72 STATE HOETIOULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Eemember to adjust the level each time you take It out for use. 

 If your leveling-rod is divided into feet and tenths, instead of feet and 

 inches, the calculations will be much easier made. 



Eemember, if you cannot stick the staff into the ground on ac- 

 count of rock or frost, to not move it between the times of the two 

 readings. 



In conclusion, let me say that I regret ray absence from the State 

 during so many interesting meetings of the Society. 



If time will permit, I hope in the future to present the Society 

 with a monograph covering the whole subject of the application of the 

 principles of geology to horticulture and all other kindred pursuits. 



Herbaceous Plants and Shrubs. 



There is a wide difference in the number of plants classed as 

 X hardy and the number which are so in reality. Experience is the only 

 test by which the fact of their hardiness can be ascertained. It, is de- 

 termined in our climate, not by the degree of cold they can endure 

 unimpaired, but whether they can withstand the alternate freezing and 

 thawing of the late winter and early spring. This is the crucial test 

 of herbaceous — plants, soft-wooded varieties, such as hollyhocks and 

 Canterbury bells, frequently succumbing to the damp cold of early 

 spring. 



To the woman who has neither time nor inclination for gardening, 

 hardy plants are a boon. Planted in congenial situations, they require 

 but little attention, and are ever ready to supply the place of the more 

 pretentious bedders ; whether we grow the latter or not, a share of 

 attention should be bestowed on herbaceous plants — Iris, Peonias and 

 others making the garden gay before the bedders have begun to bloom, 

 and by a proper selection of varieties, having a continuation of bloom 

 until the last fall Asters are cut down by the frost. 



They should always, as near as possible, be planted where they 

 will be undisturbed, and the ground kept free from grass ; they will 

 need but little attention beyond a top-dressing in the fall of the year. 

 The best effect is attained when allowed to form large clumps, and, if 

 possible, given shrubs or low-growing trees for a background. Do 

 not spoil your lawn by dotting it over with plants or shrubs ; group 

 them where they will show to best advantage — dark foliage against 

 light, and vice versa. 



