ALBERT R. MANN LIBRARY AT CORNELL UlNJTVERSrrY Cornell University Library SB 115.V63 Vick's flower and vegetable garden. Vicks 3 1924 003 700 063 \^^^y/ Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003700063 "^L ^1 ^ The Culture of Flowers is one of the few pleasures that improves alike the mind and the heart, and makes eA'ery true lover of these beautiful creations of Infinite Love wiser and purer and nobler. It teaches industry, patience, faith and hope. We plant and sow in hope, and patiently wait with faith in the rain- bow promise that harvest shall never fail. It is a pleasure that brings no pain, a sweet without a snare. True, some fail to realize their hopes, but these failures are usually partial, never embarrass- ing, and are only such as teach us to study more carefully and obey more strictly nature's beautiful laws. Thus we gain, first, wisdom, and then success as the results even of our failures. I have endeavored in a plain and pleasant way to give some sug- gestions on the philosophy of vegetation that I think will prove valuable, revealing the causes of past failures and insuring future success. Indeed, I have endeavored in the pages of the Flower Garden to make the subject so plain as to render failure next to impossible, and ■success almost certain. Experience, however, is the great teacher. The book of nature is -open, but its wonderful beauties and mysteries are revealed only to the careful student. Every -species of plants have peculiarities which must be studied, and while we can give a few general principles we can furnish nothing that will compensate for the pleasure and profit to be derived from work and study in the garden. Aljove all things, we caution our readers against •over-confidence. There is no one with less confidence in his own skill and knowledge than the experienced gardener. Eveiy season he seeks for new facts ; eveiy year adds to his store •of knowledge. Do not, for a moment, think that the jrarchase of a few seeds and the perusal of any work on flower culture will make a florist. The purchase of a drug store and a medical library will not make a physician, nor does the possession of paints and canvas constitute an ■artist. To become skillful in any art requires both study and practice, and this is especially true where we have to deal with nature's laws. The study of Agriculture and Horticulture has engaged the attention of the wisest from the earliest ages, and yet what wonderful discoveries and improvements have we witnessed in our own day; and we are still learners. Let us all profit by the lessons of the past and become every year better prepared for the duties and respon- sibilities of life, more fitted to conquer its evils and enjoy its pleasures — learn to plant more •carefully and reap a richer harvest of pleasure and profit. 1 SUCCESS IN PLO^WBR CULTURE. There is great pleasure in success, while failure causes disappointment and pain. It would afford me pleasure to teach every one how to succeed in every case in one short lesson, but success so easily obtained would not be much to boast of, nor minister a great deal to our pride or pleasure. A little difficulty in its attainment sweetens success, and of this sweetness cultivators usually have a full share, for they often have to contend against unfavorable weather, insect enemies, and a host of adverse circumstances. The most skillful sometimes obtain success at considerable cost of labor and patience, while failures are more common than welcome. Many of my readers are of limited experience, some of them just commencing to love and cultivate flowers, and while a few fail, I feel surprised and gratified at the very general success — a little proud, perhaps, at having done something to train up an army of successful florists all over our happy land, the fruits of whose peaceful labor beautify eveiy landscape and perfume every breeze^ I have endeavored to make this interesting subject so plain that all may understand the condi- tions on which success in floriculture may generally be assured. Selection of Seeds. — The selection of seeds is a veiy important matter, and on the wisdom of the choice success or failure may in a great measure depend. Those who have but little experience should invest money cautiously and in a few of the more hardy and popular kinds,, such as Asters, Balsams, Stocks, Petunias, Dianthus, Zinnia, &c., with, perhaps, a few of the more tender and expensive kinds, just for trial. This advice will sound strange to my old friends and customers, but these will please remember that we all knew but little once, and cannot now boast of excess of wisdom, and that one-half my customers are young people, with no qxperience, yet thirsting for knowledge. I am anxious to encourage this noble army, more than a hundred thousand strong, by a little success rather than to discourage them by a large failure. My desire to spread the love of flowers all over this favored land is far greater than my care to make a few dollars. Half- a-dozen flowenngf plants, well culti- I-IOT-EED ' COLD-FRAME. vated, will give pleasure, while a hundred neglected, or ill cultivated, Avill be a source of pain. Always be careful to get seeds suited to the purposes for which they are designed. If a climber- is desired to cover a fence or trellis, the Morning Glory, the climbing Nasturtion, and similar strong growing vines will answer the purpose and give good satisfaction ; while some of the more tender climbers will not be likely to come up if planted in such a situation as this, and if they do happen to grow, will not cover the place designed for them, and disappointment will be the result. If the object is a brilliant, showy bed on the lawn, or in the border, the Petunia, Phlox Drumniondii, Verbena, Sec, will meet your wishes ; while a bed of Mignonette, or any of the smaller or less showy flowers, \v\\l be entirely out of place. If flowers of taller growth are desired for a showy bed more in the back-ground, the Zinnia, the French Marigold^ the Gladioli, &c., are admirably adapted for the purpose, while some very beautiful, low, modest flowers would be worthless. Grave errors are sometimes made, and good flowers condemned merely because they are out of their proper place. For instance, I have known people to sow Calceolaria and Cineraria, and other veiy delicate seeds, in the open ground and in soils where a Cabbage would hardly condescend to grow, not knowing that they require the most careful treatment in the house, and sometimes tax the skill even of the professional florist. It is possible to destroy the best seeds, and some kinds may be destroyed without much trouble. The Soil and its Preparation. — The best soil for most flowers, and especially for yount^ plants, and for seed-beds, is a rich, mellow loam, containing so much sand that it will not *' bake" after hard showers. If we have not such a soil, we must use the best we have, and advantage must be taken of the various plans to ensure the germination of seeds, which we shall describe. It is also useless to try to grow good flowers on a poor, or a hard, unbroken soil, or in a bed choked with weeds. In either case the plants become dwarfed, arrive at maturity too early, and flower and ripen their seeds before they have attained half their natural size, and about the time a good robust plant would be forming its buds. Such a soil can be mucli improved by a little sand, or ashes and manure, and by pretty constant working. It must not, however, be handled when too wet. Always drain the flower garden so that no water will be on or near the surface. Sowing Seed. — This is a very important matter, and one in which the young florist is the most likely to fail. Some old and professional florists make sad work here, for knowledge is not only necessary, but care and attention. One "forgot'^ may ruin a whole sowing of the choicest seeds. Of course, there are some kinds of seeds that are robust and will grow, no matter how they are treated, just as our weeds grov^^ and thrive BOX HAND-GLASS. BQUAKE HAND-GLASS. Under ill treatment; but others require kind and proper treatment, just as almost everything desirable does in the animal as well as in the vegetable kingdom. Many seem to think that seeds will grow anywhere and under any circum- stances. They have seen the farmer make a hole and throw in his corn, and in a little while it was up and growing vigorously ; they have learned that the seeds of our native trees and weeds grow without planting and care ; and from these facts they get the idea that it is of little conse- quence how or where seeds are sown, so that they are in the ground. But these should consider that the seeds ttsed by the farmer are usually larger and produce stronger and more robust plants than those of the florist, and thus are enabled to bear more hardships and to live under inore unfavorable circumstances. ^ Still, farmers are fast learning that the f^ J^^*"^^ better they prepare the ground, the more y"^^^^)^ i carefully they sow their seed, and the ' ^^^ more they study the nature and wants of the plants they cultivate, the better the crops. Another fact should t remembered — that not one seed in thousand matured by our forest tree and shrubs, produces a living plant. A forest tree will produce seed enough for seeds pkotected et glass bells. an acre of closely set plants, and perhaps not a dozen grow. We cannot afford to purchase costly seeds and lose such a large proportion, which we shall do if we plant in the same manner. Our weeds are hardy and prolific, very tenacious of life, and are able to propagate themselves under the most unfavorable circumstances; otherwise they would not be generally known as weeds. Most of our troublesome weeds are of foreign origin, the seeds being brought here by accident. The larger part thus introduced have lived for a season and perished unnoticed, while the hardiest became naturalized. If the florist would be satisfied with only the most hardy and prolific flowers, such as would take care of themselves, then he might pursue a careless system of planting and cultivation, and fill his grounds with Dandelions and Poppies ; but he craves flowers that are not natural to our climate — those that flourish in warmer climes and under more genial skies — their dazzling beauty, their delicious fragrance, must be secured at almost any cost of time and labor. This is well ; ^^ but having made up our minds to possess the treasures, we must pay the price — we must study their habits and trep.t PROTECTED BT POTS. them accordingly. None need feel alanned at these remarks, or think themselves incompetent to the charge of such choice plants without hot-beds, green-houses and professional gardeners. We have known ladies, who, with but little preten- sions, equaled the most distinguished florists. There seemed to be magic in their fingers, and everything they touched flourished. It is true that a hot-bed, if properly managed, is of great aid in effecting the germination of seeds, and it is well all should know why this is so. SEEDS PROTECTED BT LATH PRAJIE. Causes of Failure. — In the first place, however, we will examine the causes of failure. If seeds are planted too deep, they either rot in the damp, cold earth, for the want of warmth necessary to their germination, or, after germination, perish before the tender shoots can reach the sun and air ; and thus that which was designed for their nourishment proves their grave. If the soil is a stiff clay, it is often too cold at the time the seeds are planted to effect their germination ; for it must be understood that warmth and moistitre are necessary to the germi- nation of seeds. Neither of these will do alone. Seeds may be kept in a warm, dry room, in dry sand or earth, and they will not grow. They may be placed in damp earth, and kept in a low tempera- ture, and they will most likely rot, though some seeds will remain dormant a long time under these circum- stances. But place them in moist earth, in a warm room, and they will commence growth at once. In- deed, if seeds become damp in a cold store-room they rot, while if the room is warni they germinate, and thus become ruined, so that seedsmen have to exercise great care in keeping their seeds well aired and di7. This accounts for the " sprouting'' or "growing" of wheat in the sheaf, when the weather is warm and showery at harvest time, and shows why farmers are so anxious for good harvest weather, so that they may secure their grain perfectly dry. Another difficulty with a hea^'y soil is that it becomes hard on the surface, and this prevents the young plants from " coming up;" or, if, during showery weather, they happen to get above the surfa<;e, they become locked in, and make Ijut little advancement, unless the cultivator is careful to keep the crust well broken ; and in doing this the young plants are often destroyed. If stiff, the soil where fine seeds are sown should be made mellow, particularly on the surface, by the addition of sand and light mold. If seeds are sown in rough, lumpy grotoid, a portion will be buried under the clods, and will never grow ; and many that start, not finding a fit soil for their tender roots, will perish. A few may escape these difficulties, and flourish. All of the foregoing cases show good reason for failure, but there is one cause which is not so apparent. The soil, we will suppose, is well prepared, fine as it can be made, and of that loamy or sandy character best fitted for small seeds. We will suppose, too, that the seeds were sown on the surface, with a little earth sifted over them, and that this was not done until the season was so far advanced as to furnish the warmth necessary to secure vegetation. Under these A'ery favorable circumstances many seeds will grow ; and if the weather is both warm and showery, veiy few will fail. But if, as is very common at the season of the year when we sow our seeds, we have a succession of cold rain storms, many of the more tender kinds will perish. A night's frost will ruin many more. If, however, the weather should prove warm and without showers, the sur- face will become vei-y dry, and the seeds, having so slight seeds gkowing in pots. a covering, will be dried up and perish as soon as they germinate, and before the roots attain sttfficient size and strength to go down in search of moisture. Of course, the finer and more delicate seeds, and those natural to a more favorable climate, suffer more than those that are more robust. Hot-Beds and Cold-Frames. — It is to overcome these evils that hot-beds are useful. By being protected at the sides and ends with boards, and covered with glass, they confine the moisture which arises from the earth, and thus the atmosphere is kept humid and the surface moist, and the plants are not subjected to changes of temperature, as a uniform state can be maintained no matter what the weather may be. The bottom heat of the hot-bed warms the soil, and enables the grower to put in his seed early, and obtain plants of good size before the soil outside is warm enough to receive the seed. Care, however, is required to prevent scorching the young ])lants. In briglit days, the heat is intense inside the frame, and unless air is freely given, or some course taken to obstruct the rays of the sun, most likely a great portion of the plants will be ruined. Some time since, I was called to examine a hot-bed, as the seeds planted did not grow, when I found they had been all burned up, except a few along the edges that Avere shaded 4 O <_3, . C3 ci> c:> POTS OF SEEB SUNK IN MOSS. by the sides and ends of the frame. When the sun gets pretty warm, give the glass a thin coat of whitewash. This gives a little shade, and, with some air during the middle of bright days, will make all safe. The hot-bed is made by forming a pile of horse manure with the straw used for bedding, or leaves, some three feet in height. Shake all together, so that straw and manure will be equally mixed. It may be sunk in the ground a foot or eighteen inches, or made on the surface. On this place about five inches of good mellow soil. Then set the frame and keep it closed until fermentation takes place and the soil is quite wann. It is better to wait a day or two after this, and then sow the seeds. The principal advantages of a hot-bed can be secured by what is called a cold-frame. This is simply a hot-bed frame, with sash, as shown in the engraving, placed upon a bed of fine, mellow earth, in some sheltered place in the garden. By the exclusion of air and the admission of sun, the earth becomes warm, and the moisture is confined, as in the hot-bed. After the frame is secured in its place, a couple of inches of fine earth should be placed mside, and the frame closed up for a day or two before the seeds are planted. As the cold-frame depends upon the sun for its warmth, it must not be started as soon as the hot -bed, and in this latitude the latter part of April is soon enough. Plants will then be large enough for transplanting to the open ground as soon as danger from frost is over, and, as a general thing, they will be hardier and better able to endure the shock of transplanting than if grown in a hot-bed. A frame of this kind any one can manage. Watering occasionally will be necessary ; and air must be given on bright, warm days. Shade also is necessary. These frames, when so small as to be conveniently moved by the hand, are called hand-glasses. A simple frame or box, with a couple of lights of glass on the top, will answer a very good purpose, though when small it would be better to have the front of glass. A very good hand-glass is made of a square frame, with a light of glass at each side and on the top. These contrivances, though so simple as to be made by any one handy with tools, are exceedingly useful, as they prevent the drying of the surface of the ground, and afford the plants shelter from sudden changes, of the temperature, cold storms and frosty nights. The engravings show several forms of which they may be made. Seeds may be sown in the house in pots, &c., but the greatest difficulty is that in pots the soil dries very rapidly, and young plants are apt to suffer. A very good plan is to cover the pots with glass, as we have shown in the engraving, removing it occasionally for air, &c. Where A'eiy fine seeds are sown in pots, the watering, unless carefully done, generally results in great injui-y. A wet paper placed over the top of the pot will afford moisture enough for the germination of fine seeds. If pots are used it is well to sink them to the rim in a box of moss, or something of the kind, that will hold moisture, and prevent the diying of the earth in the pots. A shallow box may be used to advantage, sowing the seed carefully in narrow drills. When these conveniences are not to be had, make a bed of light, mellow soil, in a sheltered situation in the garden ; and as soon as the weather becomes settled, and the ground warm, sow the seeds, covering them with a little fine earth, and if very small sift it upon them. Some one has given as a rule that seeds should be covered twice the depth of their own diameter ; that is, that a seed one-sixteenth of an inch through should be covered one-eighth of an inch. Perhaps that is as near correct as any general rule can be. If the weather should prove dry after sowing, it would be well to cover the beds of veiy small seeds with damp moss, or what is better, with evergreen boughs or boards, or something that will afford partial protection from the sun and wind. A very good plan is to nail lath to a frame, as shown in the engraving, leaving the open spaces about as wide as the lath. Seeds do not require light for their germination, and will grow quite as well in the dark as the light until they are above ground. Bell-glasses are convenient both for in-doors or garden use, only care must be given to afford plenty of air, especially on bright days, and shading may be necessary. An inverted flower pot answers almost as good a purpose, but when the young plants are up they will need light, which can be afforded for a few days, and until the plants are large, by elevating the pot, as shown in the engraving. Light and air should be furnished as soon as the plants are above ground, or they will become weak and pale. Of course, it is designed that 5 BBKDS IN A BOX. plants from the hot-bed, cold-frame and seed-bed shall be transplanted to the border or beds where they are to flower, and these helps are intended mainly for Tender and Half-Hardy Annuals, described in an article on the Classification of Flowers, on another page. The Hardy Annuals may be sown where they are to flower, though, with the exception of a few varieties difficult to transplant, it is best to sow all in a seed-bed. All seeds of hardy and half-hardy Annuals, and Perennials, and, in fact, nearly all flower seeds, can be sown in the South in the autumn. The plants are thus enabled to make vigorous growth in the early spring, and become well matured before the heat of summer. The Perennials should be sown so early as to make a fair gro\\ th before winter sets in. Then they will flower the next summer. The Hardy Annuals generally do best sown rather late, so that the seed will remain in the ground and be ready to start at the first approach of spring. Transplanting. — Sowing seeds and transplanting, m fact, all the operations of the garden, should be done with neatness ; no crooked, irregular rows are admissable in the flower garden. The engraving shows how easily lines are marked in a bed with a rod or ruler. After plants in the seed-beds have obtained their second leaves and made an inch or two of growth, they should be removed to the garden beds or border. This should be done on a dull, showeiy day, if possible, if not, the plants may require shading after removal until they become established. In tiansplantmg in dry weather al\\a}S gi\e the plants as they stand in the seed-bed a good soaking with water, and also the soil to which they are to be removed, an hour or so before removal. In removing, disturb the roots as little as possi- ble. If the plants are not too thick, there is no need of injuring the roots; and in sowing, it is well to have this in view, and sow evenly and thinly. As soon as the young plants come up, if too thick, a portion should be removed. A few plants, with long tap-roots, will not bear removal well. The Larkspurs are difficult ; and these and the Poppies, and plants with like roots, should be sown where they are to flower. Still, there are few plants but can be removed when young, with proper care. Sweet Peas, Candytuft, and a few flowers of similar character, that do best if sown early as the ground can be got ready, should always be sown where they are to flower. Disappointed Cultivators. — Many years of experience and careful estimates have con- vinced me that while nearly all of my customers succeed in growing excellent flowers from the seeds they receive, and are not only satisfied, but enthusiastic over the result, some two or three per cent, totally fail, or fail to such an extent as to feel quite dissatisfied with the expenditure and labor of the sea- son. To this small number I cannot give much space, but will make a few remarks that may be profitable and prevent disappointment in the future. Some are disappointed because flo^vers do not prove what they expected. It should be remembered that I do not agree that flowers shall meet the expectations of any person. The first thing is to ascertain what it is right to expect. Not the notion of any person, but the description I have given must be the standard. The descriptions and drawings are not exaggerated, yet they represent plants and flowers that have been well grown ; neglected, half-starved plants will present a very different appearance. Any specimen of the animal as well as the vegetable kingdom will become dwarfed and deformed, and lose every trace of beauty by ill-treatment and neglect. Then the descriptions in the Guide must be understood. If I call some little delicate flower, like a Lobelia, a fine variety, you have a right to expect it to be a fine Lobelia ; but have no right to expect it to be as large, fine and showy as an Aster, a Ten-Weeks Stock, or a Zinnia, or any 6 MARiaNO FOR PLANTING. Full length Portrait of some unhappy wo- man's husband The man who thinks it nonsense for wife and girls to make flower beds. Portrait of the fortunate woman's hu band, who makes wife a and home pleasant. Other of our large, brilliant flowers. It is fine in its place, but not fine for a display in the garden. A pen-knife is good for the purpose for which it was designed, but it is not exactly fitted for wood-chopping. I advertise double Zinnias, double Stocks, &c.; but you have no right .to complain and think you are cheated if one-fourth should come single, but should pull up the single ones as fast as they show their character, and enjoy the good instead of mourning over the bad. Many varie- ties of double flowers do not give seed, so we have to obtain double seed by fertilizing the single flowers with the pollen of the double, and by other slow and difficult pro- cesses known to the experienced seed-grower. These operations are usually only partially successful, and, as a necessary consequence, some of tlie seed will give single flowers ; and yet intelligent men, and correspondents of the press, and officers of Agricultural societies, and others who ought to know better, often scold, and write complainingly because seed purchased as double produced single flowers. Again, I advertise separate colors of Phlox Drummondii, Dianthus, Asters, &c. Occasionally, with some of these, nd children happy you will find a little mixture of color. This, with some things, can not be avoided, even with the greatest care. There always has been, and always will be, a little uncertainty in growing flowers from seed. They are prone to mix and "sport." If it were not for this disposition, we could never obtain new varieties. When plants or trees are grown from cuttings, or are produced by budding or grafting, all mixture is the result of carelessness, accident or fraud. Thi.s' is not the case with plants produced from seed. While many varieties will come almost or quite true from seed, with good care, others are far less reliable in this respect. All I can prom- ise is that I have done all that human care and skill can do to produce distinct colors, and when there is very much uncertainty in regard to color I advertise them only as "mixed colors." For this reason I advertise only "mixed colors" of many varieties. Occasionally we hear complaint that seeds do not grow — perhaps one or two varieties failed out of a hundred, and the cultivator is like the shepherd in the Scriptures, who left the ninety-nine in the wilder- ness and went in search of the lost one. This was well for the shepherd and the sheep, but is not a good plan for florists and flower seeds. If you have ten or twenty varieties, and all grow nicely but one or two, just enjoy the success, instead of making yourself miserable over failures. The best and most skillful gardeners will fail occasionally, and neither the seed nor the gar- dener be very much to blame. Every professional gardener knows this. There is a wonder — a mys- tery — in vegetable as well as in animal life. Our friends fail, droop and die — our little ones pass away •ust as they are taking deep root in our hearts. We feel the deathly pangs, but cannot save. But the variety that failed was the one of all you most desired. Of course, what we cannot have we always want the most. The fish that escapes from the hook is always the largest. The woman whose flower seeds all come up. Y)\s.\., if you fail to any great extent, make up your mind there is trouble somewhere — some mismanagement — and resolve to find it out, if possi- ble. Don't jump at the conclusion that the seed was bad, because it is not true, and thousands ■will praise the seed you condemn as bad. By concluding that you are all right and the seed all 7 The woman whose flower seeds never come up unless they are scratched up. wrong, you will not only lose the seed, but the benefit of experience. It will not help the- matter to say that seeds of your own growing came up in the same beds, unless you had just the same varieties. As a general rule, the finer the varieties of flowers the less vitality in the seeds. One may grow almost anywhere and anyhow, the other require the most favorable circumstances for its germination. This is particularly the case with most double flowers, even of the same species or variety. A single Aster will give more seed than a hundred of double, and the seea v,'\\\ be larger, and produce earlier, stronger plants, and will grow under unfavorable circum- stances, where the seed from the double flower would decay. Hence, if there happens to be three seeds from a single plant in a package, if all should grow, these three plants would produce flowers before any others, and those not acquainted with the facts would say at once, " all my Asters are going to be single." If through a bad season or soil all the Aster seed from the double flowers had died, and only the more robust from the single flower lived, of course, the complaint is, " I had only three plants from a package of seeds, and that was plenty, for they^ were very poor flowers." A beautiful flower is often obtained at the sacrifice of the vigor, and not unfrequently the constitution, of the plant. After laboring long and anxiously to secure some desired improvement, it is nut uncommon, just as success seemed about to crown our- labors, to find all our hopes blasted on account of some defect in the plant — a grand flower secured and a healthful plant ruined. THE LA^?^N AND GARDEN, Man may be refined and happy without a garden; he may even have a home, I suppose,. without a tree, or shrub, or flower; yet, when the Creator wished to prepare a proper home for man, pure in all his tastes and made in His own Ukeness, He planted a garden and placed this noblest specimen of creative power in it to dress and keep it. A few suggestions on the Improv- ing of Grounds and the Adornment of Rural Homes may be useful, and prevent a great many- expensive and troublesome mistakes. In the first place, the space in front of the house, and generally the sides exposed to view from the street, should be in grass. No arrangement of beds, or borders of box, or anything else, will look so neat and ta.steful as a well kept piece of lawn. It can also be kept in better order at less cost than in any other way. Mixed beds of flowers or shrubbeiy in the most conspicuous part of the garden is always unsatisfactor)^ Get a good plat of grass, and diy, neat walks, and all other things will soon follow with but little trouble. The very first thing needed in improving gi"ound is to secure good drainage. Have good drains made to carry ofl'aU waste water from the house and surplus water from the soil. These- can be made of stone, laid in any way that will leave an open and secure space for the water to- pass thi-ough, though where drain tile can be obtained they are as good as anything and usually- cheaper. The drains should be from two to three feet deep. Cut a trench as wide as is needed for convenient working, and as deep as you have determined is necessan', and lay the stone or tile at the bottom, being careful that the work is well done, for this is the foundation of all impro\'ement, and the correction of any failure is made only with a good deal of trouble and expense. This secures a dry soil at all seasons of the year, and a healthy growth of plants or trees- jl , The next thing is to prepare the soil and make L^_^^^^ _^ ,^ the walks. Make no more roads than are absolutely- necessary, as many walks divide the lawn and greatly- disfigure it. Of course, there must be a bold walk to the front door, and one passing from this to the rear of the house, and in general no more will be neces- sar)^ These xnust be made in the most convenient places — in those one would naturally take ingoing; WALK 3TAKFD OUT. froui ouc placc to anothcr. If the ground to be improved is only a small lot, it can be done best by the spade, and it is not well to endeavor to do it with the plow. In that case, mark out the walks first. Do this by setting up little sticks on the line you design for the road, as shown in the engraving, chano-ino- them until you get just the curve that seems graceful and pleasant to the eye. Put a row of LOCATING WALK WITH LINE, Sticks on each side of tlie road, measuring carefully so as to get the width uniform. Another plan for securing the desired curve to walks is the use of a stout line. The idea is shown in the engraving. Next, remove the earth from the walk to about the depth of eighteen inches, using it to fill up any low places. The walks, of course, have somewhat the appearance of ditches. The operator is now prepped'to pulverize the soil with the spade. Have it done thoroughly, 1. sending the spade well down, and completely invert- ing the soil, but leaving about six inches on each side of the walk undisturbed for the present, so as not to break the line of the road. All stones found _^ in digging should be thrown into the roads, and ■often 'sufficient will be found to fill within six or eight inches of the surface ; if not, enough can Ije ' procured usually without much difficulty. The stone cutter's yards and the stone piles in the roads and fields generally furnish abundant material. When the walks are filled with this rough material to within six inches of the surface of the soil, the ground being raked off nice and smooth, dig the six inches left undug on the edges of the walks, being careful to keep (he edges true and as originally staked out, and then set a turf about six inches wide for a border to the walk, as shown in the engraving, keeping the turf as low as the level of the adjoining soil, or a little lower, and to do this, remove three or four inches of the soil where the turf is to set, accord- ing to its thickness. A good deal of this rough work can be done in the autumn, so as to leave only the finishing up in the spring ; but if commenced in the spring, it should be hurried up so as to get the grass sown as early as possible, for grass seed will not start well unless it has the benefit of spring showers. Lawn Grass sown about the first of September, so as to have the benefit of autumn rains, will usually make a fine growth before frost, and be in excellent condition in the early spring, almost appearing like an old lawn by July. All being done as previously advised, sow the grass seed on the well prepared surface, raking it in, and if pretty diy, it is well to roll the soil after sowing. Sow Blue Grass, or a preparation of the most desirable grasses for lawns, sold as Lawn Grass, at the rate of four bushels to the walks with turf edging. acre. In our Lawn Grass we always put a little Sweet Vernal Grass, on account of its delightful fragrance. If you use Blue Grass, get a little Vernal and use with it, a pound or two to the acre. Most persons also like a pound of White Clover to the acre. If the grass is sown early in the spring and the weather is at all favorable, by the first of July the lawn will look pretty green, and from the middle to the last of July will need cutting, and after that must be cut as often as the little Lawn Mower can get a bite. These Lawn Mowers are a real blessing, for not one in ten thou- sand can cut a lawn properly with a scythe, and therefore our lawns, before the introduction of these Mowers, always looked wretched. It will be strange if a great army of weeds do not appear with the grass, but do not take it for granted that these weeds came from the grass seed sown, because if you had not sown any grass the weeds would have been just as abundant. The fanner who finds the weeds among his corn and potatoes never imagines that he planted them with the seed. As soon as the grass and weeds get high enough to be cut with a scythe or Lawn Mower, cut close and evenly, and repeat this as often as possible. The weeds will soon disappear. A few perennial weeds, like Docks, Thistles and Dandelions may be removed by cutting the roots as far down as possible with some narrow, sharp implement. T^^'0 or three such cut- I tings will destroy them. After sowing the grass, finish the walks by covering the rough stones with five or six inches of gravel, as clean as can be procured. It is best section of walk. ^^ leave the finishing of the walks until the last, because, even after sowing the grass seed, at raking it in, a quantity of stones will be gathered, and 9 you will need a place to put them and the walk will need the stones. A section of the road when done will appear as shown in the engraving, and will be always dry and free from weeds and grass. If the earth should wash from the lawn and cause weeds to start, sow salt along the edges and you will see no M^eeds for a season. In veiy small places it would, perhaps, be as cheap to sod the whole, instead of sowing grass seed. Where this is desirable, good turf can be procured from the roadside or pasture, and it should be well and neatly laid. In large places the plow can be used instead of the spade, and with great economy of labor. In that case the whole lot should be well plowed and dragged before the walks are staked out. After this, stake the walks and remove the earth the necessar)' depth, using it to level off the low places. There will always be a good deal of work for the spade and rake, even when the plow and drag have been used. Two great errors are usually made, both by gardeners and amateurs ; one destroying the lawn by cutting it up with unnecessary walks and flower beds, the other producing the same result by almost literally covering it with trees and shrubbery. Grass cannot grow well among the roots and under the shadow of trees and shrubs, and no lawn can lo.jk well cut up in sections by numerous roads. Most of the little lawns we see in this country are almost entirely destroyed by one or both of these causes. The main part of the lawn should be left unbroken by any tree or shrub, as a general rule, and if any tree is admitted it should be only an occasional fine specimen, like a Purple Beech, or Magnolia, or cut-leaved Birch. The shrubbery should be in clumps or groups, in proper places, and so thick as to cover all the ground. The soil under them should be kept cultivated and clean like a flower bed. A tree or two in certain appropriate places for shade, is, of course, desirable; but plant for the future, not for the present, and always have in view the size and form and habits of the trees when full grown, and not their present small size, and, per- haps, delicate form. Every curve should be a sensible one ; that is, have a reason for its course, either real or apparent, th;r_f':re arrange your planting so as to make an apparent necessity for every turn. The idea is shown in the little sketch accompanying, where the walk curv'es to accom- modate the trees. The great difficulty with American gardens is that they are too large, and not sufficiently cared for. If we gave the same amount of labor on a quarter of an acre that we now expend on an acre, the result would be much more satisfactoiy. No one should have more ground in garden than he PLANTING FOR cuRV'ED WALKS. cau kccp iu thc vcFy highcst state of cultivation. It is this kind of excellence that affords pleasure, while failure or partial success is a source of pain. It is not only a fault to cultivate too much ground, but even too many flowers. Some seem anxious to obtain and grow eveiything. This is not best, especially where there is not a good deal of time and money to be devoted to the work. A choice selection is best, and I like every cultivator of flowers to have a pet or hobby. Take, for instance, the Pansy, and make it a pet. Obtain the choicest seed, and give the plants the best of care, and you will see to what wonderful perfection it can be grown. In a few yeare you will tire, perhaps, of this. Then adopt the Balsam, or Stock, or Aster. Always have something choice — something grown better than any one else is growing it — something you have reason to be proud of. It will astonish you to see h(_nv flowers thrive under such petting, and -what a wonderful exhibition they make of their gratitude. Some persons may think from what we have said in favor of grass in front of the house in l^reference to beds of flowers, that we are no friend to these beautiful treasures — these delightful children of the field and garden, who speak to us in every fragrant breath and lovely tint and graceful form, of Him who spake from naught this matchless beauty. Far from this. A home without the children of the field, and flowers of the family, we might, perhaps, enjoy, but we have never had to endure the trial. I only wish them to be treated in a proper manner. In the center of the lawn, especially if opposite a window, it is well to make a round or oval bed, and on the borders or near the edges of the lawn, beds of various graceful forms. A few plans for these we give. 10 These beds should be filled with flowers that will keep in bloom during the whole season, and it is best generally to have but one kind in a bed. Phlox Drummondii, Verbena, Portulaca, and the scarlet Geraniums, are well adapted for this purpose, and occasionally it is well to ItlBEON Bi;i>. RIBBON BKD. introduce the ribbon style. The plan is to set plants of the same height and color in a row, several rows forming the bed, and giving it the appearance of the stripes in ribbons, as shown in the engravings below. To make a bed of the kind select flowers of similar height and habit. Of course, if one row loses its flowers the effect is spoiled. If a circular bed is made, the rows toward the center may be taller than the outside rows. A very cheap and pretty ribbon bed can be made by using the different colors of the same flower, like Phlox Drum- mondii, and for a beginner we know of no flower as good. These beds, it must be remembered, are for the adornment of the grounds, and they furnish no flowers for the house — no presents for friends, no bouquet for the dining room, or for schools or churches, or the sick room. These we must have. So, just back of the lawn, make generous beds of flowers that you can cut freely — Asters, Balsams, Zinnias, Stocks, Mignonette, Sweet Peas, &c. In these beds you can also grow the Everlasting Flowers for winter use. It . is best to make such beds oblong, about four or five feet in width, so that one can reach half way across, with alleys or paths between. A few well filled vases are a fine and appropriate decoration of any grounds if kept in good condition with healthy plants. The evaporation from baskets and vases is very great, much more than is generally supposed, as every side is exposed to air, sun, &c., and they must receive a copious supply of water every evening to keep the plants in a healthy condition. Another very pretty ornament for the gar- den is the Rockery, made of rough stones, tastefully laid up, with earth sufficient for the growth of plants suitable for this work. Low growing plants with succulent and ornamental foliage are appropriate to the rockery — Portulaca is admirable. I would like my readers who have had no experience in this kind of garden ornamentation to try a speci- men in some retired quarter of the garden. We give an illustration of a bed of this kind. KOCK-BFU. SO that if it proves a failure no harm will be done. CLASSIFICATION OP FLOWERS. The flowers of our gardens, besides those produced by shrubs, trees, etc., are Herbaceous Perennials, Biennials, Annuals and Bulbous. Herbaceous Perennials are plants which die down to the ground every autumn, but the roots continue to live, and new branches and flower stems are thrown up for many years. Some continue indefinitely, but others die after three or four years, like the Sweet William; but if the roots are divided every year, they will continue to live and increase. These are called Imperfect Perennials. 11 Biennials are those that flower the second season after the seed is sown, and then die, unless- particular care is taken to preserve tlvem, by dividing the roots, or retarding the flowering at the usual time by removing the buds. Some of these classes flower the first season under favor- able circumstances, as when the seed is sown early. Annuals flower the first season, perfect their seeds, and then die. Some varieties that are grown as Annuals in a Northern climate, are either Perennials or Biennials in their Southern home, where there are no severe frosts. Annuals flower in a few weeks or months after bemg planted, and can be depended upon for a brilliant show. Annuals are classed as hardy, half- hardy and tender. Hardy Annuals are those that, like the Larkspur, Candytuft, etc., may be sown in the autumn or very early in the spring, in the open ground. The half-hardy varie- ties will not endure frost, and should not be sown in the open ground until danger from frost is over. The Balsam and the Marigolds belong to this class. The tender Annuals generally require starting in a green-house or hot-bed to bring them to perfection, and should not be set in the open ground until the weather is quite warm. The Cypress Vine and the Sensitive Plant belong to this class ; but, fortunately, very few of our fine Annuals. Some of them do tolerably well if sown in the open ground the latter part of May, but very great success is not to be expected in this way. It must be admitted, however, that these distinctions are not well defined, and it is difficult to say where some kinds belong. In a chmate sufficiently South, of course, those kinds we describe as tender are perfectly hardy. Bulbs are divided into Hardy, Holland and Tender. The Hardy includes all that will bear a N(jrthcrn winter. Holland, those exclusively grown in Holland, like Hyacinths, Crocuses, Tulips, &c. Tender, those, like the Gladioli and Tuberose, that will not bear freezing, and therefore must be planted in the spring. We make a rather different division in this work, and one which, we think, will be found quite convenient. 1st. All kinds that produce Flowers the same season the seed is sown, are arranged in one Department, under the heading of Annuals. This Department includes the following sub- divisions : Climbers, Everlastings and Ornamental Grasses. 2d. Under the name of Perennials, all plants produced from seed that bloom the second season after planting. 3d. Greenhouse, describing the leading plants grown from seeds adapted to Greenhouse culture. 4th. Bulbs and Plants. This Department has two divisions: Tender Btdbs and Tubers, embracing all those tender bulbs, like the Dahlia, Gladiolus, Tuberose, &c., that will not bear frost, and consequently must be planted only in the spring in a Northern climate. Hardv Plants and Bulbs, embracing all the Lilies, Pceonies, and other things that will endure our winters, and consequently can be planted either in the fall or spring. 5th. Holland Bulbs. This Department embraces Hyacinths, Tulips, and all other Bulbs known as Holland Bulbs, and these must be planted in tlie autumn. 