds.—Country Gentleman.

PRUNUS SIMONI.

This new plum is a native of Northern China. Eugene Simon, when French Consul at Pekin, sent specimens of it to the French Jardin des Plantes, whence it was disseminated. Prof. Budd has, through his writings in the Prairie Farmer, probably done more to introduce this new fruit to the American public than any other person. In the issue of June 17th, 1884, he said: “Beyond all reasonable doubt this tree will prove a valuable ornamental and fruit tree on the prairies, wherever it will endure our winters. The young trees bore the past test winter on the College farm far better than our apple trees of the hardiness of Ben Davis. * * * In all respects this is a botanical curiosity. In color of bark, and in all points, except the net veining and color of leaves, it resembles the peach. In appearance the fruit more closely resembles a flattish, smooth, brick-red tomato, than any of our stone fruits, yet in smell and flavor it approaches very near the Nectarine.”

Under date of Oct. 14, the Professor writes to the Prairie Farmer: The time has come when we can form a correct estimate of the hardiness of tree, and relative value of fruit of this unique Chinese tree. But our experience is yet too limited to guess at its habits of bearing on varied soils, or the status of its fruit for market purposes. . . . The favorable notes of the writer and others have been written to encourage its trial in a small way, but some of our propagators have quoted from them in such a way as to raise undue expectations on the part of planters. . . . With our brief experience at the West, its claims to public attention are: (1) In tree and fruit it is a queer mingling of the nectarine and apricot, and interesting as a neat, round topped tree for the lawn, aside from its value for fruit. (2) It is hardier than the peach, but possibly not quite as hardy as the Russian apricot now claiming public attention. (3) On the northern border of the peach belt it makes the best trees and bears best when top-worked on the Miner plum. (4) The fruit has the size and smoothness of the nectarine, with the appearance and color of an old-fashioned, flattened plum tomato. For dessert use the fruit has a peculiar flavor and aroma when perfectly ripened in a dry climate, which many like, but others may dislike. In Eastern France, where it was first introduced, it is liked best for culinary use, and I suspect this will be our experience. . . . That the Prunus Simoni will take the place of the peach, nectarine, and best Apricots—in sections where the latter succeed perfectly—we need not believe, but that it is worthy of trial on the north borders of the peach belt we have best reasons for believing.—Prairie Farmer.

SNOW-DROP.

The first flower of spring is the delicate Snow-Drop, white as snow. Its appearance about the first of March is a joyful surprise. The bulbs are quite small; the leaves and flowers about six inches in height. Plant in the fall, in beds or masses of a dozen or more, about two inches apart, and about the same depth. They are very desirable for growing in pots, etc., in the house in winter. A dozen may be planted in quite a small pot or saucer. A few planted on the lawn produces a fine effect early in the spring, and mowing will not destroy the bulbs, for the leaves will ripen so early that they will be pretty well matured before the grass will need cutting. Perfectly hardy, and bulbs can remain several years without removal.

The Snow-Flake, (Leucojum,) is sometimes called the Large Snow-Drop, from its resemblance to this delicate flower. It is much larger, and more robust in habit. Flowers white, with bright green spots. Once planted it manages to take care of itself. This does not flower until later in the season. It flowers well in the house.—Vick’s Floral Guide.

Moore’s Early Grape.—We desire to speak a word or so in favor of Moore’s Early. A more perfectly healthy vine has never been raised at the Rural Grounds. The Concord bears larger bunches, but the average size of the bunches of Moore’s Early is larger than the average size of the Concord’s, while the size of the berry is decidedly larger. The quality is much the same. Moore’s Early ripens at least ten days earlier than the Concord, and the bunches ripen more uniformly.—Rural New Yorker.

Climbing Honey Suckles.—Two good climbing honeysuckles are the old fashioned Dutch monthly and Hall’s Japanese. The first was known to our grandmothers, although rarely seen now. It has no odor, but the nankeen yellow of its open flowers is always pleasing. Hall’s honeysuckle is a more recent introduction, and one of the best of the many good things Japan has sent us. The flowers are abundant, beautiful and fragrant, and last until frost, while the leaves persist much longer. There is no better vine for a trellis, or screen, against unsightly objects.—Philadelphia Press.

