41-i STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Now, it may seem thnt nothing can well be urged against such an arrange- 

 ment, as such a bed is planted in accordance with the laws of color. This is to 

 some extent true, but such a bed will always be inferior to one planted on ex- 

 actly opposite principles. lu such an arrangement the center and the band 

 encircling it monopolize the vision, and the bed seems much less than it really 

 is ; the edging and boundary line is vague and indistinct, and it requires an 

 effort to comprehend the whole. Planted the other way, the effect is exactly 

 the reverse. When the center beds of a design are arranged in harmony with 

 each other, and the outer beds consist of complementary colors, the central 

 effect is agreeably subdued, while the outlines of the design stand out in bold 

 relief, and with a distinctness not otlierwise attainable. In the case of a single 

 bed the effect is similar. Many, however, plant yearly with only one end in 

 view, — the filling of the beds, — and no matter how great the medley, if the 

 plants grow well they are content. — Rural JVew Yorker. 



FLOWER BEDS. 



One of the most beautiful things that can be made in the flower-bed line is to 

 sow in a cut sjiacc in the lawn a bed of double Portulacca. The flowers will not 

 all come double, but every single one should be picked out before it seeds, and 

 allow only the most beautiful ones to perfect the seed. The same ground 

 will be self-sown from year to year, and if the selection is carefully attended to 

 will grow finer with the years. The reason for cutting a bed out of the lawn is 

 that the flower becomes an evil, and a very troublesome one, in the garden, and 

 the safest way is to hedge it in and away from cultivated land. Such a bed is, 

 during all the summer season, from eight or nine o'clock until afternoon, a 

 perfect glory of beautiful color. S. Q. Lent. 



SUMMER CARE OF GARDENS. 



Under the above title Wni. Falconer, Superintendent of Botanic Gardens 

 of Cambridge, gives the following excellent hints : 



Well, looking to our gardens just as they are now (mid-June) let us see what 

 they contain or may contain, and how we may enhance and perpetuate their 

 beauty and desirableness. First of all rigid cleanliness is imperative. 



GRASS. 



If we have grass lawns, walks, verges, or banks, they should be frequently 

 cut over with the mower or scythe, but in the event of drouth it is better to 

 delay mowing, particularly in the case of banks, and merely switch off long 

 straggling grasses and weeds with the sickle ; for if frequently and closely cut, 

 the banks will get sunburned. Grass edges should be sheared after every 



mowmg. 



W.VLKS. 



If the walks be of gravel or coal a:^hc3, they will need frequent cleaning, and 

 rolling if practicable, but if asphaltum, swee[)ing will suUice. 