12 The first and most important section of our Flower Garden is composed mainly of Annuals, that is, those plants that live but one season. The seeds are sown in the spring, the plants arrive at maturity in the early summer, bud, blossom, ripen their seeds, and die in the autumn, having performed their entire mission. This class of plants, from their nature, are valuable treasures to both the amateur and professional gardener. There is no forgotten spot in the garden, none which early flowering bulbs or other spring flowers have left unoccupied that need remain bare during the summer ; no bed but can be made brilliant with these favorites, for there is no situation or soil in which some of the varieties will not flourish. Some members delight in shade, others in sunshine ; some are pleased with a cool clay bed, while others are never so comfortable as in a sandy soil and burning sun. The seed, too, is so cheap as to be "within the reach of all, while a good collection of bedding plants would not come within the resources of many, and yet very few beds filled with expensive bedding plants look as well as a good bed of our best Annuals, like Phlox, Petunia or Portulaca, and for a vase or basket many of our Annuals are unsurpassed. Though we risk our reputation for good taste, perhaps, in making this statement, yet we have seen nothing better, and few things that we shall remember longer or more pleasantly than a vase filled almost entirely with the striped Petunia, and showing all day and ever)' day hundreds of flowers. To the Annuals, also, we are indebted mainly for our brightest and best flowers in the late summer and autumn months. Without the Phlox and Petunia and Portulaca and Aster and Stock, our autumn gardens would be poor indeed, and how we would miss the sweet fragrance of the Alyssum, IVIignonette and Sweet Pea if any ill-luck should deprive us of these sweet favorites. Many of our beautiful climbers, such as the Convol- vulus and Cobcea scandens, and nearly all our Everlastings and Ornamental Grasses are included in this section. This Department, however, embraces some Perennials, but only those that flower the first season, though they do not die at its close, like the Annuals. Among these are the Pansy, Dian- thus, Antirrhinum, &c., that live for several years under favorable circumstances. In our countiy, however, most of these are usually short-lived, and are really only to be considered as hardy Annuals. Under the influence of spring showers and summer suns they mature rapidly, and flower so freely that by autumn the plants are so exhausted they cannot endure the rigor of our winters, and in the spring are usually worthless, if not entirely lifeless. By removing a portion o"f the flowers in the summer, and encouraging a vigorous growth, this class of plants will remain in perfection at least two years. If seed is sown late in the spring, or even in summer, young plants will give but few, if any, flowers tlie first season, and the second summer will be in perfec- tion. Many of the flowers that we treat as Annuals, sowing fresh seeds and growing new plants every year, because the plants are destroyed by frost in the autumn, are really Biennials or Per- ennials in their Southern home. ABRONIA, Nat. Orel. Nycta^inacc(£. BRONIAS are trailing plants, with prostrate branches, several feet ia length, and bearing clusters of sweet-scented flowers; somewhat resembling the Verbena, both in flower and habit of plant, though more robust. The Abronias are natives of California, and in their natural home make a beautiful flowery carpet. The yellow variety^ arenaria, delights in the most barren sand hills, and on the borders of the Pacific Ocean, within a few feet of high water, with no other sign of vegeta- tion around, we have seen the clean white sand hills made gay by this pretty plant, which is known on the coast of California as the Sand-j^lant. Uinbellata is a deli- cate pink with a good deal of fragrance. The seed does not always germinate freely, and the plants in some sections do not seem to grow with their native vigor. Start the seed under glass, first removing the husky covering. The Abronias, when they succeed, are desen-edly admired, and therefore have some warm friends. ADONIS, Nat. Ord. Ranimculacetz. The Adonis, a native of Europe, is of the easiest culture. The finely cut foliage is rather pretty. The flowers, by no means abundant, are of an intensely deep blood red color, and cup shaped. The legend is that this flower sprang from the blood of Adonis, when he was wounded by the boar. It will grow well in the shade or under trees, and this we consider its principal recom- mendation. A clump under a tree or in a shady comer of the garden, or under a hedge, or near a rustic summer house, is desir- -. ,"' able, but we would not recommend it for small gardens or limited collections. It is an every day plant and will fill a modest place very satisfactorily ; but if we attempt to make much of it, or put it on exhibi- tion it will disappoint and mortify us. Flowers, like people, have places where they do themselves and their friends credit, while in, other situations there is gene- ral disappointment and mortification. Seeds may be sown in the garden, and plants should be about a foot apart, AGERATUM, Nat. Ord. ComposiUe. A Mexican flower, of a brush-like appearance, not showy in the garden, but prized by florists, because it bears a great many flowers, and keeps in bloom a long time, and is, therefore, desirable for bouquet making. In fact, there are very few flowers that will work up to better advantage, and give a more chaste appearance to a small bouquet than the white or delicately tinted blue Ageratum, and as it will grow well in the house^ Is always a favorite with both amateurs and florists. Its name has reference to the long con- tinued flowering of the plant, and also of the fact that the flowers will remain fresh for a long time after being gathered, and a very liberal transla- tion would be ever-young. It is well to start the seeds under glass, and then transplant to the flowering fled. Take up the smallest plants in October, and pot them for winter use glass is to be had, select a mellow soil and a sheltered spot for the seed bed, and cover the seeds but slightly. Set plants six or eight inches apart to form a bed in the garden. A few seeds sown the latter part of August, if the soil is kept moist and shaded, will make youno- plants fit for potting for winter flowers. 14 If no AGROSTKMMA, (Viscaria,) Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacea:. The annual Agrostemmas, or, more correctly, Viscarias, are very pretty, free blooming and hardy annuals, making desirable beds and useful for cutting. The flowers are something like a single Pink, and are borne on long, slender stems. The plants are of a rather straggling habit, and produce abundance of flowers with but very little foliage, so that a single plant, or a few plants set widely apart, do not present a very pretty appearance ; but when planted thickly in a bed, form a mass of color quite satisfactory, resem- bling a good bed of the bright colored Phlox Drum- mondii. This flower was introduced into England from Sicily more than a hundred years since, and is quite popular and common in English gardens, and is considered effective in lucing a mass of bright color. We have had very good results in sowing this 1 in the bed where it was intended to bloom, thinning out the plants but very little, if any. We have been much pleased with it as a plant for edgings for beds of Gladiolus or other tall plants. Grows about twelve inches in height, and should be set about six inches apart. ALONSOA, Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacea . The Alonsoas are natives of Chili and Peru, and when first introduced into Europe were treated as green-house plants, but of late years have been generally cultivated as tender or half- hardy annuals. Young plants removed to the house or green-house in the autumn will continue to flower during the winter. The flowers are small, but of remarkably brilliant colors, in which respect they are excelled by very few of our richly colored flowers. We have succeeded best by sowing seed under glass and trans planting, in this latitude about the first of June, and as the plant is inclined to be hard- wooded, any young plants taken up and potted will a.ssume a shrub-like form and continue to grow and flower for a long time. This flower has been cultivated for about fifty years, and the improvement since its introduction has not been marked. ALYSSUM, Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. The Sweet Alyssum is one of those modest plants that everybody likes and every one must have. Its pretty little white flowers are so purely white, and so useful in making up all kinds of small bouquets, and its fragrance, while sufiiciently pronounced, so very delicate, reminding one of the peculiar aroma of the hay-field, that no florist feels satisfied unless he has a little bed of Alyssum that he can resort to at all times when delicate flowers are needed. The Alyssum grows freely from seed, either under glass or in the open ground, though it does not germinate freely in the open ground in dry, hot weather. For a low, white edging or border, the Alyssum is excellent, as its habit is good, and height only about six inches. The little black flea that destroys Cabbage and Turnip in the seed-leaf is exceedingly fond of Alyssum, and will destroy ' whole beds. Dusting with fine ashes is of advantage, and if a little fine snuff is mixed with the ashes the effect is better. The Alyssum was first found wild on the shores of the Mediterra- nean, and is now found growing on the rocky cliffs of some parts of the English coast, but is supposed to have become naturalized ; that is, the seeds were accidentally carried from gardens to the fields and woods by birds or some other means, 15 AMARANTHUS, Nat. Ord. Amarantacea. The Amaranthus embraces a large class of plants, and some of them so diversified in character that, to the casual observer, they hardly seem to belong to the same family. They are mainly, however, valuable for their ornamental foliage, the leaves of most varieties being highly colored, while in some the form as well as color is desirable. The present popularity of ornamental leaved plants for bedding out rendere this class more than usually interesting The great difference of habit makes it necessary to give engravings of the varieties, showing the more marked distinctions. The drooping flower shows A. catidatus, sometimes called Love Lies Bleeding, a rather coarse plant, yet graceful and excellent for autumn decoration, with racemes of flowers sometimes two to three feet in length. Another variety. Prince's Feather, has flowers nearly similar, but arranged in erect spikes. The smallest engraving represents bi- color, tricolor and several other sorts of about the same habit, though differing in color. The large engraving gives a very good representation of salicifolms, or the Fountain Plant, a free /^/iIiii^KRSl^SK¥iW*S\ ^ 1\ growing plant that s Mh^^^^^^^^^^^^\\ 'M sometimes reaches a / cij^/rt^^^^^^^^^^^^^ '-^'^ height of five feet or more, and is a veiy pretty object in a suit- VT/ able position. The/'' Amaranthus are half- hardy plants, and use- ful in many situations, as the back-ground of a flower bed, a bed on the law n, or as an orna- mental hedge. In a rich soil, where plants make a vigorous gi'owth, the varieties with bright colors sometimes become dull. It is unfortunate that we cannot always rely on the color, no matter how fine the plants from nhich the seeds are derived, but success is most assured in a wann, diy season, and in a light or rather poor soil. The Amaranthus is a native of the Ea.st Indies, but has been in cultivation in Europe since the days of Queen Elizabeth, and in America since its first settlement. The name is a favorite with poets, and means never-wither ing. The leaves of the species of Amaranthus are wholesome food, and many varieties are eaten in their native countries, like Spinach. ANAGALLIS, Nat. Ord. Primulacea;. The genus Anagaliis is remarkable for the beaut)' of its flowers, for even our wild scarlet Pimpernel, or Poor Man's Weather Glass, is one of the prettiest of our small wild flowers. The improved garden varieties are veiy desirable for small beds, edgings, baskets, &c. The plants usually do not exceed six inches in height, and when set in a bed thickly, cover the ground with a constant piofusion of rich flowere. Tlie Anagaliis has representatives among the wild flowers of a large portion of the world, from some of which importations have been made to America and Europe, and the hybrids obtained by our florists exhibit great improve- ment. Sow under glass, if possible, and set the plants not more than six inches apart. The Anagaliis is one of those honest, eveiy- day flowers that, while it will not astonish any one, cannot fail to meet the anticipations of every lover of flowers. 16 ANTIRRHINUM, (Snapdragon,) Nat. Ord. Scroplndariacece. The Antirrhinum, perhaps better known by its old and popular name, Snapdragon, is one of llie very best of our Perennials, and one that always gives a good account of itself the first season, blooming abundantly all the first sum- mer, even until after frost. Sometimes the plants suffer in winter, especially when permitted to exhaust themselves \)y excessive flowering, but they gener- ally flower well tlie second season, and sometimes the third. When it is desir- ed to keep the plants for flowering the second or third season, never allow seed to foiin ; and if one half the plant is cut down to near the surface of the ground about the middle of summer, new vig- orous shoots will be produced for the next season's flowering. They exhibit a fine variety of colors and are exceedingly brilliant. Sow either in the frame or garden, early in spring. Easily transplanted. Set six to nine inches apart. The Antirrhinum is easy to grow and sure to please, and we ask those who do not cultivate this flower to give it a trial. ARGBMONK, Nat. Ord. Papaveracea. The Argemones are free blooming hardy annuals, with large flowers, resembling a single Poppy, while the leaves are armed with slender prickles, and very much resemble Thistle leaves, Tience the Argemone is known almost every where as the Prickly Poppy. Natives of Mexico and Peru, and some of the species -were introduced into Europe more -than two hundred years since. m,, ^-..^Taj^/BJ The plants grow two feet in height and make a very good low screen or hedge, for which purpose set the plants about ten inches apart in the rows. The foliage is not only large and very pretty in form, but of a pleasant light green color, and it can be easily imagined that M-ith its large. Poppy-like flowers a Tiedge of Argemone must be an interesting object. Veiy few summer hedges will look better. The engraving shows the flower less than one-half the natural size. ASPERULA, Nat. Ord. Riibiacaa:. Asperula azurea setosa is a profuse blooming hardy little annual from the Caucasian Moun- tains, and only introduced to cultivation a few years since. It is of dwarf habit, growing less than a foot in height, and bearing many clusters of small, light blue or lavender, sweet-scented flowers. This is one of the class of pretty, neat little flowers which some persons admire on account of their delicate beauty, and which many condemn as weedy and worthless, because they make no show in the garden. For making up in small bouquets the Asperula is all that can be desired. The engraving shows the habit of the plant as well as the size of the flower, and from this a pretty good idea may be obtained of the use to which it is adapted. We design to be quite particular on this point, because many of our choicest little gems are evil spoken of, just because their friends do not give them a proper introduction. ASTER, Nat. Ord. Composita:. The Aster was popular when we had our little garden nearly half a century ago. We used to call it then China Aster, but those children who wished to be very nice would say Reine Marguerite, and would often get laughed at for preferring so hard a name, just because it was French. The Aster was sent to France from China by a Missionary, and the English name means China Star, while the French is Queeti Daisy. Is was then a single, showy flower, bearing not much more * resemblance to the Aster of to-day than the Mayweed does to the Dahlia. However, we thought it veiy pretty, and it afforded us a great deal of pleasure. We never see a poor single flower come up among the good ones, and we occasionally find such, but we are reminded of early days and childish friendships. We thought an engraving showing the character of the Aster as it was when imported might be interesting to our readers, and therefore give a small sketch. The Aster now is a general favorite, and its popularity is on the increase. For an Autumn show of flowers, we were about to say, we have not its equal, but we are reminded that -when we get enthusiastic over any of our special favorites, we are ready to say the same thing about a good many. Perhaps we can safely say that for an autumn display it has no successful rival among the Annuals. Give the Aster a deep, rich soil, and mulching with coarse manure is very beneficial, and if extra fine flowers are needed for exhibition or any other purpose, a little liquid manure occasionally « ill give the most gratifying results. Plants may be grown in the hot-bed, cold-frame, or a seed-bed in the garden, but to obtain good flowers the Aster plant must be strong and " stocky." A plant that is what garden- ers call " draw n" will never produce very fine flowers. A " drawn" plant is one that, by being crowded in the seed-bed, or some other cause, has become tall, slender and weak. The Aster transplants easily. Twelve inches apart is the proper distance for making a showy bed of the Urge varieties ; the dwarf kinds may be set six inches or less. It is not best to have Asters flower too early in the season, and there need be no haste in starting seed in the spring, for the Aster, like the Dahlia, is essentially a Fall flower, and the flowers are always the largest and most perfect and enduring in the showery weather and cool, dewy nights of Autumn. The tall varieties with large flowere need a little support, or during storms of wind and rain they are often blown clown and their beauty destroyed when in full blossom. Set a stake in the ground near the main stem, so that its top is only about two-thirds the height of the plant. Then fasten the main branches to this stake, not in the way too common, which is merely to pass a string around the whole plant, stake and all, thus injuring both foliage and flowers. The proper way is to attach several strings to the stake, so that they will not slip down, then pass each one around two or so of the main branches in a kind of loop or sling, so that the plant will retain its natural position, and may be swayed by the wind without receiving the least injury. We have endeavored to show how this is done in the accompanying engraving. Asters are so ver}' dissimilar in habit, ranging from the little dwarf, scarcely six inches in height, to the stately plant of more than three feet, and bearing flowers almost as large as a Ptcony, that a few words seem necessary to prevent persons purchasing what they do not desire. The smallest of tlie family is the little Dwarf Bouquet, represented in the engrav- iiigjfig- 9, which presents a bouquet of flowers about five or six inches in height, with scarcely a leaf. These are excellent for borders around beds. The DwarJ Pyramidal Bouquets, represented by engraving, fig. 10, make plants from ten to twelve inches in height. Next in height is the New Sehiller, about fifteen inches, which we represent on this page. It will be seen to be of veiy peculiar habit, the leaves being almost entirely at the base of the plant, and drooping. Another class, like the Imhrique Pompon and Ckrysanthemum-Jionrred, grow from eighteen inches to two feet in heirrht, while the tallest class, represented by the Neiv Rose, Perfection, and otlrers, range from two to three feet. 18 BALSAM, (Impatiens,) Nat. Ord. Bakaminaccie. ALSAMINA, like the Aster, is one of the most beautiful and popu- lar of our Annuals. Like thatflower, too, it is an old favorite, and so much improved during the last quarter of a century, that it scarcely bears a resem- blance to the old flower. We give an engraving of the Bal- sam, which many of our read- ers will recognize as the Lady's Slipper of other days ; and though they formerly thought it handsome, and have a right to think so now, now, if they wish, yet it it must be acknowledged there is a great improvement in this flow tr, and that the poor, single blossom so prized because associated with years and thoughts and friends of the past, is far inferior to the double, rose-like flower of to-day. Our climate is wonderfully adapted to tlie growth of the Balsam, and with a good, rich soil, and decent ca;-e, plants and flowers of the greatest excel- lence are produced. In some parts of Europe the Balsam requires a great deal of nursing to secure good plants, almost hot-house treatment. No flower pays better for a little extra care, in the way of enriching the soil, a little guano water and the like. We have grown side branches of Balsam two inches in diam- eter at the base, two feet in length, and perfect wreaths of flowers. Sow in a frame or in a sheltered bed in the gard^'n in the spring, as soon as the weather is rather warm. Transplant when the second leaves have made a little growth. Set the plants ten or twelve inches apart, and when the side branches appear, pinch oft" all but three or four, and pinch out the center shoot. Those left will tlien grow strong, and the flowers will not be concealed by the foliage, as is the case when the plant is left unpruned. A very good way is to keep all the side shoots pinched off, leaving only the leading one. This will gi-ow two or three feet in height, and be a perfect wreath of flowers. Treated in this way, they will bear close planting. Some people, however, prefer the Balsam unpruned, and we advise to try several plans. It is quite interesting to watch the results of such treatment. The engravings show the effects of pruning. Fig. 1, Dwarf Balsam of natural growth ; fig. 5, same pruned to five branches ; fig. 2, common Balsam of natural gi'owth ; fig. 3, plant pruned to one branch; fig. 4, pruned to three branches; fig. 6, flower of natural size. The Extra Dwarf Balsams grow only about six inches in height, while the tall varieties often reach nearly three feet in a rich soil. With the choicest seed the Balsam oc- OLD BALSAM. casionally insists on giving only semi-double flowers and no one can tell why. BALSAM IMPROVED, Many think that old seed produces flowers more double than new 20 BARTON I A, Nat. Orel. Loasacece. Bartonia aurea is a very showy, half-hardy annual. It is a native of California, and was found there nearly forty years ago by the unfortunate Douglas, who discovered so many ornamental annuals in California and South America, which he introduced to European florists, and who finally sacrificed his life to his botanical zeal by falling into a pit placed to entrap wild cattle, on the Sandwich Is- lands, while on a botanical excursion. The leaves are somewhat thistle-like in appear- ance, gray and downy. The flowers are double the size shown in the engraving, of a very bright, metallic yellow, and exceed- ingly brilliant in the sunshine. It likes considerable moisture, and in a drouth the young plants sometimes suffer. We saw it flowering beautifully, in June, on the mountain sides in the neighborhood of the Yosemite Valley, but not in large quantities. As it does not bear trans- planting very well, we sow seed in the garden early, and in that way get good plants and flowers. BRACHYCOME, Nat. Ord. Compositce. The Brachycome iberidifoUa is a daisy-like flower, found on the banks of the Swan River, in Australia, and sometimes called Swan River Daisy. It is an elegant little plant, growing only about eight inches in height, of a branching, compact habit, with deeply cut foliage and abundance of flowers, of the size and appearance of which our engraving will give a good idea, and bearing more resemblance to the Cin- eraria, perhaps, than any other flower. Colors blue and white, with a dark eye. For a bed or mass, set the plants six or eight inches apart. Neither this simple description nor the engraving will give the reader a sufficiently favorable idea of the pretty, daisy-like flowers, and the compact, roimded form of this beautiful plant, which has ever received. BRO"WALLIA, Nat. Ord. ScrophulariaceiE. The Browallias are excellent, free flowering, half-hardy annuals, mostly from South America. The flowers are beautiful and delicate, the engraving showing the natural size. Seeds grow quite freely and the plant gives abundance of bloom. Plants about eighteen inches in height, and should be set a foot apart. This, though not a deserving of far more attention than it IS a very ] could be spoken with truth. interesting class of flowers ; in fact, they belong, like the Clarkia, the Nemophila, and Whitlavia, to a modest, and therefore unappreciated, family, which we like much better than we usually say, because they are not showy enough to please everybody, and we do not like to be the cause of disappointment, even to unreasonable people. For several years past, however, the taste for the culture of the more delicate flowers has been rapidly improving, and instead of being scolded for over-praising some little favorite, it will be recollected, many readers have complained because we said so little when so much With this progress we are well pleased. 21 CACAL.IA, Nat. Old. Composuo'. AC.-VLIAS are pretty half-hardy annuals, with small, tassel-like flowers, and from the form of the flower, often called Flora's Paint Brush. The flowers are borne in clusters on slender stalks, about a foot or so in length. The appearance of ^wcMii^/j^ jjB^ui I .^ the Cacalia in the bed is quite satisfactory, J*S( T^^%H (C H ^0^J7^ '^"^ ^°^ cutting these little flowers are always in request. There are two varieties, scarlet and orange. Sow seed under glass, and set the jilants in the flowering bed about six inclies apart. This little flower is a native of the East Indies. The principal merit of the flower is that it continues in bloom from early summer until late autumn, throwing up its tall branching and tasseled flower stems, and furnishing flowers for cutting every day for several months. CALANDRINIA, Nat. Ord. Portulacacea;. A very pretty genus of plants, \\\\\\ somewhat succulent stems and fleshy leaves, as might be expected, Ijeing of the Purslane family. The plants are more or less prostrate, some varieties as much so as the Portulaca. The best of the species are natives of South America. They endure heat and drouth like the Poi tulaca, and are peculiarily well adapted for rock work, mounds, &c. Flowers large, abundant and continuous through the summer. The engraving shows the flower about one-third the natural size of most of the varieties. It is best to treat the Calan driuia as a half-hardy annual, and sow under glass, but very good success may be had by sowing in the open ground, especially in a light, sandy soil. CALENDULA, (Marigold,) Nat. Ord. ComposiUc. The Calendula is tlie old and Avell known Marigold family which every one knows, but mav not recognize by this name. The name was given because some of the species were supposed to be in flower eveiy month of the Calendar. The C. officinalis is the old Pot Marigold, which, according to the old belief, possess- ed wonderful medical virtues, and as a pot herb had great merit, and \\'hich now some Englishmen think gives a delicious fla^-or to a leg of mutton. The English name is a corruption of Mary's gold, on account of the value of this plant as a pot herb to English cottagers' wives. The single varieties are not much cultivated, but the double are still popular. CALLIOPSIS, Nat. Ord. Compositcc. The genus Calliopsis embraces a very useful and brilliant class of hardy annuals. The plants are tall, usually two or three feet in height, and though of slender habit are of ^-igorous growth. The flowers embrace every shade of yellow, orange and rich, reddisli brown, verging to red or crimson. Some varieties are finely marked. Tlie flo"\vers on slender foot stalks, and ^■cry abundant, so that when sown in g)-ou])s, which is the best method, the effect of the wa\'ing flowers is -i-ei-y fine. Our engra\-ing shows one of the varieties wdtli a beautiful eye, and the real English of the Greek word Calliopsis is ' the open ground or under glass. utiitiful Eyc.^ ■i.:2iSLL< CALLIRHOE, Nat. Ord. MalvacecE. A species of Mallow-like plants, natives of America, with large, purplish flowers, about twice the size of the engraving, and showing a white center, which gives the flower a veiy beautiful appearance. They are five-petaled, and about two inches across. The filaments of the stamens are united in a columnar tube, which bears a tuft of many stamens at the end. Height of plant about two feet, though there is a dwarf variety, growing only about one-half this height. Seeds under favor- able circumstances will grow freely in the open ground. Thin out the plants so that they will be about a foot apart. The Cal- lirhoe commences to flower when only about six inches high, and gives abundance of its pretty flowers through the summer until frost. CAMPANULA, Nat. Ord. Campanulacex. The Campanulas are a large genus, embracing a great many beautiful and popular Perennials, like the Campanula Medium, or Canterbury Bell, which we shall describe in the department devoted to flowers that bloom the second season. In the Campamdaceie there are supposed to be over two hundred species, and natives of the colder portions of America, Asia and Europe, and scarcely any found in vvai-m countries. The famed Blue Bells of Scotland, (the Hare-bell of America,) is the best known species. There are quite a k number of annuals of great value for forming masses, as they are neat in habit, hardy, and free bloomers. Seed may be sown in the open ground or under glass. In the £qwering bed plants should be five or six inches apart so as to foim a mass and entirely cover the soil. The flowers of the annual varieties are small compared with the perennials, and the prevailing colors white, blue and rose. They are simple, neat little flowers, not veiy desirable as single plants, but quite effective in masses. CANNA, Nat. Ord. Marantacea:. The Cannas are stately plants, with broad green, highly ornamental leaves, giving to our Northern gardens a tropical appearance, exceedingly pleasant. Although the Canna looks well Avhen grown singly, yet we must look for the most desirable effects when grown in clumps or groups, or when to the Canna is devoted a whole bed on some portion of the lawn. There are se^'eral varie- ties, the leaves of some being entirely green, while in others the leaf-stem, midrib and veins are red. Some kinds also grow three or four feet in height, while others are of a somewhat dwarfish habit, being only about two feet. The Canna is also very useful, when grown in pots, for indoor deco rations, such as halls, porches, etc. The Canna makes good large plants from seed the first season after planting only under favorable circumstances, so that those who depend upon seeds for their show of plants for the sum- mer, should encourage growth in every possible way. therefore, soak the seeds in hot water for several hours before planting. In a cold climate, seed must be sown under glass, and indeed it is well to grow the plants in pots, -so as to get them of good size before the weather is warm enough to turn them into the garden, for unless the plants are strong when set out they \\ill not produce much effect the first year. Many of my customers on the rich soils of the Southwest succeed admirably with the Cannas, not only making a fine show the first summer, but plants of enoniious size. In ordinaiy places, where there is no convenience for hot-bed, potting, &c., it is well to purchase roots, which can be obtained of good size in the spring. In the autumn take up the roots and keep them in the cellar in sand, to be planted again the following spring. The flowers are pretty but not showy. 23 CANDYTUFT, (Iberis,) Nat. Ord. Crucifera:. The Candytuft is an old, popular, hardy annual that every one at all conversant with flower- is acquainted with. It is the same flower now that it was two hundred years ago, the improve- ment in its character being very slight. Although the Candytuft grows so freely that it is not con- sidered necessary to give it any par- ticular care, yet it appreciates a little extra culture, as those who take a plant or two for extra good treatment will be fully aware after the trial. A little manure water occasionally, with a thorough softening of the soil around the the plant, and a thinning out of the too numerous clusters of buds, will produce heads of flowers three inches across. The Candytufts are a treasure in the hands of the florist for bouquet making, especially the white varieties, because the flowers are so small and the white so pure, and because by sowing a little patch occasionally flowers can be had at any time, winter or summer. Several times, crimson, carmine and other bright color- ed Candytufts have been announced among the Novelties, but until this summer we never found any better than the old puipjle, or much differ- ent. We now have a good bright rose, which is a most valuable acquisition. Seed should be sown where the plants are to bloom, either in the fall or as early in the spring as possible. The general form of the Crimson, Purple, Lilac etc., which bears its flowers in spikes. CASSIA, Nat. Ord. Lcgtiminoste. Cassia chamaecrista is a very good annual indeed, with pretty, light green foliage, like the ,^ , Sensitive Plant, and plenty of bright, golden yellow flowers _ ' ^'^j It is of dwarf, compact habit, about eighteen inches in ^^^\ 111 A. i . li 1 height, has the appearance of a little hard-Avooded shrub, and makes a very pretty border. It is a native of the West and Southwest, and entirely worthy of culture. Persons who see this flo«-er first in its wild state are so delighted with it, and so anxious to have others share their pleasure, that samples of both flowers and seeds are sent us by the hundred. We judge from the demand made upon us for seeds by European seedsmen and florists, that this native American is attracting considerable attention. Sow under glass or open ; set plants a foot apart, shown in the engraving ; also the Rocket. CATCHFLY, (Silene,) Nat, Ord. Caryophyllacea:. There are a great many Silenes with small flowers and not veiy great beauty. of all is 6". Arnieria, and generally known as Lobel's Catchfly, named after LOEEL a distinguished old botan- ist of Flanders, Nearly all the species (jf this genus have a viseid moisture on their stalks, in which it is said flies are sometimes entrapped, therefore the Catchfly part of the name. The Silene Armeria is a free flowering hardy annual, growing over a foot in height, with small flowers, red, white or rose. Set plants six inches apart so as to form a clump. 24 The prettiest CELOSIA, Nat. Ord. Amarantacea: . The Celosias are interesting and singular annuals, and when well grown, from seed of good quality, never fail to please the grower and attract the attention of his friends. In Europe they are grown in pots for floral exhibitions and also for table decorations, but in most parts of America they gro-T so freely in the open ground that this treatment is not necessary to form most superb plants, though for exhibition purposes extra good plants in pots would be very convenient < and useful. There are two desirable forms of the Celosia, the Cockscomb and the Feathery, ' the former being the most curious and far the most popular. When true, the latter forms a feathery head that is very pretty, but it is not always reliable, and we have discarded all but one or two varieties of this form that usually come good and true. Of the old- fashioned Cockscomb, represented by the small engraving in the center, seed can now be obtained of excellent quality, that with good culture, in a rich soil, will give heads from six inches to a foot across, and some who read this article will, no doubt, be ready to say they have grown them nearly twice this size, for in the rich soils of the West, and with comparatively good culture, they make combs of wonderful size. Four years ago we obtained a new Cockscomb from Japan, which we named the Vick's Japan Cockscomb, and which far excels every other variety in the brilliance of its color and the beauty of its seed for sale. It comb. We kept it j /^S^^^u A« "°' °"'y sustains its on our own grounds ft'*, "^^SSmSSm^^ ^^m original character, on trial for two mft ^ "f^^W^ S^^P ^^^ seems to like the years, and was so .^K, ^s^K^^ ^MfiHS^^ Amercan climate charmed with its great beauty as well as its distinctness of character that in 1873 we offered the and soil. Last sum- mer it was more bril- liant than ever be- fore. The usual form of the plant is shown in the first engraving at the left, while the cut on the right exhibits the usual form of the combs, with a bright scarlet edging ruffled like the most delicate lace. In many specimens the comb is so nicely cut as to resemble the finest coral both in form and color, and this appearance we have endeavored to show in the lower engraving at the right. Some of the side branches al , ^. , ^ low, almost transparent stem, delicate branches, with light, glaucous leaves. The flowers are small and bonie in clusters, ...- as shown in the engraving, and for a pretty bed or mass of delicate flowers, or for a little reserve for cutting, we may search a long time before we find anything to sur- pass the little Centranthus. The word viac7'osiphon means long-tubed, and as will be seen by the engraving, these flowers have long, slender tubes. We have had no difficulty in getting a good growth from the seed, either in the open ground or under glass. CHAM^«:PEUCE, Nat. Ord. Composita. The Cliamccpeuce is a very singular and rather elegant Thistle-like plant, with the prettiest \ X 1 / variegated leaves and the sharpest spines imaginable. It is perennial, ^j k, i^^J,^ iJ^p" living several years, but not blooming until the second year, though this ''^ rs*^^ '^^^c^iW/L^*^ ^^ of very little consequence, as the beauty is in the foliage and not the (.i^H^^i.s^j^'^^wiv^ flowers. It is perfectly hardy in this section, the self-sown seed having L-^OS produced plants on our grounds for several years. It is much used in some parts of the Avorld for decorative purposes, a good plant in a pot, looking quite as well as a young Centuiy Plant or any thing of this character. CLEOME, Nat. Ord. Capparidacea:. The Cleomcs are very good half-hardy annuals, obtained, we believe, first from South Ameri and now pretty generally cultivated. latterly has been classed with the half-hardy annuals in England, and in America it does exceedingly Avell, flourishing in our hottest, driest seasons. The Cleomes have veiy .' singular flowers, as will be seen by ^, the engraving, the stamens lool;ing like spider's legs. The Cleome is a plant well worthy of culture. Growth about eighteen inches, and plants should be set about a foot apart. Start the seed under j 26 At first it was thought to be a green-house annual, but ;lass, or in a wami sandy soil. CLARKIA, Nat. Ord. Onagracea. When once in the County of Essex, in England, wandering about in search of flowers and their intelligent cultivators, we neared an old-fashioned village, called St. Osyth, and in its neighborhood we saw immense fields ablaze with bright colors, acres each of pink, red, white, purple, lilac, and which a closer view proved to be masses of Clarkia, being grown for the seed. Wherever a mass of bright colors is desired, the Clarkia is the most effective annual in the hands of the English florist. It suffers with us in hot di7 weather. Seed sown in autumn will give good early spring flowers. COLLINSIA, Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacece. The Collinsia is a very pretty, free blooming, hardy annual, that we always liked, but never so well as since we saw it growing wild in California, and which we mistook when at a distance for some new species of Lupin. The marbled, or many-colored, flowers are in whorls of five or six blossoms, and three or more of these whorls on each flower stem. The upper lijj of the flower is white or pale lilac, and the lower one dark purple. About eighteen inches in height. We have had very good suc- cess with fall planted seeds in a diy soil, but would hardly like to advise this plan generally. CONVOLVULUS, Nat. Ord. Convolvulacea . Every one knows the Convolvulus major, the old and loved Morning Gloiy, which will be found described among the Climbing Plants, but all are not conversant with the Dwarf Convolvulus, C. minor. It is a dwarfish plant, of a trailing habit, each plant covering a circle per- /.^^ \li f W^ f-l^^^i^t "ii,- ^^P^ '^^° f^^t '" diameter, or more. The 2^ " ."' *l* ; i^atS^ra^K^^'&^i flowers are about two-thirds the size of those of the Morning Glory, and a bed of the Dwarf Convolvulus forms beautiful mass ; and were it not that the flowers are closed during the latter part of the day, the same as Convolvulus major, few plants would give more satisfaction. The engraving shows the flower one-half natural size. GREPIS, Nat. Ord. Composita:. The Crepis are pretty plants that almost every one would like in a large collection, but which we would not recommend to those who cultivate but few flowers, except once for trial or acquaintance. There is great pleasure in forming a personal acquaintance with strange flowers by culture, just as much as in traveling among new scenes in strange &^'^^\"^ lands; at least, so we think. There are several '''arieties of the Crepis, yellow, pur- ple, pink and white, all hardy annuals, about one foot in height, and bearing deli- cate, pretty flowers. The engraving shows the full size of the flower. Plants should be about eight or ten inches apart. .Seed will germinate if sown in the open ground, but ve generally put a pinch or two \n the hot-bed. DATURA, Nat. Ord. Solanacece. ATURA is a large, strong-growing plant, with trumpet-shaped flowers, the best varieties bearing blooms six inches in length, mostly white, and sometimes tinted with a delicate blue. No one ever flowered a good Datura for the first time who was not a good deal more than pleased, and no one ever had a blooming plant in his garden that did not receive a large share of the at- tention and admiration of visitors. This is due veiy largely to its great size and purity ■j^-'^^ t/yv^i-^'^^^lg- of color. There are several double varie- _ *L^^ -jl^ltSMMAJM^^W ties, in fact, the Datura seems to double in almost every style, but we prefer the single kind. The roots of one variety, Wrightii, will usually endure the winter and flower for several seasons, but any of the roots can be pre- served in a cellar, like Dahlia roots. Plants two feet in height ; set plants two feet apart. DELPHINIUM, Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceix. The Delphiniums are beautiful, free blooming, popular plants, and generally known as Lark- spurs on account of the peculiar fomration of the flower, which has a fancied resemblance to the spur of that favorite European song-bird, the Lark. There are several very desir- able Perennials, which will be found described in the proper department, and also quite a number of annuals, all hardy and good. The Larkspurs prefer a cool soil and season, plenty of moisture, and a little shade will do no injury. Sow the seeds in the autumn, or very early in the spring, so as to have the benefit of cool, early, showery weather. Among the annuals, tlie Rocket varieties are perhaps the favorites. They send up a tall spike, as shown m the engraving, which gives the name, and a bed of these varieties is truly gorgeous. The appearance of a good double flower is shown in the small engraving. There are several varie- ties that make rather large, branching plants, and as these have abundance of flowers on strong stems, are especially desirable for cutting. A somewhat new variety, called Candelohriwt, is shown in the engraving. The branching varieties grow about two feet in height, and should be planted about eighteen inches' apart. The Rockets should be set in rows five or six inches apart. Sow the seed where the plants are to bloom. Larkspurs continue in flower only a short time. DIDISCUS, Nat. Ord. Apiacea. The Didiscus coeruleus is a truly handsome Australian plant, about two feet in height, with numerous umbels of sky blue flowers. The appearance of both plant and flower we have endeav- ored to show m the engraving. While, like otliers we have before described, we do not think this flower will ever become generally cultivated, yet it is too pretty to be omitted from our list. If seeds are sown and plants well forwarded in the hot-bed, bloom may expected about the fii-st of July ; but if in the open ground, not It is better, if -possible, to sow under glass. 28 until the latter part of the month. DI AN THUS, Nat. Ord. Caryop. A splendid genus of the most beautiful perennials grown. The Sweet William, [Dianthus barhntits^ the Carnation and Picotee, {D. caryophyllus^ and the Garden Pink, (Z*. horlensis,) belong to this genus ; but, as they do not flower until the second season, will be described in the proper place. The species known as D. Chi- nensis, embracing the old Chinese Pink, ver)' much improved of late years, and the new and superb varieties from Japan, known as D. Hed- dewigii and laciniatus, are among the most brilliant and useful of our garden flowers. The last two run into many varieties, the result of hybridization, with flowers of monstrous size and varied and rich in coloring. Plants of the tall growing sorts are from twelve to fifteen inches in height, while the dwarf kinds make handsome low, compact bushes, excellent for the garden and unsurpassed for pots. Seed may be sown in the spring, under glass or in a seed-bed. Easily transplanted. Set the plants from six to twelve inches apart, according to varieties — the dwarf sorts only about six inches. The Dianthus flowers freely during the whole summer. If the flowering is checked by prun- ing, so as to keep the plants vigorous, they will usually survive the winter well, and make most beautiful plants the second season, even much better than the first. If allowed to flower too freely, they are sometimes so weakened as to be unable to bear the winter without suffering great injury, if they escape destruction. Seed sown late in the spring will produce strong young plants for the second season's flowering. The Dwarf sorts especially, and, in fact, all kinds, make very good house plants, if not kept too warm. In this family there has been very great improvement in the past few years, so that now flowers grown from seeds of the common China Pink are far superior to anything Itnown among the China or Japan Pinks ten years ago. The engraving shows a flower of a good double Pink, of natural size. The single varieties are so brilliant in color that they are prized by some persons even more than the double sorts, and for beautiful markings and rich coloring few flowers equal the single Japan and China Pinks. DOUBLK DAISY, (Bellis,) Nat. Ord. Cdmposite natural size. The leaf is a beautiful dark green, thick, smooth anweet Rocket is a very hardy biennial, bearing clusters of single flowers, about the size shown in the engraving, and very much resembling the Stock, single, and fragrant during the evening. The best colors are purple and white. There are other colors which are not desirable, and a double white, which produces no seed, and which we have not succeeded J» 1") "fli^ ^^^. ■ ^, ''^j' ,"^^^tSfe®t^f.^ i" naturalizing in America. The plant, ^ith fair culture, will grow eighteen inches in height, is perfectly hardy, and seed w\\\ geitninate readily in the open ground. The Rocket is thoroughly hardy, but the little pest that makes our Rad- ishes '■wurmy" is very fond of its root, and sometimes causes the destruction of the plant. STOCK, BROMPTON, (Mathiola incana,) Nat. Ord. Crucifcrcz. The Brompton Stock is the biennial of the Ten-Weeks Stock. The plant is of a larger growth than the annual, the flowers larger, and the spikes longer and bolder. It would be difficult to find any flower more gorgeous than a good Bromp- ton Stock, as seen growing in the gardens of the mild districts of Europe. We have measured spikes of blossoms nearly a foot in length, with the flowers as compact as possible. In the colder districts, the Brompton Stock is grown in conserva- tories. Unfortunately this Stock can not endure our winters, but if plants are grown in the open ground during the summer, in autumn they can be removed to the house, where they will flower well if not kept too hot and dr)'. In the spring, the plants may be again transferred to the gar- den, where they will furnish a good many flowers during the early summer. SWEET 'WILLIAM (Dianthus barbatus,) Nat. Ord. CaryophyUacca:. The Sweet William is a very old and popular garden flower, but not now so often as for- merly seen in our gardens. Indeed, the system of /^'C'>^^^^^>^ bedding with Geraniums, and other bright flowers , ; . ■., .^li;.;,... -f^^ r^^^ ornamental foliaged plants, and the introduc- \ tion of the Phlox and Petunia, and similar valuable < annu.als that give a constant display during the sum- mer, has almost driven a good many of our really good flowers from the garden. A re-action, how- ever, has commenced, and both amateurs and pro- fessional gardeners are beginning to look about for their old favorites, so long neglected and almost forgotten. They are not quite content, however, to accept the old flowers as they were thirt)' years aro ; but are making earnest efforts for their improvement. In this improvement the Sweet William, like the Hollyhock, has largely shared. The best varieties are of exceedingly beautiful colors, very large, and almost perfect in form, with trusses of great size. Treatment as for Carnation. The plants are perfectly hardy, and may he increased by division of the roots. There are very good double varieties, though a single Sweet William is much to ie preferred to any double we have ever seen. 64 !■ '/<\ '^ram I '""'-"^ TJSNDER BULBOUS FLOWERS VALERIANA, Nat. Orel. ]'alerianacca:. The Valerian is a beautiful iiorder plant that ^^■e can recommend to all lovers of flo^vers for the hardy, perennial border. There are a good many species of this genus, a few of them -natives of Southern countries, tender, and only suitable for green-house ciil ture, but they are mostly hardy, natives of Switzerland, Austria, the Pyrenees and Scotch Mountains. Nothing can be more beautiful than the chalk cliffs of England \\'hen covered with Valerian, as we saw them one glorious July day, a few years since. Tlie improved or garden varieties are Ijcautiful, bearing large corymljs of small flowers, scarlet, white and red, the plant from two to three feet in height. The Valerian will bear shade and moisture. "WALLFLOAVER, (Cheiranthus Cheiri,) Nat. Ord. Cnici/er,,-. The Wallflower resembles the Brompton Stock in appearance, habit and necessary treatment. In the South of Germany, and in England, in early spring, the gardens are gorgeous Avith AVallflowers, while the fragrance pecu- liar to this flower perfumes the air. Ly growing plants in the ground and transplanting to pots in the autumn, or better, by plac- ing the young plants in pots when taken from the seed-bed, and sinking the pots to the rim in earth, good plants will be secured i for winter flowering in the house. Give a cool room, and plenty of water. By placing the pots in a pit or cold cellar, with a little light the plants may be kept alive during the winter, and until lime to remove to the garden. For the conservatory the Wallflower is desirable. While the Brompton Stocks are clear lA'hite, pur]jle, pink, &c., all the colors of the Wallflower possess more or less of yellow, the richest being deep, velvety, brownish red. DICTAMNUS, Nat. Ord. Rutacea:. The Dictamnus Fraxinella is a desirable hardy perennial Ai'ith racemes of large, showy flowers often a foot in length. There are two varieties, Avhite and pink. The fragrance of these flowers is pleasant to most jjeople, being somewhat aro- matic or resinous. The plant attains a height of two or three feet, and the leaves being beau- tiful in form and color, it is de- sirable in the border for a sum- mer hedge or screen, and for all decorative purposes, -where large flowers are admissable, it is very useful. Seeds germi- mcTAMNTJS— PLANT AND FLOWER. natc freely if sown either in the autumn or spring, and we have never known a plant injured in the winter. Plants can be safely transplanted or shipped at either season. 