Subscriptions Received in December:—J. Mann, J. Stacey, J. Tucker, R. Krik, Mrs. J. Christie, A. Reid, R. B. Thornton, A. Russell, Mrs. E. Mans, J. Mitchell, A. Battersby, J. Wanless, W. Thompson, D. Robertson, Mrs. Burnham, Z. Burnham, W. W. Dunlop, Mrs. H. G. Bescoby, S. D. Woodruff, W. Hanson, P. Nellis, P. Grant, G. H. Fawkes, J. B. Mercer, W. Dickson, A. D. Ferrier, R. McMahon, G. Taylor, J. B. Aylsworth, W. Copeland, F. Farncomb, W. J. McCalla, T. H. Watt, G. Wilgress, S. Reesor, R. W. Bass, E. C. Scarlett, L. H. Kirkley, A. Harrington, C. J. Pearse, C. C. Bower, Mrs. H. J. Finkle, J. W. Canfield, J. Maughan, J. Weir, C. H. Peterson, W. S. Gamsby, O. J. Phelps, W. Freel, W. Wilson, J. Goldie, T. Fuguson, W. Ausley, R. T. Raynes, A. O. O’Shaughnessy, J. Witting, J. Pickers, W. O. Duncan, R. Hobbs, W. S. Thompson, L. G. Little, D. Shoff, W. Mather, W. H. McNab, W. Murry, W. Glen Airslow, S. Hunter, D. McGregor, T. J. Moorehouse, B. S. Beley, W. E. Sherwood, F. Edwards, T. S. McLeod, G. W. Lount, A. McRae, J. Edwards, E. D. Morton, E. S. Lally, H. Bird, W. Raikes, D. Farguharson, C. Hickling, C. H. Ross, E. H. Williams, P. F. Ewan, G. Lane, J. Rogers, G. Ottaway, A. H. Bodwell, W. Suggett, A. Black, R. McIntosh, J. A. F. McBain, J. P. Williams, J. D. Roberts, W. A. Cumning, G. H. Chandler, J. E. Browne, J. Stonehouse, A. Limoges, J. L. Thompson, J. Houseman, A. Valient, A. O. Norton, D. Grant, T. Beall, J. McMillan, J. Knowlson, W. Martyn, D. Lack, W. Foley, W. M. Robson, Rev. J. Greener, J. Rickaby, O. O’Leary, A. Hudspeth, M. Londergan, M. Crawford, J. Little, J. S. Falconer, W. A. Close, W. Clark, J. A. Clark, H. Bodwell, W. S. Forbes, D. B. Hoover, W. E. Taylor, W. Taylor, J. Graham, R. B. Blake, H. B. Bock, E. Fysh, J. Robertson, D. Fleming, E. B. Lefroy, H. Robertson, M. McDonald, R. Scott, J. W. Millar, B. Cole, J. C. Quinn, D. Smith, W. H. Trevorrow, A. R. Narraway, J. Ferrier, G. Miller, C. H. Sheffield, W. Fulby, C. J. Fox, Miss Brettal, J. W. Sharpe, A. Bye, A. C. Sloane, F. Holmstead, Jas. Scott, R. Cameron, Dr. Colman, J. Fairlay, J. Hislop, R. Moon, J. Rickaby, A. A. Gainsby, G. A. Jacobs, M. E. Stanway, T. Dewhurst, S. J. Jackson, G. Bunday, J. Cowherd, W. Campbell, R. Gillies, A. Chapman, J. Riley, R. McLagan, F. Brenton, N. B. Young, W. A. Tye, J. Siddons, W. Barnhouse, J. H. Heard, C. Livingston, H. Glendinning, G. Dougless, G. Smith, Dr. Gillespie, Mrs. M. McGill, J. McGill, J. Wilson, W. Wattam, F. Foyston, R. Kennedy, G. Forster, W. Ness, W. Beatly, H. Primrose, Miss Johnston, Mrs. G. Andrews, J. Donahue, J. Wright, W. Farmer, G. E. Fisher, H. Thornton, F. French, J. Goble, jun., E. Cox, P. James, I. Goble, Mrs. J. Gowan, J. M. McAinsh E. Pickell, J. Gibson, W. P. Taylor, G. C. White, W. Park, W. B. Hill, H. J. Taylor, W. F. Ross, W. H. McClive, A. Wagar, W. Hood, J. Keith, J. Corneil, S. A. McMurtry, Dr. Herriman, J. H. Sootheran, S. Perrin, A. Coates, H. H. McLatchie, J. Laing, F. W. Porter, T. Manchester, J. Lambert, A. Walker, J. Phillips, W. Turville, B. V. Elliott, G. Elliott, W. Knight, A. Saunders, M. Armstrong, L. Cross, W. B. Gilleland, R. Griffiths, W. Ker, A. Strother, T. W. Woodruff, C. Vanderburg, G. Law, F. Hutt, C. H. Biggar, J. Lockie, R. Trotter, J. Hall, K. Webster, R. Wrightman, G. Mitter, J. B. Smith, A. Stewart, R. Berford, W. Doig, S. Eccles, Miss