39G THE GARDENER. [Sept. 



United States, growing in bogs and the margins of lakes ; and though 

 introduced into this country about a century ago, has not yet been so 

 much valued as it deserves, as it is unquestionably one of the linest 

 early llowering-shrubs in cultivation. This to some extent may be 

 accounted for by the fact that it is deciduous and somewhat spare in 

 its growth, seldom bushy, and rarely exceeding 3 feet in lieight ; its 

 free-flowering habit, however, more than compensates for these defects, 

 and nothing can exceed its beauty, when, in the beginning of March or 

 early in April, before the young leaves make their appearance, it 

 unfolds its showy pale purple llowers. 



Along with a good rich peaty soil, the Rhodora should have a moist 

 and rather shady situation, as it will thrive and grow with an amount 

 of moisture which would kill the great majority of other American 

 shrubs. It is also one of our best plants for early forcing, as it is easily 

 flowered with a moderate degree of heat so early as January ; and if 

 afterwards kept shaded and cool, will remain a long time in perfection. 



Hugh Eraser. 



HITsTTS FOR AMATEURS.— SEPTEMBER. 



It is not uncommon at this season for those who intend planting fruit- 

 trees during the next and following months, to go to the nursery they 

 intend purchasing their trees from, to inspect the stock and make a 

 choice. " First come first served " is an old adage, and those who 

 avail themselves of an opportunity of going early, have a decided 

 advantage over those who wait till the dregs only are left. We could 

 name many nurseries where nothing inferior is sent out, but all of them 

 have their best trees selected and chosen by visitors to their grounds. 

 Trees which are expected to grow freely should be clean, free from 

 eruptions on the bark, no dead pieces from bad pruning ; all cuts 

 should be close and nicely healed over. Whether fan or horizontal, the 

 shoots should be regular, equal in growth, and the younger the better : 

 old stunted trees which have not been sold and have been cut back often 

 are worthless, and never make fine trees, and are always liable to die 

 piecemeal from canker, &c. This is especially apjDlicable to Apricots 

 and Morello Cherries. Ground which is to be planted cannot be too 

 early prepared, as the soil gets settled in time, and ready to receive the 

 occupants. Trenched ground, in which is incorporated good fresh soil, 

 is suitable. "Where loam cannot be had, and the natural soil is poor and 

 light, good cow-manure will in a great measure make up for the 

 absence of good soil. Very rich ground for any kind of fruit-trees is a 

 great evil, as they can always be helped with manure. A good mulching 