65 _^T The names in this department will have a familiar sound to all lovers of house plants. The Heliotrope, the Calceolaria, Gloxinia, Chiysanthemum, Cineraria, Geranium, Fuschia, etc., are associated \\ith our earliest recollections of floriculture. Most persons procure house plants- from the gieen-houses, and when but one or two of a kind are needed this is a good plan. It is also well to purchase ot the nearest florist, if good plants can be obtained, because you can then make the selection personally, and your florist needs, and we hope deserves, encouragement. Some, however, have green-houses and desire many plants, and others take pride and pleasure ni growing from seed — in watching every day's mysterious growth, from the tiny seed-leaf to the full developed plant, in all its grand display of beauty. To all such we shall be happy to furnish seeds. As the seeds in this department are mostly delicate, it is best to make several sowings at different times. The most e.K- perienced gardeners always do this. Most of the varieties known as green- house plants will, of course, succeed as well in the dwelling house as the green-house, if we can only secure the conditions necessary to their health, and which the conservatory or green-house furnishes. These are light, warmth, moisture, air, and occasionally a little sunshine. .Some may think that they supply all these conditions, and yet the plants do not flourish. Tlie difficiUty generally is that we keep our living rooms too wann for plants, and too warm also for our own good. The atmosphere of the living room, also, is too dry. The florist syringes his plants, and throws water on the paths, and all about his houses, so as to ob- tain a moist atmos- phere by its evapora- tion. In our living rooms we provide no \\'ater for c\ aporalion, and the consequence is a di"y and unhealthy atmosphere, generally filled with fine dust from the carpets. Keep the plants clean and comfort- able, with themiometer not over seventy or seventy-five in the day, and not more than fifty or sixty in the night. Keep the leaves clean. Smooth -^d^4is»4^ 3 leaves, like those of the Ca- mellia and Oleander, should be washed with a sponge, but ■ some rough or woolly leaved plants, like the Begonia, dislike ^\■etting of the foliage. This is particidarly the case with the Chinese Primulas. The engravings at the right, commencing at top of page, show the Heliotrope, Calceolaria, and Cineraria ; on the left, the Clianthus. 66 TENDER BULBS AND TUBERS. The Tender or Summer Bulbs, m this latitude, during August and the early part of Septem ber, are truly grand beyond comparison. They may not be equally gorgeous in some places, but our experience and observation is that the Summer Bulbs are delightful almost everywhere. It is no wonder they are becoming so popular in all parts of the civilized world. The Gladio- lus takes rank at the very head of the list and the Dahlia is gaining more than its old popularity. The tender bulbs are so certain in their growth that disappointment is hardly possible, and so easily cared for that no one can complain of the trouble. Summer Bulbs should not be planted until frost is over in the spring, and in the autumn must be taken up before hard frosts. They are easily preserved in any place free from frost during the winter. These remarks, and the instructions throughout this chapter, refer to the places where severe frosts occur. In sections where there is little or no frost these tender Bulbs, of course, are perfectly hardy. We cannot give directions for every locality, and our readers must use a little judgment in the matter. Protect the bulbs from frost, and give them the benefit of spring and early summer growth. GLADIOLUS. The Gladiolus is the most beautiful of our Summer Bulbs, with tall spikes of flowers, some two feet or more in height, and often several spikes from the same bulb. The flowers are of almost every desirable color — brilliant scarlet, crimson, creamy white, striped, blotched and spotted in the most curious and interesting manner. Per- haps we have no flower that presents such a gorgeous display of delicate yet brilliant colors in the garden, or on the exhibi- tion tables, or for extensive floral decorations, as the Gladio- lus. For many years the French have been the most skillful propagators of this flower, and every season introduced many very beautiful new varieties, grown, of course, from seed, which the rest of the world have been very glad to purchase at extravagant prices — five dollars or more each. There is no country in the world, we think, where the Gladiolus thrives as it does in America — it is subject here to no disease, which is not the case in Europe — and to plant a bulb is to insure a good spike of flowers. It is not strange, therefore, that the Gladiolus is becoming exceedingly popular, and receiving especial attention from florists. In our own grounds we cul- tivate from five to ten acres of the best named varieties, and several acres of seedlings. Among these seedlings are annu- ally produced some very choice flowers, while the average is very good, quite as fine as ninety per cent, of the best named sorts. The bulb, as it is commonly called, is really a corm, and from this grows the erect stem, te'-minating in a spike of flowers. a7 The culture is very impli.'. Set the btilbs from six to nine inches apart and cover about four inches. If set in rows they may be six inches apart in the rows, and the rows one foot apart. The planting may be done at different times from the middle of April to the first of June, to secure a long succession of bloom. Keep the earth mellow, and place a neat stake to support the spikes in stomrs. I have never known a case where the Gladiolus failed ' to give the most perfect satisfaction, opening a new field of beauty to those unacquainted with its merits. In the fall, take up the bulbs, let them diy in the air for a few days, then cut off the tops and store the bulbs out of the way of frost, for next season's planting. Look at them occasionally. If kept in a place too moist, they will show signs of moisture and perhaps mil- dew. If this appears, remove them to a dryer position. If the bulbs shrivel, it shows they are getting too diy ; but the) du not usually suflei fiom a dry atmosphere. To prevent disappoint- ment, I would say, I know of no Gladiolus of a bright yellow color, and none of spotless white. Our engravings show two plants in flower, of somewhat different habit ; also, a bulb or corm, and a single flower, the two latter about natural size. DAHLIAS. The Dahlia, some twenty or more years ago, was altogether the most popular florist's flow^er, and Dahlia exhibitions the most noted horticultural contests. The Dahlia for a time lost part of its eclat, but is now not only regaining its lost ground, but bids fair to exceed even its former position in public estimation. We are not sur- prised at this, for when we look upon a well- formed Dahlia, we are compelled to acknowl- edge that it is a wonder of beauty and perfec- tion. The Dahlia, when first discovered in Mexico, about 1784, and named after Dr. Dahl, a pupil of Linnceus, Avas a single flower, and its improvement Avas accomplished by the patience and skill of European florists. It was first culti- vated for its tubers, which were thought to be eat- able. It Avas not until 1814 that it began to excite the attention of florists, and the improve- ment of the Dahlia has been constant to the pres- ent time ; for though florists thought this flower had attained "the highest point of beaut}' many years since, every year seedlings are produced and named which are considered as surpassing their predecessors in some point of excellence. We exhibited seedlings of our own growing in 1874, which such excellent judtres as Isaac Buchanan and C. L. Allen pronounced superior to any they had before seen. The flower shown is about one-half the size of a large Dahlia, though they differ very much in this resoect 68 ^ ' t-M SHOW UAi-ILlA. some varieties always producing large and others small flowers, the small or medium being usually the most perfect, and the largest often somewhat coarse. Purchasers ot Dahlias usually obtain the tubers for planting, because they are more safely transported than plants, and the appearance of these tubers will be seen by the little engraving of the Dahlia root. Buds are found at the neck of the tubers and these fonn the plants. Put the tubers in the ground when the season becomes warm, covering the neck some three inches. If many shoots start, thin them out. There is no necessity for plant- ing the Dahlia early, as it is an autumn flower, and seldom gives good blossoms until the nights are somewhat cool. After flowering, and before hard frosts, take up the bulbs, dry them a little, remove the tops, and store in the cellar until spring, when they can be divided and re-planted. The size of the tuber has no influence on the strength of the plant or the beauty of the flower ; all the tuber is needed for is to sustain the young shoot until it can take root and obtain its own support. Florists usually place the tubers in a hot-bed early in the spring, and as fast as the young shoots get a few inches of growth, take them off and pot them, when, everything being favorable, each one will root and make a good plant. They are often sold in this way, especially new and scarce varieties. The tall growing plants require staking, if grow- ing in exposed situations, or they are often broken by the wind. The Dahlia is divided into three pretty distinct classes, the first being the largest and most important, as follows : Show Dahlia^ growing from three to four feet in height, and embracing all our finest sorts, fit for exhibiting at horticultural shows, from which the name is derived ; the flowers ranging in size from two and a half to four inches in diameter. The Dioarf or Bed- ding Dahlia grows about eighteen inches in height, and makes a thick, compact bush, and covers a good deal of surface. Flowers of the size of .Show Dahlias. They are therefore vei-y desirable for bed- ding and massing. The Pompon or Bouquet Dahlia makes a pretty, compact plant, about three feet in height. The leaves are small, and the flowers from one to two inches in diameter. Many expect to find small flowers on their Dwarf Dahlias, and feel disappointed because they are of the ordinai-y size, not knowing that it is the plant, and not the flower that is dwarfed, and that only the Pompon gives the small flowers. The striped and mottled and spotted flowers belonging to the Show section are called Fancy, and though not as rich and usua'ly as highly prized as the selfs, or those of one color, are very attractive. DWARF DAHLIA. POMPON DAHLIA. DAHLIA ROOT. The leaves are CANNA. Tlic Canna is a fine foliage plant, making a good bed alone, Ijut particularly desirable as the center of a group of foliage plants, of which it is one of the very best. Growing from three to four feet. The leaves are sometimes two feet in length, of a beautiful green, some varieties tinted with red. The flowers are on spikes, pretty, but not conspicuous. Roots can be taken up in the autumn and placed in the cellar. They flourish and are vigorous in the diyest and hottest weather. A bed of Cannas presents a very beautiful tropical appearance that is exceedingly pleasant, contrasting delightfully with the ordinary foliage of the garden. In the West Indies a superior kind of arrowroot is made from the fleshy underground stems ; the tubers of some species are eaten as a vegetable. The seeds are large, round and black, which gives its common name, Indian Shot. The Canna and the Ricinus \\'e consider the two best foliage plants known for ordinary use in this courtly, as they will give better satifaction w^ith less trouble and expense than any others we are acquainted with. A good, large bed, entirely of Cannas, and another of Ricinus, will almost make one dream he is luxuriating in the tropics. CALADIUM ESCULKNTUM. The Caladium is one of the handsomest of the ornamental-leaved plants often more than a foot in length, nearly as much in breadth, and of a beautiful green, somewhat variegated or mottled. Roots obtained in the spring will make a good growth in the summer, and in the fall should be taken up and stored in the cellar, like Dahlias. The Caladium delights in heat and moisture, and in localities pretty well North it is well to start the root stalks, or rhizomes, \\'hich the fleshy bulb-like root is ; called, in the house a few weeks before it is time to plant in the garden, as in this way a larger and earlier growth is obtained. The Caladium is a native of very warm countries, such as the Sandwich Islands and the West Indies, and as the roots abound in starch, they are eaten by the natives, after being deprived of their acrid properties by some process of cookery, or perhaps filtering, in some such manner as the Indians of California remove the tannin and bitter taste from the acorns, which they do by washing and filtering through the sand, selecting any sandy spot, and scooping out a hollow for the.purpose. OXALIS. One of the prettiest things we are acquainted wdth for borders or edgings of beds and walks is the Oxalis lasiandra. We first saw it in the grounds of an English gardener, and thought it a good thing to take the place of the old box edging, now gone out of use, obtained bulbs, and have culti- vated it ever since. It forms a fine rounded edging a foot or so in height, and about the same in breadth. The leaves are in nine divi- sions, as shown in the engraving, the flower-stems standing well up above the foliage, of a bright, purplish pink, and of the size seen in the illustration. The flowers open in sunny weather, and close in the afternoon The bulbs are small, and should be planted one or two inches apart in the spring, and every one will produce a good plant. Take up the bulbs and store them away in tl^e' fall We leave a few out each season, with satisfactoiy results, but cannot recommend 'the practice in the North, until we are better satisfied of their entire hardiness. 70 TUBEROSE. The Tuberose is a beautiful, pure white, wax-like, vei-y sweet-scented, double flower, growing tall stems three feet in height, each stem bearing a dozen or more flowers. The engravings show a plant, much reduced in size but giving a very good idea of its appearance when in blossom ; a flower, and also a tuber, both of natural size. The Tuberose, being a native of the Kast Indies, delights in great heat, and where summers are short and not very warm, does not always flower before frost destroys the plant. In such latitudes, obtain tubers early and plant them in boxes of earth, and place these boxes in the hottest place in the house, watering very little, where they can re main until the atmo sphere and soil is quite warm. Then | transplant to the garden. Those who want this beautiful flower in the ' «arly winter can plant a few bulbs in pots in Jrly or August, sink them to the rim in earth in the garden, where they can remain until the cool nights of autumn, to be then removed to the house. Those who are favored with warm and long summers, need only plant the tubers in the garden as soon as the weather is warm. The Tuberose flowers but once; but the old tuber forms many small ones, and these, after one year's growth, under favorable circumstances, make flowering bulbs. A dwarf variety, called Pearl, has a shorter flower-stem, usually about eighteen inches. Those who preserve tubers over -winter for flowers the next summer, must keep them in a warm room, or the flower stem will rot, and the tubers never flower. MADEIRA VINE. The Madeira Vine is a beautiful climber, with thick, glossy, light green, almost transparent leaves, and climbing to almost any remarkable height, and twining in any desired form. Then it is as useful as beautiful, because it will bear almost any kind of merciless treatment, without saying a word. Plant the tuber out of doors in the spring, and it commences to grow at once, and if in a warm, sheltered place, very rapidly, until its slender branches, covered with pretty leaves, have climbed nearly a score of feet over pillar or porch; and then towards autumn, as though grateful for a chance to live and grow, it sends forth its racemes of little, delicate, white flowers, as sweet almost as Mignonette. In the autumn, cut off the tops, dig up the tubers, and throw them into a cellar, where they will keep sounder and safer than potatoes ; or, take up the bulbs carefully, pot them, remove them to the house, and they will bear the heat, dust and smoke of the worst living room imagin- able, with perhaps only a pitiful look of remon- 'strance from their sensitive leaves, while any- thing like decent usage will cause a smile of satisfaction, from the root to tiniest leaflet. The Madeira Vine is excellent for baskets and vases, furnishing a large amount of pretty, grace- ful foliage. For screens for windows and other equaled by no climber, except, perhaps, the Ivy, which is almost a salamander. 71 in-door work it i TIGRIDIA. The Tigridia, or Mexican Tiger Flower, is one of the most curious and beautiful flowers that this earth produces, T. Pavonia is of the richest scarlet, with a center of golden yellow spotted with black. T. conchiflora, orange, variegated with yel- low and spotted with black. The flowei-s are from three to four inches in diameter, and, though short-lived, are pro- duced in succession during the whole season, so that a. little bed is never without flowers. The blossoms appear veiy early in the morning, and in dull weather will be bright nearly all day, but a few hours of sunshine destroy their beauty. The next morning, however, a new lot appear, and the bed is gay as ever. The flower stems are from twelve to eighteen inches in height, the bulbs are small. Plant about the middle of May in this latitude, and take them up in October, dry for a few days in the air, and then pack them away in dry sand or sawdust in any room free from frost, and out of the reach of mice and rats, as these anmials considci them a gi'eat luxuiy. AMARYLLIS VALOTTA PURPUREA. This is becoming a very popular plant for summer blooming, and for a pot-plant for the dec- oration of porches, piazzas, etc, there is nothing prettier. It throws up a strong .''nwer-stem, in August, about eighteen inches in height, bear- ing from fou. to eight brilliant, pui-plish scarlet flowers, two to three inches in diameter, and as these flowers open in succession, the plant continues in blossom a long time, and therefore makes a very durable as well as beautiful ornament. It flowers most surely and freely in a small pot; indeed, a pot a little more than sufficient to hold the bulb is "11 th,at is necessaiy, and this is an advantage, because any of the little orna- mental pots may be employed for this bulb, and they are channingly in keeping with the neat habit of the plant, and the honorable position it is destined to occupy on the entrance porch, or the verandah in front of the parlor windows. Bulbs may be potted any time in the spring, or even as late as June, After flowering, the bulb may remain in the pot until the following spring, and should be kept pretty cool and not over moist. In May next the bulb will probably need more room, and should be re-pot- ted for flowering. In a year or two a number of bulbs will form, giving several Hower stems, ERYTHRINA CRISTA-GALLI. The El ythrina is a fine, robust plant, \vith broad leaves and large red flowers, somewhat pea- formed, an inch or so in length, and growing in long racemes, some- times ten or twelve inches in length. There is great substance in the flower, giving it a leathery appearance. The roots are thick and fleshy,, but not exactly tuberous, and may be kept in a pit or cellar during the winter. Plants put out in the spring will flower du- ring the summer, and before hard frosts should be taken up, the main branches cut back to within four or five inches of the root, and then stowed away itt winter quarters until spring. It is a very fine plant, and those who have never grown it will derive a good deal of pleasure from its culture. It is a native of Brazil, and in the more Southern States and Pacific coast would prove hardy. In giving direction for cul- ture we are apt to furnish those suited to our latitude forgetting the great extent and di\-ersified climate of our countiy, though we have endeavored to be particular on this point. Readers, however, are always ready to take advantage of anv climatic favors that will save trouble, 72 TRITOMA. The Tritoma uvaria is a stately, vigorous plant, sending up its strong flower stems four or five feet in height, surmounted hy a spike of curious red and orange, pendant flowers, a foot in length, very striking, and by its supposed resem- blance to that domestic implement, generally known as the Red Hot Poker. The Tritoma flowers late in the sum- mer, usually commenc- ing in August in this latitude, and continu- ing until winter, and is admirably adapted for forming large beds or groups, the numerous flame-colored racemes forming a stately ob- ject. The Tritoma was supposed to be tender, and for some years we removed plants to the greenhouse or pit in the autumn, but lately we have allowed near- ly our whole stock to remain in the open ground during the winter, and without the loss of a plant. There are several varieties advertised in Europe, and we have imported and grown all, but the difference is very slight. GALLA. This is the well-known Egyptian Lily, or Lily of the Nile. Its large white flowers are indis- pensable in the winter, its foliage is broad and good, and it will pros- per under very adverse circumstances, if water is provided in abun- dance. It is also an excellent plant for aquariums — none better, either placed in the center bedded in a little earth and sand, which may be covered with stones, or planted in a pot which can be placed in the aquarium, and so covered with pieces of rock as to be entirely con- cealed. In the spring, the plant may be planted in the garden, where it can remain until autumn, when it should be repotted for winter flowering. It v/ill not appear to advantage in the garden, nor is it de- signed to do so, the object being to place it where it will be no trouble and at the same time gain strength for winter blooming. In California the Calla makes a wonderful growth, and is perfectly hardy, as, of course it is in the Soutli. HARDY PLANTS, BULBS, &c. Hardy Bulbs are those that, like the Lilies, endure the winter in the garden without injury, and when once planted will continue to grow and increase for a number of years. They are, and always will continue, popular, on account of their great beauty, and because they require so little labor. The work of planting once well done is over foi a life time. There is no taking up and storing and re-planting — no danger of loss from frost, or rotting from improper storing. Occa sionally, \\hen the increase has been so great that the plants crowd each other, they can be taken up, divided and re-planted, and if the increase has been too great for the space desired to be appropriated to them, flower-loving neighbors will be glad of the surplus. No plant, or class of plants, however, possess all good qualities, and those in this department do not generally keep in flower a long time, like some of our best annuals and tender bedding plants. ANEMONE JAPONICA ALBA. Anemone Japonica alba is the best hardy, white blooming, autumn flowering plant we have. -'(, l> ^ \ (-:_-- ., , The Anemone, during the summer, is a plain looking "" ^' plant, with dark green foliage, one that would attract no attention; but in the latter part of summer flower stems l:)egin to appear, and when some eighteen inches in height the white flowers commence to open; and if the nights are rather cool and de\\ y, the advancement of the plant to perfection is rapid. It soon bears from a score to a hundred of its clear white flowers, and is an object to delight every lover of flowers, especially as it con- tinues to improve until destroyed by frost, thus giving a mass of white blooms when every other white flower is gone, except the Ten-Weeks Stock, Candytuft and Alyssum. The flowers are more than an inch in diam- eter. The plant is perfectly hardy every where, we judge, never having lost one, and increases so rapidly that a small plant soon makes a conspic- uous clump. Although perhaps not to be recommended for cutting, as it does not carry very well, for large floral decorations it is quite valuable. DAY LILY. The pretty Funkia, commonly called Day Lily, we believe, because one of its beautiful flowers opens every day, is truly a very desirable autumn flower that eveiy one should possess, and everybody will be pleased with. The plant has light, broad foliage, pret- tily veined. The buds form in a cluster on a stem six inches or more in length, as shown in the engraving, but usually onlv one opens each ^^ day. The flowers are of the purest white imaginable, trumpet - shaped, about five inches in length. The blue variety, shown in the engia-\mg at nght of pat^e, has smaller flowers, but larger clusters, makes a taller growth, and though not so pretty nor so popu- lar as the white, is a meritorious autumn flowering plant. 74 LILIUM LANCIFOUIIIM. LILIKS. The Lily is loved in every land. It is the queen of flowers, and only the Rose can dispute its regal honors. We find it in the humid vale, the arid desert, and on the lofty mountain top. With few exceptions. Lilies succeed in our gardens admirably, are subject to no diseases, and continue to increase in strength and beauty for many years. From six to a dozen of the best varieties will give a good collection, better far than is seen even in most of our best gardens. The past twenty years has added to our garden Lilies the best we now possess, such as Lanci- folut7n, of several varieties, Auratum, Wash- ingto7iianum^ Bloovierianum, &c. Some of the newer varieties have been affected with a strange disease, or perhaps did not take kindly to our climate and soil, or may have been seriously injured by a long journey. Whatever may have been the cause, the Auratum certainly was not reliable for a number of years after its introduction. Some, hav- ing eveiy appearance of sound- ness, when planted would make a vigorous start, and then, with- out apparent cause, perhaps as the buds were about to open, show signs of disease, the leaves drooping, and an examination showing a decaying bulb. Oth- ers would flower beautifully the first season, and decay the sec- ond or even the third. We have lost thousands of Auratum bulbs in this way. We have now mature, good sized bulbs, raised in our grounds — beds of many thousands, with the foliage very much improved, and very little, if any, sign of disease. The Auratum is so grand that we must have it, though we occa- sionally lose a bulb or two; and as we now grow them with every appearance of sound- ness, the difficulty, whatever its cause, we hope is entirely overcome. The California Lilies we have not before dared to describe, although we have cultivated them several years, because sometimes we have received several species under one name, and at other times, what seemed to be one variety, with a good many more names than it was entitled to. Our management, also, seemed to be defective, so we visited California to see the Lilies and consult with her most conscientious florists and most experienced botanists. We think we now understand the characteristics of the California Lilies, and their habits, so that we can describe them understandingly ; but the most important lesson we learned was the necessity of deep plant- ing. We are quite certain we dug Lily bulbs in California fully eighteen inches below the sur face, and are satisfied that much of our losses with the Auratum and the Pacific Lilies was the result of shallow planting, though we are well aware that this was not the entire cause. We would advise all who plant the Auratum, or any of the California Lilies, to set them deep. Indeed, all Lilies requn-e deep planting. The collection of Lilies is now so large and so good that no lover of flowers can afford to ignore this interesting and elegant family, and no garden can be considered complete without a good collection. Wc will describe a few of the best. ., , , . ^ Lilium lanafolii^m. Among the many truly valuable flowers that have been introduced into Ihis country and Europe from Japan and China, during the past twenty years, we know of LILIUM CHALCEDONICUM. LILIUM AURATUM. none that excel the beautiful, delicate, yet brilliant Japan Lilies — Liliuin lancijohnin addition to their beauty, these Lilies are exceedingly fragrant and as hardy as any of our common varieties. Strong bulbs send up flowering stems from three to- four or five feet in height, and begin to bloom about the middle of summer. Each flowering stem will have from two to a dozen flowers, according to strength of bulb. No description can do- anything like justice to these flow- ei-s, or show the beautiful frost- like v/hite of the surface, glisten- ing like diamonds, or the rubies that stand out on the surface. £,. Chalcedo- 7t2C7tm is one of the Marta- gon or Turk's Cap Lilies, be- ing much re- flexed, as cart be seen in the engraving. The flower is- small, about the size of our common Can- adense, but it is the most brilliant flower of the family — a scarlet so bright that no painting can do it justice, as it is impossible to procure a color sufficiently intense. We have endeavored to porlray this Lily in our Chromo B, where it will be found quite correct, except in coloring. The Chalcedonicum is a native of Palestine, and is, no doubt, the flower referred to by our Savior as the Lily of the field arrayed in gloi-y far exceeding even the glory of Israel's most voluptuous monarch. In addition to the brilliant color, the flower has the appearance of being freshly var- nished. Plant pretty deep, and it is well to give a little mulching the first summer. A few flowers only will be given the first season, if any, but the improvement will be marked and sat- isfactory every season. L. auratiim is the great Lily of Japan, often called Golden- Banded Lily. This is the King of Lilies. The flower is from ten to twelve inches in di- ameter, com- posed of si.K very delicate white ivory parts, each being thick- ly studded with spots of crimson, and having a golden band through its center. As the bulbs acquire age and strength, the flowers attain a very large size, and upward of a dozen are produced on a single stem. As before observed, I find Auratums grown on my own grounds are fine and healthy, showing every sign of strength and 76 ' " LILIUM JAPONICUM LONGIFLORUM. LILILM CANDIDUM, -vigor. Plant in as dry a place as possible, and at least six inches in depth. The bulbs should remain in the ground several years without removal, if possible. If good bulbs are planted, they M'ill generally bloom the first summer, and continue to improve every year. Japonicuiii longijloriim is trumpet-shaped, four inches or more in length, and of pearly whiteness. It is perfectly hardy and healthy. The plant sel- dom exceeds eighteen inches in height. Bulbs small. It is des- tined to become a universal favor- ite. The Longiflorum bears forc- ing well, and therefore can be grown in the house where it will invariably give perfect satisfaction. Indeed it is one of those beautiful and useful flowers that we cannot praise too highly. There are two Lilies very similar, though larger and somewhat scarce. Eximium has flowers about an inch or two longer, and the plant is somewhat taller. Takesima produces flowers about the same size as Eximium, but the plant is quite distinct, the flower stalk being purplish. Lilium candidum is our common white Lily, and we have none more beautiful. It is hardy •everywhere, and constantly improves, throwing out new bulbs, so that after a few years a clump is formed several feet in diameter and from four to five feet in height, giving a perfect mass of beau- tiful, white, fragrant blossoms. For floral decorations no flower excels this beautiful white Lily, and we advise everybody to grow a clump of these flowers in some corner of the garden, espe- cially for cutting for decorative purposes. Was this Lily newly discovered it would be very much prized, and every one would desire to possess it, regardless of cost, but being old it is too much neglected. For this reason we urge upon our readers the claims of one of our oldest and best friends. L. speciosum alhim, by some florists called Prfecox, is a new white Lily from Japan, of the Lancifolium style, and is far superior in purity of color, size of flower and vigor of plant, to the old Lancifolium album. In habit, the plant is as robust as Rubrum, but shorter, the flowers are as large, but more reflexed, while they are of the purest white, the flower stem and band in center of petals being pea-green. Leaves and stems a very light, almost transparent green. We have had this variety in cultiva- rion several years, but our stock was so small that we could not offer it for sale until recently. L. excelsum is a very delicate flower, being creamy or light buff, and exceedingly fragrant. The plant is vigorous, blooms abun- dantly, and is one of the tallest of the family. This is the only true buff Lily we know of, and it is a real beauty, a strong bulb throwing up a stem more than four feet in height, and bearing a score or more of flowers, of a creamy buff, almost salmon, reflexed, and about three inches in diameter. L. Waskingtoniamtm is one of the best of the California and Oregon A Lilies, pure waxy white, glossy as though freshly varnished, and spotted with fine purple spots. The flowers, though perfectly white when they open, change to pink, becoming darker each day, so that flowers are seen on the same plant of every shade from white 77 LILIUM WASHINGTONI.\NU.M. LILIUM HUMBOLDTII. to deep piiiplisli pink. We have this Lily in flower, growing from four to five feet in height, antl bearing over twenty flowers each. Flowers two inches in length and the same in breadth. The engravings show a flower just opened, and also the habit of the plant, both, as in all our Lily engravings,- much reduced. Having spent the summer of 1874 in California, mainly for the purpose of examining the Lilies of the country, and learning all we could of their habits and true names, we feel prepared to offer the Lilies of the Pacific coast to our cus- tomers with confidence. The Washing- tonianum we have flowered for a number of years, and we think our bulbs are sound and healthy, though we would say to all to whom money is an object, and failure would prove a disappointment, procure but one or two of these new Cali- fornia Lilies, just for trial. If they suc- ceed you will be delighted, and if any fail the loss will not be serious. Set the bulbs down not less than six inches. The Bloomeriantiffi, or HuviboldHi, is a pretty yellowish Lily, with large brown spots, a native of California, and which we found grow- ing mostly in shady places and near the banks of running streams. It is a vei-y desirable Lily. About four feet in height. It was named Bloomerianum after a A\orthy Botanist of California, our late friend Bloomer, by that entei-prising and whole-souled collector. Dr. Kellogg, with whom we have spent many pleasant hours ; but by some it is thought to have been previously discovered by RoEZL, and named in honor of Baron Humboldt. Plant this and all California Lilies deep, certainly not less than six inches, and we think this variety might well be grown in partial shade. A good mulching the first season after planting is very desir- able, not only for this variety, but for all the Lilies. We are apt to think because a plant is a native of a warm, dry countiy, that it can endure any amount of heat, but we often find that such plants, in a natural state, grow in shady nooks and ravines and on mountain sides, constantly watered by cool springs. The Pardaliniim is a California Lily, very much like our Canadense and Superbum, but of clearer yellow and brighter red. It is a very good small Lily, growing in large clusters, and very handsome. The lower half of each petal is yellow, spotted with brown, the upper half red, almost , crimson, giving the flower a very marked appearance. The foliage is lanceolate, that is, very narrow, lance-shaped leaves, and we have never seen a plant or bulb, or even leaf, that was not entirely healthful. Lilhim parvum is a small California Lily, and one of the prettiest very small varieties we are ac- quainted with. The engi'aving at the left shows the size of the flower, which is dark yellow, ornamented Avith small reddish dots. The small engraving will give something of an idea of the habit of the plant. It does not usually exceed eighteen inches in height. ri.ANT, It seems to be perfectly healthy, and we do not re- member having seen one sickly plant in a bed of several thousands. 78 LILHIM I'AUDALINUM. LILIUM PARVUM — FLOWEH. Although we have had most of the new CaUfornia Lilies on trial for a number of years, we have been rather slow in introducing them to the notice of our readers, for reasons previ- ously stated. There is great pleasure in testing comparatively untried plants and bulbs, some- what the same kind of feeling we experience in travel- ing a new road or visiting a strange country. We would deprive no one of this pleasurable excitement, yet we cannot forget the fact that many of our friends have but little money with which to indulge their love for the beautiful, and we feel exceedingly anxious that this little should be invested to the best possible advantage. To three Lilies that are favorites with us we wish to call special attention. They are T hunbergianum atrosan- guineum grandifloruni^ Thu7i- <5^^^^Li/i bergianui7i atrosanguineum fid- gejts and T hunbergianum citri- nuni. They are all grand flowers, bearing immense num- bers of blossoms, continuing a good season in bloom, healthy and vigorous, and increase rapid- ly in numbers ; certainly an array of good qualities that should recommend them to general cul- ture, and yet they are not seen in PLANTS. our gardens. T hunbergianum atrosanguineum grandijloruni is a very robust plant, growing only about thirty inches in height. The leaves are narrow, dark in color, thickly set, and no Lily we are acquainted with makes a more vigorous, healthy growth. The flowers are about four inches across, and are borne in immense clusters. The one from which our little engraving was taken LILIUM THUNBEKGIANUM. The color is a very deep red — the darkest of all had twenty open flowers and as many buds the red Lilies. T hunbe7-gia7ittm atrosanguineum, futgens is like the preceding in habit, a few inches shorter, the clusters of flowers not quite so large, while the color is a curious mottling or different shades of red. T hunbergianum citrinuni grows only about eighteen inches in height. The flowers are generally larger than either of the two preceding varieties, and the color we hardly know how to describe. It is some- thing between a cream and salmon, and one of the best of the light colored Lilies. The engravings of the plants show the comparative differ- ence in height between the Citrinum and Atrosanguineum. Our last engraving shows th some of the varieties we have tried fashioned flower. Our native Canadense or superbuin is a goodly Lily, improves by cultivation, and an honorable place in every collection of Lilies. 79 ' '-"^^ ^' TIGER LILY. The flower shows the form of both, but mudi reduced in size. old Tiger Lily, that everybody knows. It is still as good a.s and which are claimed to be improvements upon this old deserves "'"ORH Sc p-coh\ flo\m;r. CHINKSK PvEONIKS. The Chinese P;i?onies are so valuable on account of their large size, beautiful coloring and delightful frai^rance, and so entirely hardy and vigorous, that I am anxious all my customers should have at least a White and a Pink Posony. Fragrans is one of the best Pink varieties, but there are few exhibitions that present such a wonderful combination of colors as a bed of Paeonies. The Paeonies are perfectly hardy, never suffering injury by cold, and will succeed in any ground, unless so wet that the water will lay on the surface in the winter and spring. They may be planted either in the autumn or spring, and are transported with greater safety than almost any plant — not one in a hundred fail- ing. They are also easily increased by division of the roots. A little extra attention in the way of ma- nure will induce a vigorous and rapid growth. We do not know of anything that injures the Pieony except starving in a poor soil and standing water during the cold sea- son. Fur large floral decorations few of our flowers can surpass the Pfeonies. They seem designed for a grand display, ^\ itliout anything cheap or gaudy in their appearance. The large engraving shows a flower about one-half natural size, though it must be understood there is a good deal of difference in the ■ formation of flowers of different 'Varieties. The small cuts give a . pretty good idea of the form and habit of both plant and roots, the drawings being taken from a full grown and vigorous plant the second season after planting. Such a growth must not be expected the first season, nor should flowers be looked for or desired. Secure first a good strong plant, and then flowers will come in abundance. Those who are so impatient that ihey will plant only those things that flower the first season will never be ver}' suc- cessful florists. Time passes swiftly, and plants grow ^hile we work and sleep and travel. VIOLETS. The little sweet Violet is a plant that we need not describe ver\' particularly, for it has not only made itself known, but universally loved by its sweetness. A single flower \\\\\ perfume a bouquet, or a room, with its delightful aroma. It is also perfectly hardy and flowers freely very early in the spring. The color is blue, and our engraving shows pretty faithfully the habit of the plant and the size and appearance of the flower. Plants may be set out either in the spring or autumn, and can be increased by division when they attain a large size. The Violet flowers well in the house in winter if not kept too hot and dry 80 r>CON\' PLANT. P.*;ONY ROOT. HARDY BULBOUS FLOWERS PERKNNIAL PHLOX. , Veiy few plants give such tmiversal satisfaction as the Perennial' Phloxes. In the first place they are perfectly hardy, and will come out of any winter in good healthy condition without the -'^XSr> loss of a plant. Then we send them out with perfect confi- dence that they will reach their destination in just as good con- I dition as they leave us. The flowers, when plants get strong, are immense bunches of bloom, from the purest white to crim- son. Plants will keep increasing in size, and may be divided at the roots every year or two. Half-a-dozen well established 4y;^^^J^^^^m^^^^& i plants, and of well selected colors, is a treasure for the garden that every lover of flowers must appreciate. The Perennial Phlox is one of those hardy, useful and beautiful flowers whose culture we are anxious to increase, because the expense and trouble is but little, and the result more than satisfactory. The flower reseml^les that of the annual Phlox, but the clusters are large, sometimes forming majestic heads of bloom. We have endeavored to show the appearance of the plant when in bloom in the little engraving, but we fear without much success. When in flower it is two feet or more in height. Seed does not germinate very readily, unless sown as soon as fully ripe, or before. DICENTRA SPECTABILIS. There are several varieties of the Dicentra, natives of America, and very pretty plants, one is known commonly as Squirrel Corn, and another as Dutchman's Breeches ; but the best of all is D. spectabilis, from Northern China, sometimes called Bleeding Pleart, from the heart-like form of the flower, and its beautiful <;olor. We well recollect the first time we saw this flower, soon after its introduction from China, and that we then thought it Xhe most delicate and graceful flower we had ever seen. It was then considered tender, and cultivated in conser- -vatories. It, however, soon proved its right to be classed among our hardy plants, \\'here it has held for .twenty years an honored position. The flowers are Iieart-shaped, deep pink, a dozen or more being borne on a graceful, drooping raceme, a foot or more in length. The Dicentra is also excellent for flowering in the house, and furnishes in winter very agreeable foliage, as well as beautiful flowers, and both quite freely. Plants may be taken up and IVY PLANTS. For a climbing plant in the garden to do duty as a screen for an old wall or building, or to adorn either when new, we know of nothing in the world equal to the Ivy — it is so connected in our minds with ruined castles and brilliant poesy that it seems to throw an atmosphere of grace and beauty around eveiy object subject to its transforming and beauti- fying influence. Unfortunatly it does not prove quite hardy in some "Northern sections of our country, when exposed on walls, not that it is injured by the cold, but by our warm winter sunshine. On the North or West side of a building it usually does well, re- ceiving less sun than in other exposures. Wherever the Ivy does well we advise every one to grow a few ; and as the best substitute, we recommend our beautiful Virginia Creeper, which is much more highly prized in Europe than in America. For in-door winter decoration the Ivy is unequalled, as it can be trained in any de- sired form, one style being shown in the engraving, and will bear more hardships and bad usage than any plant we are acquainted ■with. Strong roots with branches from one to five feet in length should be planted. 