Ermatinger, P. Jarvis, J. Cockburn, P. Hunter, J. Croil, J. H. Croil, J. R. Ault, Dr. Ault, J. Craimer, J. Dafoe, Shaver, J. Dafoe, H. Smith, Bradfield Bros., F. Selleck, W. McKenzie, S. Cook, L. Tom, A. Vaullan, I. G. Weagant, L. W. Howard, J. H. Meike, W. Colquhoure, J. Lidle, Miss J. Leitch, W. M. Park, J. H. Marshall, R. Vallance, G. Robertson, W. C. Baillie, G. Markell, G. R. Moss, Jas. Croil, H. Fowler, A. W. Croil, E. Cook, J. P. Frette, W. Bradford, W. B. Hunter, J. H. Thom, J. H. Wismer, D. McDonald, W. Woodrow, R. W. Camochan, E. W. Ryerse, A. J. Wright, J. K. Gordon, A. Hunter, W. Henderson, J. Davidson, J. Pickering, D. Goldie, W. Sloan, Judge Davids, L. A. Grison, R. Freeman, J. Ashworth, J. C. Lemieux, B. Powell, W. P. Anderson, G. Hay, J. Hope, F. P. French, P. E. Bucke, T. Millar, G. Smith, J. Dewar, H. J. Clark, F. Edwards, W. Hicks, W. Turley, D. C. Brady, Mrs. F. Brierly, R. Hamilton, F. Elvins, A. McClatchie, E. Minter, M. O. Dempsey, A. L. Green, Mrs. A. Herbet, J. Aris, W. Scott, C. Scott, A. L. MacLellan, F. J. Wheeler, A. Dickson, J. H. Boyle, L. B. Lewis, A. Gray, E. C. Beman, E. Morden, J. Wade, W. Drummond, W. Rutherford, G. Arnold, J. K. Master, F. G. Hayne, C. Bull, I. Balkwill, J. Bourne, R. King, sen., E. Justice, T. D. McConkey, J. R. Cottes, W. Boys, J. Lea, W. Leiper, Dr. W. C. Adams, J. Jury, J. Forrester. C. Sharrand, W. Thomson, G. Drinkwater, G. Chesman, W. Norris, Col. Skill, J. B. Howell, S. Acton, J. S. G. Watson, J. Smith, J. Stewart, J. B. Hughes, C. M. Taylor, S. Snyder, W. Lockie, G. Matthews, J. Calvert, S. Metherill, J. W. Reid, E. Lawder, Mech. Institute, J. M. Waters, S. G. Russell, J. Chisholm, Hon. A. Videl, E. A. Videl, G. J. Randell, Mrs. E. W. Murphy, Head Gardener at Reformatory, W. P. Band, F. Champion, J. C. Gilroy, J. B. Hall, W. McEwan, G. Odell, G. Bowditch, J. Ormnston, W. Carr, J. Lyndsay, J. Anderson, W. Heaver, G. Stranchan, W. Gray, J. Cross, D. Coghill, A. Newton, W. Newton, S. Keefer, J. Bell, F. G. George, W. J. Dick, G. Faldreine, R. J. Dunlop, W. Breden, J. M. Dunlop, W. H. Reed, W. T. Lee, E. Worthington, Mrs. W. McKensie, S. H. Kerfoot, Mr. Fowler, H. H. Ardagh, J. Buchan, Rev. T. Coleman, Hon. Mrs. Lambert, P. H. Good, A. McIntosh, G. Hallen, E. Hallen, W. Warnock, J. Newhall, W. Hunter, Rev. C. R. Mathew, J. Stewart, J. Bissell, W. H. Mills, G. W. Sandiland, G. Skinner, A. S. D. Hill, J. Goldie, J. Filiahault, A. C. McDonald, J. Worthington, R. Benny, J. Jeffrey, Mr. Beltz, Mr. Beddome, John Summers, Mr. Warner, Col. Shanleey, Mr. McBeth, Sheriff Glass, F. Rowland, E. A. Taylor, C. E. Brydges, J. Newman, J. S. Pearse, Mr. Matheson, J. Simmons, M. D. Frazer, H. Hascott, Mr. Cleghorn, J. Griffith, G. Complin, J. Hargrave, G. Davey, J. Bowman, Mr. McBroom, W. J. McGee, J. Labatt, B. F. Cronyn, W. M. Moore, J. H. Williams, Sheriff Perry, H. P. Brown, W. H. Eakins, H. Parker, T. H. Parker, R. Switzer, G. N. Switzer, W. Switzer, J. A. Camirand, C. Jacklire, R. C. Hipwell, G. Millar, J. Orton, G. L. Kent, J. Hawke, T. Mulcah, A. Ronald, J. Stewart, J. Stephen, W. Tenant, J. Gibbard, W. L. Bennett, H. Wightman, H. DeLong, J. P. Cockburn, C. J. Harris, Miss M. W. Harris, G. Tooley, J. G. Warren, A. LaCourse, C. H. Peterson, A. J. Collins, J. P. Bucke.