81 potted in the autumn. M!k:^^^m^^. LILY OF THE VALLEY. The Lily of the Valley is one of those delicate, sweet little flowers that not only easily win our love, but keep it forever. No one would tire of the little Mignonette or the Lily of the Valley any quicker than he could of spring and sunshine, and sing- ing birds. The Lily of the Valley is as hardy as any plant can possibly be, and when planted in the open ground will increase pretty rapidly ; but florists and everybody wanted this pretty flower in wmter, so the celebrated bulb growers i of Holland grow and send to us tens ot I thousands of little buds, with roots' attached, like the engraving, only a little larger, and these are called " pips," and sold at about a dollar a dozen. These are put four or five or half-a-dozen in a pot, and in about four or five weeks will flower. They- will flower in damp moss, and can be handled in almost any way desired. The pips are not injured by frost, and can be sent out any time in the winter. When received, a part can be kept in damp moss or sawdust, cool and dormant; thus by making several plantings, flowers can be- secured almost all winter. In the spring transfer to the garden. PLANTS INSTEAD OF SEEDS. In addition to the plants already noticed, there are a few that we have described in- our list of plants to be grown from seed, that some people prefer to obtain in a more speedy way,, and therefore like to procure plants that will flower the first season. This is the case with the Garden Pinks, Carnations and Picotees. Good plants of either, set out in the spring, will flower freely during the summer, and will also furnish layers lor new plants. Plants of the Daisy, also, can be obtained, either spring or autumn, and generally with flowers and buds,, for the Daisy gives its best flowers in fall and spring, and does not object to removal. The Hollyhock, too, many are so anxious to obtain that they prefer plants to seeds. In the north, plant only in the spring; but we say to all, wheir yuu purchase a Hollyhock plant, obtain a few seeds at the same time, and the next autumn you will have plenty of plants without purchasing. Almost every one prefers plants of that beautiful grass, Eri.anthus R.avenN/E, but we say as of the Hollyhock, obtain seeds also. That useful Climber, the Perenni.al Pea, grows rapidly from strong roots. All our readers, no doubt, have heard of Holland Bulbs, but, perhaps, few would be able to give a list entitled to the name, and we do not know that we could make a vei^ correct one. These Holland Bulbs did not originate in that country, but the good Hollanders have almost monopolized their culture for so many years, doubtless to their own profit and the good of the world, that the name has been conceded, by general consent, to a class of Bulbs of which the Hyacinth, Tulip and Crocus are the leading members. With few minor exceptions these Bulbs require to be planted in the autumn, and arc admirably adapted for winter culture in the house. In many sections of our country the winters are long, unpleasant, and, of course, tedious. For full half the year no flower, not even a green leaf, is found to cheer the long gloom. While all is cold and sterile without, with a little care and skill, and at a trifling expense, we can make our homes cheerful, have buds and blossoms and emerald leaves every day from November until May, make our own little summers, and thus rob winter of half its tediousness. We shall endeavor to show how this can be done. THKIR CULTURE. Those who wish a show of bulbous flowers in the spring must MAKE THEIR SELECTION, PRE- PARE THE GROUND and PLANT IN THE AUTUMN. It is useless to wake up to the importance of this subject and order Bulbs just as other people's plants are coming into flower. Any fair garden soil will grow Bulbs well ; but it must be drained, so that water will not lie on the surface for any length of time, or the Bulbs will be likely to rot. After plant- ing, and before winter sets in, cover the beds with a good dressing of leaves — say five or six inches in depth, or more. Over these throw a little brush, or earth, or manure, to prevent blowing off. If the leaves cannot be obtained readily, coarse manure will answer. In the spring, rake off' the covering, taking off about half at first, and then waiting a week before removing the remainder. Nothing more is required except to de- I stroy the weeds as fast as they appear. As a general rule, beds should be made so narrow that the weeds can be rLowEEiNQ BULBS IN WATER. destroyed and the ground kept mellow without walking among the plants, Any breaking or wounding of the leaves causes injitry to the Bulb, but the flowers can be cut at pleasure, and all should be removed as soon as they fade. DL'C VAN THOL TULIPS, It is in the House, in the winter, that Bulbs afford the greatest pleasure. A few dozen Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocuses, &c., will furnish useful recreation for months. From the planting of the Bulbs until the last flower has faded, there is continued excitement. The unfolding of _ each leaf and bud is watched with the most pleasurable and unabated interest by all members of the family. By the exercise of a little taste a great deal o. pleasure can be derived from the cultivation of Bulbs in water, and at very little cost. The simplest and cheapest form of a Hyacinth glass is shown at D. A foi-ni preferred by some is seen at B. The Due Van Thol Tulips maybe grown in ornamental pots, like A, or in baskets or boxes of any form. A very satisfactory arrangement is to obtain a common shallow box, and ornament it with sticks or bark, as in the engraving on next page, and fill it with sandy earth, mixed with moss finely broken up. Then plant a row or two of Crocuses on the outside, and fill up with Tulips, Nar- cissus, Hyacinths, &c., miking a miniature bulb garden. After planting, the whole can be covered with moss, such as is found on logs in damp woods. The plants will find their way through the moss. Another very good plan is to have a box, similar to the one described, as a kind of little nursery, or reserve. Fill it almost entirely w-ith broken up moss, with a very little sandy soil. Plant this with Crocuses, Hyacinths, &c., and keep it in any convenient, pretty cool room, where it will not freeze. \ As fast as the plants come into flower you can take them up % and place them in glasses of water, and thus keep up a supply for the parlor or sitting room for a long time. If preferred, these Bulljs, when in flower, can be placed in pots or baskets filled with damp moss. In fact, they can be used in almost any way desired, and will be found to produce the greatest saisfac- tion, furnishing flowers fur a long time. If placed in moss, it must be kept constantly moist or the flow^ers will suffer. Bulbs, ^^'hen flowered in the house, should be kept in as moderately cool a room as possible. If placed in a living room, which is kept at the usual temperature of such rooms, from 70 to 75 degrees, they will bloom too early, and t^ie flowers will soon fade. A good arrangement is to keep them in a parlor, or some spare room, not frequently used, and which is usually kept pretty cool. They will then mature slowly and keep in perfec- tion a long time. A few may be brought into the sitting-room, placed on the dining table occa- sionally, or may be even taken to church, for special occasions, where floral decorations may be needed, and returned to their places as soon as possible. In this way a bulb can be made to do long service. Nearly all failures, I think, result from keeping plants in too dr}' an atmosphere and too high a temperature, supposing, of course, that sound Bulbs are used. Time of Blooming. — ^^ e ' are often asked when H)a 'uiNiATtrE eulb gafden cinths will bloom; can we have flowers by Chnstnras? The request often accompanying orders is, send me the eai'ly kinds, so that I can soon have flowers. Now, the truth is, there is but a week or two of difference between the time of flowering of the early and late sorts, and none except the little White Roman will bloom by the holidays, with, perhaps, an exceptional case. The Hyacinth needs a long season of rest, and does not become anxious to grow until about the first of December, and this desire increases as time advances. A Hyacinth planted the first of November will go along moderately, and will take nearly three months in blooming. The same 8i Bulb, if kept out of the ground, in a cold and moist place, so that vitality is not weakened, and planted in January, will flower in thirty or forty days. The Hollanders informed us that the best way to force early flowers is to pot the bulbs as early as possible, sink the pots in the earth in the garden, so that the bulbs will be covered several inches, and there let them remain a couple of weeks or more. Then remove to the green-house or room where they are to flower, giving warmth, air and moisture pretty freely. Support for Hyacinths.— When in flower, the tall Hyacinths need some support for the flower stem, and various contrivances of wire, &c., have been devised, but we have seen nothing so simple and effective as we show in the engraving. It is made of hard wood and fastened to the neck of the glass by a string. Any one, in a few minutes, with a sharp knife, can make this sup- port. A brass or other wire can also be attached to the glass very readily. Bulbs in the Garden. — Nothing makes a prettier bed in the garden than Hyacinths and Tulips. For a ribbon bed composed of three or more colors, we know of nothing that excels the Tulip. Care of Bulbs after Flowering. — When Bulbs have been flowered in water, they should, as soon as the flowers begin to fade, be removed and j planted in earth, where they will get a little nourishment for the future good of the Bulb. Even then the Bulb is much weakened, and it is useless to try to flower Bulbs in water twice, though they will answer for the garden. All Bulbs with annual roots, which includes pretty much all but the Lilies, can be taken up, as soon as the leaves become ripe and brown, and be stowed away without the least injury to the flowers of the next season, because the roots will die if the Bulbs are allowed to remain in the ground. After taking I them up, allow them to dry in the shade for a few days. Then remove the I tops, roots and rough skin, and put them away in paper bags, properly labelled, in a cool place in the house until planting time in the Autumn. Look at them I occasionally during the summer to see that they are receiving no injury. If HYACINTH SUPPORT the bcds are needed for other plants, so as to have a continuous show of flowers, the plants can be set when young between the rows of Bulbs, and before the space is needed by the new crop the BuIIk will have ripened their leaves, and will receive no injury from the new occupants, and the old Bulbs can remain in the ground. They may, however, be removed as soon as flowering is over and replanted in some corner of the garden, there to remain until ripe, or until time for planting in the beds again in Autumn. Hyacinths gradually deteriorate in this country, but Tulips and almost all other Bulbs retain their good character and increase in number. HYACINTHS. The Hyacinth is the most beautiful and fragrant and popular of the Bulbous flowers, and seems particularly designed for house culture. It is cultivated in every Northern country m the world, where it does more than any other flower to make winter cheerful. A very small pot will answer for the Hyacinth, but some prefer to plant three or four in a large pot, and this makes a very pretty ornament. Fill the pot with sandy, porous soil. Make a space in the soil for the bulb, so that it will be about half below the earth, then press the bulb down so that it will just show its upper surface above the soil, then water, giving all the earth will hold. The pots can now be set away in a cool, dark cellar for several weeks, where they will make roots, but the top will advance but little. By removing a few at a time into a warm, light room, something of a succession can be kept up. When we speak of a warm room for bulbs we do not mean 75 or 80 degrees, but less than 70, if possible. When placed in glasses for winter flowering the base of the bulb should just touch the water; it will soon evaporate so that the water is a little below the base of the bulb, and this is as it should be. Set them away in a cool place, as recommended for Hyacinths in pots. As soon as flower buds appear, sprinkling the leaves and buds is of benefit, and give plenty of light and air, and as moist an atmosphere as possible. No Hyacinth can do itself justice if flowered in a room ranging from seventy-five to eighty degrees, and dry as well as hot. A good plan is to keep a stand containing the stock of Hyacinths in a parlor or hall, which is kept most of the time at a low temperature. From this room they can be taken as needed 85 -one or two of each color — to the sitting, or the dining-room, for special occasions, but always eturned to their cool quarters for the night. By this method they not only flower well, but keep I ^ in bloom a long time. Change the water occasionally, if it becomes discolored. The choice named varieties grow best in glasses and pots, and single are more reliable than double sorts for house-culture, while they are in every respect as desirable. Some of the double sorts do well in the house, but the selection of varieties should be left to those who have some knowledge of their habits. Hyacinths should be planted in the garden in Septem- ber, October or November. For beds of early flowers on the lawn, nothing excels the Hyacinth. Where beds are small and so near together that they can all be seen at once, it is well to fill each one with a separate color. Plant Hyacinths in the garden from three to four inches below the surface of- the soil, and in ground likely to be much affected by freezing and thawing, be sure to give a good covering before severe frosts. Hyacinth flcwers may / be cut freely, \^ ithout injury to the bulbs. Indeed, all flower stalks should be removed as soon as the flowers begin to fade. In about five or six weeks after flowering, and when the leaves are becoming yellow, the bulbs may be taken up, dried, and ]iacked away in paper bags or boxes, for planting again in the fall. If the beds are needed for other flowers, as is generally the case, the bulbs may be removed in about two weeks after the flowers have faded. In this case, after removing the flower stems, if this has not been done before, place the bulbs on a dry bed in the garden, and cover them with a little earth, leaving the leaves exposed. Here they can remain until the leaves have ripened, when they are ready to be packed away for fall planting, or can remain where they are until needed. Hyacinths will usually commence flowering in this latitude the latter part of April, and by choosing the Early and Late vai'ieties, a good show of blossoms can be secured for about three weeks if the weather is not too hot and dry. The Late varieties are mostly- double, and are from one to two weeks later than the Early sorts. The Low sorts throw up a stem five or six inches in height, and the trusses are usually globu- lar and compact. The Tall sorts have a flower stem from six to ten inches or more in height, and the trusses are usually more loose. The Roman Hyacinth is a ver)' early flowering, \\h\tti variety, that comes into bloom about the Holidays, and therefore is very popular with florists for cut flowere. The spikes are small, the flowers somewhat scattering, but each bulb gives several spikes, usually. 86 SINGLE IITACINTH. DOrBLE HY.VCrNTH. ROMAN HYACINTH. HYACINTH PLANTS. Hyacinths differ in habit very much, some varieties throwing up a strong flower stalk, "with a bold and rather loose truss, while others have but a short stem with a compact, almost globular truss. The stronger growing kinds generally have larger bells, while those of a more dwarf habit present small bells in immense numbers. The low growing kinds often throw up two or more flower stems. The bright red colors are all low, with a compact truss, and disposed to throw up several flower stalks. Our artist has attempted to show the habit, but without much success, as he has only given us the tall or erect habit of double and single. The center plant is the little Roman White. The Hyacinth in a wild state is usually blue, though sometimes a pink variety is found, and always single. It is a native of the East, abounding in parts of Tur- ) key and Syria. It has been, however, cultivated for nearly two hundred years in England. For a long time white, blue and pink were the only colors, and the rich, deep red and the yellow are of somewhat re- cent introduction. Of the latter color we have not much yet to boast, for we do not know of any clear, bright yellow Hyacinth. To the Hollanders we are indebted for nearly all the improvement made in this beautiful flower. •Could we present to our readers a colored plate of Hyacinths now before us, made some forty years ago, they would then realize how great this improvement has been The florists of Hol- land have almost entirely monopolized the culture of Hyacinths, and their skill is only equaled by their success ; though, ■doubtless, a remarkable soil and climate have much to do in securing to the good people of Holland the exclusive culture ■o( this most popular of our winter flowers. Hyacinth growers like a single, -clean stem, and it would not be ortho- dox to say that anything else is desirable, but " really and truly," some of the pret- tiest objects we have ever seen have been Hyacinths, which, against all rule -and order, have thrown up four or five flower stems, fonning a mass of bloom truly gorgeous. Our engraving shows one with nine spikes of flowers, grown Tjy J. Fish BACK, Esq., of Jacksonville, Illinois. May all of our readers meet Tvith merited success in the culture of this beautiful flower, though, of course, -we cannot all draw such prizes. How- .,, J r ^-L l,f tU^^^ HVACINTH WITH NINE FLOWER STEMS. ever, with care and forethought, there is no reason why one should fail to any great extent. There will, of course, be occasional ■failures, as there is in all the business and pleasures of life ; general failure, nor expect uninterrupted success. 87 but no one should be satisfied with See that the drainage is- TULIPS. The Tulip is so perfectly hardy, flourishes so well under the most ordinary care, and is sc^ varied and brilliant, that it never fails to give the greatest satisfaction. I sell but very few bulbs- with so much pleasure as the Tulips, because I feel sure they will be more than satisfactory. The Tulip is dashing and showy, of the most brilliant and varied and deli- cate coloring, and desirable even as single specimens, but it is when grown in masses that the finest effect is produced. Nothing in the floral world can equal the dazzling brilliancy and gorgecusness of a bed of good Tulips. The early varieties are excellent for house culture.- Any good garden soil will do for the Tulip. A very rich soil is- not necessary, though well rotted manure, rotted sods, or leaf-mold may be applied when the earth is poor, good before planting. Plant in October and November. Make the soil fine and deep. Set the Early flowering kinds fi\e inches apart, and the Late varieties six inches. Cover three inches deep. After Tulips have done flowering they can be DUO VAN TuoL TULIP. taken up and planted close together in any corner of the garden until it is time to replant in the beds in the autumn, or Verbenas or other bedding plants can be set out between i the rows, and before they cover the ground the leaves of the Tulips will be sufiiciently ripe to be removed, and the ground raked off. Tulips are divided into two general classes. Early and Late, and these again into several others. The earliest Tulips flower in this latitude the latter part of April, and by a proper selection of early and late sorts a good display can be kept up for more than a month, if the weather proves tolerably cool and moist. Early Tulips. — The carlit-st of the early class is the Due Van Thol, single and double. They are in bloom here in April. The single \'arieties white, yellow, scarlet, crimson, inches in height, and make brilliant, dazzling beds. They are also excellent for flowering in the house during the wniter, three or four in a pot. The double A-ariety is about the same height, red, bordered with yellow. We recom- mend those not acquainted with them to tiy a fcAV Due Van Thols for winter flowering in pots, or boxes, or bas- kets. Let the soil be very sandy, and if mixed with a little moss, all the better. The TOURNESOL follows the Due Van Thol, with ver}- large, double Jlowers, keeping in bloom a long time, and very desirable in all respects. Two varieties, orange and red, and very fine yellow. Good for pot culture in winter. Following the Tournesol, is a large class of SINGLE Early Tulips, containing very many splendid varieties. They flower early, before the sun becomes veiy hot, and hence continue in perfection longer than later kinds. These can always be depended upon for a brilliant and enduring bed. No class of Tulips will give greater satis- faction. These, like the two preceding kinds, will gi\-e great satisfaction grown in pots in the house. For bedding in masses, and especially for the formation of ribbon beds, these Single Early Tulips are unsurpassed. SIXGLE EARLY TULIP. are of fine colors — etc., growing about six DOUBLE TULIP. Double Tulips.— The Double Tulips are becoming more popular every year, and this popularity is not undeserved. Some are beautifully formed, with delicate shades and stripes ; others are as large and brilliant as the old Pa^ony; while others of equal size are fine yellow, rose, white, etc. The list of named varieties, pos- sessing more or less distinctness, is quite large. Parrot Tulips. — The Parrot Tulips are ex- ceedingly brilliant. The petals are long, loose and fringed. Most varieties have three or four colors, as crimson, yellow, orange and green; and the effect of such a mingling of bright colors may be imagined. Those who plant the Parrots, and are unacquainted with them, will be surprised at their gay appearance. Late Tulips. — Of the Late Tulips ther are many varieties, the i distinction between each more or less clearly de- fined. These are the great favorites with flor- ists the world over, and are truly magnificent, with tall, stately stems, usually eighteen inches in height, and large, well- formed, highly colored cups. The Late Tulips are divided into Bizarres, Byblooms and Roses. The Bizarres have yellow ground, marked with any other color. Byblooms have white ground,, marked with purple and violet. Roses have white ground, marked or variegated with rose, scarlet, crimson or cherry. I have some two hundred named varieties of this class, but many do not differ very materially from others of a different name, though all are exceedingly fine. The engraving shows the general appearance of the Tulip Bulb, though the varieties differ a good deal in form. A full sized bulb, when planted in the autumn, blossoms the coming spring. The bulb planted decays, flowering but once, and gives place to one or more new bulbs, that will bloom the next spring. These may be taken up or allowed to remain in the ground. As the new bulb has no roots, removal does not injure flowering in the least, though unless PARHOT TULIP. wit) TULIP BULB. LATE SHOW. DUG VAN THOL. SINGLE EARLY. DOUBLE. replanted pretty early in the autumn, those that are allowed to remain in the ground flower a few days earlier. This is true of Hyacinths and all bulbs that are taken up and dried. We give the accompanying small sketches of Tulips when in flower, to show the habits of the different classes. They are as correct as we can give in so small a space, though different varieties in the same class often show quite a difference in habit. We have endeavored to give pretty full descriptions of the Tulip, and simple directions for culture, and if further information is needed on any point, we shall be happy to furnish the desired facts in the Floral Guide, where we answer all inquiries. The large engravings showing the cut flowers are about one-half the natural size. 89 CROCUS. The Crocuses are very interesting flowers, delicate and tasteful in form, and varied and gay in color. They begin to throw up their leaves before the frost is fairly gone, and in sheltered situations in this latitude will flower in March, though early in April is their season of greatest beauty. For several weeks, and until the flowering of the Hyacinth, through the most changeable and unpleasant of the spring weather, the garden depends upon the Crocus almost alone for its brightness. Crocuses must be planted in the autumn. Set the bulbs about three inches apart and cover with not less than two inches of earth. Before winter sets in, cover the bed with a little straw, coarse manure, or other , litter, to prevent the bulbs being thrown out by the frost. The Crocus will flower well in the house in winter — half a dozen or more in a little pot — or in baskets of moss, or in any other way that good taste may suggest. The bulbs may be set so close as almost to touch each other. There is really but one objection to its use in the house, and that is the •; brief existence of the bloom. However, the Crocus is so cheap and flowers ■ so soon after planting, that it will always prove interesting and remain popular. For general purposes the unnamed are quite as good as the named, and as they are bought by the hundred for less than two cents CROCUS. p^(.i^_ cannot be considered an expensive luxuiy. The Yellow are the most vigorous in growth. A few Crocuses scattered over the lawn is a pretty sight. COLCHICUM. The CoLCHICUM, or Autumn Crocus, is a curious and interesting flower. The leaves appear in the spring, and the flowers in the autumn, and the seed the next midsummer. This singular habit makes the flower very interesting both to the Botanist and Florist. The bulbs are perfectly hardy, and Nve have never known one injured by the winter. Each bulb gives quite a cluster of flowers, generally six or eight, and so persistent is it in its determina- tion to flower, that if taken up early in the autumn, before time for flowering, and placed in a pot or basket, it will bloom just as well as if left in the ground. Indeed, if placed upon a bracket or shelf, without either soil or moisture, the pretty pinkish flowers will .appear just the same as though it had retained its natural position in the ground. C (2/f//;w«<2//.f is a delicate pink; C. Ai^rippina q>{ a deeper color and checkered. A few of either variety will afford great satisfaction, and to those who have never grown the Colchicum we would say, try them, and obtain the cheapest, if money is of any particular consequence. SNO'W-DROP. The first flower of spring is the delicate Snow-Drop, ^\■hite as sno«'. Its appearance about llie first of March is a joyful surprise. The bulbs are quite small ; the lea\'es 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 veiy 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 Fl.vke, [Leiiiojitm,') 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 ers very freely in summer. It is not as desirable as the Snow-Drop. 90 SNO^V-DROP. pretty effectually, and flow 6INGI.E NARCISSUS. DOUBLE NARCISSUS. NARCISSUS. The Narcissus is a very fine class of early blooming flowers, including the well known Daf- fodil and Jonquil. Most of the varieties are hardy, and should be planted m the autumn, like the Hyacinth, but may remani in the ground a number of years, after which they will become so matted together as to make a division of the roots necessary. The Single Narcissus is extremely hardy and popular as a border flower, and the cen- tral cup being of a different color from the six petals, makes the Hower exceedingly at- tractive. Some have the petals of a light yellow and the cup orange ; others have the petals white and the cup yellow ; while the Poet's Narcissus [Narcissus poeticus,) some- times called Pheasant's Eye, is snowy white, the cup cream color, with a delicate fringed ■edge of red, which gives its latter name. The Double varieties are very desirable. The common Daffodil is well known under that name, though not so well by its true one. Van Sion. The most beautiful class of the Narcissus family, however, is the Polyajiihus A^arcissiis. The flowers are produced in clusters or trusses of from half a dozen to three times this number. like the others, they show evei-y shade of color, from the purest imaginable white to deep orange. The Polyanthus Narcissus is not quite hardy in this climate, unless planted in 'a sandy soil, and well covered before winter, and then often fails ; further South it does well. For flowering in jDOts in the house the Polyanthus Narcissus is unsurpassed, and nothing can be more satisfactory for this purpose. The Jonquils are also de- sirable for winter flowering. Three or four may be grown in a small pot. Try them in the house this winter ; you will find nothing sweeter. The Polyanthus Narcissus will also flower well in glasses of water, like the Hyacinth, and it is desirable to grow a few in this way, yet nothing looks so natural and nice as a good healthy plant in a neat pot of ■earth, and no other method leaves the bulb in a sound, healthy condition for the next season. SCILLAS. The SciLLA is the brightest and prettiest and hardiest of the early spring flowers. When the Crocuses are in bloom the little modest S. Siberica and 6". campanu- ' lata may be seen throwing up a little cluster of flowers of the most in- tense blue imaginable. The flower stem is only about four inches, and is just the pretty flower that ever)'body craves for the button hole. The plant flowers without showing a leaf. After the flowers are gone the leaves appear, and these should not be injured. Many, after the flower has disappeared, remove the leaves so as to make room for other plants, but this course injures the bulbs unless the leaves are pretty well matured. No bulb is more hardy or more competent to take care of itself. The bulbs are quite small, as is also the plant, and, like all small bulbous rooted plants, look best and are less likely to be destroyed if grown in little masses — a dozen or so in a group. When small bullous roots are scattered over the garden singly, they are almost certain to be destroyed especially where help in cleaning up the garden is occasionally employed. 91 TRUMPET NARCISSUS. POLTANTHUS NARCISSUS. CRO'WN I3IPEKIAL. CRO^WN IMPKRIAL. Early in tlie spring, before the frost is fairly out of the ground, the strong flower stem of the Crown Imperial begins to appear, and gradually it ascends, the most brilliant green of the garden, the true herald of spring, upward and upward, until it stands erect full three feet in height, its glossy emerald leaves waving in the breeze, and often bending beneath the untimely snow. Nearly at the top of this column appears, the flowery crown of bell-shaped flowers, and above these a tuft of leaves, all forming a pretty crown from which its name is derived. Although the Crown Imperial is so pretty in early spring, its fragrance is not at all desirable. The flower stem, when removed, leaves an open space in the center of the bulb, which sometimes causes those inexperienced to consider the bulb injured. \ There are several varieties, differing mainly in the color of the flowers, as yellow, scarlet, red,, orange, &c. The bulbs should be planted four or five inches deep and about a foot apart. They will not usually flower the first year after planting. This is one of those hardy and useful plants about which there is no mystery or difficulty. Once put in the ground, and having obtained a fair start, it will continue to grow and increase from year to year, until the children become men and women, and often decorate the graves of those who first planted them, scores of years before. SMILAX. This plant, a native of the Cape of Good Hope, has now become one of the essentials of the florist and amateur. It is extensively used in decorating parlors and reception rooms and for dec- orating the hair, and for trimming party dresses, for which purpose it is not only admirably adapted, being an extremely graceful vine, with '^lossy green leaves, but surpasses anything with which wj are acquaint- ed. With a little care it can be grown suc- cessfully as a house plant. The vine does not require the full sun, but will grow well in a partially shaded situa- tion. It can be trained on a small thread across the window or around pictures. Grown from both seeds and bulbs. smilax. Pot the bulbs as soon as received, watering but little until you see signs of growth. They grow veiy rapidly, and should always have strings to twine on. Give plenty of fresh air, but be rareful and not let a direct draft of cold air blow upon the vines, as they are verv tender when young. Give them a warm place, and they will amply repay all care. When growth is complete the foliage will turn yellow. Then gradually ^^■ithhold water, and allow the bulbs to dry. They then can be put away in some diy, cool place. After they have been in this dormant state six or eight weeks they will begin to show signs of life, and then are ready for another season's growth 92 DOUBLE ANEMONE. SINGLE ANEMONE. ANHMONE. All will admit, who have ever seen the Anemone in bloom, that it is a most beautiful flower. Double and single are both desirable — the single the most brilliant. The Anemone has not been grown generally, because it has been thought too tender to bear our winters. The bulbs may be kept until spring, and if planted early will flower well. Although we cannot recommend the Anemones for fall planting in the North with the same con- fidence we do more hardy things, they are well worthy of trial, and those who succeed will be delighted. The roots look like dried ginger, and customers must not think they are worthless because " dry as sticks." Plant the roots five or six inches apart, and cover about three inches deep. They flower after the Hyacinth, and continue a long time in bloom. As soon as the leaves begin to turn yellow, the roots may be taken up, dried in the shade, and packed away. RANUNCULUS. The Ranunculus is not considered hardy generally, but with good dry soil, with drainage ■so that the surface water may run off easily, tolerable success may be obtained. Desirable for culture in the house. The bulbs are very curious, tooth-like, and may be kept out of ground almost any length of time, and will then grow as well as when freshly taken up. They can, therefore, be kept until the spring, and if then planted early, in a pretty cool place, like the north side of a fence or hedge, the result will be usually quite satisfactory. Our fierce summer suns are not favorable to the full development of this y j flower, as it delights in a cool, moist atmosphere. .^-I/ This fact should be remembered in house culture. No success may be looked for in a hot, dry room. This is one of those beautiful flowers that will never be common in America. Many, however, delight RANUNCULUS PLANT. to show their skill in managing difficult things, and there is abundance of pleasure in this work. Nothing affords satisfaction like conquering success. J IRIS. The Iris, or Flowering Flag, as it is called, or Fleitr de lis of the French is a ^\ell kno-^n family of hardy border flowers. They are na- tives of damp spots in all four quarters of the globe, but were adopted for garden culture i more than three hundred years ago. In that time they have become very much im- proved, and some varieties are exceedingly beautiful. Sasiana major is five inches across, and of the richest colors and most singular markings. The pavonia is small, but beautifully marked, almost looking like a butterfly. This, however, is not hardy, and is suitable for winter flowering in the house. The others are perfectly hardy, needing scarcely ordinary care. The /. Persica, also, is admirable for winter flower- mis PLANT. ing. A few years ago, in almost every gar- den a clump of the Iris was to be found, but being common varieties they have been abandoned. 93 K. FLOWER. IRIS FLOWER. OXALIS. An interesting class of small bulbs, desirable for winter-flowering in pots, producing an abund- ance of bloom. They should be potted as early as convenient, and in nice sandy loam, with good drainage. Most of the varieties have small bulbs, and should be planted from three to five bulbs in a pot; versicolor is particularly small. When through flowering, and the foliage begins to turn yellow, let them dry off gradually. When perfectly dry, knock them out of the pots, sepa- rate, .md plant on fresh soil, keeping them in a dry place. About August or September they will commence growing again. Then bring them to the light and air, and commence watering. In this way the bulbs will keep sound all summer, and will increase rapidly. The leaves, as will be seen by the engraving, resemble in form the Clover leaf; indeed, the celebrated Irish Shamrock is an O-xalis, As the leaves are on long, slender stalks, and con- ) sequently droop, it can be readily understood how well the Oxalis is adapted to hanging baskets and other similar purposes. Gener- ally, both leaves and flowers are abundant, so that a few plants pre- sent a very cheerful aspect during the Avhole winter. There are varieties that will not blossom in the winter, and these are mostly OXALIS. desirable for borders, edgings, So,, and the one figured on page 70 is particularly desirable for this work, and is becoming very popular as a summer border plant ; but it is the winter flowering sorts, so desirable for pot culture, and particularly for basket work, to which we desire to call especial attention. Our little engraving shows a plant in bloom, but the different varieties vary very much in habit, and the plants make a more vigorous growth and fill a larger space than the size of the bulb would seem to indicate. We have plants now,, almost globular in form, and measuring from a foot to eighteen inches in diameter. CYCLAMEN. This pretty flower is too little known. It is a native of Europe and Asia, some varieties being very abundant in Switzerland and Italy. It is of the easiest culture. Pot in October or Novem- ber, in rich loam ; mix about a spoonful of soot with the same, which will add brilliancy and size to the flowers. Bits of charcoal, broken fine, will ser\e the same purpose. Use a small pot, and place the crown of the bulb just above the surface of the soil Keep the plants cool till the leaves are well grown When the flower buds begin to rise on the foot stalks remove to a sunny shelf, where they will soon show bloom. Place as near the glass as possible After the blooming season (which generally lasts two or three months,) is over, gradually withhold water, and let the leaves dry down. The plant seeds freely, but it is not a good plan to allow it to ; ripen the seed, as it hurts the blooming qualities of the bulb. Seedlings bloom when t\^'o years old To keep the bulbs through the summer, bury them in the open border. Take them up about the mid die of September, and thev "will be found plump and fresh. It is particularly adapted for window culture, cyclamen persicum. and will give more flowers with less trouble than almost any plant we are acquainted with. The colors are usually white, tipped at the base with rich rosy purple. In all the species both leaves and flowers spring directly from a solid tuberous rootstalk, as shown in the engraving. The leaves are heart-shaped, while the flowers are of one petal, but deeply divided into five segments. After flowering the flower stalk coils itself up in a spiral form, with the seed vessel in the center,. and bends itself toward the ground, in which position the seeds are ripened. 94 IXIAS. The Ixias are not destitute of beauty; indeed, some of tliem have strong claims to our regard on account of their good loolcs, but there are few flowers that attract more attention by their curi- ous forms and strange coloring. Some of them, and, indeed, nearly all, showing three or more colors. They make a nice addition and give variety to the larger bulbs, as Hya- cinths, &c., more commonly used in house culture, and seldom fail to please. Several inay be planted in a small pot, and the treatment is the same as we have recommended for other bulbs in pots. The Ixias are all natives of the Cape of Good Hope and portions of South Africa. The bulbs exude a viscid gum when cut, and hence the name, from a Greek word which means to fix. Our engraving shows the form of flower and habit of plant, though there is a greater difference in the form and color of Ixias than with almost any other class of plants. The variety ixiA rLOWEB. we figure is Viridiflora, and the prevailing color is '^'■* plant green, the center being purple and pink, but the Ixias are of almost all imaginable diverse colors. OTHER "WINTER DECORATIONS. In this department, so fruitful of subjects for winter flowers, it maybe well to call attention to the Everlastings, or Immortelles, and Grasses, so desirable for Winter Decorations. Many of them, like the Acroclinium and Helichrysum, are grown in this country, and they will be found described on pages 53, 54 and 55 ; but large quantities are im- ported from Europe, especially of the Gnaphalium, which is gener- ally known as the Immortelle. The natural color is yellow, but they are bleached white, and dyed of almost any color, by the ingenuity of French growers. The Everlastings, with the Feather and other Grasses, make up nicely in bouquets and Floral Baskets. For mak- ing ornamental letters, by attaching them to pasteboard forms, the little Everlastings are excellent. With a little skill and taste and a good deal of patience, great things can be accomplished in this way. The Grasses and Everlast- ings are sold by the bunch, pound or hundred by most florists, and are in great demand about the Holidays for decorative purposes. Our engravings give some idea of this work. 95 The Vegetable Department is, to many of our readers, exceedingly interesting, and should be to all ; for while we have no sympathy with those who say they " see more beauty in a Cabbage or hill of Potatoes than in the finest flower that ever grew," we do most heartily agree with those who take pride and pleasure in the culture of choice vegetables, and their improve- ment, and who are ready to say, with Diocletian, " were you to come to my garden, and see the vegetables I raise with my own hands, you would no longer talk to me of empire." As much skill is required to produce an improved vegetable as a new and valuable flower, and perhaps as much as is needed to go\'ern a nation ; and the pleasure of success, we doubt not, is quite as great. The improvement in our vegetables for the past score of years has been great ; indeed, we notice desirable progress almost every season, and more particularly in the purity of the seeds. To keep varieties pure, and true to name, requires a constant struggle, about which the nur- serymen and florist who propagate by budding and grafting, and by cuttings and divisions of roots, know nothing, and of which gardeners usually have but little appreciation. ASPARAGUS. This now popular vegetable is so well known that most persons who have had experience in vegetable gardening are pretty well acquainted with its habits. The Asparagus is a salt water plant, indigenous to various parts of the coast of Europe and Asia, growing in salt water marshes. It has escaped from our gardens, and is now found in some places on the American coast, and is sometimes observed in meadows. The plant is perennial, and grows some five feet in height, with a branching stem, fine cylindrical leaves, small greenish flowers, and red berries containing black seed. The seed may be sown either in the spring or autumn, in drills, about one inch deep, and the rows wide enough apart to admit of hoeing — about a foot. An ounce of seed is sufficient for a drill thirty feet in length. Keep the soil mellow and free from weeds during the summer, and in the fall or succeeding spring the plants may be set out in beds, about a foot apart each way. The beds should be narrow, so as to permit of cutting to the center without stepping upon them. The plants may remain in the seed- bed until two years old^ if desired. Before winter, cover the transplanted beds with about four inches of manure. A good many varieties are advertised, M'ith but little dif- ference. As Asparagus plants are all grown from seed, it will be seen that there is great opportunity for variation. Salt is an excellent manure for Asparagus, and an efficient assistant to the cultivator, keeping down the weeds with veiy little labor. ^^Tlen grown in large "quantities for market. Asparagus 96 IS often planted a foot apart in the rows, and the rows three feet apart, and sometimes three feet apart each way. Cut for use the third year after planting, and if the shoots appear pretty -strong, a little may be cut the second year. The part used is the young shoots when aljout five or six inches in height, and when the bud is close and ' • '' finn, and these should be cut a little below the surface, with a sloping cut. It is not best to continue the cutting late in the season, unless the shoots are very robust. Always give the bed a good dressing of manure in the fall, first removing the dead brush of the past season. As an Asparagus bed will last longer than the maker, it should be well made, and there should be no haste in cutting, Those who do not wish the trouble and delay of growing Asparagus from seed, can obtain plants either one or two years old at a very moderate price. Secure a good, rich, deep, mellow soil, and set the plants with the roots spread out naturally, just as a good gardener Avould arrange the roots of any tree or plant, and so deep that the crown will be two to three inches below the surface. In removing weeds, be careful not to injure the crowns. In the spring remove them only by hand. The engravings show a bunch of Asparagus as usually exposed for sale, a root of Asparagus with the young shoots well started, some of them almost ready for cutting, and a branch of the plant at seeding time. The roots, if procured in the spring, and in good condition, will show the buds or young shoots .an inch or two in length. BEANS. Beans are usually divided into two general classes, Dwai'f and Pole Beans. The Dvv'arfs are earlier and more hardy, as a general rule, than the running sorts. The Dwarfs are generally used for strmg-beans when the pods are ten- der, and the climbers only for shelling. We have endeavored in the engraving to show the habit of both. Beans like a diy and rather light soil, though they will do well in any garden soil if not set out too early m the spring. Nothing is gained by planting until the ground is tolerably di"y and w^arm. The Dwarf varieties grow from twelve to eighteen inches in height, need no support, and are planted either in drills or hills. The drills should be not less than a foot apart, "two inches deep, and the seed set in the drills from two to three inches apart. The usual method in hills is to allow about four plants to a hill, and the hills two by three feet apart. Rows are best for the garden. A quart of ordinary sized Beans is about fifteen hundred, and will sow two hundred and fifty feet of rows, or one hundred and fifty hills. Hoe well, but only when di-y. Running Beans should not be planted quite as early as the Dwarfs. The usual way of planting is in hills, about three feet apart, with the pole in the center of the hill. A very good way is to grow the running varieties in drills, using the tallest pea brush that can be secured conveniently. Wlien the plants reach the top of the brush, pinch off the ends. The effect will be to cause greater fruitfulness below. In a stiff soil, especially, the Lima comes up better if planted carefully 97 with the eye down, the hill a little elevated. There are endless varieties of Dwarf Beans ; as nothing of the vegetable family is more inclined to sport. We have endeavored to show the appearance of a few of the best sorts, when ripe. Figure 2 is Refugee; 3, Early China; 4, Early- Mohawk; 6, White Kidney; 7, White Marrowfat; 8, Early Valentine; 9, Early Rachel; 13, Wax, or Butter — all Dwarfs. Fig, 5, London Horticultural; 10, Large Lima; 11, Concord; 12, Giant Wax — all Runners. The Scarlet Runner is the popular Snap Bean of England, and the Dwarfs are only used early in the season, before the Runners can be obtained. BORKCOLK, or KALE. The Borecoles, or as they are usually called. Kales, are not much grown in America, though quite popular in many parts of Europe. They do not form heads like the Cabbage, but furnish abundance of curly leaves, those of some varieties being quite ornamental, their general character bemg shown in the engraving. The Kales are more hardy than the Cibbage, and will endure considerable frost without injury, so they are often allowed to remain in the ground until spring, except in very severe climates, and are thus in use during the winter. When cut frozen, they are immediately placed in cold water. In north- ern countries, they are taken up and stored in a cold pit or cellar, and those not needed for winter use are re-planted in spring, and make a new and tender growth. The small variety, called Ger- man Grct'jis^ is usually sown in the autumn, and cut in spring and sold in the markets by measure,, somewhat like Spinach. The culture is the same as for Caljbage. While we do not anticipate the very general culture of Kale in America, as in in many sections of Europe, we think it well to call the attention of our readers to this somewhat noted member of the Cabbage tribe. BRUSSELS SPROUTS, Brussels Sprouts is a veiy respectable member of the Cabbage family, and veiy nearly related to the Kales. It has a strong stem, sometimes not less than four feet in height, tlrough there is a dwarf variety that never reaches more than half this height. A loose head of Cabbage surmounts the stem, and thus a circulation of sap is secured to the extremity, while below, commencing a few inches from the ground line, are numerous small heads like miniature Cab- bages, so thick as almost to conceal the stem, and presenting the appearance we have endeavored to show in the engraving. These heads are very tender and of good flavor. The culture is the same as for Cabbage. If early plants are raised in a hot-bed, they will perfect themselves in September, in the north, and a later sowing should be made in the open ground, that will be in perfection about die time winter commences. These should be taken up and stored in a cool cellar, like the Cauliflower, with the roots in earth Mhere they will remain fit for use during the winter. Where the winters are not very severe, they m.ay remain in the ground to be cut as needed, and in such places the Brussels Sprouts are of the greatest value. In severe climates — climates of great extremes of heat and cold — the Brussels Sprouts, and some otlier membei-s of the cabbage familv, will never be veiy successfully grown nor become veiy popular ; and yet, there are some in every section who will think us over-cautious, and we would not be surprised to receive a package of " Sprouts " from the most unlikely place in the ^orld just to prove that we are mistaken. The ability and perseverance of some persons will conquer all difficulties, and this is our response, in advance. BKKTS. The Beet is a favorite vegetable, and is exceedingly valuable, being in use almost from the time the seed-leaf appears above ground until we are looking for its appearance the next year. The seeds are in little groups or clusters of cal- yxes, as seen in the little en- graving, so that each rounded cluster which we call a seed, really contains from two to four true seeds. The conse- quence is that the plants come up much thicker than necessary, and must be thinned out. There is nothing in the way of "greens" as good as these young Beets, and the thinnings of the beds can be used as needed, from the time the young plants are two or three inches in length until they are large enough for ordinary use. To pre- serve the roots in fine condition during the winter, take them up carefully before hard frosts, and pack them in a cool cellar, and cover with earth. For spring use they may be pitted in the ground. The seed germinate more surely and rapidly if put in warm water and allowed to soak for twenty- four hours. The soil should be rich, mellow, and deep. Plant in drills, about two inches deep, and the rows about twelve or fifteen inches apart. Set the seeds in the drills about two inches apart. An ounce of seed will sow about seventy-five feet of drill, and five pounds are sufficient for an acre. The varieties of Beets are very numerous, and quite diversified in fonn and appearance, from the little round, table, turnip-formed varieties, to the large, coarse sorts, sometimes three feet in length, and fit only for cattle. Figure 1 shows the Large Red Mangel, one of the best for feeding to stock; fig. 2, the Early Blood Turnip, a veiy smooth, pretty variety ; fig. 3, the Pine Apple, a com- paratively new and good dark variety; fig. 4, Bas- sano, an old favorite, juicy sort, tender and light col- ored ; fig. 5, Dewing's Tur- nip, a week earlier than Blood Turnip, lighter I fleshed, and an excellent variety; fig. 6, Carter's Orange Globe Mange], thought in England to he the best round variety ; fig. 7, the old and excellent Long Blood Red. The Swiss Chard, of which we show the leaves, is a vari- ety of Beet cultivated for the broad leaf-stalks, which are cooked and served like Asparagus. Plants should stand a foot or more apart in the rows, and the rows three feet, for field culture. 99 CABBAGK. The Cabbage requires a deep, rich soil and thorough working. If these requirements are met and good seed obtimed, theie is no difficulty in obtaining fine solid heads Far early use, the plants should be started in a hot-bed or cold-frame ; but seed for winter Cabbage should be sown in a seed-bed, early in the spring. Some gardeners prefer to grow plants for early spring Cab- bage in a frame in the autumn, protecting them with boards or matting during the winter, but without good care plants saved in this way often prove a loss. In a mild climate, plants may not only be started in the autumn, but transplanted, and will make considerable growth during the wintei season S^me ^aiieties seem to do 1 e^t if the seed is soaa n in the hills wheie they are to remain and this is partitularl) the case \i ith the Maiblehead \ ariettas Si\\ t\\ o or three seeds where each plant is desired, and then pull up all but the strongest. The laro-e varieties require to be planted about three feet apart ; the small, early sorts, from a foot to eighteen inches. 100 Always give Cabbage a deep, rich soil, and keep it mellow with plenty of manure. For early •winter use, store a few in a cool cellar. The main crop will be better kept out of doors, set in a trench closely, head down, and covered with straw and earth. There is almost an endless variety of Cabbage, and nearly all extensive growers have their favorite sorts. Some kinds seem to succeed best in certain localities. The Winningstadt, for instance, which we have shown in figure 2, seems peculiarly adapted to the South. The Jei'sey Wakefield is now, no doubt, the most popular early Cabbage (see fig. 1). Early Schweinfurth (fig. 3), is a very large Cabbage, and matures early, but we have never been able to grow solid heads. Marblehead Mammoth is a large solid Cabbage, but re- quires a very rich ~- *.=- soil^ early plant- ing and good culture (fig. 4). Fig. 6 is the popular Premium Flat Dutch, which is the old Flat Dutch somewhat improved, and of American growth. Stone Mason Marblehead is represented by fig. 7, and is an excellent winter Cabbage. Fig. 8 is the Drum- head Savoy, a very tender, sweet Cabbage, very hardy, and improved by a little frost. Figs. 5 and 10 are the Filderkraut, one of the solidest and best Cabbages we are acquainted with ; always heads, and as solid as any one can wish. We give two J engravings of this fine variety, as the first was drawn from a specimen taken from our grounds when not fully matured There are several varieties of Pickling Cabbage, but the highest colored and best is one we introduced several years since from Europe, known as Chappell's Red Pickling, (fig. 9). COLLARDS, or what is now known as Collards, are merely young Cabbage plants. The usual plan is to sow the seed in drills about half an inch deep, and a foot apart. When these plants are a few inches in height, they are pulled. In the South, sowings can be made through the winter every few weeks. A variety very popular at the South, and thought to be much better than any of the common cabbages, is called Creole Collards. CAULIFLOWER. The most delicate and delicious of all the Cabbage family, is the Cauliflower. It is more delicate and tender than the Cabbage, and therefore requires a more generous treatment. It tender than delights in a rich soil and abundance of water, which it would be well to apply artifi- cially in a diy. season. After seeing the splendid cauliflower growing around Erfurt, in Prussia, and observing the pains taken in its culture, I did not wonder that we fail in our hot, diy climate. Cauliflower there is grown in low, swampy ' ground, which is thrown up in wide ridges. The plants are set on the ridges, and between these are ditches of water. Every dry day the water is bailed from these ditches upon the growing plants, and the result is cauliflower of enormous size, compact, and almost as white as snow. The engraving will give a 101 prett)' good idea of these cauliflower gardens, and the process of watering. In the ditches water cress is grown, both for cutting and seed. Still, we must say that we have never seen or heard of finer Cauliflower than is sometimes grown in the South and West. The flower buds form a solid mass of great beauty and delicacy, called the "curd," and its appearance is shown in the engraving. This is rendered more delicate by being protected from the sun. Break off one or two of the leaves, and place them upon the I flower. Gardeners sometimes sow seed in the autumn, for early Cauliflower, and keep the plants over in frames ; but by so\^'ing the early varieties in the spring, in a hot-bed or cold-frame, ; or even in an open border, they can be obtained in pretty good season. For late Cauliflower, sow seed in a cool, moist place, on the north side of a building or tight fence, in this latitude, about the first of May, and they will not be troubled with the little black beetle, so destructive to everything of the Cabbage tribe when young. Do not allow the plants to become crowded in the seed-bed. Transplant in moist weather, or shade the newly set plants. In the autumn, plants which have not fully formed the " flower," or " curd," may be taken up and placed in a light cellar, with earth at the roots, and they will gene- rally form good heads ; or they may be hung up by the stems, head down, in a cool cellar, and will do well. A favorite European vegetable, Brocoli, resembles the Cauliflower; indeed, it is hardly possible to distinguish the two. The Brocoli, however, is the most hardy, and in portions of Europe where the seasons are mild, remains in the ground all the winter, furnishing good heads most of the cold season. Of course, in many sections of our country Brocoli would not suffer in winter, but it dislikes severe summer heat more than cold ; and to succeed, it would be neces- sary to grow late plants, and set them out after the extreme heat of summer is past. CRESS. The Cresses are excellent and healthful salad plants, of a warm, pungent taste, and are much relished by almost every one, especially in the spring season. When young and tender the whole plants are eaten, but when older, the leaves only. Cress is often used with lettuce, and other, salad plants, and the Curled is very good for garnishing. Sow - the seed in a hot-bed or in a sheltered spot in the garden, quite thick, in shallow drills. In a short time it will be fit for cutting. Sow a little every \A'eek. The Water Cress is a great luxur)' to most people, and cheaply obtained by those who live near fresh water. Scatter a little seed in moist places on the edges of ponds or brooks, and in the eddies of streams, and in a few years the shallow water will be stocked with plants. The engraving with the large leaves shows a branch of Water Cress, and with the small leaves a plant of Curled Cress. CORN SALAD. Com Salad is a favorite salad plant in some portions of Europe, and is much cultivated in America by those who have become familiar with its use across the sea. Its name is derived from the fact that it is found abundantly growing in wheat fields. Sown in August, and protected by leaves or straw during the win- ter, it can be used in the spring veiy early. Sown in April or May, it is very soon fit for use. The leaves are sometimes boiled and served as spinach. It is very hardy. Sow as for lettuce, in rows, covering seed only about a quarter of an inch. Thin out the plants so that they will be three or four inches apart. 102 CARROTS. The Carrot should always be furnished with a good, deep, rich soil, and as free from stones and lumps as possible; and if a rather light loam, it is better tJian if compact and heavy. It is waste of time and labor to tiy to grow roots of any kind on a poor or unprepared soil. Seed should be got in early, so as to have the benefit of a portion of the spring rains. We knew a part of a field to be sown, when a long rain interrupting the operator, it was not resumed until after the soil had become pretty dry, and no showers coming very soon, the first half sown pro- duced an abundant crop, w'hile the last was almost a failure. Sow in drills about an mch deep, t,t\fi«l>BLH.5ft the drills about a foot apart ; and at thinning, the plants should be left at from four to ten inches apart in the rows, according to kind. The Short Horn may be allowed to grow very thickly, almost in clusters. To keep roots for table use, place them m sand in the cellar; but (or feed- ing, they will keep well in a cellar, without covering, or buried in the ground, and any desired for spring use may be pitted out of the way of frost. An ounce of seed will sow about one hundred feet of drill, and two pounds is the usual quantity per acre. For field culture, of course, the rows must be sufficiently distant to admit of running the cultivator between them. The Carrot is mostly used in America for soups, and for this the smaller and finer varieties are grown. The Carrot is very nutritious and is relished by all animals. The engraving sho\\'S the comparative size and habit of growth of most of the leading varieties. Figure 1, Long Orange ; 2, Orange Belgian Green-Top ; 3, Early French Short-Horn ; 4, White Belgian Green-Top ; 5, Early Very Short Scarlet ; 6, Half- Long Scarlet Stump-Rooted; 7, Altringham ; 8, Half-Long Scarlet. CHICORY. Chicory is used in Europe as a salad plant. Seed is sown in the spring, in drills half an inch- deep, in a good, mellow soil ; and the after culture is the same as for Carrots. In the autumn, the plants will be ready for blanching. This is generally done by placing a box over them, or by tying the tops of the leaves loosely together, and drawing the earth well up the plant. The greatest value of Chicory is as a substitute for coffee. It has a root something like a parsnip. They are washed clean, cut into pieces that will dry readily, kiln-dried, and then they are ready to roast and grind for coffee. The prepared root is brought from Europe, for the adulteration of coffee. An ounce of seed will sow aliout one hundred feet of drill, and from two to three pounds are required for an acre. The second season the Chicory sends up a flower stem j three or four feet, bearing pretty, bright blue flowers, which we have shown, ' about half size in the engraving. It is so hardy there is danger it may become a troublesome weed, as it flourishes on the road-sides and in meadows in many places. 103 m CELKRY. Celery is a luxury that few would like to dispense with, and fortunately there is no necessity for such a sacrifice, as every one who has control of a few feet of ground, with a little skill and industry, can grow a winter's supply. To obtain good Celer)', it is necessary that the plants should be strong and well grown. Sow the seeds in a hot-bed or cold frame. When the plants are about three inches in height, transplant to a nicely prepared bed in the border, setting them about four or five inches apart. When some eight inches high, and good stocky plants, set them in the trenches — about ^^ the middle of Jul)' '^ <^^^h' enough- Too f:r%i,JO''tmg'-i >^,^y~i.': sf'Q^ "'^"y ""'^'^ trenches by digging out the top iKmt^Vl^m'' < J:^Ii^-^Cd ■aOTi? vari- eties, because much cultivated in frames or under glass, Some of the hardiest do well in Amer- ica, if coaxed a little early in the season under boxes covered with glass, as recommended for our hardy sorts. The Long Green Southgate and the Stockwood we have found the best for the garden in this latitude, but in the South we have no doubt all would succeed admirably. Some persons think because these foreign sorts are large, that they are coarse and scarcely eatable. This is a mistake. They are fine-grained and very solid, having very few seeds, sometimes not more tlian half-a-dozen perfect seeds in a fruit. Seed, therefore, is always scarce and dear. EGG PLANT. A tender plant, requiring starting in tlie hot-bed pretty early to mature its fruit in the North- em States. The seed may be sown with tomato seed ; but more care is necessary at transplant- ing, to prevent the plants being chilled by the change, as they seldom fully recover. Hand- glasses are useful for covering at the time of transplant- ing. Those who have no hot-bed can sow a few seeds in boxes in the house. There are various modes of , cooking, but the most common is to cut in slices, boil in salt and water, and then fry in batter or [jutter. There are several varieties, but the largest and best of all is the Improved New York Purple, an engraving of which we give. The Early Long Purple is the earliest, and valuable on that account, and about eight or nine inches in length. There is an early round variety called Round Purple, and there are several very pretty sorts more ornamental than useful- 106 KOHL RABl. Intermediate between the Cabbage and the Turnip we have this singular vegetable The stem, just above the surface of the ground, swells into a bulb somethmg like a Turnip, as shown "• m the engraving. Above this are the leaves, somewhat resembling those of the Ruta Baga. The bulbs are served like Turnips, and are very delicate and tender when young, possessing the flavor of both Turnip and Cabbage, to some extent. In Europe they are exten- sively grown for stock, and are thought to keep better than the Turnip, and impart no unpleasant taste to milk. Seed sown for a general crop, in the spring, like the Turnip, in drills ; or may be transplanted like Cabbage. For winter table use, sow middle of June. One advantage claimed for the Kohl Rabi is that it suffers less from severe drouth than the Turnip, and therefore a crop is almost This being so, it must be well adapted to culture in many sections of our country. certain. LETTUCE. Lettuce is divided into two classes; the Cabbage, with round head and broad, spreading The Cabbage varieties are head and upright, narrow leaves. b %^ leaves ; and the Cos, with Ion; the most tender and butteiy, and the Cos the most crisp and refreshing. In Europe, the Cos varieties are used very gener- ally. They are the most liked by dealers, because they will carry better and keep longer in good condition than the Cab- bage sorts. There are several varieties with loose, curled leaves, having the habit of the Cabbage, though not form- ing solid heads, and are veiy pretty for garnishing, but other- wise not equal to the plain sorts. Seed sown in the autumn will come in quite early in the spring, but not early enough to satisfy the universal relish for J early salad. The hot-bed, there- fore, must be started quite early. Give but little heat, and plenty of air and water on fine days. Sow a couple of rows thick, in the front of the frame, to be used when young — say two inches in height. Let the plants in the rest of the bed be about three inches apart, and, as they become thick, remove eveiy alternate one. Keep doing so, as required, and the last will be as large as Cabbages. Sow in the open ground as early as possible; or, if you have plants from fall sowing, transplant them to a rich soil, giving plenty of room and hoe well. We give engravings showing the appearance of the Cabbage, Cos and Curled varieties. MARTYNIA. The Martynia is a hardy annual plant of robust growth, and some of the varieties are some- what grown as flowering plants, as will be seen by reference to page 33. M. proboscidea produces its curious seed-pods, shown in the engraving, quite abundantly, and these, when tender, are prized by a good many for pickling. They should be gathered before getting fibrous or " stringy," A little experience will soon make the matter of selecting easy. 107 MKLON. Those who have their homes a httle further South than Rochester, in Marj-land, Delaware, Virginia, and in most of our Western and all Southern States, enjoy a luxury in the Melon crop of which many Northern people have but little idea. We once very much astonished some kind friends in England because we preferred well ripened English Gooseberries to some Melons that had been procured for our special benefit ; but which, though softer, were not much richer than Pumpkins, The Melon, being a plant of tropical origin, reaches perfection only in a warm tem- perature, though by a little care in securing a warm, sandy soil, a sheltered, sunny position, and a little skill in starting plants early, fair crops are grown in what would be considered unfavorable localities. In this latitude we must give the Melon even' possible advantage to secure earliness and thorough ripening. The same culture as recommended for Cucumbers will insure success. The striped bug is the great enemy of the Melon and other vines, and the best safeguard is gauze protectors of any simple form that can be easily and cheaply made. There are two distinct species of Melon in cultivation, the Musk Melon and the Water !Melon. Our engravings show a few of the leading varieties. Ml'SK Melon — Fig. 1, Nutmeg; 2, White Japanese; 3, Casaba; 4, Prolific Nutmeg. W.\TER Melon— Fig. 5, Black Spanish; 6, Mountain Sweet; 7, Citron, for presen'es. MUSTARD. Young Mustard is used as a salad early in the spring, with Cress, Lettuce, and other salad plants. It can be grown in hot-beds as early as desired, and in the spring, being veiy hardy, can be sown as soon as the soil is free from frost. Sow in shallow drills, and cut when a few inches in height. It grows veiy rapidly ; but little will be needed, and several sowings should be made at intervals. For a crop of seed sow in early spring, in rows, thin out the plants to six inches apart, making the rows about eighteen inches apart for garden I culture, and for field far enough for the cultivator. The Chinese is the best for Salad, and the Black-seeded is usually preferred for commerce, being stronger than the White ; but the White is chosen by many on account of its mildness, and is the kind recommended for medicinal purposes. 108 AMERICAN ONIONS. ONIONS. The Onion must have a clean and very rich soil, or it will not do well enough to pay for the trouble. Use well rotted manure freely, and be sure to get the seed in as early as possible in the spring, no matter if it is ever so cold and unpleasant, for if Onions do not get a good growth before hot, dry weather, the crop is sure to be a failure ; then thin out early, and keep the soil mellow and clear of weeds, and if your seed is good, you will have a large crop of Onions. On no other conditions can you hope for success. The Onion is veiy sensitive, and it won't do to slight it in the least. Sow in shallow drills, not less than a foot apart. When the young Onions are three or four inches high, thin so that they will stand about two inches or more apart, according to kind. Disturb the roots of Onions as little as pos- sible, either in thinning or hoeing, and never hoe earth toward them to cover, or hill, as we do most other things. Four pounds of seed are suf- cient for an acre. American Onions are quite different from those of Europe ; they are generally smaller, with a finer neck, bulb much more freely, are stronger, less sweet, and much better keepers. Our little engraving shows the lead- ing native sorts reduced to quite one-sixth natural size. Figure 1, Wethersfield Red; fig. 2, Early Red ; 3, Danvers Yellow ; 4, Large Yellow ; 5, White Portugal, which is a foreign sort so hybridized or acclimated as to become a native. As before intimated, while the European varieties of Onions lack a great many of the good qualities belonging to the "native Americans," they possess some peculiar to themselves, and which certainly entitle them to favorable notice. They are mild, sweet, and large. It is no strange sight to Sijo jjeasants eat for their dinner, with brown bread alone, and Avith apparent relish, an onion that would weigh a pound. These foreign Onions seem to succeed pretty well in the South. We thought it best to give engravings of a few of the leading sorts. Fig. 6 represents the Large Strasburg; 7, Large Oval Madeira; 8, Large Round Madeira; 9, White Lisbon; 10, Silver-Skinned, the favorite sort for pickles. For several years past there has been a good deal of excitement among the seedsmen and gardeners of Europe, respecting some new Italian Onions of monstrous size, and very mild, supe- rior flavor. Being in Europe A^'hen these Onions were attracting considerable attention, we saw some of them weighing as much as four pounds, and had the best of evidence of their fine flavor. We obtained seed and sent it all over the country, particularly to the South, for trial. The reports were generally favorable. The larger kinds, and they are the best, are wonderful in size, beautiful in appear- ance, sweet, and of pleasant flavor, and ex- cellent for summer, au- tumn and early winter use. The engravings represent the principal kinds, very much re- duced, but show the comparative size and form. Fig. 11, New Giant Rocca, of Naples, one of the best ; 12, foreign onions. Blood Red Italian Tripoli; 13, Large White Flat Italian Tripoli, one of the best; very early, but not as large or showy as the others. To those in the North who would secure a good crop of these Onions — and in fact, to all who have difficulty in growing a crop from seed early — we advise the following plan : Sow the seed thickly in rows in a hot-bed early. When severe weather is over and the glass is wanted for other purposes, it will not be needed for the Onions, as they are pretty hardy. 109 14, Marzajola, NEW ITALIAN ONIONS. Keep the weeds down, and about the time for sowing Onion seed, transplant these Onions to the open ground, giving them a rich soil and plenty of room. Every one will form a large bulb, and very early. ■'■'^^A.. '^^'^ hot-bed work and '*™* ^ts^mmBmmmm transplanting will be some trouble, but the troublesome hoeing and hand-weeding and thin- ning of young Onions will be avoided, which all Onion growers know is no small labor. We hope many of our read- ers will try a few in this way, at least, as we have pursued ihis course of culture for some years with the most gratifying results. It is doubt- less known to most of our readers that it has been considered difficult to grow Onions from seed at the South, because the wann weather checks their growth before bulbs are formed. The hot-bed plan suggested we think will remedy this evil, but the one usually pursued is to plant what is called Onion Sets. These are small Onions, about the size of large peas. The seed is sown in the spring in broad rows, in a poor soil, and very thick, where they have not space to make a fair growth. About twenty-eight pounds of seed are sown to the acre. The result is a large quantity of stunted Onions, that are taken up in July and dried thoroughly on the ground. They are then stored away to be sold for planting the following spring. These, when planted in the spring, produce good Onions, and are used extensively in the South. It is, of course, a good deal of labor to raise a bushel of these little Onions, and they generally sell at high prices, from $10 to $15 a bushel. Another Onion very largely grown by those who cannot suc- ceed ^vith seed, or who want early green Onions, is the English Potato Onion, which is the best underground variety. A large Onion produces, the first season, under ground, a large cluster of Onions, like that shown in the engraving, but the size is potato onion. reduced. Many of them, with good culture, ^^■ill be half the size of ordinary Onions. These are put out in the spring, and very early they are ready for use as summer Onions, and are a great favorite with market gardeners. It is this sort that is usually sold in bunches in the markets. Those that are allowed to remain in the ground during the summer make very large bulbs, to be sold or re-planted the next spring for small Onions. They are rather poor keepers, and the practice here is to spread them on the floor of a barn-loft and cover with straw, where they will freeze and keep frozen all the winter. They will then be in pretty good condition, but if kept in a waiTn place they must be turned every day, or they will rot, as they will if subjected to fre- quent freezing and thawing. If they were good keepers they would be veiy popular. The price is always high, generally about $5 a bushel. Another variety not so good or so popular as Potato Onion, is the Top Onion. When large Onions of this sort are planted, each one sends up a strong stem, just like the seed-stem of the com- mon Onion, but instead of bearing on its top a number of seeds it produces a cluster of small Onions, just as we show in the engrav- ing. Next spring these small Onions are planted, and each one pro- duces a full sized Onion. They can be eaten during the summer, and are often sold in bunches, or they can be kept for winter use for spring planting. Each of these large Onions, of course, produces a cluster of small ones after a season's growth. Onion culture has become such an important interest, throughout our country, and in fact, throughout the civilized world, that we thought it important to give pretty thorough infoiTuation on this subject. 110 TOP ONIONS ■l-.>3i, OKRA. This vegetable is a native of the West Indies, though now grown in almost all warm coun- ■'Y^^X^-*^ /J^^c— W.^7\ tries. Its green seed- pods are used in soups, to which _S/^i!rC^/^^^f~J^t^ > they give a jelly-like consistency, as they abound in mucilage, like all of the Mallow family. It is consid- I ered veiy nutritious, and exceedingly grateful to stomachs not over-strong. The common name South is Gumbo. It is of the easiest possible culture, and bears well. North it would be best to sow the seeds in hot-beds, and trans- plant, except in favored localities. There are two varie- ties generally grown, known as dwarf and tall. The Okra is a vigorous, large plant, requiring a good deal of room, and the large kind should be planted not less than three feet apart, and the dwarf about eighteen inches. In mild climates it is only necessary to sow the seed in the open ground, about two inches deep, and then merely keep the ground clean and mellow, as for a hill of corn. We have grown good Okra here by sowing in the open ground early in May, in a warm exposure and soil. PARSLKY. Parsley is a hardy biennial plant, and therefore is in use two seasons, but about the middle of the second summer it goes to seed, so that sow- ings must be made every second year. Pars- ley seed germinates very slowly ; it should be started in a hot-bed, if possible. For out- door sowing always prepare the seed by placing in quite hot water and allowing it to soak for twenty-four hours, in a warm place. When the plants are a few inches in height, set them in rows, three or four inches apart. Parsley makes a pretty edging for the walks of the vegetable garden. As but little generally is needed, if sown in the garden in rows, it will be only necessary to thin out and destroy the surplus plants. Parsley is a universal favorite for soups, and for garnishing there is nothing so good as some of the best kinds. Indeed, it has been recommended and used for bouquets; but one poor gardener tried it only once, for he was coolly informed by the lady that she wished a bouquet for the parlor, and not herbs for the kitchen. PUMPKINS. The Pumpkin is now but little used, except for agricultural purposes, the Squashes being so much sweeter and drier and finer grained. No good gar- dener, we think, would tolerate a pumpkin in the garden, nor would any sensible cook allow one in the kitchen. Those monster kinds that we see occasionally at our fairs are the worst of all. The farmer, however, finds the Pump- kin a very serviceable addition to his fall feed, and probably as long as Maize is grown in America the golden Pumpkin will gild our corn-fields in the beautiful Indian summer days of autumn. After all, a good many will think what we say of the Pumpkin all nonsense, and perhaps it is. We shall not certainly disagree about so small a matter as a Pumpkin, and some persons will always defend the good old-fashioned pumpkin pie, against all innovators. in PARSKIPS. The Parsnip flourishes best, and gives the longest, largest, smoothest roots in a very deep, rich soil— one that has been made rich with manure the previous year. Manure, especially if fresh, makes the roots somcAvhat ill-shaped. Sow as early in the spring as the ground can \ be made ready, in drills, from twelve to eighteen inches apart, and about an inch [ deep. Thin the plants to five or six inches apart. An ounce of seed will sow one ■ hundred and fifty feet of drill very thickly. Six pounds of seed is the usual quantity sown on an acre. The part of the crop required for spring use can remain in the ground during the winter. If a portion is covered heavily with leaves, they can be dug at any time. A few can be stored in a pit or cellar. For feeding cattle, no root is superior to the Pai-snip. In the Island of Guernsey, a few yeai-s ago, and perhaps the same state of things still exists, pigs and cattle were almost or entirely fattened on this root. We have always thought that American farmers did not realize the value of this root. In field culture it would be advisable to make the rows wider apart, so as to admit the cultivator one way. Although from the ease with which com is grown, particularly in the "Western States, it has been thought that there is no great necessity for the culture of roots in this countrj', we Have no doubt that their more general growth would be of material advantage in many ways, especially in the older sections of the countiT. Animals always thrive better, and are more healthy on a somewhat mixed diet in which roots forai an important part. This fact our best fanners are fast learning. As the Parsnip is not injured by frost it seems well adapted to general culture. Eveiy one who visits any of the agricultural exhibitions of Canada, must notice the great attention given to root culture in that countr)*, as shown by the quantity and quality of those exhibited. There are several varieties of Parsnips, but we have found little difference, and the old Hollow Crown seems as good as any. Roots that are allowed to remain in the ground during the winter are better flavored than those dug in the fall. As the roots go \ery deep, and seem to ha\'e an unusually firm hold of the soil, if they are carelessly dug more than half will be broken, which is a great injuiy to the crop. PEPPERS. There are perennial shrubby or woody Peppers, and very beautiful plants they are when seen growing in their tropical homes. What we cultivate is an annual species, from India. The pod or fruit is in demand in ever)' kitchen, and vciy large quantities are grown to supply our large cities and the manufacturers of pickles, and it is used somewhat freely in medicine. Sow the seeds early under glass, if possible, and transplant only when the weather has become steadily mild. If no hot-bed is to be had, prepare a seed- bed in a warm place in the garden, and Sdw, in the Middle and Northern States, in Mav, and transplant when the plants are about three inches in height. As usually only a few plants are needed, it is Avell to sow the seeds where the plants are to remain, and thin them out to about a foiit apart. The fruit is often used green, but will be ripe in September. There are sev- eral varieties, ranging in height from one to three feet, \A-hile the fruit varies from the Little Cayenne to the gi'eat French Monstrous, six inches in length. Fig. 1 shows Lon<->- Red; 2, Cnyenne ; 8, Tomato-fomied ; 4, Monstrous, or Gro^.-^um. The Large Cell, and several other large sorts, difier little from the Tomato-fonned, but larger. The Sweet Mountain, or Mam- moth, is veiy large, mild, with thick flesh, and is pickled, stuffed like mangoes. The ennravino- shows Cayenne of natural size; all others are ven' much reduced. 112 PEAS. The Pea is very hardy, and will endure a gi'eat amount of cold, either in or above the ground ; and as we all want " green peas " as early as possible in the season, they should be put in as early as the soil can be got ready — the sooner the belter. Peas are divided by seedsmen and gar- deners into three classes. Early, Second Early and Late. The earliest are mostly small, round, smooth and hardy, the tallest not growing more than from two to three feet in height. Of late years some very fine dwarf, sweet, wrinkled sorts, like Little Gem, \ have been added to this class, of veiy great merit. The Second Early contain a list of excellent wrinkled varie- ties, like Eugenie. The Late are large, mostly wrink- led, and formerly were nearly all tall, like the Cham- pion of England, but very many excellent dwarfs have been added to the list, like Yorkshire Hero. If the Earliest sorts are planted about the first of April, in this latitude, they will be fit to gather in June, often quite early in the month. The Second \\'\W. come in about the Fourth of July. By sowing two or three varieties of Early, "ciXi^ the same of Second and Late, as soon .as practicable in the spring, a supply will be had from early in June to late in July, with only one sowing. After this Sweet Corn will be in demand. Sow in drills not less than four inches deep, pretty thickly — about a pint to forty feet. The drills should not be nearer than two feet, except for the lowest sorts. Those growing three feet high, or more, should not be nearer than three or four feet. As they are early off the ground. Cabbage can be planted between the rows, or the space can be used for Celery trenches. All varieties growing three feet or more in height should have brush for their support. The large, fine wrinkled varieties are not as hardy as the small sorts, and if planted very early, should have a diy soil, or they are liable to rot. Keep well hoed up and stick early. When grown extensively for market. Peas do well sown on ridges made by the plow, two rows on each ridge, and not sticked, the pea vines drooping into the furrows. In response to the inquiry so often made, why we cannot sow Peas late, and thus have them in eating all through the summer, and why Peas are "buggy," we Avill say that the Pea delights in a cool moist climate and suffers in warm, dry weather. Those planted late will most likely be attacked with mildew, and never give half a crop. The Pea, when grown in a tolerably mild climate, is troubled with a weevil, the egg being laid in the pea when it is very small, through the pod. The way to obtain sound Peas for seed, is to grow them where the weevil does not exist. RHUBARB. The Rhubarb, or Pie-Plant, is usually grown frr.m divisions of the roots, for eveiy portion which has an eye will form a plant. Occa- sionally persons prefer to grow from seeds. It will take two years to obtain a strong plant from seed, but a package of seeds in two years will give enough plants to stock a neigh- borhood. Give a good, rich, deep, mellow soil, both to seeds and plants. In the spring, two weeks before frost is gone, cover two of the finest roots with barrels. Then throw over the roots and around the barrels leaves, straw or manure, and the earliest and tenderest stalks will be the result. 113 Radishes ar books, SuinnuT and Autumn The Spring varieties are much arrive at maturity in RADISHKS. divided into two classes, Sprins; and mutn; or as denominated in some of the h smaller than the Winter, tender, a very brief time, and very soon become o\er-grown and worthless. The winter sorts mature more slowly, are large, very solid, and with proper care keep a long time. The Spring Radish must make a rapid growth to be fit for use; it -will then be crisp and tender, and of mild flavor. If grown slowly, it will be hard, fibrous, and disagreeably pungent. For early use, seed should be sown in the hot-bed, in drills four or five inches apart and half an inch deep. Thin out the young plants so that they v, ill stand two inches apart in tlie rows. Give plenty of light and air, or they will become drawn — that is, slender and worthless. For out-door beds, select a warm, sunny loca- tion, with a sandy soil. A little new earth frcjm the woods, as a top-dressing, before the seeds are sown, will be of great ser\-ice, A top-dressing of soot, or even coal ashes, will be of much benefit, as we have found by long experience. The great point is to get the plants to grow rapidly after the seed-leaf appears above ground, so as to be out of the way of the black beetle that proves so troublesome when they are young, puncturing every leaf. Sow soot, ashes, or dust over them frequently, as the beetle dislikes gritty food. Our engraving shov s a few of the leading ^ari- ties, fig. 1 representing Red Turnip; -, Rose 01i\'e- Shaped; 3, Scarlet Olive-Shaped, with white tip; 4, Long White Naples, an excellent variety for growing late in the season ; o. Long Scarlet Short-Top. The WiNTEi-; Radish should be sown in July or August, about the time of Turnip sowing. They may be kej^t in a cool cellar and co\-ered with earth for winter use. Put them in cold water for an hour before using. The engraving represents the principal varie- ties of winter Radishes — indeed, all worthy of culture. These Radishes are every year becoming more pop- ular, and particularly so since the introduction of the ne\^'er Chinese varieties ; though for that matter ^\'e are indebted to China for all our Radishes. Fig. (1 is the Califrirnia Mammoth White Winter, a splendid \-aricty which we saw in San Francisco, more than a foot in lenL^th, and one could desire; it was brought to California by Chinese emigrants. Winter; 8, Black Round Spanish; 0, Chinese Rose Winter. SALSIFY, or OYSTER PLANT. A delicious vegetable. Cut into small pieces; it makes a fine soup, like that from oysters. It is also par-hoiled, grated fine, made into small 5^ — lialls, dipped into I^atter, and fried, same as for Carrots and Par>nii^s. 114 as crisp and tender as Fitr. 7, Chinese White Cultui-e SQUASHES. The Squashes are an interesting and useful class of vegetables ; interesting because present- ing such a variety of forms ; of their usefulness we need not say a word. The Squashes are of tropical origin, and therefore it is useless to plant them until the soil is quite warm, and all danger of frost or cold nights is over ; and as they make a very rapid growth there is no neces- sity of haste in getting the seed in the ground. We usually divide the Squashes into two classes, Summer and Winter, The .Summer Squashes are eaten when the rind and flesh are tender, about mid- summer. The best of this class are the Crook- Neck and Scollop, and these are what are called bush varieties, and do not run. The Winter Squashes are allowed to ripen thoroughly before gathering, and are then stored away for winter use. A good, cool cellar will preserve these winter Squashes until May, if well ripened. The winter varieties are all runners, we believe. The best winter Scjuash is the Hubliard, f^g. 1, and if pure and well ripened, and decently cooked, it is almost as good as a b\\ eet Potato Fig. 2 represents the Marblehead, another excellent wintei Squash, but we think hardly equal to the Hubbard. Fig. 3, Scollop, oi Pie formed, a good sort, and liked by market gardeners, because i the rind is somewhat hard, and it bears shipping well. Fig. 4 is the excellent summer Crook-Neck, one of the best, if not the best, of the whole race ui Sunnner Squashes. Squashes are good feeders, and like a rich soil ; it is best to manure in the hill. Sow a dozen seeds in each hill, and when danger from " bugs " is o\ er pull up all but three or four. A mel- low, warm soil is best. For bush sorts, make hills three or four feet apart, and for the running kinds twice this distance. SPINACH. To grow Spinach in perfection, the soil must be rich good drained soil, in drill up, thin them to about three inches apart in the rows. Covering with a little straw or leaves before winter is useful but not necessary. For sum- mer use, sow as early as possiljle in the spring. There are two popular varieties, the principal distinction being that one has a round seed, and the other with sharp points, and called prickly. These we have shown in the engraving. 11.5 Sow in the autumn for spring use, in a foot apart. As soon as the plants are well TOMATOES. The Tomato is more generally used in America than in any country in the world. The amount consumed seems wonderful, especially when we consider how brief the time since its first introduction as an article of diet. Almost every one likes it, and most persons regard it as a great luxuiy ; but the Tomato is so slow perfecting its fruit that it is quite after the middle of summer, and at the end of most people's patience, before the ripened fruit can be enjoyed. To obtain early varieties, therefore, is the great desire of all, and it is no strange thing to have varie- ties advertised as two weeks earlier than any other kind, that are entirely worthless in all respects, not even having the merit of earliness. We are satisfied that Hubbard's Curled Leaf is the ear- liest Tomato grown, and this is its only merit, for it is small and far from being smooth. The plant is small and will bear close planting, the leaves curling as if wilted. Gen. Grant is an excellent early Tomato, about ten or twelve days later than the Curled Leaf, but Hadiaway's Excelsior is as early as Gen. Grant, and the best Tomato we are acquainted with. It received a certificate of merit from the Royal Horticultural Society of England, is pronounced by the press of Europe the best variety produced, and is everywhere popular. It is smooth, solid, of good flavor, excellent color and productive. Pinching off a portion of the side branches, and stopping othei-s beyond where the fruit is fonned, hastens the ripening vei'y much. To obtain plants early, sow seed in the hot-bed early in March. In about five weeks they should be transplanted to another hot-bed, setting them four or five inches apart. Here they should remain, having all the air possible, and becoming hardened, until about the middle of May, when they may be put out in the ground ; that is, if there is no danger of frost. Very good plants can be grown in boxes in the house, starting them even in the kitchen. Those, of course, who live in a southern clime will be spared a good deal of this care. The soil for early Tomatoes should not be too rich, and a warm, sheltered location selected, if possible. The Tomato may be made very pretty by train- ing on a fence or trellis, like a giape-vine. No plant will better bear trimming. We have tested hundreds of varieties of Tomatoes in our grounds during tire past ten years. Every season we put on trial every new kind we can obtain from any source, and feel quite competent to speak on the subject. Still, we can judge well of the influence of soil and climate only as we receive reports from our friends in different sections of tire countr}^ The engraving, fig. 1, represents tlie Cherry Tomato, useful only for pickling ; 2, Pei-sian Yel- low ; 3, Hathaway ; 4, Gen. Grant ; .5, Early Smooth Red ; 6, Curled Leaf. All are, of course, very much reduced in size, though very well representing the form and characteristics of each. llii TURNIPS. There are two quite distinct species of Turnips grown, one called the English Turnip, and the other the Swede, or RtUa Baga Turnip. As they require somewhat different treatment, serious mistakes are some- times made on that point. In ordering seeds, care should be taken to state which kind is desired. The English Turnip, if designed for early use, should be sown soon as the ground can be prepared in the spring, so as to have the benefit of early showers, for the Turnip will not grow in dry, hot weather. For the main crop, for fall and winter use, sow in August, and the plants will have the benefit of the autumn rains. If the weather should prove dry, the crop will be light. The soil for Turnips should be rich and mellow. Sow in drills, from twelve to eighteen inches apart, and half an inch deep. When the plants are a few inches in height, and strong enough to resist the attack of insects, thin them out to some five or six inches apart in the drills. Two pounds of , seed are sufficient for an acre. Fig. 1 represents the Strap- Leaved Puiple-Top; 2, Orange Jelly ; .S, Yellow Malta ; 6, Jersey Navet ; 7, White Nor- folk. ENGLISH TURNIPS. A~- The Swede, or Ruta Baga p .lid, I SWEDE TURNIPS. Turnips are large, very solii perhaps the most solid vegeta- ble that grows. The flesh of nearly all the varieties are yel- low. They do not grow as rapidly as the English Turnips, and should be sown as early as the first of June. The rows should be about eighteen inches apart, and the plants in the rows not less than ten inches. The engravings show, fig. 4, Carter's Imperial Purple-Top ; fig. 6, Green-Top. We do not suppose that a warm, dry climate will ever be considered favorable to Turnip culture, and yet we never saw better crops in the most favored districts of England than we have seen in America. It is only in exceptionally dry seasons that our crop fails, with good culture. A soil rich in phosphates is necessary for a large crop, hence all bone manures are exceedingly valuable. With proper Turnip food and a moist season success is almost certain. There is then only one enemy to be conquered. The little black flea, or Turnip beetle, is very destructive when the plants are in the seed-leaf, but with a fair season and a rich soil the plants are soon in the rough leaf, when they are troubled no longer. Some good farmers sow twice the usual quantity of seed, and in this way save plenty from the little enemy, and this, we have no doubt, is the safest and most economical way, for it is better to feed them on plants that we do not need than on those upon which the crop depends. 117 LKEK. The Leek io a vegetable not much gi'own in America, except by market gardeners in the neighliorhood of Lirge cities. It is of the Onion famih , and partakes alike of its flavor and fragrance, but never forms a rounded bulb. The Leek has the appearance of what is known as " scallions" among Onions. The long, thick neck or tunicated bulb, when \i ell grown and blanched, is white for several inches, and nearly to the leaves, anil this is used for flavoring soups, and is sometimes sei-\'ed as Asparagus. The seed is generally sown in the spring in a seed-bed, and the young plants trans- planted about the first of July, or after an early crop of Lettuce or Peas have been taken from the ground. The Leek requires earthing up so as to let as much of the stem blanch as possible. Some growers plant in shallow trenches. It is not neces- sary to transplant, as the seed can be sown in rows and thinned out, as for Onions, and then earthed up. The Leek requires a rich, clean soil. In mild climates the Leek may be allowed to remain in the gi-ound all winter, to be gathered as needed ; but in cold climates they are taken up and stored, like Celer)', for winter and spring use. The Leek will bear 20 degrees of frost without injury. At transplanting set the plants rather deep. The demand for this seed has been so small that we have several times omitted it from our list. The engraving shows the appearance of the Leek Avith the top removed, ready for bunching for market. Six or eight are usually put in a bunch. ENDIVE. Endive is another plant but little inquired for in this country, and yet it is an excellent autimin and winter salad. It is naturally very bitter, but this is much lessened by blanching. The Endive is thought to be a native of China. For growing, select a cool, moist situation, such as would answer for growing Lettuce in the summer. Sow the seed late in the spring, or even as late as July, in shallo^A- drills, and when the plants are strong thin out so that they will stand z about a foot apart. Towards fall gatlier up the plant in a conical ^ fonn, and tie near the top. The outside, coarse leaves will keep the plant in shape and blanch those inside near the heart. Sometimes a little earth is drawn toward the plant. Plants not needed for autumn use can be taken up and planted in a bed of earth in the cellar, the tops being tied up, and the roots only in the earth. In this \^■ay they will keep until spring. Be sure that the plants are dry when they are tied up or stored in the cellar. [Vick's Flower and Vegetable Garden is published by James Vick, Rochester, N. Y. Price, in paper covers, 35 cents ; bound in handsome cloth covers, 65 cents. At this price it will be sent bv mail, /'ostagc paid. to any part of the world. Every year, on the first of December, we publish a Priced Catalogue of Seeds, giving the prices of every- thing for the Winter and Spring. Wewill send this free to all who \\'rite for it, enclosing the postage, Two Cents. Vick's Floral Guide is a Quarterly Magazine, beautifully printed and illustrated. Price, only 25 cents a 5-ear. To every one who trades with us to the amount of One Dollar it is sent free. T-wo Dollars for a club of Fli'^. Any person having paid for the Guide, and afterward ordering seeds, can deduct the money sent for the Guide. 