PRINTED AT THE STEAM PRESS ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COPP, CLARK COMPANY (LIMITED), TORONTO.

Misspelled words and printer errors have been corrected. Where multiple spellings occur, majority use has been employed.

[The end of The Canadian Horticulturist, Vol. 9, No. 2, edited by D. W. (Delos White) Beadle.]

1.—	Gardens and lawns in city and country.
2.—	Fences; the best and cheapest of the future, or should they be abolished.
3.—	Ornamental trees and shrubs and forest trees, and hedges for protection and shade.
4.—	Tree planting on streets, road sides and school grounds.
5.—	Nut bearing trees suitable for this section.
6.—	Black-knot on plum and cherry trees, its cause, prevention and cure.
7.—	Curculio and insect pests in general.
8.—	Grapes, early and best varieties for cultivation in this section.
9.—	Peaches and cherries, earliest and best varieties for cultivation in this section.
10.—	Gooseberries, currants, raspberries and strawberries, earliest and best varieties for cultivation in this section.
11.—	Pears, best varieties for home use and commercial purposes.
12.—	Apples, best varieties for export.
13.—	Quince, varieties and cultivation.
14.—	Plums, culture and best varieties for this section.
15.—	Cranberries and huckleberries; would it pay to cultivate?
16.—	Vegetables, the best and most profitable varieties of cabbage, cauliflower, celery, peas, beans, corn, asparagus, turnips, potatoes, etc.; how to grow them and destroy the noxious insects to which potatoes and the cabbage tribe are subject.
17.—	Floriculture, amateur.
18.—	Fertilizers best for clay and heavy clay loam soils.
19.—	Drainage, relation to fruit growing.
20.—	Fruit, proper method of packing and keeping.

The Canadian Horticulturist.

THE VARIEGATED-LEAVED WEIGELA.

PREMIUMS FOR 1886.

THE WINTER MEETING

PROGRAMME OF SUBJECTS.

CHERRIES FOR THE NORTHWEST.

PREMIUMS FOR OBTAINING NEW SUBSCRIBERS.

WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY OF US.

QUESTION DRAWER.

PIGEON DUNG.

BINDING OF THE REPORTS.

WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY.

RASPBERRY GROWING AT OWEN SOUND.

PEARS AND BLIGHT.

SELECTION OF LOCATIONS

REPORT ON PREMIUM SEEDS.

GRAPES AT COLLINGWOOD.

FAILURE OF GRAPE VINES—WHY?

FRUIT TREES AND GRAPE VINES IN EASTERN ONTARIO.

BLACK KNOT

DEAD SPOT ON TREES.

SLANTING GRAPE TRELLIS.

GRAPES IN LAMBTON COUNTY.

HORTICULTURAL DISAPPOINTMENTS.

SMALL FRUITS IN CANADA AND MANITOBA.

PEAR-BLIGHT—GRAPE VINES—GOOSEBERRIES.

SLANTING GRAPE TRELLIS.

ORANGE QUINCE.

GRAPES AT BRUSSELS.

FRUIT REPORT FOR COUNTY OF LAMBTON FOR 1885.

THE APPLE.

THE PEAR

THE PLUM.

THE INDUSTRY GOOSEBERRY.

PEARS, PLUMS, AND CHERRIES.

EXPERIMENTS WITH STRAWBERRIES.

THE TREE BEAN.

NOVA SCOTIA APPLES.

REPORTS ON PLANTS RECEIVED.

BOOKS, &c., RECEIVED.

AN EXTENSIVE FRUIT FARM.

PRUNUS SIMONI.

SNOW-DROP.

The Canadian
Horticulturist.