1 #^«.-Sife^ i^- 118 .jr^ *«Ji^ S^WEKT AKD POT HERBS. as they are sometimes called, Sweet or Pot Herbs, constitute a little A few fragrant, treasury upon which the house-keeper will find occasion to make almost constant drafts, and these will be honored from early summer until autumn. A good reserve can also be stored in some closet or store room for winter use. As a general rule it is best to cut herbs when in flower and dry in the shade, and they diy more evenly and in better shape if tied up in small KOSEWARV. BORAGE. THYME. SUMMER SAVORY, bunches and hung in the shade. For soups and dressing for poultry these herbs are a necessity in the estimation of most persons, while as domestic medicines several kinds are held in high repute. The Sa^e and its u.ses, of course, every one is acquainted with. The Broad-leaved English is the best. Thy?ne, is of universal cultivation, as is also SHm?7ier Savory. Rosemary is a very fragrant herb, and is everywhere popular. Borage is a beautiful plant, with azure blue flowers, pretty enough for any flower garden. It is much used in Europe for flavoring Claret and other wnnes. We give a list of the herbs generally cultivated and prized, either by the cook or the nurse. Anise, Balm, Basil, Sweet, Borage, Caraway, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Fennel, Large Sweet, Horehound, Hyssop, Lavender, Marjoram, Sweet, Rosemary, Rue, Saffron, Sage, Savory, Summer, Savory, Winter, Thyme, Broad-Leaved English, Thyme, Summer, Thyme, Winter, Wormwood. A very small space in the garden will give all the herbs needed in any family. The culture is very simple, and the best way is to make a little seed-bed in the early spring, anrl set the LAVENDER. HYSSOP. SWEET MARJORAM. SWEET BASIL. plants out as soon as large enough in a bed. The trouble, therefoi'e, is trifling, while the expense is comparatively nothing, as a paper of either can be obtained for five cents, and will^ contain more seeds than any one will be likely to need. In a mild climate some kinds will live over the winter, but they are so easily grown from seed that saving old plants is not of much consequence. 119 '0tite!ifS. SUCCESS IN FLO^A?ER CULTURE, - _------2 THE LAWN AND GARDEN, _._----- 8 CLASSIFICATION OF FLOWERS, - - - - - - - -11 ANNUALS, ______------ IS Climbers, ______------ 48 Everlastings, --___------ S3 Ornamental Grasses, .___------ 36 PERENNIALS, ------^----- S7 BULBS AND PLANTS, ___.------ 67 Tender Bulbs and Plants, --------- 67 Hardy Bulbs and Plants, ---------74 HOLLAND BULBS, -_-------- 83 VEGETABLES, ------------96 XUMBER OXE.— GROUP OF ANNUAL FLOWERS. 1. Stvipi'il t'f'fiiiiiff. '-^. f'aiist/. :i. ffftpait ('orksrotiih. 4. \rntopJiiln . .>. Caniellia Bat- sfiiii. ti. IJoiihlr I'oftitlnfa. 7. Varieties of I'Jttojr, Uruiittnondii. S. Ten Wc. Siceet il'illhiiii. . Digitalis. 10. Agtuletjia. NU-VBER TLLREE.— TENDER BULBOUS FLOWERS. 1. (ihiiliDli. Tigrr riiiircr. 3. Dtililifr. 4. 'riiheru.se. 5. Iritoiua. NUMBER FOUR.— HARDY BULBOUS FLOWERS. 1. Peoiiif. 2. Dicentra. .5. Aiwntum Lily. 4. Huhruni Lily. .». Tliiiubergiti ii ititi atro- aanintitieuui //randijioruiti Lily. 6*. XIranbergiaH tint eii ri ntiui Lily. ;. Loitgi- Jiurttiit L.ily. .S. Martagon Vurple Lily. ft. Jfa rtagoit I't'flau- Lily. 10. Cniuiilcii.se L^ily. 11. Blue Bay Lily. 13. Lily of the Valley. lis ii i^'A\TAI' In this Priced Catalogue will be found almost every variety of Seeds and Bulbs worthy of culture, and of the very choicest quality. These we keep on hand, and can supply them to our customers at all seasonable times. The prices are as low as good, reliable articles can be furnished by any one, while the quality of- what we furnish we feel quite sure will gratily all. We do not propose to sound our own praise, as our customers and their gardens do this more effectually than we could do, had we the disposition to engage in this unnecessary and ungracious work. All that we desire to say is that we have spared neither time, nor expense, nor labor, either of body or mind, to obtain the best the world produces — just such as we would be willing to plant in our own grounds or furnish to Gen. Grant or Queen Victoria, or to the poor widow or little child who send us their little savings for the purchase of a few seeds. The different Classes of Flowers are arranged under appropriate headings, such as Annhals, Perennials, Everlastings, Climbers, Vegetables, &c., so that there will be no difficulty in finding anything that maybe desired. Reference is made to the page in VICK'S FLOWER AND VEGETABLE GARDEN, where full descriptions of each article are to be found, and the mode of culture explained. Our Flower and Vegetable Garden we think the most beautiful and useful and popular standard work on the subject in the world, and so cheap as to be within the means of everybody, as we furnish it at 35 cents in paper covers, and 65 cents in cloth. In addition to the valuable matter of this work, it contains hundreds of Illustrations and Four Colored Plates, a group of An7iuah and Bouquets of Perennials, Hardy Bulbs and Tender Bulbs, By these methods we furnish the facts necessaiy to successful culture; at least, ii-e design to do so, but questions continually arise that cannot be anticipated or answered in a book. Some thing fails to grow in a very unaccountuble manner, destructive and unknown insects appear in a very unexpected season, and at a very unseasonable time; infoiination is needed at once by some inexperienced cultivator, and, of course, there is no time for delay — so we publish a Quarterly, in which we answer all these questions, and without much delay. We call it VICK'S FLORAL GUIDE, and furnish it for 25 cents a year. To all customers who trade with us to the amount of One Dollar or more we give it for a year free, and those who pay for the Guide and afterward order seeds can deduct the money sent for the Guide from their remittance for Seeds or Bulbs. Under this heading, Annuals, we give not only the true Annuals, but all those flowers that l^lossom the first season they are planted. On the lines with the headings, in large type, will be found figures which refer to the page in ViCK's Flower and Vkgetable Garden, in which the flower or vegetable mentioned will be found fully described, and its character more plainly shown by the aid of illustrations. All necessary directions for culture, S:c., will be found in this work. For instance, the first article mentioned is '■'■ Abronia^ P<^g^ I4-" On page 14 of the Flower and Vegetable Garden will be found a history of this flower, its native home, &c. The same descriptions will be found in No. i of Floral Guide of last year. The figures on the right of the column show the price of each package of seed, for instance a package of Adonis is five cents. These packages contain from one hundred to five hundred setds, though of new or scarce seeds the quantity is far less, ABRONIA, page U. umbellata, rosy lilac; Avhite eye, arenaria, yellow, ADONIS, page 14. asstivalis, ;^ummer ; scadet ; t fnol autumnalis, uutumn; blood rt;i,l ; i foot, . . AGERATUM, page 14. conspicuum, white and blue; iS inches high, . Mexicanum, blue; i foot, Mexicanum albiflorum, white-flowered; i foot, Mexicanum albiflorum nanum, dwarf white; 6 inches, Lasseauxii, dwarf, compact plant ; flowers jiink, CEclestinum ' Phalacrsea 1 Tom Thumb, light blue ; S inches high, and of compact habit, , . AGROSTEMMA, page 1.'). New Scarlet, bright, Cseli Rosa, deep rose color, eleganspicta. center dark crims^.m, white marj,Mn, cardinalis, bright red, ALONSOA, page 15. Warszewiczii, flowers small, bright scarlet, forming a very pretty spike; iS inches high; set plants 8 or ro inches apart, grandiflora, large-flowered , scarlet; 2 feet, . . ALYSSUM, page 15. Sweet, hardy annual ; flowers small and sweet, in clusters ; 6 inches, W''ierczbeckii, hardy perennial ; flowers yellow ; blooms first se.ison ; i foot, AMARANTHUS, pat^e ]G. salicifolius, a beautiful Amaranth, both in habit and color; plant pyramidal, 2 feet in height; leaves long, narrow and wavy bicolor, crimson and green foliage ; 2 feet, . . . bicolor ruber, a new bedding plant, the lower half of the leaf a fieiy red scarlet, the upper half maroon, sometimes tipped with yellow tricolor, red, yellow and green foliage ; 2 feet, . melancholicus ruber, of compact habit, uiih striking blood red foliage ; 18 inches, caudatus, ( Love Lies Bleedingi long droop- ing " chains" of flowers ; pretty for decorating. cruentus, ("Prince's Feather,) flowers some- what similar to ..-i. caudatus, but in erect masses, I ANAGALLIS, page 10. ! Napoleon III, rich maroon color; new lo ■ I Eugenie, fine, velvety blue, lo ' sanguinea, showy, bright red ; new, ic superba, red, blue, scarlet, lilac; separate or mixed, each packet, lo - Garibaldi, crimson ; exceedingly beautiful : new, lo Memoria deir litna, bright red ; new lo ANTIRRHINUM, pat,-e 17. Brilliant, scarlet and yellow, with white throat ■ very showy, 5 Firefly, orange and scarlet, with white throat, . 5 Galathe, crimson, throat white; large, .... 5 ^Vhite-flowered, white ; not showy, but good for variety 5 papillionaceum, bloi,>d red, throat pure white, . 5 caryophylloides, irregularly striped, 5 Striped Dwarf, six inches high, 5 Best and brightest varieties mixed, 5. ARGEMONE, paj^e 17. grandiflora, white petals, j-ellow stamens . four inches '11 diameter c Mexicana, flowers briglu yellow 5 Hunnemanni, carmine and j-ellow, 5 ASPERULA, pa^^e 17. azurea setosa, a profuse blooming hardy annual of dwarf habit, with clusters of small, light blue, sweet-scented flouers ; de>irable for small bou- quets, e ASTER, pa.^es 18 and 19. TrufFaut's Pceony-flov/ered Perfection, large, beautiful flowers, petals long ; a Httle reflexed ; 2 feet in height ; mixed colors, ic Truff^auc's Pseony-flowered Perfection, same as abo\'e, with twelve separate colors, and ver>- true tri color : each color, 11; La Superbe, large flowers, 4 inches in diameter. 20 inches in height ; three colors mixed. ... 2r> La Superbe, three separate colors — rose, sky blue and white — each color ^c New Rose, 2 feet in height ; robust ; large, dou- ble flowers, the outer petals finely imbricated and of great substance; one of the very best Asters; several colors mixed is New Rose, eight separate colors — white, crim- son, violet, etc. , each color, JC Aster, TaU Chrysanthemum-flowered, large flowers ; i8 inches in height, lo Imbrique Pompon, very perfect ; almostaglobe, and beautifully imbricated ; mixed colors. . . lo Imbrique Pompon, twelve separate colors — white, blue, crimson, etc.; each color, .... 15 Cocardeau, or New Crown, double flowers, the central petals being of pure white, sometimes small and quilled, surrounded with large, flat petals of a bright color, as crimson, violet, scar- let, etc.; 18 inches, 10 Cocardeau, or New^ Crown, carmine, violet, blue, deep scarlet, violet brown, etc., each with white center ; each variety, 10 New Paeony - flowered Globe, a new variety, and the earliest of the Asters — at least two weeks earlier than Truffaut' s Pceonyjloivered ; flowers very large ; plant branching and strong ; does not require support, 10 Pyarmidal-flowered German, late, branching, good habit ; needs no tying, 10 New Victoria, flowers large; habit pyramidal; 2 feet high ; flowers freely ; mixed colors, . . 15 Giant PcBony, Brilliant Rose, a hybrid be- tween Gmnt Emperor and Trujjfaut's P^ony- floivercd Perfection ; flowers large and perfect, 25 Washington, a new Aster recently introduced from Germany, and has the largest flowers of the family. We grew and exhibited them last year five inches in diameter, and perfect; the plant is robust and perfectly healthy ; mixed colors, 25 Goliath, another large new variety, but not as large or as good as Washington. The plant is not healthy, and we cannot recommend it; it is no better than the old Giant Emperor iox Knv^x- ica, and has the same faults, 10 New Chrysanthemum -flowered Dwarf, a desirable class, i foot in height; late, and desira- ble on this account, as well as for its great beauty; mixed colors, ^5 Chrysanthemum -flowered Dwarf, Snowy ■White, a superb snow white variety, changing from white to azure blue as the plants become old; every flower usually perfect, 15 Newest Dwarf Bouquet. Each plant looks like a little bouquet of flowers set in the ground ; fine for edging or filling small beds ; about 12 different colors mixed, _■ ■ ^5 Dwarf Pyramidal Bouquet, ro inches high; abundance of flowers ; verj' early, 15 Dwarf Pyramidal Bouquet, Blood Red, a novelty of 1870, which has proved quite distinct and true; very brilliant in color, free blooming, and uniform in habit ; excellent for outside [row of bed or border, ^° New Schiller, a late, dwarf, bouquet Aster, of peculiar habit and great beauty ; 15 inches high, with great quantity of bloom; finest mixed, . . 10 Hedge -Hog, or Needle, petals long, quilled, and sharply pointed; very curious; two feet; mixed colors, -^^ Original Chinese, plant tall; flowers large and loose; distinct in appearance, and of bright colors; resembling the first imported Asters, . 10 BALSAM, pa-e 20. Camellia-flowered, French, double, perfect m form; mixed colors, ^5 Camellia-flowered, French, ten colors, each in . separate package ; each color, ^h Balsam, Camellia- flowered Spotted, German, double; spotted with white; mixed colors, . . 15 Rose-flowered, French; double; mixed colors, 15 Rose- flowered, French; ten colors, each in separate packages ; eachcolor, 15 Dwarf Camellia -flowered Spotted, German, 8 or 10 inches in height; splendid for a border or outside row of a bed, ^5 Extra Double Dwarf, very double; 6 inches, . 15 Half Dwarf, 18 inches in height, 15 Carnation, double; striped like the Carnation, 15 Solferino, white, striped and spotted with red, . 15 Common Double, occasionally only semi-double, 10 BARTONIA, page 21. aurea, is a very showy, half-hardy annual, with large, yellow flowers. Plant prostrate in habit, 5 BRACHYCOME, page 21. Iberidifolia, (Swan River Daisy,) blue and white, separate or mixed, ^"^ BROWALLIA, page 21. Cerviakowski, blue, with white center, .... 10 elata alba, white, ^^ elata grandiflora, blue, '^'^ CACALIA, page 22. coccinea, scarlet, 5 coccinea flore-luteo, yellow, 5 CALANDRINIA, page 22. grandiflora, reddish lilac ; i foot, 5 speciosa, dark purple; ver>' showy ; 4 inches, . 5 speciosa alba, white ; very free bloomer, ... 5 umbellata, rosy purple; perennial, but flower- ing first season, ^'^ CALENDULA, page 22. officinalis Le Proust, new; uniformly double; nankeen, edged with brown, 1° CALLIOPSIS, page 22. coronata, yelluw disc, encircled with crimson spots, 5 Drummondii, yellow, crimson center, .... 5 bicolor, ytUow, crimson center, 5 bicolor nigra speciosa, rich, velvety crimson, 5 bicolor nana marmorata, dwarf; reddish- brown, marbled with yellow, 5 cardaminifolia hybrida, yellow ; habit com- pact ; blooms profusely the whole season, ... 5 cardaminifolia hybrida atrosanguinea, com- pact habit ; rich, dark bloom, S tinctoria, quilled; very singular, 5 Burridgi, {Cosmidiiun Burridgcamiv! ,} the most beautiful and distinct of the family; flow- ers with a rich, crimson bronze center, and orange yellow border, 5 Mixed colors of every shade, 5 CALLIRHOE, page 23. pedata, purplish crimson, with white edge ; 2 feet, 10 pedata nana, flowers rich velvet crimson, with white eye; i foot, ^° involucrata, with large purplish crimson flow- ers ; native of the Western prairies, 10 CAMPANULA, page 23. speculum rosea, rose-colored, . speculum fiore-albo, white, . . speculum grandiflorum, purple, speculum, mi.ved colors, .... Lorei, blue and while, CANNA, page 2:i. Indica Indian Shot,) rubra, red ; 2 feet. . , Warszewiczii, red ; foliage striped ; 3 feet. . . compacta elegantissima, large ; reddish yel- low ; free-flowering; 2 feet, Selowii, scarlet : profuse blooming, Nepalensis, superb j-ellmv flowers, Mixed varieties For good roots we put the price at low rates, this year, to encourage every one to plant, .... CANDYTUFT, page 24. Purple, White, Rocket, pui'e white, in long spikes Lilac, bluish-lilac, Sweet-scented, pure white ; slightly fragrant, . Rose, rosy lilac Dunnett's Extra Dark Crimson, All the above colors mixed. New Carmine, a beautiful bright rose. .... CASSIA, page 24. chamECcrista, a good annual, \\iLh light green foliage, like the Sensit!\e Plant, Ltnd with bright golden flowers, CATCHFLY, P^S Silene Armeria, ( Lobel's Catch fly, i red, white and rose ; cither separate •.•t mixed, . . CELOSIA CRISTATA, page 25. Crimson Dwarf, Rose Dwarf, Yellow Dwarf, Violet Dwarf Scarlet Giant, Tall Violet Tall Rose, Tall Sulphur, Japonica, or New Japan Cockscomb, an en- tirely new and distinct and \ er)' beautiful vari- ety of Cockscomb, received from Japan; the best of the family, variegata, showing a mixture "1 red and yellow, and hardlj- worth culture; \ er>' late, and does best South, Dwarf varieties mixed, Tall varieties mixed, Celosia pyramidalis coccinea, sjiikes large and showy; scarlet; 3 feet Celosia spicata rosea, a verj- pretty plant, with spikes of rose-colored flowers that keep well for winter ornaments, if picked early ; free-bloomer, CENTAUREA, page 26. Cyanus, known as Bachelor's Button and Corn Bottle, various colors mixed, depressa, blue, red center ; large depressa rosea, rosy purple, moschata, (Blue Sweet Sultan,) moschata alba, (White Sweet Sultan,) .... moschata atropurpurea, (Purple Sw't Sultan,) suaveolena, (Yellow Sweet Sultan,) All above kinds mixed, Americana, very large flowers; lilac purple; strong plant Americana alba, clear white ;verj- large; novelty', Americana, white, lilac and purple, mixed, . . CENTRANTHUS, page 26. macrosiphon, pale rose ; 2 feet, macrosiphon flore-albo, white, Centranthus macrosiphon flore-carneo, fle^h, macrosiphon nanus, dwarf, macrosiphon bicolor, flowers pink and white, CHAMiEPEUCE, page 2(i. diacantha, an elegant Thistle-like plant, with sharp spines and beautiful variegated foliage; hardy ; yellow flowers, CLEOME, page 26. speciosissima, rosy integrifolia, CLARKIA, page 27. Double varieties mixed, Single varieties mixed, COLLINSIA, page 27. multicolor marmorata, white and rose, mar- bled : I foot, bicolor, purple and white CONVOLVULUS MINOR, page 27. splendens, violet, with white ceiuer, monstrosus, spreading; dark purple flowers, , subcceruleus, light bkie flowers, New Dark, very dark and good, Striped, fine, lilacinus, fine lilac White, verj' pretty for contrast All the above mixed CREPIS, page 27. barbata, light yellow and bright purple, .... rubra, pink, flore-albo, white, Mixed DATURA, page 28. Wrightii, is one of the best, with trumpet-shaped flowers from seven to nine inches long, white, faintly tinted with lilac, sweet-scented, .... humilis flava flore-pleno, a splendid plant, with large, j'ellow, double flowers ; sweet-scent- ed ; start early under gla.ss, fastuosa alba plena, fine, double white. . . . DELPHINIUM, page 28. Ajacis hyacinthifiorum. Double Dwarf Rocket,) mixed colors elatior flore-pleno, (Tall Rocket,) large plant; very showy Consolida flore-pleno, i Stock-flowered, t dou- ble, branching; large, showy flowers, fine for cutting; mixed colors, Consolida flore-pleno tricolor, double, striped, branching, Consolida flore-pleno candelabrum, i foot in height; peculiar habit ; flowering late, .... cardiopetalum, iS inches ; makes a good hedge, imperiale, fine, compact plant, brilliant colore; mix*d, Bismarck, red striped; verj- excellent, in habit between i}iif>criaiis a.vi.d, candelabrum , DIDISCUS, page 28. cceruleus, an annua], with sky blue flowers; 2 feet in height, DIANTHUS, page 2'.i. Chinensis, best double varieties mixed, imperialis, 1 Double Imperial Pink,) mixed colors imperialis rubrus striatus, double, white striped wuh red imperialis purpureus striatus, double white striped with purple, Dianthus imperialis flore-albo pi., double ; white, lo imperialis flore-pleno atrosanguineus, blood red ; double, lo Heddewigii, large flower, three inches in diam- eter, beautiful, rich colors, often finely marked and marbled, lo Heddewigii flore-pleno, often double, but sometimes only semi-double, lo Heddewigii fl.-pl, atropurpureus, large, dark red, double flowers, lo laciniatus, flowers very large, sometimes three inches in diameter; petals very deeply fringed and beautifully colored, lo laciniatus flore-pleno, magnificent double flow- ers, very large; petals deeply serrated; splen- did colors. Seeds saved only from finest flowers, 20 Mixed seed of the last five varieties, 10 Heddewigii diadematus fl.-pl. .(Diadem Pink,) Of the most brilliant markings and dazzling colors, but unfortunately not always true, ... 15 Gardnerianus, double and sweet-scented, ... 20 hybridus, mixed colors, 10 Best dwarf varieties mixed, 15 DOUBLE DAISY, page 20. Bellis perennis, best German seed, 20 ERYSIMUM, page 30. Perowskianum, deep orange flowers, 5 Arkansanum, sulphur yellow, 5 ESCHSCHOLTZIA, page 30. Californica, bright yellow, darker in center, . . 5 crocea, orange, darker in center, 5 crocea alba, white, 5 crocea striata, flowers orange, striped with lemon; new, 5 crocea rosea, a new variety ; face of petals light pink, and the back being darker, the effect is quite good, 5 tenuifolia, flowers small, pale yellw, resembling the Primrose ; plant only 6 inches in height, . . 5 dentata sulphurea, and E. dentata auranti- aca, two curious new varieties ; each petal has its edge lapped over on itself, with a mark of deep- er color running from its center; each variety, 5 EUPHORBIA, page SO. marginata, a charming ornamental-leaved an- nual; edges of leaves snowy white, 10 EUTOCA, page 30. viscida, dark blue ; pretty, 5 Wrangeliana, lilac ; 6 inches, 5 multiflora, flowers more freely than the others, 5 FENZLIA, page 81. dianthiflora, free-flowering little plant; flowers reddish-lilac, with crimson center, 25 GAILLARDIA, page 31. picta, or Painted, brownish-red, bordered with yellow, 5 Josephus, very brilliant ; red and orange, ... 5 albo-marginata, red, bordered with white, . . 5 GILIA, page U. achillaefolia, mixed colors, 5 capitata, mixed colors, 5 tricolor, mi.ved colors, 5 All varieties mixed, 5 HELIANTHUS, page 31. Californicus grandiflorus, flowers large and double; orange; 5 feet, 5 Helianthus globosus fistulosus, the best of the Sunflowers; very large; double; saffron- yellow; globular form, 10 Double Green-centered, a large flower with green center when young; when old, perfectly double flower ; 5 to 8 feet in height, 10 New Mammoth Russian, single; very large, 3 Common Single, usually grown for the seed; per lb. 60 cents, 5 HUNNEMANNIA, page 32. fumariaefolia, herbaceous; yellow, tulip-shaped flowers, 15 KAULFUSSIA, page 32. amelloides, light, bright blue, 5 amelloides rosea, rose, with red center, ... 5 amelloides atroviolacea, intense violet; the richest color imaginable; new, 5 LEPTOSIPHON, page 32. Mixed varieties, 5 LINUM, page 32. grandiflorum rubrum, a beautiful half-hardy annual, ^ LOBELIA, page 33. cardinalis, our native Cari»'inal Flower; spikes of brilliant scarlet flowers; blooms first year if well started with heat, lo Queen Victoria, splendid large scarlet flowers ; dark leaves, 25 hybrida grandiflora, large, dark blue flower, with white eye, gracilis rosea, rose-colored ; new, gracilis erecta, of fine, compact growth, . . . . ramosa, branching; large, dark blue flowers, Erinus marmorata, marbled, blue and white Erinus compacta, deep, rich blue, Erinus compacta alba, new; white, pumila grandiflora, a compact, erect little plant, for pots or edgings, 10 LUPINUS, page 33. afEnis, blue and white; i foot, 5 Cruikshankii, blue, white and yellow; 3 feet, . 5 Hartwegii, 2 feet ; mixed colors, 5 hirsutissimus, hairy ; 2 feet, 5 hybridus superbus, superb; purple, lilac and yellow; 2 feet, 5 hybridus atrococcineus, bright crimson-scar- let, white tip ; spikes large, 5 tricolor mutabilis, new; cream color, changing to mottled purple, 5 Mixed varieties, 5 LYCHNIS, page 33. Chalcedonica, bright scarlet; has a fine appear- ance when grown in masses ; 2 feet, 5 Chalcedonica carnea, flesh-colored ; 2 feet, 5 Chalcedonica flore-albo, white ; 2 feet, ... 5 Haageana, very beautiful vermillion - colored flowers; plant dwarf; i foot, 10 Haageana hybrida, large flowers, white, rose, red, etc.; i foot, 10 Sieboldii, new ; large and superb ; white ; i foot, 15 fulgens, very briMiant ; 18 inches, 10 grandiflora gigantea, new ; flowers very large, of various colors, 10 MALOPE, page 34. grandiflora, large, purple flowers, 5 grandiflora alba, pure white, 5 .^Mj^- ^-^^-^^ MARIGOLD, pAjj;e -'A. African Marigold, (Tagetes erecta,) Tall Or- ange, double Tall Sulphur, light yellow; double, . Tall Quilled Orange, double, Tall Quilled Sulphur, light yellow; double, . All the above mixed, French Marigold, (Tagetes patula,) Tall Or- ange, double, Tall Brown, double; branching; iS inches, . . Tall Striped, yellow and brown striped; i8 inches, Dwarf Sulphur, double, Dwarf Brown, double, Striped Dwarf, double; yellow and bruwn, . . Dunnett's New Orange, \'t:ry superior; new, Tail varieties mixed, Dwarf varieties mixed, Tagetes pulchra punctata, spotted; double, Tagetes signata pumila, a beautiful plant, form- ing a globular, dense mass, MARTYNIA, page 34. formosa, (fragrans,i purple; sweet-scented, . lutea, yellou-, craniolaria, white, proboscidea, bluish flowers ; secil-N-esscls, when tender, Used for pickles, All the abo\-e mixed, MEDICAGO, \y.v^c 34. Snail, clover-like plant, with small, yellow flowers, Hedge-hog, like above, except seed-pod, . . . MESEMBRYANTHEMUM, jnige ;i-'). crystallinum, (Ice Plant, I pri/cd for i is singu- lar icy foliage, tricolor, ^Dcw Plant, ) pink, \\'i(h purple center, tricolor album, ^\■hile, glabrum, light i,-elluw, MIGNONETTE, pn-c :!■'). Reseda odorata, i Sweet Mignonette, ) a well- known, fragrant, little, Inirdy annual; per ov.. 25 Cents, grandiflora ameliorata, a large variety of Mign- onette, reddish tinge to flo\\'ers, Parson's New White, a robust Mignonette; flowL-rs larger and showing more white than the common sort, MIRABILIS, page 35. Marvel of Peru, (^MirabiHs Jalapa,) chamois, crimson, lilac, lilac striped v,'hh white, tricolor, red striped with white, violet, wliite, yellow, yel- low and red ; each color, AH the abo\-e mixed, foliis-variegatis, flowers of a \'ariety of colors ; lea\'cs light green, faintly marbled, longiflora, white, exceedingly sweet-scented ; flower tube 3 or 4 inches long, longiflora violacea, same as above, but violet, color, MIMULUS, pa-e 3G. roseus pallidus, new and very fine, cupreus, beautiful, orange and crimson hybridus tigrinus, as beautiful!^ spotied as the finest Calceolarias, hybridus tigrinus bruneus, stems and lea\cs dark brown, with very large, deep yellow, dot- ted flowers cardinalis, fine scarlet, 9^ Mimulus hybridus tigrinus flore-pleno, a dou- ble Mimulus with flowers more durable than those of any other variety, 25 moschatus, iMusk Plant.i 10 quinquevulnerus maximus, from best named varieties, 10 MYOSOTIS, pa^re 3ti. alpestris, blue; 6 inches, 10 alpestris, white; 6 inches 10 alpestris rosea, a neu- rose-colored variety of the Alpine Forget-me-not, 10 palustris, (Forget-me-not, 1 white and blue. . 10 Azorica, dark blue ; new; i foot, 15 Azorica var. caelestina, flowers sky-blue, and produced in great profusion, 15 NEMOPHILA, page 3r>. insignis, beautiful light blue, 5 insignis striata, white and blue striped. ... 5 insignis marmorata, blue, edged with white, . 5 maculata, large, white, blotched with violet, 5 atomaria, white ; spotted, 5 atomaria oculata, verj- pretty liglit blue, with large, dark eye 5 discoidalis elegans, rich, veUety maroon, bur- dered with white, 5 The abo^'e mixed, 5 NIEREMBERGIA, ]iage 37. gracilis, plant slender, very branching, spread- ing ; fine fiir baskets, pots, or the border, ... 10 frutescens, taller, and of more erect habit than preceding, with flowers larger and more open, . 10 NIGELLA, page 37. Damascena, light blue ; double; about i font, . 5 Damascena nana, dwarf; variety of colors ; 6 inches, 5 Hispanica, large-flowered ; very fine; 6 inches, 5 Fontanesiana, much like A", tif ro/ 7/ r/i/ r, -a , hut blooms two weeks earlier, 5 NOLANA, pa-e 37. atriplicifolia, blue, white and yellow, 5 grandiflora, large ; variety of colors, 5 grandiflora alba, 5 paradoxa violacea, violet, with white center. . 5 CENOTHERA, page 38. Veitchii, a pretty, half-hardy annual ; flowers yel- low, with a red sp^it at the base of each petal ; I foot, 5 acaulis alba, a \(^Ty dwarf or rather stemless plant, the leaves lying close to the ground ; flowers snowy white, about four inches across. Grow plants in frame cr seed-bed, and set about six inches apart, 10 Lamarckiana grandiflora, one of the most showy of the genus; flowers jellow. 4 inches in diameter; plant grows 4 feet in height, . . . 5 OBELISCARIA, page 38. pulcherrima, ray flowers rich \-eU-ety crimson, edged with yellow, 5 OXYURA, paj:e 38. chrysanthemoides, a hardy annual, about i3 inches in height, a beautiful flower 5 PALAFOXIA, page 38. Hookeriana, a very fine new annvial, ofa dwarf branching habit, - PANSY, page 3'J. King of the Blacks, almost coal black, coming true from seed, Sky Blue, with lovely new shades of light and nearly sky blue, Violet, with white border; somewliat resembling the fancy Geraniums, Red, bright coppery colors, but not strictly red, Pure Yellow, generally true to color, White, sometimes slightly marked with purple. Striped and Mottled, extra, and very showy, . Yellow Margined, beautiful color, with margin or belt of yellow, Marbled Purple, new colors, Mahogany-colored, a very fine variety, . . . Cliveden Purple, very rich, deep purple, . . . Emperor W^illiam, a new variety from Ger- many; fine, large flower, ultramarine-blue with purple-violet eye, Odier, or Large-Eyed, darkspotson each petal, and large eyes, Mixed seed of above sorts, PERILLA, p:ige iVJ. Nankinensis, an urnamental-leavcd, half-bardy annual; leaves deep nuilberry, PETUNIA, pa-e ^0. hybrida grandiflora Kermesina, grandiflora maculata, splendid sported, , . . grandiflora venosa, variety of colors, beauti- fully veined, grandiflora rosea, splendid large flowers, bright rose, white throat, grandiflora marginata, large flowurs, bordered and veined with green, grandiflora violacea, one of the noblest of the large-flowered Petunias, and of a rich violet, . Choicest mixed, from show flowurs, Vick's New Fringed, a new strain, with fringed and frilled edges, very distinct and beautiful, and coming unusually true to seed. Packet, 50 seeds Double. The seed I offer is the best to be ob- tained, I think. The double Petunia bears no seed, and but little p:,Ileu. Packet of 50 seeds. Countess of Ellesmere, dark rose, with fine white throat, Blotched and Striped, Fine mi.xed, -PHACELIA, page 40. congesta, light blue, tanacetifolia alba, white, PHLOX DRUMMONDII, pa-o 41. Deep Blood Purple, Brilliant Scarlet, Large Blue, white eye, the nearest to blue of the Phloxes, but really a fine purple, rosea, beautiful rose color, rosea albo-oculata, beautiful ruse, with distinct white eye, Leopoldii, splendid deep pink, with white eye, Radowitzii, rose, striped with white, Radowitzii Kermesina striata, crimson, striped with white, Radowitzii violacea, violet, striped with white, flore-albo, pure white, flore-albo oculata, pure white with purple eye, Chamois Rose, very delicate and fine ; new, . variabilis, violet and lilac, Isabellina, new; light, dull yellow, Phlox, Violet Queen, violet, with a large white eye, very large, Scarlet Fringed, All varieties mixed, grandiflora, an improved annual Phlox, with flowers unusually large, round, and of great su!)- stance. This we may call a perfect Phlox, . . POPPY, page 41. Ranunculus-flowered, small, double, various colors, Murselli, mixed colors, very showy, double, . , Carnation, double, mixed colors, Paeony-flowered, large flowers, very double, mixed colors, somniferum, (Opium Poppy,) true, single, per lb. ;^2.oo; per oz. 20 cents, somniferum fl. pi., (Double Opium Poppy,) splendid large flowers; mixed colors, PORTULACA, page 42. alba striata, white, striped with rose and red, . caryophylloides, rose, striped with deep car- mine, ' ■ , . . New Rose, fine rose color, Thellussonii, fine crimson, splendens, rosy purple, aurea, straw-colored, aurea vera, deep, golden yelluw, aurea striata, sulphur yellow, striped with gold, Fiiie mixed, Double Rose-flov/ered, a perfectly,' double vari- ety, as much so as the most perfect Rose, and of many brilliant colors, as well as striped. First quality, mixed colors, Double Rose-flowered, seven dItTerent colors — crimson, rosy purple, rose, white, rose striped with carmine, orange, yellow— each color, . . RICINUS, page 42. macrocarpus, whitish foliage, beautifiil ; 6 fee . purpureus, purple, magnificent; 6 feet, . . Borboniensis, beautiful, splendid large leaves; ID feet, sanguineus, blood red stalks, scarlet fruit, one of the best; 5 feet, Africanus hybridus, new and fine, stalk and fruit rose; 6 feet, giganteus, new, large, fine and showy; 6 feel, . New species from the Phillipplnes,gigan tic leaves ; 6 to 10 feet, nanus microcarpus, dwarf, only 2 to 3 feet in height; fine for outside groups, communis, iPabna Christi,) common Castor Oil Bean, SALPIGLOSSIS, page 40. coccinea, splendid scarlet, azurea grandiflora, large, blue, purpurea, purple, sulphurea, yellow, atrococcinea, deep scarlet, beautifully spotted, Mixed colors, extra, from selected seed, . . . Dwarf, finest mixed colors, SALVIA, page 43. Rcemeriana, scarlet, beautiful, punicea nana, scarlet, dwarf, splendid, tcmK.r; 18 inches, coccinea, scarlet, small, but good, coccinea splendens, scarlet, large and showy, bicolor, blue and white, splendens, true; large, scarlet, SANVITALIA, page 43. procumbens flore-pleno, a beautiful, low plant, creeping, with bright, double, yellow flowers, fine for pots, baskets, etc., lo SAPONARIA, page 43. calabrica, rich, deep pink, 5 alba, white, 5 SCABIOSA, page 44. Dark purple, brick color, dark purple and white, lilac and purple, lilac, white, each color, ... 5 All colors mixed, 5 Dwarf, mixed colors, 5 stellata, starry seed vessels; excellent for win- ter bouquets, 5 nana fl.-pl. var., double, dwLirf Scabiosa. ^'a- riety of colors, and a free bloomer, 5 SCHIZANTHUS, page 44. grandiflorus oculatus, various shades, fiwe, blue center, new, 5 pinnatus, rose and purple, very pretty, .... 5 retusus, scarlet, rose and orange 5 retusus albus, white and yellow, 5 Grahami, deep rose, 5 papillionaceus, delicately spotted and lacedwith purple and yellow, shading to orange and crimson 5 Above varieties mi.\ed, 5 SENSITIVE PLANT, page 44. Mimosa pudica, a tender, sensitive annual, . . 5 SPRAGUEA, page 45. umbellata, a pink flower, in umbels; wiM dry and keep like Everlastings, 25 STOCK, TEN-WEEKS, page 45. Nc'.v Largest-flowering Dwarf, a plant ot tlwarf habit, uilh magnificent large spikes of \i.ry large di>uble flowers; all colors mixed, . 20 New Largest-flow^ering Dwarf, white, flesh- color, rose, rose-carmine, carmine, crimson, light blue, deep blue, lilac, violet, purple, light brown, dark brown, brick red, aurora color, cha- mois, canary yellow, ash color, etc., each color, 20 New Largest-flowering Dwarf, Blood Red, the richest, deepest colored Stock grown ; new, and a great acquisition m color, 20 Newest Large-flowering Pyramidal Dwarf, a plant of pyramidal habit, with long spikes of large flowers, many choice colors mixed, ... 25 New Large-flowering Pyramidal, Celestial Blue, new and excellent color, 30 Dwarf German, a fine dwarf variety, very free bloomer, mixed colors, 20 Branching German, pretty large growth, habit of plant branching, spikes of flowers numerous, long and rather loose, mixed colors, 20 Stock, Wallflower-leaved, smooth, dark, shining leaves, like the Wallflower, dwart habit. Set only SIX inches apart. Mixed colors, 20 Early Autumn-flowering, commences flower- ing m the autumn, and if removed to the house will bloom during the winter; mixed colors, . 25 New Hybrid, the foliage between rough and Wallflower-leaved, flowers large and splendid, mixed colors, 20 semperflorens, or Perpetual-flowering, dwarf, free-bloomer, but late in the season, 20 Large-flowering Dark Blood Red, Wall- flower-leaved, new, 20 TROP.EOLUM MINUS, page 4(',. Dark Crimson, 1° Crystal Palace Gem, sulphur, spotted with maroon, ^o Dwarf Spotted, j'ellow, spotted with crimson, . 10 Tom Thumb Beauty, orange and vermilion, . 10 Tom Thumb Yellow, 10 Carter's Tom Thumb, scarlet, 10 Tom Thumb Rose, a new color in Nasturtions ; habit similar to 5'<.-(trA-j' Tom Thumb^ .... 10 King of Tom Thumbs, foliage dark bluish green; flowers brilliant scarlet, 15 King Theodore, flowers very dark, 15 Mixed varieties, 10 VERBENA, page 40. hybrida, choice seed, saved only from the most beautiful named flowers, 20 Striped, excellent flowers, with broad Carnation like stripes. Inclined to sport, 25 Scarlet, all the brightest scarlet sorts, generally coming quite true, 25 Montana, a hardy Verbena from the Rocky ^Mountains, that bears our winters well. Flow- ers bright rose, changing to lilac, 20 VINCA, page 46. rosea, rose; 2 feet, 10 rosea alba, white, red eye, 10 rosea nova spec, pure white, 10 WHITLAVIA, page 47. grandiflora, hardy annual, 10 inches high, ^■iolet- bhie, bell-shaped flowers, 5 grandiflora alba, similar to above, but white, . 5 gloxinoides, an elegant variety of the same habit as IV. grandijicra^ but larger flowers; tube of the corolla pure white, limb delicate light blue, 5 ZINNIA, page 47. Double, Choicest, all the best colors mixed, . lo Eight separate colors — scarlet, yellow, orange, purple, salmon, etc.— each color, lo Pure white, lo Nothing can excel the beautiful natural drapery of the Climbers. In the hands of the tasteful gardener they are almost invaluable, transforming an unsightly fence or out-house into an object of real beauty. For arbors, verandahs, etc., all know their value. As the annual Climbers come to perfection in a few weeks they are just the things to cover in a hurry any unsightly spot. CALAMPELIS, page 48 scabra, {Eccremocarpus scah< very beauti- ful climber, foliage very pretty, flowers bright orange, and produced m racemes ; blooms pro- fusely the latter part of the season, lo CARDIOSPERMUM, page 48. Halicacabum, jo COBCEA, page 49. scandens, jo CONVOLVULUS MAJOR, page 49. White, 5 White and violet striped, 5 White striped with bhie, 5 Dark blue, c Rose, r Lilac, 5 Violet striped, 5 Michauxii, fine striped, 5 incarnata, bright red, 5 atrosanguinea, dark red, 5 tricolor, new and fine, three-colored, ..... 5 All the above mixed, 5 DOLICHOS, page 49. Lablab, (Hyacinth Bean,l a fine climber, with purple and lilac flowers, 10 albus nanus, white, dwarf, . . j 10 spec, giganteus, large, free grower, :o GOURDS AND CUCUMBERS, page 50. Bryonopsis laciniosa, foliage elegant; fruit scarlet, striped with white, 10 Hercules' Club, large, long, club-shaped, ... 10 Smallest Lemon, yellow, 10 Pear-formed, yellow and green, striped with cream, 10 Gooseberry, small, bright green, 10 Striped Apple, small, yellow, beautifully striped, 10 Egg-formed, like the fruit of White Egg Plant, 10 Orange, the well known Mock Orange, .... 10 Calabash, the old-fashioned Dipper Gourd, . , 10 Momordica Balsamina, orange and red. ... 10 Tricosanthes Colubrina, true Serpent Gourd, striped like a serpent, changing to carmine, . 10 Cucurbita leucantha longissima, 10 Echinocistis lobata, very strong, free growing climber, with Ivy-like leaf, and small fruit, . . 20 Cucumis dipsaceus, Teasel-like, yellow, ... 10 IPOMCEA, page 50. limbata elegantissima, large, Convolvulus-like blossoms, of a rich, mazarine blue, with a con- spicuous white margin or belt, 10 grandiflora superba, fine large flowers, sky- blue, with broad border of white, 10 Bona Nox, (Good Night, or Evening Glory, 1 flowers large, white, 10 coccinea, sometimes called Star Ipomcea, with small, scarlet flowers, 10 Ipomcea, Quamoclit, (Cypress Vine,) tender climber; flowers small but elegant and striking; foliage beautiful ; mixed colors, 10 Scarlet, white, rose, each color, 10 LOASA, page 60. nitida, yellowish, light green leaves, 5 lateritia', large, dark red flowers in abundance, . 10 Herbertii, fine scarlet, 10 MAURANDYA, page 51. Barclayana, blue and white, lo Barclayana purpurea grandiflora, dark blue, lo Barclayana Scarlet, mauve, lo Finest mixed, lo PEAS, FLOWERING, page 51. Scarlet Winged, beautiful, small flowers; low creeper, lo Yellow "Winged, same habitas Scarlet Winged, lo Sweet, Scarlet Invincible, a beautiful new deep scarlet variety ; lb. ^1.50; oz. 15 cents, . 10 Scarlet, per lb. ^1.50; per oz. 15 cents, .... 10 Scarlet, striped with White, per lb. §1.50; per oz. 15 cents, lo Painted Lady, rose and white; per lb. $1.50; per oz. 15 cents, lo Blue Edged, white and pink, edged wirh blue; per lb. ^2.50; per oz. 20 cents, 10 White, per lb. $1.50; per 02. 15 cents, 10 Black, very dark, brownish purple ; per lb. gi. 50; per oz. 15 cents, 10 Black, with light Blue, brownish purple and light blue; per lb. ^t. 50; per oz. 15 cents, . . ro All colors mixed, per lb. gSi.oo; oz. 10 cents, . . 5 THUNBERGIA, page 51. Bakeri, pure white, very fine, 15 alata, yellow or buff", with dark eye, 15 alata unicolor, yellow, aurantiaca, bright orange, with dark eye, aurantiaca unicolor, bright orange. . . Above mixed, 15 15 15 15 TROP^OLUM, page 52. majus, atropurpureum, dark crimson, .... 10 coccineum, scarlet, 10 Dunnett's Orange, dark orange, :o Edward Otto, splendid bronze, silky and glit- tering, 10 Scheuerianum,straw color,striped with brown, 10 Scheuerianum coccineum, scarlet, striped, 20 Schulzii, brilliant scarlet, 10 luteum, yellow, 10 Common mixed; the green seed pods used for pickles; per oz. 15 cents, 5 peregrinum, (Canary Flower,) 15 Lobbianum, mixed varieties, jo Caroline Smith, spotted, 25 Lilli Smith, orange scarlet, 25 Napoleon III, yellow, striped with vermilion, 25 Giant of Battles, brilliant carmine, 25 Queen Victoria, vermilion, scarlet striped, . 25 The Everlastings have no moisture in their petals, consequently never wilt or decay, but will keep their form as long as a piece of straw. Secured from dust, they retain botlr color and form for years, and are valuable for winter ornaments. ACROCLINIUM, page 53. roseum, bright rose color, 5 roseum album, pure white, 5 Both colors mixed, 5 AMMOBIUM, page 5:3. alatum, white; hardy; 2 feet, 5 GOMPHRENA, page 04. globosa, (Globe Amaranth,) alba, pure white, 5 globosa carnea, flesh-colored, 5 globosa rubra, dark purplish crimson 5 globosa striata, pink and white striped, ... 5 aurea superba, orange; large and fine. Pick before the lower scales drop lo Above mixed, 5 HELICHRYSUM, pas^e 5 1. monstrosum, large, showy flowers; ^-ariety of culop; ; d'~iuble, lo monstrosum, Double Rose, fine color, ... lo monstrosum. Double Red, ^'cry bright, ... ro nrionstrosum. Double White, pure, lo monstrosum. Double Yellow, lo bracteatum, bright yello\\- ; i3 inches lo minimum, dwarf; both flowers and biids excel- lent for wreaths, etc.; varirais colors lo nanum atrosanguineum, brilliant crimson; new ; I foot, lo brachyrrhinchum, dwarf; o inclies lo HELIPTERUM, page 54. Sanfordi, oneofthe choicest Everlastings; afoot in height; flowers small, rich, ^'ellow, .... 15 corymbiflorum, clusters of white, star-like flowers, 15 RHODANTHE, page 54. Manglesii, fine fur liouse culture, but delicate for out-door; often, however, makes a most beautiful display in the garden, 10 maculata, more hardy and robust than E. Man- glt'sii : rosy purple 10 maculata alba, pure white, yellow disc, ... 15 atrosanguinea, flowers dark purple and violet, 25 WAITZIA, page hh. aurea, ne\v; fine yellow, 50 grandiflora, new ; flowers large, golden yellow, 25 XERANTHEMUM, page r,.",. Large Purple-flowered, the largest-flowered. very dimble and fine, 10 cceruleum, double; light blue 10 coerulpum compactum, very compact, round- headed plant; dwarf, 10 Double White, very fine, io Mixed colors, 10 GYPSOPHILA, page 55. elegans, hardy annual ; white; 6 inches, .... lo muralis, hardy annual; rose colored flowers, dwarf, lo paniculata, perennial; white lo 13 STATICE, page "y~u Bonducella, annual; golden yellow flowers; I foot, Besseriana rosea, perennial ; small rose color- ed flowers ; very pretty coccinea, perennial; fine, incana hybrida nana, perennial; mixed colore, latifolia, perennial ; one of the beiit, sinuata, beautiful annual; blue flowers; i foot, Thouinii, dwarf annual; free flowering, flowers in spikes ORNAMENTAL GRASSES, page 5(: Agrostis nebulosa, the most elegant of Ornamen- tal Grasses ; fine and fcatherj'; delicate, . . . Steveni, beautiful light panicles, Andropogon bombycinus, small heads coverad with silky hairs ; hardy perennial, Arundo Donax variegatis aureus, perennial; strong stem, with golden yelIo\v' striped lea\es, 6 feet high Avena sterilis, ^Animated Oat,") 30 inches high, Briza maxima, an elegant Shaking Grass, one of the best of the Ornamental tirasses, perfectly hardy; sow in the open ground any time in the spring: I foot, 5 geniculata, small, flowers freely, and is always desirable; 8 inches, 5 minor, small and prettj-, sow early: 6 inches. . 5 compacta, an erect, compact variety of Quak- ing Grass, 10 Brizopyrum siculum, dwarf, with shining green leaves. \'ery pretty ; S inches 5 Bromus brizseformis, a very fine ( .r-ass with ele- gant hanging ears, "\\-cll adapted for bouquets, either in summeror winter ; flowers second sum- mer, something like Briza inaxinta; i foot. . 5 Chloris radiata, small growth and tassel-like, hardy ; may be sown in the garden ; i foot, . . 10 Chrysurus cynosuroides, {Liunai-kia ai/rca,) dwarf; yellowish, feathery spikes, 5 Erianthus Ravennse, as fine as Pampas Grass, which it resembles, and verj- much superior for a Northern climate, being quite hardy. Plants 25 cents each; seeds, 10 Coix Lachryma, 'Job's Tears, t gnnvs about two feet, broad, corn-like leaves 10 Gynerium argenteum, ' Pampas Grass, a noble grass, flowers second season, not hardy here, . 10 Hordeum jubatum, iSquirrel Tail Grass,) fine, 10 Isolepis gracilis, perennial; very graceful, fine for flower baskets, 20 Lagurus ovatus, dwarf; showy heads; called Hare's Tail Grass; i foot, sow early, 5 Panicum sulcatum, perennial; \-ery decorative. with palm shaped foliage, 10 Pennisetum longistylum, a very graceful grass, growing iS inches 10 Stipa pennata, 1 Feather Grass,") magnificent grass, flowering the second season TrycholEena rosea, a very beautiful rose tinted grass ; 2 feet 15 The Perennials that are found in this Department do not flower untd the second year. As wdl be seen by the names below, it contains some of our oldest and best flowers, like the Canter- bury Bell, Hollyhock, &c. These Perennials, many of them, though wonders of beauty when in bloom, flower only for a limited period, and therefore should be planted a little in the back- ground. They will not answer for a bed on the lawn, which should make a show of flowers all through the summer. ADLUMIA, page 57. cirrhosa, or Alleghany Vine, and sometimes called Wood Fringe, ADONIS, page 58. vernalis, a handsome perennial border plant, . ALYSSUM, page 58. saxatile compactum, golden yellow flowers, compact, free growing; i8 inches high, . . . AQUILEGIA, page 58. Carnation, or Striped, white, with broad red stripes; double, Skinneri, very beautiful ; colors scarlet and yellow, lucida, light blue, large, strong grower, .... lucida fl, pi., very double and perfect, ccerulea, flowers very large ; sky blue and white. Mixed varieties, CAMPANULA, page 58. Carpatica, blue and white mixed, Medium, (Canterbury Bell,) flowers large, blue; plant 2 feet in height, White, Rose, Double Rose, Double Blue, Double White, Double Lilac, calycanthema, a new and beautiful variety, . Single varieties mixed, Double varieties mixed, grandiflora, large, star-like, blue and white flowers Leutweinii, new; splendid light blue and white flowers, as large as Canterbury Bell; dwarf, i foot, DIANTHUS, page 59. Carnation, German seed from named flowers, . Extra Italian seed, saved from prize flowers only, Choicest, with white ground, Choicest, with yellow ground, 50 Picotee, German seed, from named flofrers only, 25 Italian seed, saved from prize flowers only, . 50 Pink, best double, mixed colors, 25 DELPHINIUM, page fiO. formosum, brilliant blue, with white eye, ... 10 formosum coelestinum, new; celestial blue; 10 flowers large, spikes long, 10 nudicaule, a beautiful bright scarlet variety ; na- tive of Californian mountains ; new, 10 Chinense, fine ; blue, white and pink, mixed, . 5 New varieties mixed, 5 DIGITALIS, page 60. purpurea, purple flowers ; 3 feet, 5 purpurea alba, white; 3 feet, 5 Digitalis, lanata, white and brown ; 2 feet, . . 5 gloxinEeflora, new; beautifully spotted; 4 feet, 5 Nevadensis, red, purple spots ; 3 feet, .... 5 ferruginea gigantea, tall and fine 5 Mixed varieties, 5 HEDYSARUM, page 00. coronarium, fine scarlet, 5 coronarium flore albo, white, 5 HOLLYHOCK, page 61. Double, very double and fine, from the best named collection in Europe, 10 Good plants sent out in the spring, of any color desired, each, 50 HONESTY, page 61. Purple, very hardy, free-flowering perennial, . ro IPOMOPSIS, page 61. aurantiaca, orange, Beyrichii, scarlet, elegans superba, orange scarlet, rosea, new ; fine, cupreata, new, Jaune Canarie, canary yellow, LINUM, page 62. perenne, blue, 10 perenne album, white, lo perenne roseum, beautiful rnse colored, ... 10 luteum, yellow, 10 Narbonense, splendid, 10 PAPAVER, page 62. bracteatum, scarlet ; 3 feet, 10 croceum, orange; i foot, 10 orientale, very large, red; 3 feet, 10 involucratum maximum, fine large flowers, . 10 PENTSTEMON, page 62. Wrightii, splendid scarlet, 15 Murrayanus, magnificent vermilion. 25 cordifolius, scarlet ; fine for conservator^', . . . 25 gentianoides coccinea, splendid scarlet, ... 25 grandiflorus, lilac-purple; 3 to 4 feet in height, 10 barbatus Torreyii, fine; crimson and yellow, . 10 Mixed varieties, 15 PEAS, PERENNIAL, page 63. Lathyrus latifolius, red, 15 latifolius albus, white, 25 latifolius roseus, rose-colored, 15 grandiflorus splendens, large-flowered; showy 25 rotundifolius, round leaves ; purple, .... 25 Mixed varieties, 15 PRIMULA, page 03. auricula, fine mixed, 25 auricula, fiom named flowers, 50 elatior, (Polyanthus,) 10 vulgaris, common wild English Primrose, ... ro PYRETHRUM, page (J8. hybrida, double varieties mixed, 25 Parthenium flore-pleno, the double Feverlew, 10 parthenifolium aureum, Golden Feather, prized for its yellow foliage, 10 ROCKET, page 64. Sweet Purple, 5 Sweet White, 5 STOCK, page 64. Brompton, Violet, dwarf habit ; new, beautiful, 25 White, 25 Carmine, the largest-flowering and most beauti- ful of the winter BromiSton Stocks, 35 Best mixed colors, 25 Emperor, hybrid between Brompton and Annual, 25 Tree Giant Cape Winter, 25 SWEET WILLIAM, page 04. Perfection, 10 Common Double, Jo Dunetti, blood red ; velvety texture 10 VALERIANA, page (i5. coccinea, fine scarlet 5 rubra, red, 5 alba, white, 5 WALLFLOWER, page 65. Fine mi.ved colors ; double, ^o DICTAMNUS, page 65. Fraxinella, seedling plants, 30 cents; seeds, . . 15 HARDY CLIMBERS. The following are Perennial Climbers, and all useful for covering Arbors, Porches, et?. They are hardy and hard-wooded. Seeds, 10 cents : plants, 50 cents. Ampelopsis quinquefolia, Virginia Creeper. Bignonia radicans, Trumpet-Vine. Celastrus scandens, climbing P.itter-Sweet. Clematis flammula, European Sweet, white. Clematis Vitalba, Virgin's Bower, white. For Sfc.iiESTiONs on Gkeenhousit Ci'ltuke, see Abutilon, finest varieties mixed, 50 Boston Smilax,{Myrsiphyllum asparagoides,) the most popular plant now known for decora- tive purposes ; fine climber, furnishing yards of glo'^sy green trimming, 25 Calceolaria hybrida tigrina, spotted ; seeds saved from tht: best cullectinn in Europe, ... 50 hybrida tigri^ia nana, six or eight inches in height, and of very compact habit, 50 hybrida grandiflora, very large, superb flowers, 50 James' International Prize, saved from the choicest \arieties only, 30 Campanula Vidalis, white ; very showy 25 Carnation, Remontant, or Tree Carnation, choicest Italian seed, 5c. Centaurea gymnocarpa, desirable for its deli- cately cut and graceful white foliage, 25 candidissima, an effective white-leaved bedding plant, 25 Chrysanthemum Indicum, finest double, , , , 25 Pompon, nr Dwarf, splendid; seeds from choicest namt-d flowers, 25 Cineraria hybrida, of first quality ; most perfect, 25 hybrida. New Dwarf, of compact growth, , , 25 maritima, white foliaged plant, similar to the Cenlaureas, 10 Clianthus Dampieri, magnificent green-house shrubby climber, fine foliage and clusters of bril- liant scarlet flowers. Finely adapted for out- door culture in the Southern States , as it delights in great heat and a light, sandy soil. In Cali- fornia it glows most luxuriantly in the dr>' sea- son. We keep It in the house in the winter, and put it out in the spring, 20 Dampieri, new varieties mixed, 50 Convolvulus mauritanicus, desirable for hang- ing baskets, bearing many lavender blue flowers, 10 PAGE 66 OF FlOWEK AND VEGETABLE GaRDEN. Cuphea platycentra. Cigar, or Fire Cracker plant, Fuchsia, choice mixed, Geranium, common mixed, Choicest fancy varieties, mixed sorts, packet of 5 seeds, Apple-scented, Gloxinia hybrida, best quality, choice flowers, from Benary's choice collection, hybrida erecta, fine variety; upright flowers, . Heliotrope, best mixed Hibiscus immutabilis, rosy flowers ; 3 feet, . . coccinea, scarlet ; 3 feet, Humea elegans, a beautiful ornamental biennial, 4 feet high, with graceful dark flowers Lantana, finest mixed, .... Mandevilla suaveolens, ornamental climber, , . Nerium Oleander, common Oleander, Passion Flower, several choice varieties, desir- able for green-house culture, Passiflora ccerulea, the most hardy of the Passion F!.>wers, Primula Sinensis (Chinese Primrose,") fim- briata rubra, red ; extra, fimbriata alba, white ; extra, fimbriata striata, new ; white, fringed, striped with red, fimbriata erecta superba, new; fine variety, fimbriata erecta superba albo-violascens, pure \\-hite on opening, changing to lilac-violet with red border; habit very fine ; free bloomer. Above varieties mixed, Fern-leaved, very pretty fern-like foliage, . . . flore-pleno, a largeper centageof the flowers per- fectly double, and good colors, : Solanum ciliatum, very fine ; red-fruited, fnut hanging on the plant a long time, Tropaeolum pentaphyllum, 3.00 6o 2.00 1.50 TENDER BULBS AND TUBERS. The Tender or Summer Bulbs, in all places subject to winter frosts, must be planted in the spring. In August or September they are in perfection. Before hard frost the Bulbs must be taken up and stored away in some place secure from frost until spring. We need say nothing more of the great beauty of this class of Bulbs than merely to mention the fact that the Gladiolus, the Dahlia and the Tiiberose are its leading members. When Seeds and Bulbs are ordered together, the Seeds will be sent at once, and the Bulbs as soon as possible without danger of injury from frost. The figures show the price of each bulb. C\ ADTOT TT«; Conde, long spike, large flov.ers, light orange red, [Seepages 67 and 68 Flower and Vegetable Garden.] Addison, rose tinged, with lilac white ground, . $2.00 Adonis, large cherry, marbled with white, .... 15 Agatha, large flower; rose, orange-tinged, blazed with amaranth and yellow spotted, 25 Amalthee, pure white, with red blotch, lower petals tinted with lilac, 2.50 Ambroise VerschafFelt, carmine, garnet flamed, 2.50 Andromede, new; very tall spike, rose tinted with carmine, striped with white, 4.00 Anna, cherry, orange tinged, cherry stripe on white ground, i.oo Aramis, long spike, large flowers, rose, tinged with orange, edged with carmine cherr>' ; lower divi- sion white, striped with bright carmine, . , . i.oo Arethuse, white, rose tinted, carmine striped, 3.00 Argus, fire-red center, lower petals white, .... 75 Ariane, white ground, tinged with rosy lilac, lower petals white, 3.00 Armida, white slightly tinged with carmine, . . . 3.00 Arsinoe, satin rose, flamed with carmine, . . . .1,00 Asmodee, cherry purple, white stain and stripes, 3.00 Astree, new ; white with carmine blotch, beautifully striped; extra, 3-5o Athalia, long spike, large flowers, violet, slightly tinted with rose, blazed with purple, 1.25 Beatrix, white ground, flushed with carmine lilac, 3.00 Belladonna, white, tinted with lilac, lower petals striped with carmine, ' ' 3-oo Belle Gabrielle, lilac, rose and carmine, .... 50 Benvenuto, orange red, with white blotch, . . . 2.50 Bernard dejussieu, large, violet ground, shaded with cherry, stains purple on white ground, . . 45 Bertha Rabourdin, white, blotched with carmine, 30 Bijou, light cherry, flamed with scarlet, 20 Bowiensis, vermilion scarlet ; very tall spike; in flower a long time, ^5 Brenchleyensis, vermilion scarlet ; fine old variety 15 Calypso, flesh colored rose, blotched with carmine, 15 Canary, light yellow, rose striped, sometimes pink, 25 Cassini, rose, flamed with carmine, 2.50 Celimene, light orange red, flamed with bright red, 1.50 Celine, rosy white, streaked with rose and purple, 15 Ceres, white, marbled and striped with rose and purple, 35 Charles Dickens, light, tinted with chamois, and blazed and striped with carmine, 35 Chateaubriand, cherry rose, carmine streaked, 25 Citrinus, a very fair yellow, 45 Cleopatra, large flower : soft lilac, violet tinged, . 75 Colbert, long spike, cherry red, tinted with orange divisions lined with white, ^5 white stain, striped with carmine, $^5° Coralie, white, tinted with rose and yellow, blazed with bright rose, stain yellow ; dwarf, .... 60 Cybelle, new; white flamed with carmine, . . De Candolle, cherrj"-, suffused with red, .... De Humboldt, magenta, bright crimson border, Delicatissima, white, tinged with carmine lilac, De Mirbel, rose, tinted with lilac violet, striped with dark crimsou, 3-0° Didon, white and lilac; large and fine, i.oo Don Juan, fiery orange red, whitish veins 15 Dr. Lindley, large, ground delicate rose, edges of petals brighter rose, 6-3 Edith Dombrain, long spike, large flowers, white ground, blazed with dark carmine, 3.00 Eldorado, pure yellow, slightly striped with purple, 25 Elvire, white, flamed with carmine, 3.00 Etendard, large flower, white, blazed with lilac, . 60 Eugene Scribe, flower large and wide, rose, blazed with carmine red ; very fine, 35 Eurydice, white, shaded off to bright carmine, . . 75 Eva, spike long, flower large, white, violet-tinged, 2.50 Fanny Rouget, bright rose, striped with carmine, 15 Fenelon, rose, violet-tinged, flamed with carmine, 75 Flavia, very deep red, splendid white throat, . . 25 Ginevra, new; cherry rose flushed with red, each center of petal veined with white 4.00 Giganteus, new; large flower, rose shading to cherry, carmine blotch, whole flower stained with white, 3-3^ Gil Bias, cherry red, variegated with carmine, . . 25 Goliah, light rosy red, base striped with carmine, . 15 Grand Lilas, new ; delicate lilac, novel shade, . 4.00 Henrietta, large flower, white, tinted with lilac, . 50 Hercules, new ; very large flower; scarlet, flamed with orange red, violet blotch, 5.00 Homer, light amaranth, blazed with bright purple, 1.50 Horace Vernet, long spike of large flowers, bright purplish red, pure white stain, 3'^" Ida, large flower, white, rose-tinted, blazed with carmine rose, 20 lmperatrice,white, striped and dashed with carmine 15 Imperatrice Eugenie, (Soiicket,) large flowers, white, blazed with violet rose inside, and violet lilac outside, James Carter, light orange red, very bright, with a large, pure white throat, -5 James Watt, large flower, light vermilion, pure white throat, striped to tip of petals, *>' John Bull, whitish, sometimes striped with lilac. . 20 Juno, white, lilac-striped, purple stains in throat. 75 Jupiter, large flower, light red. blazed with dark crimson 3-'^'* 60 La Candeur, large tiowtr, while, slightly stript;d with violet, 2.00 La Favorite, large flower, rose and dark carmine, lower divisions tight yellow 60 La Fiancee, pure white, with bluish violet stains, 75 La Poussin, light red, white ground ; very pretty, 35 Leda, new ; bright flesh, striped with lilac carmine, 4.50 Le Phare, brilliant fiery red; very showy, .... 3.00 Le Tintoret, cherry rose, carmine blotch on yellow ground, 3.00 Le Vesuve, intense fiery red ; very rich, .... 4.00 Lord Byron, brilliant scarlet, stained and rib- boned with pure white, 30 Lord Granville, light yellow, stained with deep yellow and striped with lilac 30 Lord Raglan, salmon, spotted with scarlet, ver- milion throat 30 L'Ornement des Parterres, white ground, blazed with lilac rose and carmine, 30 Louis Van Houtte, velvety carmine, branches fi-eely, and flowers a long time, 15 Lulli, bright cherrj', lower petals carmine-streaked, 2.50 L' Unique Violet, dark lilac, tinted with violet, . 4.00 Lydia, new ; white striped with carmine, yellow groimd with carmine blotch, 4.00 Macauley, large, bright crimson, violet stained, . 3.00 Madame Binder, white, purple and lilac striped, . 40 Madame Desportes, large, white, inferior divi- sions striped with white, 2.50 Madame Furtado, rose, with carmine rose, large, 75 Madame Leseble, white, purplish rose stains, . . 45 Madame Place, rosy pmk, white base and stripes, 45 Madame Sosthene des Jardins, white, with car- mine stripe ; ver>' late, 20 Madame Vilmorin, rose, with white center, and edged with dark rose, fine, 60 Marechal Vaillant, deep pink, white throat and stripes, splendid, 1.25 Margarita, white, suffused with dark crimson, . . 1.50 Marie, white, stained with carmine, 35 Mars, beautiful scarlet, 25 Mary Stuart, white, rose tinged, carmine flamed. . 1.50 Mathilda de Landevoisin, very large, rosy \\hite, shaded with carmine, 30 Mazeppa, rosy orange, large yellow stains, striped with carmine, fine, 20 Merville, cherrj'- rose, flamed with carmine, with lighter center 4.00 Meteor, dark red, brilliant, pure white stain, . , . 60 Meyerbeer, red, blazed with vermilion, 75 Michel Ange, dark crimson and purple, with white, 2.50 Minerve, crimson, carmine feathered, with white, 2.50 Mons. Legouve, fiery red with blotch, white line on each petal 1.50 Murillo, rose, white blotch and line on each petal, 4.00 Nelly, white, carminate rose, dark stain, .... 25 Nestor, yellow, lower part darker, striped with red, 1.25 Newton, dark red, light ground, lined with white, 60 Octavia, light rose, blazed with red, white stain, . 3.00 Ondine, white, tinted with lilac, violet blotch, . . 2.50 Ophir, dark yellow, mottled with purple, .... 40 Osiris, purple, marked with white, dwarf, late, . . 20 Ossian, bright rose, violet antj carmine tinted, light ground, i--5 Pactole, new ; yellow tinged with rose at the edges, blotch of darker shade, 3.C0 Phebus, fire red. with large showy white stain, . . 3,00 Phedre, long spike, pure white, bordered and blazed with cherry rose, 2.50 Phidias, fine spike, brilliant purple, violet-tinted, white stain, striped with cherry, 2.50 Picciola satin rose, carmine-flamed, while blotch. 60 Picturata, carmine lilac, flamed with violet, dark carmine blotch, 5° Primatice, long spike, large flowers, fine rose, hlac- tinged, blazed with bright carmine, carmine stain on white ground ; showy, i-oo Prince Imperial, very large, white, slightly flesh- colored, stained with carmine and violet, ... IS Prince of Wales, bright fiery red, white-stained and violet-striped, 75 Princess Marie de Cambridge, large flower, white, with carmine stains, -z.oo Princess of Wales, white, blazed with carmine and rose, stained with deep carmine, 25 Psyche, satin rose, bordered with dark crimson, with lighter center, 5-oo Queen Victoria, very large flower, pure white, stained with carmine ; splendid, 25 Racine, cherry, tinged with violet, white center, . 50 Rebecca, white, shaded with lilac, 20 Redoute, large flowers, fine rose, tinted with violet, blazed with bright carmine, white stain, ... 75 Reine Blanche, pure white, dark crimson blotch, 1.50 Richard Coeur-de-Lion, new ; large flower; crim- son red, flamed with garnet, 3.50 Roi Leopold, rose, crimson-blazed, carnation stripe, 40 Rosa Bonheur, white and lilac, stain dark violet, 2.50 Rosea Perfecta, fine rose, tinged violet, center light, white veins, i. Rossini, long spike, amaranth red, lined with white, 75 Rubis, carmine, cherrj- center, light carmine blotch on white. 60 Sappho, longspike,large, finecherrj'. orange-tinted, lower division white-stained, bright red-striped, 1.50 Shakspeare large and perfect shape, white, blazed and stained with carmine rose, 1.50 Sirene, delicate rose, flamed with red, red blotch on yellow ground 2.50 Sir John Franklin, long spike, large flowers, fine satin-like rose, inferior divisions white, .... 2.50 Spectabilis, delicate rose, shaded to cherry, pur- ple blotch on ^'^■hite, 75 Sulphureus, sulphur colored, 25 Sultana, satin rose, flamed with carmine, purplish blotch on white, 2.00 Surprise, rose amaranth; dwarf; very late; this and Mad. Sosthene des Jardins do finely only \\ith a long season, 10 Sylphide, white, flamed \\\i\\. carmine, large purple carmine blotch, 1.50 Sylvie, new ; white edged with cherrj- rose, throat clear 3,00 Talisman, long spike, large flowers, violet, carmine cherry, ground white, divisions lined with white, 3.C0 Themis, new; satin rose flushed with carmine, cream blotch, 4.00 Triumphans, chern,', shading off to currant red, . 2.50 Van Spandonk, long spike, fine flowers, fier\- red, 1.50 Velleda, delicate rose, lilac stains, large flower, . . 45 Venus, long spike, ground pure white, blazed with light rose, -.00 Virginalis, pure white, bordered and flamed with carmine, ■:;.oo Variabilis, white, sometimes blotched and flamed with lilac -.00 Zelinda, long spike, rose, carmine-blazed, dwarf, i.oo Zenobia, fine spike, rose, violet-tinted, tla/ed with d:irk carmine, center well lighted, white stain edged with carmine, fine, 20 MIXED GLADIOLUS. FULLY ONE-HALF AMERICAN SEEDLIGNS. Very fine Mixed Varieties, of various shades of red, per doz., 75c. ; half doz., 40 Fine Mixed Varieties of light colors and white, per doz., $1.50; half doz., 75 Fine Mixed Varieties, assorted colors, per doz., 75c.; hnll doz. 40 Mixed Gladiolus, assorted colors, per 100, . . . 5.00 Mixed Gladiolus, light and white, per 100, . . . 8.00 Not less than 50 at 100 rates. DAHLIAS, pages G8 and 69. Tubers can be sent as soon as danger from frost is pa.ssed — about first of April. Price, except in the se- lect list of scarce sorts, 30 cents each, and $3.00 per dozen. To those who wish to make a large collection, or plant extensive beds, we will sell at J20.00 per hun- dred, our selection. GENERAL COLLECTION. Acme of Perfection, yellow. Ada Tiffin, light peach tinged with rose. Adonis, French white, tipped with hiac. Alexander Cramond, crimson and maroon. Amy Creed, yellow and salmon. Arthur, deep lilac, full size. Autumn Glow, saffron-red. Bird of Passage, white, tipped with pink. Bishop of Durham, deep buff. Blushing Fifteen, rosy lilac, perfect form. British Triumph, rich crimson. Buck's Lass, buff yellow, tipped with white. Butterfly, scarlet and brown stripes, light ground. Carnation, clear white flaked with rosy purple. Caroline Tetterell, white, slight lilac tip. Celestial, bluish lilac. Charles Turner, yellow, edged with crimson. Chairman, buff. Copperhead, copper color; large flower. Constance, blush, fine form. Cremorne, yellow, tipped with rose, fine ; new. Crown Prince, dark maroon. Duchess of Cambridge, blush tipped with lake. Earl of Radnor, plum, large and fine. Ebor, chocolate, dark maroon stripes. Emily, blush, suffused with rose. Emily Williams, tight ground, edged with vermillion. Emperor, bright claret, tinted purple. Fancy Boy, light scarlet. Fancy Queen, dark cherry, white tip. Fanny Purchase, bright yellow. Firefly, deep scarlet. Flamingo, vermilion scarlet. Flora 'Wyatt, orange, flaked with red. Flossie Williams, violet flaked, great depth and sub- stance. Flossy Gill, light, heavily edged with violet purple. Formosa, palepmk. Glory of Summer, rich, glowing salmon scarlet. Golden Eagle, yellow, heavy red tip. Grand Sultan, buff, striped with red. Hero of York, crimson, striped with maroon. High Sheriff, very dark Incomparable, yellow, heavy claret tip, fine and large. James Cocker, purple, fine color and form. James Wilder, rich velvet maroon. Jenny Deans, orange, striped with purple. J. Neville Keynes, large, shaded yellow. John Harrison, very dark maroon. John Powell, buff, tinted rose. John Standish, bright red. King of Primroses, primrose yellow. Lady Bird, rose ground, shaded. Lady Derby, blush, purple tip. Lady Dunmore, yellow, crimson and white. Lady Jane Ellis, cream, tipped with purplish ro.se. Lady Paxton, red, tipped with white. Lady Popham, white, tipped with lavender. Livonia, fine shaded lilac ; free, and good flower. Lord Napier, bright purple; a fine dark variety. Lord Salisbury, lake. Lothair, yellow, deeply edged with carmine. Lottie Atkins, white and lilac; small. Madame Zahler, yellow, tipped witli rose. Maid of Essex, pale, tipped purple rose. Marchioness of Lome, yellow, edged purple. Marquis of Lome, light, striped purple. Mirefield Beauty, fine red. Miss Bateman, yellow, delicately suffused with red Monarch, large, dark, sometimes tipped. Mr. Dix, crimson scarlet. Mr. Sinclair, rose, tipped with purple. Mrs. Bennett, fine shaded lilac. Mrs. Brunton, white, laced deep purple. Mrs. Bunn, creamy white, striped with purple. Mrs. Dorling, light ground, purple tip; constant. Mrs. Fordham, French white, tipped with purple. Mrs. AA^aite, French white. Nelly, white, tipped with purple ; new and distinct. Nemesis, white, shaded blush. Nettie Buckell, light blush, tinted pink ; fine. One in the Ring, yellow, edged purple. Othello, dark purple. Paradise Williams, bright claret, always ready, gooct for cutting. Pauline, buff, distinct white tip. Poins de Beige, a standard white variety. Prince Arthur, clear yellow. Princess, white, large, free bloomer, Princess of Wales, blush, slightly lilac edged. Provost, salmon and buff, fine flower. Purity, white, medium size; constant, Queen of Beauties, straw, purple tip. Queen of Sports, white and lilac, purple striped. Queen of York, blush, edged violet purple. Redan, deep buff, good form. Rev. J. B. M. Camm, yellow, flaked with red. Richard Dean, yellow, flaked crimson. Rose Unique, soft rosy purple. Rosy Queen, rosy purple. Royalty, golden yellow, dark ttps at center. Sarah Read, straw, edged rosy purple. Snowdrift, clear white, full flower. Startler, dark with white tip. Summertide, chocolate, white tipped and striped. Thomas Goodwin, very dark, large. Thomas White, fine dark crimson maroon. Vice President, orange buff, free. W^illiam Newman, pure purple. Wm. Keynes, fine, orange. Wm. Lucas, yellow, lighdy edged with puce, W^oman in White, large, white. Wonderful, lilac, purple flakes. Yellov/ Boy, deep yellow. POMPON OR BOUQUET. Ardens, brilliant scarlet. Bird of Roses, rose, tipped with carmine. Burning Coal, yellow, with intense scarlet tip Cochineal Rose, cochineal red. Conflagration, orange, tinted scarlet. Crusader, pale yellow, slightly tipped. Dr. Schwebes, crimson scarlet. Emotion, crimson, tipped with white. Herman, pale yellow with white tips. Infancy, pure white. Little Bird of Kostriz, blush, tipped with carmine. Little Bob, fine, deep scarlet. Little Fireball, bright scarlet. Little Goldlight, gold, tipped with scarlet. Little Julius, carmine red. Little Lina, blush, tipped with violet purple. Little Madonna, crimson, tipped with white. Little Minnie, red, tipped white. Little Model, rosy crimson. Little Philip, creamy buff, edged with lilac. Little Virginie, bright rosy purple. Lurline, primrose yellow. Patti, rosy ground, tipped with carmine. Sappho, rich shaded maroon crimson. Seraph, buff, tipped with orange red. "White Aster, pure white. DWARFS OR BEDDERS. Alba Floribunda, white, free bloomer. Da^vn, creamy ground, tipped with rose. Dwarf Queen, purple, tipped with white. Gem of the Dwarfs, red, tipped with white. Golden Bedder, fine yellow. Goldfinder, golden yellow. Leah, fine shade of orange, tinted with rose. Mt. Blanc, clear white. Orange Boven: orange. Pearl, pearly white. Puritanii, primrose yellow. Queen Victoria, canarj' yellow. Rising Sun, large, scarlet. Royal Purple, fine purple. Sambo, dark maroon. NFW V.^RIHTIES. This section embraces new .md scarce varieties. Price, 60 cents each ; $6.00 per dozen. Duke of Cambridge, shaded orange. Duke of Edinburg, deep j-cllow. Florence Pontin, white ground, crimson tip. Gil Bias, crimson and purple on butf. Harlequin, \vhite striped with purple. Herbert Purchase, rosy ground, mottled crimson stripe. Herbert Turner, French white, tinged with lilac. Her Majesty, white, deeply edged purple. James Service, dark crimson. Jennie, white, delicately edged rose. John Sealey, lilac, striped purple. Julia Davis, clear yellow. Letty Coles, rose, striped red. Lord Hawke, yellowish bufi", tinged with red. Maggie Smith, fine blush, perfect form. Miss Dennis, white, tipped with lilac. Mrs. Lewington, rosy purple. Mrs. Saunders, yellow, with white; extra fine Mrs. Stancomb, canar>' yellow, tipped fawn. Negro Boy, dark shaded maroon. Orient, light, distinctly striped and marked with purple. Ovid, dark purple. Parrot, yellow, striped with scarlet. Queen's Messenger, fine purple. Rival, most beautiful new purple. Spot, light ground, spotted and striped. The Pet, dark ground, tipped with white. "Willie Eckford, shaded crimson, [bedder.] CANNA, page 70. Good roots, ?2.5o per dozen, each, 25 CALADIUM ESCULENTUM, pai;e 70. One of the most showy foliage planLs ; roots, . . 50 OXALIS, page 70. lasiandra. Per 100,2.50; per dozen, 2$ TUBEROSE, page 71. Large flowering tubers. 51.50 per dozen ; each, . 15 Nev/ Dwarf Tuberose, "Pearl," per dozen. S2.50 : each. 25 MADEIRA VINE, page 71. A beautiful climber fur the house or garden ; 75c. per dozen ; each, 10 TIGRIDIA, page 72. conchiflora, yellow and orange, with dark spot.-; ; 51.50 per dozen ; each 15 pavonia, red crimson spots; Si. 50 per dozen; L-ach, 15 AMARYLLIS, page 72. Valotta purpurea. Brilliant scarlet flowers; bulbs, each 75 ERYTHRINA. page 72. Crista-galli, Dark carmine coral-like flowers; the roots can be kept like Dahlias; each. ... 50 TRITOMA, page 78. uvaria, or Red-Hot Poker, fine roots, per dozen, $3.00; each, 30 CALLA, page 7o. Calla, or Egyptian Lily. Our Calla roots are unusually large and fine, as we have them grown for us in California, where the Calla is perfectly at home and grows magnificently 30 BEGONIA. Tuberous-rooted varieties, djy roots 75 These bulbs produce fine plants either for pots in sum- mer or for bedding out, flowering profusely till fro.-it comes, and doing well cither in the shade or .sun. HARDY PLANTS, BULBS, &c. ANEMONE, page 74. Japonica alba, flowers white ; blossoms in fall, . 25 Coronaria, dry roots, double mixed, per dozen, 25 Dry roots, single mixed, per dozen, 25 DAY LILY, page 74. White, 30 Blue, 20 LILIES. (See pages 75, 76, 77, 78 and 79.) each. doz. go. 50 S5.00 25 2,50 2.50 25 2.50 75 75 =5 2.50 25 2.50 50 5.00 50 5.00 75 75 75 I 00 20 25 auratum, the magnificent Japan L'ly, . atrosanguineum, red, orange-marbled. candidum, common white, 25 excelsum, delicate, cream or buff, .... i.oo speciosum album, {Pra'C0Ar,)ncw, white, . 2.00 Chalcedonicum, scarlet, i.oo Japonicum longiflorum, white, trumpet- shaped; 5 inches long, Takesima, large, trumpet-shaped, .... Eximium, large, white, trumpet-shaped, . lancifolium rubrum, white and red, . . . lancifolium roseum, white and rose, , . lancifolium, extra large bulbs of the above,, lancifolium album, white, lancifolium punctatum, tigrinum. Tiger Lily, Thunbergianum citrinum, citron yel- low, with dark spnts ; dwarf, Thunbergianum grandifiorum, large cluster of dark red flowers ; 2 feet, . . . "Washingtonianum, white, changing to pink, Bloomerianum, or Humboldtii, yellow, spotted, Pardalinum, yellow and red, spotted,. . . Parvum, rich, dark yellow, red spots, croceum, or:inge, Canadense, our native Lily, .... PEONIES. (See page 80.) Fragrans, one of the best pink varieties, fragrant. Double White, 50 Active, rose, very large flower and very compact . 35 Alice, outside petals white, center yellow, .... 35 Amabilis lilacina, outside petals blush, center cream and white, 35 Amabilis lilaceus, outside petals blush, inner petals buff, center blush, 35 Anemonefiora alba, outside petals pale rose, cen- ter cream and rose, 35 Anemonefiora striata, outer petals rosy violet, inside rose and salmon, ; . 35 Beaute Francaise, outside rose, center salmon, . 35 Buchanan, outside petals blush, center white with crimson markings, 35 Buyckii, rose, shaded with salmon, 35 Centripetala, outside petals pink, second row fringed, center full, 35 Comte de Paris, fine, bright rose, 35 Caroline Mather, purplish crimson, 35 Congress, bhish and white with purple markings in the center, 35 Doyen d' Engheim, crimson, large and fine, . . 35 Duchesse d'Orleans, violet rose, salmon center, . 35 Dugnesline, rose, very fine, 35 Elegantissima, outside petals blush, inside salmon . 35 Faust, blush center, tinged with salmon, .... 35 Festiva, white, a few carmine spots in the center, 35 2.00 2.50 25 Frances Ortegat, dark crimson; large and full, . Fulgida, crimson; large flower, General Bertrand, outside petals blush, center yellow, Genesee, outside petals blush, center yellow, . . Hericartiana, outside petals rose, inside salmon, . Isabella, outside petals blush, center straw color, . Lady W^ashington, outside petals blush, center yellow, Lamartine, dark crimson, 35 Latipetala, outside petals flesh, center yellowish, . 35 Lilacina plena, pale rose, center salmon, . . . Limbata, rose; large and fine, Lutea plenissima, blush, Lutesiana, outside petals blush, center white, , . Mad. Morren, outside petals rosy pink, center salmon and rose, Nivalet, rose, 35 Perfection, outside petals rose, inside salmon, marked with purple, 35 Pius the 9th, blush and white, purple markings in the center, 35 Pomponia, outside petals large, purplish pink, center salmon, 35 Pottsii, dark purplish crimson, distinct and fine, . 35 Pulcherrima, rose and salmon, 35 Purple Crown, very dark, velvety purple, ... 35 Queen Isabella, blush, changing to white, inside petals striped with purple, 35 Reevesii, delicate rose, center petals fringed, ... 35 Rosea grandiflora, deep rose ; early, 35 Rosencrants, blush, changing to white, center fringed, 35 Striata speciosa, pale rose, center whitish, large and sweet, 35 Unicolor grandiflora, outside petals rose, center salmon tinted with rose, 35 Victoria tricolor, outer petals rose, center yel- lowish white, 35 Virance, purplish rose 35 ASTILBE JAPONICA. Spirea Japonica, white feather^' flowers ; hardy, also very fine for forcing in the winter, .... 30 CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES,p.59. Strong plants, assorted colors; per dozen, $5.00; each, 50 DAISY, page 29. Double, Red and white ; per dozen, $2.00 ; each, 2« DICENTRA, page 81. spectabilis, (Bleeding Heart,) one of the most popular plants for the garden, and equally as de- sirable for the house in winter, 25 ENGLISH GARDEN PINKS, page 59. White, with colored margin and center; fragrant; quite hardy, and nothing better for a button- hole flower ; per doz., ^3.50; each, 35 ERIANTHUS RAVENN,^, page 56. Ornamental Grass, resembling Pampas Grass ; per dozen, $3,00; each, 3'^ GYPSOPHILA, page 55. paniculata, one of the very best of the Gypso- philas, desirable for bouquet making both in the summer and winter, as it dries elegantly, ... 31 HOLLYHOCK, page H]. Double, per dozen. >;5.oo ; each, 50 IVY PLANTS, page 81. Not hardy far North ; unsurpassed for in-door decorations, etc. ; plants, according to size, each, 25 cents, 50 cents, and i.oo LILY OF THE VALLEY, page 82. Very sweet and graceful; delicately hung; pips per dozen, 60 Pips sent at any time for winter flowering. PAMPAS GRASS. A beautiful, strong Grass, with large, elegant spikes, but not sufficiently hardy in the Xorth- ern States for out-door culture, ^o PENTSTEMON, page 62. barbatus, scarlet -o PERENNIAL PEA, page 03. Pink, strong roots, 30 PERENNIAL PHLOX, page 81. Flowers abundantly in the summer, and never suf- fers in the winter; strong roots, per dozen, 52 . 50 : each , 2 s VIOLETS, page 80. Neapolitan, light blue, fragrant ; tine clump, . . ^o Maria Louise, light blue, new. clumps, .... 40 YUCCA. filamentosa, verj- fine hardy plant, with striking foliage and elegant trusses of flowers ; describ- ed in No. I Floral Guide fonS/G. Strong i year old roots, 50 cents ; strong 2 year old roots, . . 7c, HARDY CLIMBERS. AMPELOPSIS quinquefolia, or Virginia Creeper, sometimes called American Ivy and Woodbine; a native plant, ver)' rapid grower. leaves turning to a beautiful crimson in autumn ; the best Climber for veranda-^, porches, or for walls, 50 Veitchii. from Japan; foliage smaller than the first named. This is considered by all who have seen it in perfection the finest hardy wall plant known, clinging to the smoothest surfaces perfectly ^o AKEBIA quinata, a singular Japanese Climber, with small, pretty foliage, and small chocolate brown flowers, ; a rapid grower, verj' desirable ; 20 feet, 50 BIGNONIA radicans, or Trumpet Creeper, a rapid, strong gro\\-er, with clean, glossy foliage, bright, scarlet, trumpet-shaped flowers, three inches long; blooms in August, 50 CELASTRUS scandens, or Climbing Bitter- sweet, another o four beautiful native plants, well worthy of cultivation ; leaves pea green ; flowers small, followed by clusters of orange capsuled berries 50 CLEMATIS flammula, European Sweet, flow- ers white, small and verj' sweet scented, ... 50 Virginiana, common Virgin Bower, another native plant, with clusters ofsmall, white flowers, succeeded in autumn by fruit with conspicuous feather^' tails, 50 Jackmanii, an English hybrid ; flowers large, in- tense violet purple, and from 4 to 6 inches in diameter, i 00 Lanuginosa Candida, flowers larger than the above : white, tinted with lavender. The two grown together form a pleasing contrast, ... i 00 LONICERA, 'Honeysuckles,! Halleana, an evergreen variety from Japan ; flowers pure white, changing to yellow ; verj" Iragrant, and covered with flowers from June to November; a strong grower, 50 Japan Golden-veined, foliage small, beautifully netted \\ith yellow, flowers pure white, sweet, 25 feet 50 Monthly Fragrant, or Dutch, flowers red and pale yellow, blooming through the whole sum- mer ; ver\' desirable 50 Scarlet Trumpet, monthly, evergreen, or nearly so, flowers 2 inches long; scarlet outside and yellow inside, 50 WISTARIA Sinensis, Chinese Wistaria, a rapid, strong grower, when well established grows 20 feet in a season, with long racemes of light pur- ple flowers ; a large plant in bloom is a most gorgeous sight 50 A class of Hardy Bulbs, the leading members being the Hyacinth, Tulip, and Crocus, are known as Holland Bulbs, because for a great number of years they have been grown almost exclusively in that countiy, from whence the flowering bulbs have been exported to nearly every quarter of the world. For winter flowering in the house few things are more beautiful, and nothing easier of culture, while for early spring flowers, in cold climates, we are almost depend- ent upon this elegant and popular class of Bulbs. NAMKD HYACINTHS. [See pages 85, 86 and 87.] DOUBLE BLUE. DAKK BLUE. Albion, late, low, $0 35 30 30 Grand Alfred, low. King of 'Wurtemburg, tall, . Kroon van Indian, low, 40 La Renommee, low, 35 Laurens Coster, tall, new, 70 Othello, low, new, 35 Prince Albert, low, 40 Prince of Saxe-Weimar, tall, 35 DEEP BLUE. Carl, Crown Prince of S\weden, tall, .... 40 Due de Normandie, tall, 45 Frederic SouHe, late, low, 30 King of the Netherlands, low, 30 Lord Wellington, low, 30 Lord Raglan, low, 55 Mignon de Drijf hout, low, 35 Morillo, late, low, 45 Prince Frederick, tall, 35 LIGHT BLUE. A la Mode, low, 35 Bloksberg, late, low, 30 Comte de St. Priest, tall, 50 Envoye, late, low, 35 General Antink, low, 30 Grande Vedette, tall, 40 Habit Brilliant, late, tall, 40 Koning Ascingaris, tall, 35 La Fontaine, tall, 35 Pasquin, tall, 35 Richard Steele, low, 30 Rudolphus, low, 35 DOUBLE WHITE. PURE WHITE. Bucenthaurus, tall, 35 Due de Berry, late, tall, 70 Gloria Florum, low, 35 La Deesse, late, low, 30 La Tour d' Auvergne, tall, 35 La Virginite, low, 3° Non Plus Ultra, late, tall, 35 Prince of Waterloo, late, tall, 50 Pyrene, low, 3° Sceptre d'Or, late, low, 30 Sphsera Mundi, late, low, 4° Sultan Achmet, late, low, 35 BLUSH-WHITE, A la Mode, low, 35 Anna Maria, low, 3° Herman Lange, low, 3° Lord Anson, low, 45 Mathilda, tall, 3^ Miss Kitty, low, 4° Triumph Blandina, tall, 40 Virgo, tall, 35 DOUBLE RED AND ROSE. RED. Acteur, tall, =5 Alida Catharina, low, 25 Bouquet Constant, low, new, 5° Bouquet Tendre, low, 30 Cochinelle, (Eclipse,) low, $0 35 General von Ziethen, late, low, 30 La Gaiete, low, 35 Maria Louise, low, 35 Noble par Merite, low, 35 Panorama, low, 25 Princess Royal, late, low, 25 Queen Victoria, tall, 25 Sans Souci, low, 50 Sir Thomas Grey, late, low, fine, 35 ROSE. , tall, . , Bouquet Royal, late, tall, 35 Cceur Fidele, late, low, 25 Comtesse de la Coste, tall, 30 Czar Nicholas, low, 25 Gcethe, tall, 45 Grootvorst, late, tall, 30 Honneur d' Amsterdam, tall, 40 L' Esperance, low, 25 Lord Wellington, low, very fine, 40 Medea, late, low, 35 Perruque Royale, late, tall, 45 DOUBLE YELLOW. Bouquet d'Orange, low, . . CrcESUS, late, low, Gcethe, tall {aune Supreme, tall, new, . . ^a Grandeur, late, low, new, Louis d'Or, late, tall, .... Ophir, late, tall Piet Hein, low, 40 so 35 60 60 35 35 35 SINGLE BLUE. VERY DAKK. Ami du Cceur, tall, 25 Belle Africaine, tall, 45 La Nuit, low, 35 Mimosa, tall, 30 O'Connell, low, 25 Prince Albert, low, 45 Siam, low, 35 Uncle Tom, low, 35 William I, low, 40 DEEP BLUE, Ami du Cceur, purple, low, 25 Baron van TuijU, tall, 30 Bleu Mourant, late, low, 25 25 25 30 35 30 Charles Dickens, tall, . Emicus, low, Emilius, low, Graaf van Nassau, low, . . . Keizer Ferdinand, low, .... L'Unique, purple, tall Nimrod, low, Thunberg, tall, LIGHT BLUR. Bishop Royal, low, Camper, tal , Courronne de Celle, tall Grand Lilac, tall, 25 Grande Vedette, tall, 40 Iris, low, 30 La Peyrouse, low, 25 Orondates, tall, 35 Porcelaine Sceptre, low, 35 Regulus, low, 25 SINGLE WHITE. PUKE WHITE. Alba Maxima, low, 50 Alba Superbissima, (Theba,) low, 35 Bella Donna, late, low, 25 Belle Blanchisseuse, tall, 40 Belle Esther, low, -5 Belle Galathe, low, 40 Blanchard, tall, 40 Emicus, low, 30 Grand Vainqueur, tall, 35 Grande Vedette, low, Hannah Moore, low, Kroonprincess, low, 35 La Candeur, low, :to La Pucelle d'Orleans, low, 30 Madame Talleyrand, tall 35 Queen Victoria, low, 30 PURE WHITE. Queen of the Netherlands, tall, Themistocles, late, low, SINGLE RED AND ROSE. DEEP AND DARK RED. Agnes, low Amphion, Amy Appelius, low Belle Quirine, low, Charilaus, luu Deliah, Inw Dibbitz Sabalkanski, low Dunois, Imw. Eldorado, l^w, Herstelde Vrede, tall, L'Adorable, low. Madame Hodson, tall, Mdlle Rachel, low, Mars, low, Monsieur de Faesch, low, . . . Prosper Alpini, late, low Queen Victoria Alexandrina, low, Robert Steiger, tall, Satella, low, Veronica, low 30 ROSY WHITE. Anna Paulowna, late, tall, 30 Cleopatra, low 25 Elfride, tall, 30 Grande Blanche Imperiale, tall, ^o Grandeur a Merveille, low, 30 Hercules, low 35 Lord Grey, tall, 35 Mammoth, low, 35 Rousseau, Imw, 25 Vesta, tall, 25 Voltaire, Inw 25 ROSE .\ND FINK. Ami du Coeur, low, 25 Duchess of Richmond, tall, 35 Emmeline, low 25 Hermina, low, 25 Homerus, low 45 Jenny Lind, low 30 Johanna Christina, low, 25 La Dame du Lac, low. 45 Lord Wellington, low, 35 Maria Theresa, tall. 25 Neerlands Glorie, low, 25 Norma, tall 25 Princess Victoria, late, low, 30 Prof, von Zwinden, tall, 40 Sultan's Favorite, tall, 30 Temple of Apollo, tall, 30 Tuba Flora, lale, tall, 35 SINGLE YELLOW. Adonia, tall 25 Alida Jacoba, low, 25 Anna Carolina, late, low, 30 Conqueror, low, 25 Fleur d'Or, low, 25 Heroine, tall, 30 Koning van Holland, low, 25 La Pluie d'Or, tall, 25 Piet Hein, low 35 Rhinosceros, tall, 35 To those who prefer to leaz'C the selection to me, I will furnish Hyacinths from the above list at ^3.00 per DOZEN, each dozen to contain a good selection of the different and most desirable colors, single and double, and all first class Bulbs. Those who desire them for particular purposes, as for pots and glasses for winter flowering, will please state the fact, and I will select the kinds best adapted for the purpose. Those who have a particular choice of one or more varieties that they wish sent in the dozen, shall be accommodated as far as possible. UNNAMED HYACINTHS. The mixed or unnamed Hyacinths will do well for out-door culture, and they can be obtained at compara- tively little cost; but the flowers will not usually be as fine as those from named Bulbs, ever)' one of which is selected particularly with reference to flowering in the house. These unnamed Hyacinths, however, are all large, excellent Bulbs, imported directly from Holland, and will give good satisfaction. Indeed, they often flower admirably in the house, though we do not recom- mend them for this purpose. 1 have placed them at the lowest possible price — only a trifie over cost — so as to bring them within the reach of all. MIXED HYACINTHS, 15 cents each; or $1.50 per dozen. Double Blue. Double White. Double Red. Single Blue. Single White. Single Red. ROMAN HYACINTHS. Early Roman White Hyacinths; desirable for early flowering, each, 20 cts.; doz. 52 25; 100 $17 0% NAMED TULIPS. [See pages SS and S9,] DUC VAN THOL each per doz Single Red, >o 10 $0 95 Rose, 15 I 45 Scarlet, . . 10 i 00 Yellov/, 15 I 70 Crimson, 10 i 00 White, true, , . 25 2 80 Gold Striped, 15 i 50 Double Red, 5 50 TOURNESOL. Orange and Red, Yellow, true, fine 15 I 00 I 50 SINGLE EARLY. each Abbesse de St. Denis, cherry striped, . . . . go 15 Admiral Florida, purple striped, 25 Alida Maria, white striped, 30 Alpherus, violet, tipped with white. 25 Arthus, beautiful deep red, .... 15 Bacchus, deep crimson, 15 Bakhuizen, violet 35 Bizard Pronkert, red and yellow, ...!!. 10 Breughel, purple \ \ j,^ Bride of Haarlem, red and white, 20 Brutus, gold striped * i- Caiman, white, striped with purple, 10 Canary Bird, yellow 25 Cerise de France, white and red striped, ... 25 Chrysolora, yellow and red, striped, ... 15 Claremont Striped, red. white flaked, 10 Commandant, (lame, yellow margin, iq Compte de Vergennes, white and red, - 25 Couleur Cardinal, brilliant red, j- Couleur Ponceau, crimson border, whitish ground i^ Cour de France, yellow and red, jg Cramoisi Royal, splendid crimson, j- Donna Maria, red and white, j,, Dorothea Blanche, white ground, marbled with pmk; new, 25 Due de Claremont, carmine and white, . . . . 15 Due Major, fine, brownish red, edged with yellow 5 Due d' Orange, brownish red, marbled with orange, ^^ Duehesse de Parma, red, edged with yellow- splendid, Eleonore, purple edged with white, ....... 10 Feu de Muscovie, yeUow, striped with red ■ new -5 Feu Superbe, flame-colored, '. . .' 10 Franciscus I, splendid red and yellow, 15 Globe de Rigaud, purple striped, .!..... 20 Graaf Floris, white and rose, ......... 15 Grand Duke of Russia, red, deeply edged with yellow, jc Grootmeester, white and crimson, striped ; large, 15 Hebee, deep red and yellow, fine, 15 Hecuba, white, striped with red, 15 Hobbema Feuillemont, violet, bordered with white, jr Lac Bontlof, purple and white, variegated leaves, 10 Lac Dore, purple, 25 Lac van Rijn, purple and white, 5 La Precieuse, rose and white, 15 La Reine, beautiful-rosy white, 5 Ma Plus Aimable, red, striped with orange, . '. 10 Marmont, red and white striped, 20 Paragon Guldebloem, violet and yellow, ... 10 Pax Aba, very fine white, 10 Pigeon, white, 7 Pottebakker, white, ] 10 Prince of Austria, red and yellow, 15 Proserpine, crimson; large and splendid ; new, . 25 Pure d'Or, golden yellow, red striped, 15 Purpurmantel, purple striped, 15 Purple Crown, purplish crimson, 10 Reine des Cerises, cherry and white, 10 Red and Yellow of Leiden, fine red, striped with yellow, 15 Rose Brilliant, white, edged with red, 25 Rose Gris de Lin, very fine rose, jo Samson, red, 10 Souvenir, red, yellow striped, dwarf, 5 Standard Royal, white and red striped, .... 8 Thomas Moore, orange, 7 Van Goijen, rose, 10 Vermillion Brilliant, glittering red, 20 Violet Blanche, white, tipped with red, .... 15 Wapan van Leiden, white and rose, 10 White and Red Bordered, white, delicately mottled with red, 7 YelIo^v Prince, fine yellow, 5 DOUBLE TULIPS. Admiral Kingsbergen, golden yellow, striped with bronze, large ; late, 10 Aimable, coppery yellow, shaded with violet ; early, 15 Alexander, red, yellow striped; late, 10 Atrium, yellow striped, fine; late, 10 Blue Flag, fine blue; late, 10 Bouquet d'Orange, salmon red, with tinge of orange; late, 15 Brunello, brownish red, edged with yellow; late, 10 Buonaparte, orange red, large; late, 5 Comte de Pompadour, purplish red, large ; earlv, 15 Conqueror, white and violet striped, large ; late, 10 Cafe Noir, rich, velvety, deep crimson, 10 Courronne d'Or, red, edged white ; late 15 Crown Imperial, red striped, large ; early, ... 20 Crown of Roses, splendid double rose, large; early 15 Duke of York, puce and white; fine, large; early, 10 Extremite d' Or, yellow and red ; early, .... 20 Gloria Soils, bronze, orange and crimson; early, 5 Grand Alexandre, yellow, beautifully striped with red ; early, 10 Imperator Rubrorum, fine red ; early, .... 10 Incarnat Gris de Lin, copper color, striped with violet ; late, 10 Incomparable, deep rose, edged with white; early, 1 5 La Candeur, white ; fine, large, early, . . . , j&o 10 La Fidele, yellow and red ; large, late, 10 Le Blason, fine rosy; large, early, 15 Madame Catalani, purplish rose, edged and mottled with white ; late, 15 Mariage de ma Fille, pure white, striped with rose, larire; late, 15 Milton, reddish purple, large ; late, 5 Mina, white, striped with rose ; late, 15 Nosor, rich purplish ; early, 10 Orange Boom, rose, carmine striped; late, ... 15 Orange Troon, deep rose, edged with white ; late, 10 Peeony Gold, yellow and red; early, 10 Peeony Rose, scarlet; early, 5 Phoedor, splendid purple, fine ; late, 15 Purple Crown, splendid dark velvety crimson; early, 10 Purple, White Bordered, early 5 Regina Rubrorum, red, striped with creamy yellow; earlv, 25 Rex Rubrorum, fine scarlet ; early, 5 Rhinosceros, purple, large ; earlv, 10 Rose Eclatante, rich crimson ; late, 5 Rose Hortense, white and purplish crimson, large and fine; early, 15 Violet de Paris, violet striped, 20 William Rex, purple and yellow ; late, 20 Xenophon, crimson and yellow ; late, 15 Yellow Rose, variegated foliage; late, 10 Yellow Rose, beautiful golden yellow, large ; late, 5 Zebra, dark, velvety red, lightly striped with yel- low; late, ID Zwinglius, deep rose ; early, . 25 PARROT TULIPS. Belle Taune, beautiful yellow, 10 Cafe Brun, rich brown, 5 Large Scarlet, large and bright, 10 Perfecta, red striped 10 Those who wish to leave the selection to me, I will supply Due J 'an Thai and Single Early Tulips at $1.25 per dozen; Double at $1.00 a dozen, and Parrots at 90 cents a dozen. LATE FLOWERING SHOV/ TULIPS. Of this splendid class I have OVER TWO HUN- DRED of the finest named prize varieties. each Bizarres, named varieties go 10 Byblooms, " 18 Roses, " 25 Bizarres, mi.xed varieties, Byblooms, " Roses, " BEDDING TULIPS. We know of no flower that will make such a perfect and showy ribbon bed as the Tulip, properly selected for the purpose. It should be formed of three distinct colors, at least, as yellow, white and red, and not less than three rows of each color. For the purpose of en- couraging this kind of planting, I have selected and im- ported in large quantities several varieties best adapted fur the purpose, which I sell so low as to bring them within the reach of all. per doz per 100 Duehesse de Parma, red, bordered with yellow, splendid, tall, ^5° Feu Superbe, bright red, i 00 Samson, beautiful red, i 00 Due Major, red, edged with yellow, . . 50 La Reine, white, fine, 50 Yellow Prince, pure yellow, 55 Thomas Moore, orange, 60 Pigeon, pure white, 65 TULIPS FOR BORDERS. Some of the low growing early Tulips are unsurpassed for bordering beds. They grow from four to eight inches in height, and when planted close together so as to make an unbroken row, the eflfect is delightful. The effect is destroyed if a variety of improper height is per doz ,*;! 00 ^ 75 2 50 . . 65 • • 70 ■ ■ 75 ?3 50 7 00 7 50 3 50 3 00 3 80 4 20 4 60 6o 50 55 50 95 $5 50 4 20 3 00 3 80 3 40 7 00 60 3 00 3 80 4 20 planted. For this reason we give a list of varieties suitable for borders. The following are the most desir- able varieties for this purpose: per doz per 100 Standard Royal, red and white striped, beautiful, S'^ 75 White and Red Bordered, fine, ... Souvenir, red and yellow striped, . . . Lac van Rijn, violet, white bordered very fine, Due Van Thol, Double Red, .... Due Van Thol, Single Red UNNAMED TULIPS. The Mi.xed Tulips I offer are not small or inferior bulbs, but are large, and of fine varieties, and will make a showy, splendid bed, at little cost. Where it is not considered important to have the colors separate, they will give the best of satisfaction, especially to that highly respectable class whom Providence has blessed with fine taste and little money. To accommodate such I have reduced the price to about cost. per doz per ico Mixed Single early, splendid flowers, go 50 $2 o<^ Mixed Double, splendid flowers, .... 50 Mixed Parrot Tulips, fine flowers, 55 Bizarres, Byblooms and Roses, Mixed CROCUSES, page 90. UNNAMED, 20 cents per dozen ; $1.50 per 100. Large Blue, Large Striped, Large \Vhite, Large Yellow. Those ordering the above by the dozen or hundred can select of one or all the varieties. NAMED CROCUSES, 40 cents per dozen ; $3.00 per 100. Of the fine namf.d Crocuses, mostly new varieties, I have about thirty sorts, white, blue and striped. They are unusually large and fine. COLCHICUM, page 90. each Autumnalis, So lo Agrippina, new and fine, 40 SNOW-DROP, page 90. per doz per ico Single Snow-Drop, ?o ^5 S^ 75 Double Snow-Drop, 70 6 00 Leucojum eestivum. Large Snow-Flake, . each, 15 NARCISSUS, page 91. POLYANTHUS NARCISSUS. each Bazelman Major, fine white, go 60 Double Roman, white and yellow, fragrant, . . 10 Gloriosum superbum, white, with deep orange cup, fine 15 Grand Monarque, white, yellow cup, 20 Grand Primo White, 20 Grand Primo Yellow, veiy fine, 30 Grand Soliel d'Or, bright yellow, deep orange cup, splendid, 15 Grootvorst, white, 15 Luna, white, 15 Newton, yellow and orange, extra, 30 Statsn General, fine lemon, 15 DOUBLE NARCISSUS. Albo pleno odorato, white, fragrant. incomparable, fine light ^^ellow, 10 Noblissimus, fine, new 25 Orange Phoenix, orange and lemon, 10 Tratus Cantus, new, fine, 10 Sulphur Crown, light yellow, 10 Van Sion, (Yellow Daffodil,) 7 SINGLE NARCISSUS. Bulbocodium, or Hoop Petticoat, fine, . . .$^25 Campernel, {Great Jonquil,J yellow, fragrant ; per dozen, 50 cents, 5 Etoile d'Or, ^° Muschatos, fine, new, ^"^ Poeticus, per dozen, 50 cents, 5 Trumpet, Gold, ^5 Trumpet, Silver, ^5 JONQUILS. Largest Double, sweet-scented. Single, sweet-scented, each .$0 30 per doz $3 «> 50 SCILLAS, page 91. Siberica, bright intense blue, $0 10 Campanulata, 1° Hyacinthoides alba, 1° Hyacinthoides ccerulea and rosea, 10 CROWN IMPERIAL, page 92. each Crown upon Crow^n, $0 50 Maximum Red, 55 Maximum Yellow, i 25 Red, gold striped foliage, 7^ Double Red, i 5° Double Yellow, 2 00 Red, 30 SMILAX, page 92. Boston Smilax, fine bulbs . each, 30 ANEMONE, page 93. per doz Anemone, single, brightest colors, S'^ ^5 double, best mi.\ed colors 25 single scarlet, 30 each per doz Anemone, double scarlet, $0 06 $0 60 best double named sorts, (100 varieties,) 10 75 The Anemone can be kept until spring or longer with- out injur^^ It is "v\ ell to save some for spring planting. The Ranunculus can also be kept for spring planting. RANUNCULUS, page 9a. each per doz Ranunculus, 10:1 best named varieties, ;5o 10 53 75 Ranunculus, Best mixed \-arieties, S-ri 25 IRIS, page 93. Anglica, mixed sorts, .... each, $0 07 Hispanica, mixed ^■arieties, . . " Pavonia 1 Peacock,) beautiful. . '' 10 Persica, dwarf fragrant, fine, . "■ 30 Susiana major, rose, tinted \\ ith brown, Tuberosa, rich velvet, marked \\ith black. do.-,, ca ch , OXALIS, page 94. 3 GO 80 ach Bowii, bright rose, So : Lutea, yellow; one of the best for winter bloom- ing, ro multiflora, white. lo Versicolor, a beautiful variety; white, yellow eye, crimson outside, lo About twenty-five of the finest named varieties, lo page 94. . each. CYCLAMEN, Cyclamen Persicum, . IXIAS, page 95. Ixias, Twenty best named varieties, .... each, [Holland Bulbs are received about the middle of September, and are for sale vintil the last of November.] The Vegetable Department embraces almost every article of value known. We have ■excluded everything our experience has proved unworthy of culture, as also some untried and not very promising kinds. As fast as new Vegetables establish their good character we shall add them to our list, but we do not propose to admit any bad or untried characters into our goodly company. ASPARAGUS, pages 96 and 97. Conover's Colossal, large, andof rapid growth ; perlb. gi.oo; per oz. lo centj, 5 Giant Ulm, a popular German variety, large and superior; perlb. gi.oo; per oz. lo cents, ... 5 Roots — I year, by mail, per 100, prepaid, . . . $1.30 2 years, by mail, per 100, prepaid, 2 years, by express, per loOj not paid, ■ 3-50 , 1.50 .BEANS, pages 97 and 98. DWARF OR SNAP BEANS. Early Rachel, the earhest, and very hardy ; de- sirable as a String Bean ; per pint 25 cents, . . 10 Long Yellow Six-Weeks, one of the earliest; an excellent and productive String Bean; per pint 25 cents, 10 Early Mohawk, a hardy, productive and excel- lent String Bean; per pint, 25 cents, 10 "Wax or Butter, a popular variety wherever known; the pods a waxy yellow, solid, very tender and almost transparent, stringless, seeds black when ripe; per pint 35 cents, 15 Early Valentine, early and tender for String Beans ; per pint 25 cents, 10 Early China, early, tender for String Beans, good for shelling; per pint 25 cents, 10 -Refugee, hardy, abundant bearer, flesh thick and tender, one of the very best for pickling, on ac- count of its thick flesh ; not verj' early, will pro- duce pods fit for eating in about eight weeks from planting; per pint 25 cents, 10 'White Kidney or Royal Dwarf, one of the very best for shelling, either green or dry; per pint 25 cents, 10 "White Marrowfat, clear white, almost round, fair as a String Bean, and first class for use shelled, either green or dry; per pint 25 cents, 10 Broad Windsor, the celebrated Broad Bean of England, growing on a strong, erect stalk, about two feet in height. Beans eaten shelled. About twice as large as the Lima and not half as good. Not very well adapted to our climate ; pint25 cts. 10 RUNNING BEANS. "Large Lima, the most buttery and delicious Bean grown. Plant in a warm, sandy soil, if possible, not too early; per pint 40 cents, . . . London Horticultural, or Speckled Cran- berry, a round, speckled Bean, tender for Snap Beans, and excellent for shelling; pint 35 cents, Giant Wax, thick, fleshy, creamy yellow, waxy looking pods, very tender and excellent as a Snap Bean; productive, keeping in bearing a very long time; seeds red, rather tender; per pint 50 cents, ■Scarlet Runner. This is the favorite Snap Bean of Europe, and nothing else will sell as soon as this appears in market. It is planted in rows and allowed to run on the ground ; per :pint 35 cents, 15 15 BORECOLE, or KALE, page 98. Dwarf German Greens, or Sprouts, bluish green, resembling Ruta Baga tops, and of fine flavor. The plan is to sow in rows, about a foot apart, in September, and gather in early spring, like Spinach; perlb. gi. 50; per oz. 15 cents,. Green Curled, or Scotch Kale, dwarf in habit, very spreading, nicely curled, and bright green. Very hardy, and may be cut from the open ground all the early part of winter. Frost im- proves it ; per lb. gi.50 ; per oz, 15 cents, . . Purple Kale, like the Scotch Kale, except in color, and will endure more frost; oz. 25 cents, Cottagers' Kale, the favorite English variety, dwarf in habit, and most beautifully curled. Hardy. Treatment as for Cabbage, except that it should remain in the ground until needed for use; per oz. 25 cents, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, page 98. Perlb. ^2. 25; per ounce 20 cents, BEETS, page 99. Egyptian Blood Turnip, the earliest variety grown, and valuable on this account; not very productive; perlb. £2.50; per oz. 25 cts., . . . 15 Extra Early Bassano, an early, good Beet, ten- der and juicy ; flesh white and rose ; grows to a good size; when sown late, it keeps well in the winter, and by some is preferred over all others for a winter Beet; per lb. jgi.oo; oz. 15 cents, 10 Early Blood Turnip, turnip-shaped, smooth, tender and good ; about ten days after Bassano ; per lb. gi. 00; per oz. 15 cents, lo Dewing's Turnip, a good red, but not dark, Turnip Beet, about a week earlier than Blood Turnip ; smooth skin and small top, and grow- ing much above ground ; flesh tender and deli- cate, but not very solid ■ good for summer use ; perlb. gi. 00; per oz. 15 cents, 10 Early Yellow Turnip, a variety of the Blood Turnip Beet, differing mainly in color ; the roots are bright yellow, as are also the leaf-stems and nerves; a good early Beet; per ID. $1.00; per oz. 15 cents, 10 Henderson's Pine Apple, compact, short-top variety; roots medium sized and of a deep crimson; much liked here by gardeners and amateurs; per lb. ;*;2. 50; per oz. 25 cents, . . 15 Long Blood Red, a popular winter sort; long, smooth, blood red; sweet and tender; per lb. ^i.oo; per oz. 15 cents, lo Imperial Sugar, the sweetest and best Sugar Beet ; per lb. 75 cents ; per oz. lo cents, ... 5 Carter's St. Osyth, new and excellent; perlb. ^2.50; per oz. 25 cents, 15 Beck's Improved Sea Kale, a variety of Beet with beautiful and tender leaves, becoming ver>' popular in Europe for cooking as "greens"; per oz, 15 cents, lo Beets, Swiss Chard, Large Ribbed Scarlet Brazilian, per lb. $i.oo ; per oz. 15 cents, . , Large Ribbed Yellow Brazilian, per lb. gi. 00 ; per 02. 15 cents, Large Ribbed Silver, per lb. gi.oo ; oz. 15 cts., Mangel Wurtzel, Long Red, for cattle; per lb. 75 cents ; per oz Carter's Mammoth Long Red, of very large size and good quality ; per lb. 85 cents ; per oz. Long Yellow, for cattle ; per lb. 75 cents ; oz. . Olive-Shaped Red, large, for cattle ; per lb. 75 cents : per oz Carter's Improved Orange Globe, the very best round Mangel; per lb, 85 cents; per 02. . BROCOLI, page 102. Purple Cape, one of the hardiest and most popu- ular varieties, and the most certain to form a good head ; the earliest of the purple varieties; per oz. 70 cents, lo Southampton, fine, hardy, large, yellow vari- ety — one of the old popular sorts, like Ports- mouth, Sulphur, etc.; per 02. 30 cents, .... 5 CABBAGES, pages 100 and 101. Early Dwarf York, sm^ll, verj' early; per lb. S2.C0 ; per oz. 20 cents, 5 Large York, larger than above, round head; good i^ummer and fall sort ; lb. §2.00 ; 02. 20 cts. 5 AA/'heeler's Imperial. This is one of the best early varieties we have ever tried. Everj' plant heads if it has but half a chance ; per lb. ^2.50; per 02. 25 cents, 10 Little Pixie, ver^' early, small, and of delicate flavor; per lb. §2.50: per oz. 25 cents, .... 10 Early 'Wakefield, (American seed,) the great favorite with market gardeners for the New York oMarket; the earliest and sure to head. The seed is true and the best; per 'b, ^.■j.oo; per oz. 6 J cents ; per half oz. 40 cents 15 Early Wyman, a comparatively new variety, almost as early as Wakefield, larger, but not as solid ; verj' popular around Boston, for market; bjt with us it has seemed ver^' variable in char- acter ; per o7_. gi.oo ; per half oz. 60 cents, . , 25 Fearnaught, a new, early, English Cabbage, claimed to be the earliest known ; per lb. S3. 00; per oz. 30 cents, 10 Large French Oxheart, a fine, heart-shaped Cabbage, coming in use after Early York and other earlier sorts ; verj' tender and fine flavor- ed, and heads freely ; lb. ^3.00; oz. 30 cents, . 10 Enfield Market, large, compact head, early and superior; per lb. 52-50; per oz. 25 cents, ... 10 Sugar-loaf, a very good early varietj", with a conical or sugar-loaf shaped head, a great favor- ite with many; per lb. 52.00; per oz, 20 cents, 5 Winningstadt, a fine tender variety, sugar-loaf in form ; one of the best summer sorts ; if sown late, good for fall or even winter ; per lb. ^3.00 ; per oz. 30 cents, 10 Early Schweinfurth, an early Cabbage, for summer and autumn use, and of large size, but not solid ; per oz. gi,2o; per half oz. 71 cents, 30 Filderkraut, This is comparatively new, but has become the general favorite in Germany, and is excellent in America. I import the seed di- rectly from Stuttgart; lb. §4. 00; oz. 40 cents, . 10 Stone Mason Marblehead, a large, solid, ten- der and excellent free heading winter Cabbage; per lb. jfs.oo; per oz. 40 cents, 10 Cabbages, Marblehead Mammoth, very large winter Cabbage ; heads freely, and with good soil will grow to an enormous size; per lb. ge.oo; per oz. 50 cents ; per half oz. 30 cents, 15. Robinson's Champion. This is one of the largest Cabbages grown, very much resembling Marblehead Ma^nmoth, and of good quality for so large a growth. It sometimes weighs 60 lbs.; per lb. §2. 00 ; per oz. 20 cents, 5 Large Late Drumhead, a very superior drum- head variety, grown from choice heads ; per lb. $5.00; per 02. 40 cents, 10 Premium Flat Dutch, heads well and keeps over finely ; per !b. $5.00 ; per oz. 40 cents, . . 10 Large Flat Dutch* good for fall or winter crop, resembling the Drumhead ; lb. $2.00; oz. 20 cts. 5 Flat Brunswick Drumhead, fine, late ; per lb. $4.00; per oz. 40 cents, 10 Fottler's Improved Brunswick, per lb. ss.oo ; per oz. 40 cents, 10 Drumhead Savoy, one of the ver>' best winter Cabbages; per lb. 52.00; per oz. 20 cents, . . 5. Dwarf Green Curled Savoy, heads small and rather loose, very hardy and excellent ; per lb. ^2.00; per oz. 20 cents, 5 Early Dwarf Ulm Savoy, heads round and very solid and of fine quality ; forms its head very early; per lb. ^--co; per oz, 20 cents, . , 5 Chappell's Red Pickling, of brighter color and more true to the kind than any other variety of red or pickling Cabbage ; lb. 33-75 ; oz. 35 cts., 10 Large Late Blood Red, pure; for pickling; per lb. $4.00; per oz. 40 cents, 10 Early Blood Red, early variety; will make fine winter Cabbage if sown quite late in the open ground; per lb. $4.00; per oz. 40 cents, .... lo- COLLARDS, page 101. Creole, the popular Creole Collard, so well known and prized at the South, and so nicely adapted to the Southern climate. We have taken pains to secure this at the special re- quest of our customers in the Southern States; per lb. $3.00; per oz. 30 cenLs, lo- CAULIFLOWER, pages 101 and 102. Early Paris, early and fine; short stalk, white; per oz. $1,50; half oz. 90 cents, 20 Erfurt Large Early "White, a large and excel- lent early Cauliflower ; 02.;>2.5o; half oz. $1.50, 30 Erfurt Earliest Dwarf, the earliest variety grown; low, with pure white curd ; the best and surest to head ; peroz.52.00; per half oz. ;fi.2o, 25 New Imperial, a new French variety, repre- sented as large and very early, and in everj- way superior; peroz. $2.00; per half oz. gi.20, . , 25. Lenormand's, one of the largest and hardiest of the Cauliflowers ; very fine; per oz. ^2.50; per halfoz. S1.50, 30 Lenormand's Short-Stemmed, new; extra fine; per oz. 52.00; per half oz. «,i. 20, .... 25 Veitch's Autumn Giant, a new, large and ver>' superior variety ; per oz. 52.50; half oz. $150, . 30. Large Asiatic, a fine, large, late variety, one of the best large sorts ; per oz. $1.00 ; per half oz. 60 cents, jc Stadtholder, a large German varietj' ; verj- large head and fine flavor; oz. $i.oo\ halfoz. 6q cts. 15 Walcheren, a very hardy variety, and by many considered the best; per oz. gi.oo; per half oz. 60 cents, j^ Lauhflower, Carter's Dwarf Mammoth, early dwarf, compact and hardy; per oz. $1.75 ■ half o^-^'-oo 25 CRESS, page 102. Fine Curled, superior; will bear cutti.ig several times; per oz. 10 cents, Plain -Leaved, tender and ddicate,' fine for salad; per oz. lo cents, t. Broad -Leaved Garden, sometimes used for soups ; per oz. 10 cents, Australian, leaves delicate green, Havor ' mild and fine; per oz. 10 cents, - Perenijial American, resembles the Water Cress ; may be cut through the season ; oz. 20 cts. 10 ■Water, does pretty well in moist situations, but better on the edges of streams in shallow water; per oz. 60 cents; per half oz. 40 cents, .... 15 CORN SALAD, page 102. Perlb. Ji.5o; per oz. 15 cents, 5 CARROTS, page 103. Early Very Short Scarlet, the most desirable for forcing, and much prized in Europe for soups; per lb. $1.50; per oz. 15 cents, ' 5 Early French Short Horn, small; best for table; preferred by some for all purposes, even for stock; per lb. $1.25; per oz. 15 cents, . . . 5 Half Long Scarlet Stump Rooted, larger than Short Horn, and a desirable table variety; per lb. ;Ji.5o; per oz. 15 cents, 5 Half Long Scarlet Pointed Rooted, a very desirable Carrot either for table or feeding, sweet and productive; lb, Jr. 25; oz. 15 cents, 5 Long Orange, per lb. J1.25 ; per oz. is cents, . 5 Altringham, selected, red; lb. $1.25 ; oz. 15 cts., 5 Large Orange Belgian Green-Top, rich, fine for feeding; per lb. 51.25; per oz. 15 cents, . . 5 Long White Belgian Green-Top, fine for cat- tle; per lb. 75 cents; per oz. 10 cents, .... 5 CHICORY, page 103. Large -Rooted Long Magdeburg, per lb. $1.25; per oz 10 CELERY, page 104. Turner's Incomparable Dwarf White, one of the very best varieties, growihg stout, crisp and of exceedingly fine nutty flavor ; per oz. 25 cts., 5 Lion's Paw, fine, large, white ; per oz. 25 cents, 5 Goodwin's White, fine, solid ; per oz. 25 cents, 5 Sandringham D.warf W^hite, a new variety, gaining much popularity in Europe; produced by the gardener to the Prince of Wales ; solid, crisp, and of fine flavor; per oz. 30 cents, . . 10 Boston Market, of low growth, somewhat branching, white, crisp, and a favorite of the market gardeners in the vicinity of Boston ; per oz. 35 cents, 10 Sealey's Leviathan, white, very large and solid, unsurpassed in flavor ; per oz. 25 cents, . 5 Laing's Mammoth Red, fine flavor, large; excellent keeper; per oz. 25 cents, 5 Carter's Incomparable Dwarf Dark Crim- son, like Turner's Incomparable Dwarf in everything but color, being crimson ; oz. 30 cts., 10 Turnip- Rooted, (Celeriac,) forming Turnip- shaped bulbs, of Celery flavor; per oz. 25 cts,, 5 Seeds for Flavoring. This is seed too old for vegetation, but excellent for flavoring pickles, etc.; per lb. $1.00; per oz 10 CORN, page 105. Early Minnesota, by far the best very early Sweet Corn we have ever tried. Plant rather dwarf, ears fine for so early a variety, and of good quality ; per pint 25 cents, 10 Campbell's Extra Early Sixty Days, an early, good Corn, sweet, with very small cob, nearly as early as the Minnesota ; per pint 25 cents, . la Russell's Prolific, a very superior early variety. It is the earliest first-class Sweet Corn. Ears eight to ten inches in length ; per pint 25 cents, 10 Moore's Early Concord, a very good Corn, very much prized in the neighborhood of Bos- ton ; ears large; ripens after Russell's, and in earliness about with Early Eight Rowed, or Crosby's; per pint 25 cents, 10 Crosby's Early, nearly as early as Russell's Pro- lific, ears about as long, or a little longer, very thick, havnig from twelve to sixteen rows. A very desirable Corn for the private garden and for market, like the old Asylum, but earlier; per pint 25 cents, 10 Early Eight-Rowed Sugar, following the pre- ceding in time cf maturity ; excellent ; ears about nine inches long and very fine; per pint 25 cents, 10 Stowell's Evergreen, late; very select and pure ; per pint 25 cents, 10 Parching, best white ; per pint 25 cents, ... 10 CUCUMBERS, pages 105 and 106. AMERICAN VARIETIES. Early Russian, very early, hardy and produc- tive; small, growing in pairs; per lb. ^2.00; per oz. 20 cents, 10 Early Netted Russian, new, and very promising 25 Early Green Cluster, next In earliness to the Russian; small, prickly, in clusters, produc- tive ; per lb. $1.25 ; per oz. 15 cents, 5 Early Frame, a good variety for pickling and table, of medium size; per lb. %i.i'^; per oz. 15 cents, 5 Early White Spine, an excellent variety for table ; very pretty and a great bearer; a favor- ite with market growers, and called " New York Market;" per lb. ^1.25; per oz. 15 cents, ... 5 Improved Long Green, a very fine long fruit of excellent quality; per lb. $r.^Q; per oz. 15 cents, 5 FOREIGN VARIETIES. Long Green Southgate, one of the finest old English varieties, pretty hardy, 15 Chinese Long Green, long, productive and hardy, 15 Stockwood, fine, hardy, standard sort; every way superior, 15 "Wood's Long Ridge, a fine, hardy variety, . 15 Bedfordshire Surprise, hardy and excellent, . 15 Giant of Arnstadt, one ofthe finest, good bearer, 25 RoUisson's Telegraph, one ofthe best, ... 25 General Grant, new and excellent, 25. Carter's Champion, a fine winter variety, . , 25 Lord Kenyon's Favorite, a very fine, large, black-spined English variety, 25 Cuthill's Highland Mary, very superior and productive; hardy; fine for forcing, 25 Sion House Improved, fine; constant; good bearer; one of the best English sorts, .... 25 Mills' Jewess, 25 Sir Colin Campbell, fine, large, black-spined, . 25 Swan Neck, a new variety; very promising, 25 EGG PLANT, page 106. Early Long Purple, eight or nine inches long, productive ; per oz. 45 cents, 5 Round Purple, medium size ; per oz. 40 cents, 5 Improved New York Purple, very large and fine, the best ; per oz. 60 cents ; half oz. 40 cts., 10 Striped, fine fruit and beautiful, 10 Black Pekin, per oz. 75 cents ; half oz. 45 cents, 10 ENDIVE, pajre 118. Green Curled, per ib. $2.50; per oz. 25 cents, . 5 "White Curled, per lb. $2.50; per oz. 25 cents, . 5 Batavian, per lb. §2.25; per oz. 25 cents, ... 5 KOHL RABI, page 107. Large Early Purple, beautiful purple, tender, and excellent for the table ; lb. jjz.oo ; oz. 20Cts., 5 Large Early \Vhite, fine and tender for table ; per lb. S2.0-J : per oz. 20 cents, 5 Large Late Green, large and excellent for stock; per lb. g2.o-o ; per 02. 20 , 5 Large Late Purple, large and fine for stock; per Ib. $2.00; per oz. 20 cents,' 5 Early "White "Vienna, delicate, much prized for forcing ; per lb, $5.00 ; per oz. 40 cents, ... 10 Early Purple Vienna, another forcing variety, similar to above except in color; per lb. S5.00; per oz. 40 cents, 10 LEEK, page U8. Broad Flag, per lb. $3. 00 ; per oz. 30 cents, . . 10 Musselburg, per lb. g6.oo ; per oz. 50 cents, . 20 LETTUCE, pciii^e 107. Malta Drumhead, or Ice Cabbage, ver>' large and superb ; ptr oz. 25 cents, 5 Large Pale Green Asiatic, a large and good Cabbage variety ; per oz. 25 cents 5 Victoria Cabbag*;, hardy and fine for early sowing; per oz., 25 cts,, 5 Neapolitan Cabbage, very large; best variety for summer; per oz., 30c., 5 Imperial "White, large Cabbage; hardy, desira- ble for winter sowing; oz., 25 cts,, 5 All the Year Round, a \cr>' hardy, compact growing Cabbage Lettuce, with small, close heads; in perfection a long time; oz., 40c., . . 10 Satisfaction, a new English variety, large, unusually tender ; remaining in head a long time, 20 New Premium Cabbage, good solid head, keeping in good condition without going to seed longer than any other variety' ; e.xcellent for all uses and seasons ; per oz., 50c., 10 "Wheeler's Tom Thumb, a new d\\arf variety, of excellent quality, with fine, white, solid heart: per oz. 50 cents, 10 Early Tennis Ball, one of the earliest and best heading varieties ; per oz., 25c 5 Early Egg, very early; the best for forcing; small, beautiful yellow head : per oz,, ^oc. . . 5 Hardy Green "Winter, the old Hammersmith; considered the best Winter Lettuce ; oz,.25c., . 5 Green Curled, a very beautiful sort for garnish- ing, fair quality, early ; per oz, ,25c., 5 "White Silesian, early; rather loose head ; ten- der; per oz., 25c., 5 Carter's Giant "White Cos, new ; superb, large and exceedingly tender ; per oz.. 50c, 10 Paris "White Cos, one of the best of the Cos varieties; per oz,. 25c., 5 Cut Leaved, a new, handsome, hardysort. See Floral Guide for 1876, No. i, page 45, for de- scription, 20 MARTYNIA, page 92. proboscidea, per oz. 75 cents, la- MELONS, page 93. T.IUSK MHLONS. Early Christina, early^ yellow fleshed ; per lb. g2.oo ; per oz. 20 cents, ^° Jenny Lind, small fruit, but verj- fine quality, moderately early; per ft, $2.00; oz. 20 cents, . 10 Prolific Nutmeg, a verj' good, hardy and pro- lific variety, fruit medium size, sometimes pret- ty large, roundish, netted, flesh thick, green and of verj' excellent flavor; per lb. ?2. 50; oz. 25 cts. 10 Nutmeg, medium size, round, fle.sh green, of good quality; per ft. 51. 5^. ; per oz. 15 cents, ... 5 "White Japanese, deliciously and delicately sweet, flesh thick, verj' pale green, skin creamy white and ven,- thin ; per ft. 52.50 ; oz. 25 cents, 10 Fine Netted, an early, delicious melon; per ft. $2.00; per oz. 20 cents, 10 Green Citron, large, with thick, green flesh, good flavor ; per ft. $2.00 ; oz. 20 cents, . ... 10 Pineapple, dark green, oval, netted, flesh thick, sweet and juicy ; per ft. >;2.oo ; oz. 20 cents, . . 10 Persian, \-er>' large, rather late, green fleshed ; per lb, *,2.oo ; per oz. 20 cents, 10 Casaba, a new \-ariety, oblong, and verj- large, fine flavor, yellowish green flesh and netted skin ; per lb. $2.50; per oz. 25 cents, 10 W.A.TER MELONS. Mountain Sweet, dark green, flesh red. sweet and rich, early and hardy ; ft. ^i^-'^^^; oz. 10 cts. 5 Mountain Sprout, long, striped; scarlet flesh, one of the best, but not quite as early as Moini- iain S-iVcet : per ft. $1.25 ; per oz. 15 cents, . . 10 Elack Spanish, an old variety and one of the richest; round, rather small, dark green ; red flesh, sweet and rich ; per ft. 1.25 ; oz.,i5C.. 10 Goodwin's Imperial, a good melon for ama- teurs, of fine quality ; per oz. 30 cents, ... 10 "Vick's Early. Long, smooth, rather small, flesh bright pink, solid, sweet, and the earliest Melon we are acquainted with, 25 Orange. The flesh separates erisily from the rind, fair quality ; per oz. 25 cents, 10 Citron, for preserves ; per lb, 51.25 ; oz. 15 cents, 10 MUSTARD, page 93. "White, best for salad or culinarj" purposes; per Ib. 50 cents, per oz. lo cenLs, 5 Chinese, a variety with larger leaves and more succulent stems than the other sorts, and prized for salad ; per Ib, 50 cents, per oz. 10 cents. . . 5 Black, this is the kind usually used for commer- cial Mustard, being stronger than the White; per lb, 30 cents ; per oz., 10 cents, 5 ONIONS, pages 94 and 95. .AMERICAN V.'VRTKTIES. A good deal 0/ cheap Western and California Onion Seed Ti'i// /-e offered this season. Ours is all 0/ home g-7-ozL'th, from pure se/eeted Onions. "Wethersfield Red, one of the best varieties for a general crop; of good size; red, roundish, producti\-e; heads and keeps well; per ft,, Sr.50; per oz., 25c,, . la Early Red. early : good ; perft.,?3-*^: c*^.. ^.r. ro Danvers Yellow, a fine, large, round Onion ; very choice : per ft, . $;.oo ; per oz, , 3cc. , . . ro Large "Yellow, a fine, large, flat Onion ; forms bulbs readily : per ft., $2. 50; pero2.,25c., . , 10 "White Globe, a large, white Onion, as large as Danvers Yellow ; per Ib. 54.00 ; per oz. 40 cents ro FOREIGN VARIETIES. Onions, Large Strasburg, flesh-colored; large; good keeper and productive; lb,, ^2.00; oz.,2oc., 10 Large Oval Madeira, or New Giant, flat; very large and good ; per ft)., $2.00 ; oz., 20c., / 10 Large Round Madeira, or New Giant, per H>.,$2.oo; per oz. ,20c., 10 White Lisbon, a very pretty, round, white Onion, almost 4 inches in diameter, a fair keeper, and a splendid variety for warm cli- mates, like the South or South-west; per lb,, $2,00; peroz.,2oc., 10 Silver-Skinned, true, white; delicate; early; not a good keeper; per ft)., ^2.00; per oz., zoc, 10 NEW ITALIAN ONIONS. New Giant Rocca, of Naples, a splendid large Onion, of globular shape, and light brown skin ; weight as exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society, of London, 3 pounds, 9 ounces ; per ft)., $5.00; per oz., 40c., 15 Large Blood Red Italian Tripoli, more flat than the preceding, quite as large, and blood red; per ft),, g6.oo ; per oz. ,50c., 15 Large Flat "White Italian Tripoli, very pure white skin, flat, very mild flavor; and as large as either of the above; per ft)., ^6,00; oz., 50c., 15 Early Flat White Italian Tripoli, beautiful white skin, very mild, of rapid growth, early ; per lb. S6.00; per oz. 50 cents, 15 Marzajola, new, and represented as the earliest Onion grown. In warm climates seed sown in autumn produces large bulbs in March ; per ft) g6.oo ; oz., 50c., 15 New Queen, white skin, fine flavor, and the best keeper of the new foreign Onions ; rather small ; per ft)., gS.oo ; per oz., 65c., 25 OKRA, page 111. Long Green, long, pale green, and ribbed; per lb. ^i.oo; per oz, 10 cents, S DwarfWhite, earliest and best for the North; per lb. $1.00; per oz. 10 cents, 5 PARSLEY, page 111. Enfield Matchless, one of the most delicate of the Gurled sorts ; per lb. gi.oo; oz. 10 cents, . 5 Myatt's Garnishing, large, finely curled, bright green; per lb. $1.00; oz. 10 cents, 5 Carter's Champion Moss Curled, somewhat similar to Myatt's Garnishing, but ver^' much superior, especially for garnishing purposes ; per lb. 5i.oo; per oz. 10 cents, 5 Giant Curled, very large growth, finely curled; per lb. 75 cents ; per oz. 10 cents, 5 Covent Garden, the most elegant curled Parsley grown for garnishing purposes; per lb. ^r.oo; per oz. 10 cents, 5 PUMPKINS, page 111. Large Cheese, large, skin reddish orange; flesh thick, fine and sweet; lb. jgir.oo; oz. 10 cents, . 5 Cushaw, solid flesh, fine and sweet; keeps well ; per lb. Si .00 ; per oz. 10 cents, 5 Connecticut Field, lb. 50 cents ; oz. 10 cents, . 5 PARSNIPS, page 112. Long Hollow Crown, one of the very best Pars- nips grown, either for stock or the table; per lb. Si.oo; per oz. 10 cents, 5 Carter's New Maltese, claiming to be a mark- ed improvement over all old sorts ; per lb. $2.50 ; per oz., 25 cents, 10 1 PEPPERS, page 112. Tomato-formed Red, large — 3 inches in diam- eter and 2 inches in length— ribbed ; flesh thick, mild and pleasant ; per oz. 30 cents, 5 Large Bell very large — nearly 4 inches long and 3 in diameter; glossy red, early, flesh thick and very mild; per oz. 30 cents, 5 Sweet Mountain, or Mammoth, much like Bell, perhaps a little larger; per oz. 50 cents, . 10 Monstrous, or Grossum, a French variety, the largest we have ever grown ; per oz. 50 cents, . 10 Long Red, beautiful and productive, 4 inches in length and an inch or more in diameter; flesh thick and pungent; a good substitute for Cay- enne; per oz. 30 cents, 5 Long Yellow^, similar to the above except in color ; both are late, and the plants should be started in a hot-bed ; per oz, 30 cents, .... 5 Cayenne, small, pungent ; the Cayenne Pepper of commerce; per oz. 35 cents, 5 Cherry-formed small, round, very productive, makes a pretty plant ; very hot : per oz. 35 cts., 5 PEAS, page 113. EARLIEST. Carter's First Crop, earliest and most product- ive ; height, 30 inches, and giving a large crop for so early a Pea , per quart, 60c. , 10 Kentish Invicta, round, blue Pea, and the ear- liest blue variety grown, and only a day or so after First Crop, excellent; 2 feet m height; per quart, 80c., 20 McLean's Little Gem, a green, wrmkled, marrow Pea, as dwarf as Tom Thumb, of a deli- cious, rich, sugary flavor; very early ; per quart, 8ac., ' 20 McLean's Advancer, a dwarf, green, wrinkled marrow, of fine flavor and very prolific; per quart, yoc, 15 Laxton's Alpha, an excellent wrmkled Pea, about as early as Little Gem, growing about 30 inches ; per quart, 80c., 20 Nutting's No. I, a very excellent Pea; dwarf, about 15 inches in height, verj' early, product- ive, and of fine quality ; per quart, 80c. , ... 20 Tom Thumb, very dwarf, 8 or 10 inches ; per quart, 70c., 15 Blue Peter, habit like Tom Thumb, but more robust, almost as dwarf, and immensely pro- ductive. We saw it in England, and it seemed to us the most promising of the new Peas for the American grower; per quart, goc, , .... 20 Waite's Caractacus, one of the best and most productive early Peas, strong grower and ne.\t in earllness to Carter's First Crop ; per quart, 50 cents, 10 Early Kent, 3 feet ; the common early market Pea here; per quart, 50c. , 10 SECOND EARLY. Laxton's Prolific Early Long Pod, a very productive, long-podded variety, having from II to 12 Peas in each pod ; it is very hardy, and may be put in the ground as soon as the frost is out ; per quart, 60c., ^'^ McLean's Premier, a large, wrinkled Pea, in fact, the largest and finest looking Pea we have ever seen. It is claimed, in Europe, to be one of the best Peas in cultivation, both for product-, iveness and flavor ; per quart, 70c., 15 Napoleon, 30 inches; wrinkled; light green ;i rich, sweet ; per quart, 70c., 15 Peas, Eugenie, Z'^ inches ; wrinkled ; white ; sweet anJ rich ; per quart, 70c., McLean's Princess Royal, i foot; very pro- ductive, long podded, sweet ; per quart, 60 cents, LATE CROP. Carter's Surprise, an improved large blue Pea, excellent in quality, and very productive; per quart, 60 cents, Blue Imperial, 3 to 4 feet ; very hardy and pro- ductive ; fair quality ; per quart, 50 cents, , . Dwarf ^Vaterloo Marrow, a splendid Pea, of very dwarf Tom Thumb habit; per quart, 80 cents, Yorkshire Hero, a very fine, large, dwarf, wrinkled variety, of good quality and product- ive ; per quart, 60 cents, Champion of England, 5 feet; rich; sweet; popular everywhere; per quart, 50 cents, . . . Dwarf Sugar, 3 feet; pods skinless and edible; good quality shelled ; per quart, 80 cents, . . . Tall Sugar, 5 feet; edible pods, very large and long ; per quart, 80 cents, RHUBARB, page 113. Myatt's Victoria, per oz., 25 cents, Linnaeus, per oz., 25 cents, RADISHES, page 114. Rose Olive-Shaped, oval; very tender and excellent; an inch and a half long; flesh rose color ; per lb., $1.00 ; per oz., 10 cents, . . . , Scarlet Olive-Shaped, like the above except m color; per lb., gi.oo ; per oz., 10 cents, .... Scarlet Olive-Shaped, White Tip, called New French Breakfast; very tender and beautiful; per lb., $1.00 ; per oz., 10 cents, "White Olive-Shaped, like the other olive- shaped varieties in everything except color; per fb., Si.oo ; per oz., 10 cents, Long Scarlet Short -Top, the favorite long market Radish everywhere ; 6 or 7 inches long; per Tb., $1.00 ; per oz., 10 cents, Salmon Color, like Scarlet Short-Top, but lighter in color : per Tb.,Si .00 ; per oz., 10 cents, Long 'W^hite Naples, a beautiful long, clear white Radish, tinged with green at the top; excellent for a late Radish; per lb., gi.oo per oz., 10 cents, Red Turnip, round ; about an inch in diameter; skin scarlet; flesh white ; good; per Ib.,^i.oo; per oz., 10 cents, White Turnip, similar to above except in color, and being less pungent and a few days later; per !b,, $1.00 per oz., 10 cents, Yellow Turnip, similar to the above except m color; per ft)., ;j;i.oo; per 02., to cent.*?, .... Chinese Rose Winter, sow m summer, same as Turnips ; per lb., ?r.25 ; per oz., 15 cents, . Chinese White Winter, an excellent white winter Radish, like Chinese Rose, except in color; per ft)., $1.25 ; per oz., 15 cents, .... Black Spanish W^inter, Round, per lb., $1.00; per oz., ID cents, Black Spanish Winter, Long, per fl"i., ;pi.oo; per oz., 10 cents, Large White Spanish W^inter, per fti., $1.50 ; per oz., 15 cents, California Mammoth ^^^hite "Winter, is really a Chinese Radish, grown by the Chinese in California; 8 to 12 inches long, and from 2 to 3 inches in diameter; white, solid and good flavor; per lb., ^3. 50 ; per 02, . 30 cents, . . . SALSIFY, page 114. Salsify, per lb., gi.50; per oz., 15 cents, .... S Black, or Scorzonera, a black variety, with a somewhat bitter root, not much used at present ; per oz., 25 cents, Jo SEA KALE. Per oz. 35 cents, *** SQUASHES, page 115, Early Bush Scollop, a good, early. Summer Squash, taking but little room, and bearing abundantly ; plant in hills three feet apart ; per tt)., 1.25 ; per oz., 15 cents, 10 Early Bush Crook-Necked, the richest sum- mer Squash; verj- early and productive; plant m hills three feet apart ; per S)., gT,25 ; per oz., 15 cents, ^O' Hubbard, an excellent Squash, almost as good as the Sweet Potato; per ft)., ?i.5o; per oz.. 15 cents, 10 Marblehead, a very good winter Squash, resem- bling the Hubbard, sometimes quite as good, though more variable; per B>.,$i.5o; P'^i" o^-j 15 cents, 10 Butnam. This is a new variety', evidently from the Hubbard, and in appearance almost like the light colored variety of the Hubbard, when first introduced. ^^'e have had some sp'^cimens for trial, and it is the driest Squash we have ever eaten, and on this account, if this good quality is constant, will be prized. The flavor does not suit our taste as well as the Hubbard, 25. Turban, or Turk's Cap, a good fall and early winter Squash, greenish in color, striped with white ; in form it somewhat resembles a turban; flesh orange; almost as good as Hubbard, and weighing about six pounds; per lb., 52.25 ; per oz., 23 cents 10 Boston Marrow, agood, tenderjrich variety, for fall and winter ; per lb, ^ 51.50 ; per oz., 15 cents, 10- Winter Crook-Neck, of fair quality, very hardy and a good keeper; per lb., 51.50 ; per oz, , 15 cents, 70 SPINACH, page 115. Prickly, or Fall, hardiest and best for fall or very early spring sowing; per B)., 75 ci^ts ; per oz. , 10 cenLs, 5 Round, or Summer, for spring sowing; per &., 75 cents ; per oz., 10 cents, 5 New Zealand, ver^' large and luxuriant ; endures drouth well, and produces a large quantity of leaves; plants should stand at least two feet apart; per ib., 52.00 ; per oz., 20 cents, . ... 10 TOMATOES, page IIG. Hubbard's Curled Leaf, the earliest ef all the Tomatoes ; small to medium in size, some speci- mens irregular; plant dwarf in habit; set half the usual distance apart; the leaves curl as though the plants were drying up ; oz., 25 cts., 5 Early Smooth Red, early, smooth, round, me- dium size, of fair quality, and productive ; per oz., 30 cents, 5 Gen. Grant, a very superior, good sized Tomato, smooth, rather flat in form: of good quality, and ripens rapidly and thoroughly ; oz., 30 cts., 5 Hathavay's Excelsior, early, medium to large, smooth as an apple; very solid, and of e.\ eel- lent quality every way ; the best Tomato I have ever grown ; per oz., 40 cents ; per half oz., 25 cenis, 5 Tomato, Trophy, very large, pretty smooth, very solid, and of fair quality ; too late or it would be popular ; per oz., 50 cents ; half oz., 30 cents, . 10 Green Gage, a new, smooth^ orange-colored To- mato; less than medium size; of very go®d flavor, 10 Persian, a very large, solid variety, of delicate flavor, and beautiful creamy yellow in color ; per oz., 25 cents, 5 Large Yellow, bright yellow, large, smooth ; per oz, , 30 cents, 5 Pear-Shaped, fine for preserving and pickling, , 5 Plum-Shaped, Yellow, for preserving and pickling, 5 Cherry, Yellow and Red, for preserving or pick- ling, each, 5 Strawberry, or "Winter Cherry, a distinct spe- cies ; prized for preserving, 10 TURNIPS, page 117. ENGLISH TUKNIPS. Early White Flat Dutch, size medium ; grows quick ; per lb. $1.00 ; per oz. , 10 cents, .... 5 Early Yellow Dutch, one of the best fur the garden; per lb, ^ gi.oo ; per oz., 10 cents, ... 5 White Norfolk, a popular variety for feeding; per Iti, , Jii.oo ; per oz, , 10 cents 5 Strap-Leaved White-Top, roundish, of medi- um size ; one of the best, either for market or family use ; per fl>., $1,00 ; per oz., 10 cents, . 5 Strap-Leaved Red-Top, similar to above, pur- ple above ground ; per K). , ^i.oo; per oz. , loc. , 5 Early White Stone, a good, globe-shaped Tur- nip; per P"i, , gi.oo : per oz., 10 cents, 5 Early Yellov/ Stone, similar to above, except in color ; per !b., $r.oo ; per oz., 10 cents, . . . 5 Early White Six Weeks, or Snow Ball, very early and fine; per ft)., $1,00 ; per oz., 10 cents, 5 White Globe, large, white; fine for field cul- ture; per fl")., $1.00 ; per oz., 10 cents, .... 5 Orange Jelly, a very beautiful yellow Turnip. one of the very best yellows for the table ; per tt).,$i.oo; per oz,, ID cents, 5 Long Red Tankard, good and productive sort for field crop, per !b., $1,00; per oz., 10 cents, 5 Green-Top Yellow Aberdeen, excellent, per fti.igi.oo; peroz., 10 cents, 5 Yellow Malta, fine, rather small, very smooth; per ft)., $1.00 ; per oz., 10 cents, 5 Jersey Navet, a new, delicate, white Turnip, long, somewhat like the Parsnip in form; one of the best for the table, very sweet; per t»., $-1.50; peroz., 15 cents, 10 Teltow, a well-known -German variety; flesh white, firm, sweet and of excellent flavor; per lb., $1.00; oz,, IOC, 5 RUTA-EAGA, OR SWEDE TURNIPS. White Sweet, a large, white, solid Swede, some- times called White Russian ; lb., $1.00; oz.,ioc., 5 "White Red-Top, a French Swede, with reddish purple top, sweet and solid ; per lb., $1.00; per oz,, 10 cents, ■ 5 Green-Top, a round, solid, sweet variety, very productive: per lb., $1.00; per oz., 10 cents, . 5 Laing's Purple-Top, an old and favorite vari- ety, good keeper, solid and productive ; per lb., $1.00: per oz., 10 cents, 5 Carter's Imperial Purple-Top, claimed to be the best Purple-top grown ; very hardy ; per lb., J!i.oo; peroz., 10 cents, 5 Tlarnips, Marshall's Extra Purple-Top, a cele- brated English variety, and one of the verj' best ; per lb., gi.oo ; per oz., 10 cents, 5 Skirving's Liverpool, very smooth, good quality, and of medium size, very solid and sweet ; supposed to be the best for a shallow soil; per lb., $1.00 ; per oz. 10 cents, 5 Sutton's Champion, a good English variety, very much resembling Marshall's Extra Purple- top ; per lb., ^i. 00 ; per oz,, 10 cents, .... 5 Large London, a good and very reliable long keeping variety ; per lb., ^i. 00 ; oz., 10 cents, . 5 HERBS, page 119. Anise; Arnica; Balm; Basil, Sweet ; Bene ; Bor- age; Caraway; Catnep ; Coriander; Cumin; Dill; Fennel, Large Sweet ; Horehound ; Hys- sop; Lavender; Marjoram, Sweet ; Rosemary; Rue; Saffron; Sage; Savory, Summer; Sa- vory, Winter; Tansy; Thyme, Broad-Leaved English; Thyme, Summer; Thyme, Winter ; Wormwood ; each, 5 GRASSES AND CLOVER. At the price per bushel we deliver to Express Com- pany here or on board cars. No charge for bags or packing. By the quart we prepay postage. Crested Dog's Tail, ( Cynosurus crisiatvs ,')<\uz.r\., 75 Kentucky Blue Grass, [Poa pratensis^) clean seed; per bushel, $:•. 50 ; peck, 85 cents ; quart. 25 Orchard Grass, {Dactylis glofiterata,)\>fLr\i\\.%\\^\, ^4.00; peck, 1.25; quart, 3*^ Pacey's Perennial Rye (jy^ss^^Louuhi pcrcnK>\ , per bushel, $4.00 ; peck, $1.35 ; quart, .... 30 Red Top, {Agrostis inilgaris,) per bushel, £2.5'''; peck, 85 cents ; quart, 25 Sheep's Fescue, ' Festuca ovina,) per quart, , . 35 Slender-Leaved Fescue, '.Fcsiuca tcnuifolia,) jer quart, 35 Sweet Vernal Grass, [Antlioxanthum odora- /■?(;«,) per ft^., gi.oo ; peroz., 10 Lawn Grass, fine mixed; per bushel, £4.00 ; per peck, $1.25; per quart, 3° Clover, White, per ft), by mail, 75 cents ; per loj lbs., delivered to railroad here, #50-°^ Alsike, per lb., by mail, 75 cents; per 100 lbs., delivered to railroad here, 50.00 Scarlet, {Trifolium incur natinn), per lb., by mail, 50 cents ; per 100 lbs,, delivered here, . 25.00 Lucerne, (Alfalfa,) per lb., by mail, 75 cents; 100 lbs., delivered here, "^o.rxy Lucerne, (California Alfalfa,) per lb., by mail, 75 cents ; per 100 lbs., delivered here, . 50.00 Spring Vetches, per lb,, by mail, 35 cents ; per 100 lbs., delivered here 10.00 Sainfoin, per lb., by mail, 6a cents ; per bushel, delivered here, osx> GRASS SEED IN BULK, BY MAIL. peck. bush. Blue Grass, post-paid, S^.^S S-c^ Orchard Grass, " 165 6.50 Red Top, " ^-"5 500 Lawn Grass, '' ^-75 7'^ ONION SETS. We keep on hand usually a good stock of Onion Set.vers in variety. 50 Immortelles, per bunch, mixed or separate, ... 50 Ornamental Grasses, natural or dyed, per bunch, 50 " " natural colors, in great vari- ety, per lb 3 25 " " other colors, as green, blue, rose, etc. . per lb 4 5° " " mixed — -colored and natural, 4 00 Feather Grass, {Stifia pcnnata.) 15 inches high, in white, per lb. 3 50 Feather Grass, 15 inches high, in 5 colors, per lb. 5 00 Mi.Ycd bunches of Feather Grass and Ornamental Grasses Half a pound will be sufficient to fill two large Vases. Rtatice/'ic\ hvb., resembling the white Erica, bunch 35 Moss, light and dark green, per bunch, 25 cts.; lb. i 25 COLLECTIONS. On account of the weak stems it will be necessary to put all the flowers and the Moss on fine wire; without do-ing this the bouquet ne\'er will look fine. If the flowers are for baskets, a little wood- en stick can be tied on the flower stem, dipped in paste or gum, and then inse in the moss, which will keep the flowers in just the posi tion desired. (See little engraving.) No. I, Collection of Immortelles, Everlastings, Ornamental Grasses, Green Moss, sufficient 50 erted to make up a good sized bouquet. The same on wire, , Si. 00 to 3 00 . S1.25 to 4 GO No. 2, Collection of Immortelles, Everlastings, Grasses, Moss, sufficient for a good sized basket, basket included, any shape. Si. 25 to 3 00 No. 3, Collection of Green AIoss, White Immor- telles, or White Everlastings, White Statice, andgreen leavesfor awreathorcross, Si.ooto 3 00 Bouquet Wire, fine, 2co stems, 8 inches long, . . 25 Wooden Spikes, per 500, 25 cents; per 2,500, . . 75 Round Hand Bouquets with Ornamental Papers, of all sizes, from 60 cents to ,^4.00 each. Pyramidal Bouquets with Ornamental Papers, from 75 cents to S5-°o each. Flat Bouquets, from 60 cents to $5.00 each. Round Baskets without Handles, from 50 cents to Si-75- Round Baskets with Handles, from 50 cts. to Si -50 each. Oval Baskets with Handles, from 40 cents to S5-oo each. The Baskets are fine White Willow, and imported. Wreaths in White and Green, from $1.00 to ■^d.oo each. Crosses, from ^1.00 to %,^.ress, and these we are sure to get, and the cost is very little. 4th. Registered Letters. — When mone.y cannot be sent by either of the first three methods, it maybe enclosed in a Registered Letter. The cost of registering is 10 cents. ifc^ The expense of forwarding money in either of the above ways I will pay, and the cost may be deducted from the amount forwarded. '%S. 5th. Sums less than One Dollar may be forwarded by mail at my risk without registering. When remittances are not made according to these directions, we disclaim all responsibility- Forward Money with the Order.— In the busy season we have to fill more than two thousand orders each day. To make out bills for custo^ers, and mail, charge on our books, then, in a few days, receive the money, make the proper credit and send receipt, requires more work than we can possibly perform. Please, therefore, send money with the order, and it will so facilitate our business that your order will be promptly executed. Don't Forget your Name, Post Office or State.— Those who order, will please remember to give their Navies Post Ofjice, County and State, as plain as possible. Neglect of this causes us sometimes a great deal of trouble and our friends unnecessary uneasiness. Often we have a hundred letters without names on hand at one time. Please be sure the name you give is the name of your Post Office, and not of your town, or residence, or village. I have put up separate collections of the choicest seeds in neat envelopes, and these are very de?;irable to those who may wish a complete assortment of any particular class of flowers. A Fine Collection of Asters, embracing most of the best sorts, $i oo Balsams, " " " 3'^ DiANTHUS, " " " I 03 Cockscomb, embracing six best varieties, 5° Pansies. choice fancy colors. ?i '>3 and 2 00 Phlox Drummondii, most brilliant sorts, i oo Ten-Weeks Stock, most superb lot, best sorL-^, i 00 Everlasting Flowers, most desirable sorts, so cents and i 00 Ornamental Grasses, the best and most beautiful, packages at 50 cents or i 00 Selection of Varieties. — Some prefer to leave the selection of varieties to me ; and in cases where purchasers are entirely unacquainted with the different varieties of flowers, this may be the better plan. Those who do so, should state what they have already, if any; for, unless informed of this fact, in some cases articles may be forwarded that are not needed. Those who are com- mencing: the cultivation of flowers will find the collections named below suited to their wants. No. 1. Collection of Fine No. 2. No. 3. No. 4. Annuals, $1 00 " 2 00 " Biennials and Perennials 3 00 00 No. 1 consists of about thirteen of the most hardy and popular Annuals ; No. 2 about twenty varieties of hardy popular Annuals, and a few varieties that require a little more care in their culture ; No. 3 is composed of about twenty varieties of Annuals, and twelve of the best Biennials and Perennials; No. 4 contains about twenty-five varieties of Annuals, and about the same num- ber of Perennials. Collections of Vegetables. — Hundreds of my customers prefer leaving the selection of Vegetables to me, and at a time when, in consequence of the press of business, I cannot give the time needed for a iudicious choice. I have, therefore, taken a leisure time to make careful selec- tions, and will have them put up in readiness for those who may desire. No, I, Complete Collection of Vegetables for small family garden, ?3 o^ No. 2. " ■' " " •■ "5 oo No. 3. " " " for large family garden 10 00 The ver)' liberal premiums offered to Clubs are included in the above Collections. FORMATION OP CLUBS. The lovers of flowers in any neighborhood may easily club together and send their orders in one letter, and thus avail themselves of the deductions I make on large orders. Those who desire Catalogues to aid them in the formation of Clubs ^\■ill be furnished free. For the purpose of encouraging the formation of such Clubs, and as a slight compensation for the eflbrt, I make the following liberal offer : Persons sending $i may select seeds at Catalogue prices amounting to «i lo " [] - '] ]\ _" '' 2 =5 -' " " " " 3 45 " ;; + " 'I " '■ 4 7° 5 " " " '■ 6 c« " 10 " " " " 12 50 =0 " " " " 26 00 These will be put up together and sent to one address, or in sr/'arak i^ncka^ts, and mailed to the address of each individual forming the club, as may be desired. In all cases the postao-e will be prefaid. The s.ame deduction will, of coui-se, be made to any one person ordering for himself alone. It must always be undei-stood, however, that this discount is allowed only on Flower and Vegetable Seeds by the packet, and not on seeds by the ounce or pound, nor on Bulbs ; nor can we pay this discount in Bulbs, or seeds by the pound. Otherwise, in many cases it would bring the price far below cost. E\'eiT person who sends us One Dollar or more for either Seeds or Bulbs is entitled to the Fi.or.-xl GuinE for one year. Persons ordering Seeds for Clubs will please furnish Names and Post Office address of those who wish the Guide. OUR FLORAL CHROMOS. For the puipuse of increasing the love of Flowers, we have, for several years, published at least one Chromo each year. They are not cheap things, but beautiful pictures, true to nature, and superior to any Floral Chromes in Europe or America ; every Flower is of natural size and color. We sell them at the actual cost, without profit. Each Chromo is accompanied by a Key, giving the names of all the Flowers. The little slr CHROMO H is called Il'iiihv lii-Joors ajid Oj/t, anil reyire^ent.-- a stanil covered w ilh winter Bowers, liouse plants, etc., while from the window is ^eeu the leafless trees, the snow - covered hillside, and other evidences ol w inter. CHROMO G is a basket of flowers, 26 va- rieties, and a veiy beautiful and artistic work. It i> 12 by 16 inches, being made small at the request of some of my customeni who desired at least one small one for convenience of arranging. CHROMO I i> our new Lily Chro.mo, including all the California varieties, and, we think, is the most complete and perfect group of Lilies in the worhl. It take- the place of our S old Chromo E, which lacked some new sorts. PRICE OF CHROMOS. — Framed in Black Walnut and Gilt, and very neat, $2.75. No charge for boxing or shipping, but those ordering must pay the freight. The whole Eight, framed, $20.00. Our Chromos are about 19 by 24 inches, except otherwise noted. Our G Chromo, which is only 12 by 16 inches, we sell at 50 cents each, on paper, and $1.00 on stretch- ers, pre-paid. Framed in Black Walnut and Gilt, $2.00. ""■ '.Inut and Gilt, $2.00. i^,,t ^^A n;!*- tt^ ^^