Chester Cocntt HoRTicnLTURAi. Society. — The stated meeting for July was held in the Society's Hall, on the 

 12th inst., Vice-President J. H. Bull, Esq., presiding. 



Plants and Flowers. — From the collection of Josiah Hoopes, viz: Ten specimen plants of Gloxinias : Begonia 

 parviflora, B. lanceolata, B. Prestonien.sis, Ruellia formosa, Russellia juncea, Cissus discolor, Torrenia asiatica, 

 Centradenia florabunda, Nepeuthus distillatorius, Lycopodium arborenm, L. denticulatum, Hoya bella, Echitcs 

 picta, E. Nutens, Acrostichium alcicorue. New. — Fuchsia Mrs. Story and Prince Albert, Cephalotus foUicularis, 

 Geraniums amazon, and golden chain. 



From J. L. Darlington & Co. Fine plant of Fuchsia Empress Eugenia, and a splendid collection of seedling 

 double Hollyhocks. Also, a handsome bouquet. 



Fruit. — From J. & M. Bennett's. Red and purple Antwerp and common black Raspberries, red Dutch and 

 black Naples Currants, Kentish, and two seedling varieties of Cherries. 



From J. H. Bull's. Orange, Red Antwerp, and Gushing Raspberries. 



From S. P. Hoopes's. Franconia Raspberries. 



From M. B. Thomas's. Three varieties of Gooseberries. 



From Josiah Hoopes's. Raspberries, viz: River's Monthly, Knevett's Giant, Fastolff, Orange, Hudson River 

 Antwerp, Franconia, Gushing, River's Antwerp, Common Red Antwerp, Vice-President French, Ohio Everbear- 

 ing, Col. Wilder, Thunderer, and Common Black. 



Troth's early Red Peaches (forced), and Red Dutch Currants. 



Two gentlemen were elected members. 



By order of the 



PrBLicATioN Committee. 



SEPTEMBER. 



BY T\T:LLIAM SAUNDERS. 



Vegetable Garden. — All vacant ground should be turned over, and left in a rough 

 state that it may be pulverized by frosts. Strong loamy soils cannot be profitably cultivated 

 unless advantage is taken of the meliorating and gratuitous fertilizing properties of the 

 atmosphere. A small portion of the subsoil may be annually brought to the surface, in 

 order to liberate and render available any inorganic substances in its composition. Soils 

 of a ferruginous character, especially, require such treatment, and it is of much importance 

 to turn them over occasionally, in order to expose new surfaces and bring the hitherto 

 excluded earths to the action of the atmosphere. Frost is a valuable auxiliary in this 

 matter. In freezing the water expands and the earthy particles are separated, and d.uriug 

 the thawing process a gradual crumbling and granulation take place, producing a friability 

 not readily attained by any other means. 



There are few soils actually deficient in inorganic materials, were they duly exposed to 

 the air, so that their latent principles of fertility would be rendered actjve and available 

 for the uses of vegetation. 



A further object of much moment, resulting from the exposure of soil to winter frosts, 

 is the destruction it occasions to insects and their larvre, by disturbing and breaking up 

 their lurking places and nests. This mode of destroying insects is more effectual than is 

 generally supposed. Indeed, when a thorough system of cultivation is pursued, it is sel- 

 dom found necessary to resort to expedients which are frequently rendered necessary to 

 counteract defective management. 



The winter crops should be encouraged towards maturity by freqxient cultivation. Celery 

 should be slightly earthed up as it progresses in growth. Some cultivators prefer growing 

 it to its full size before earthing up, others earth up so closely as to injure growth. A 

 medium course is perhaps preferable. When the earthing up is delayed too long, blanch- 

 ing will be imperfect, and size will be gained at the expense of quality. 



Lettuce should be planted in frames, for early winter use, a few radish seeds may be 

 sprinkled among the plants. 



Hardy Frpit. — Strawberry plantations may be set out this month. Select plants from 

 healthy vines, and mulch immediately after planting, if convenient. Those potted last 

 month for forcing, should receive plenty of water, and be kept clear of runners. 



Gathering Fruit. — Pears should be gathered before being fully ripe. All of them are 

 improved when ripened in the house, and many of our best sorts may be ripened to insipidity 

 by hanging too long on the tree. Fruit that is to be kept for months must be very care- 

 fully handled ; the slightest bruise favors early decay. A good criterion is to gather 

 as the seeds change to a brown color, which is easily ascertained. 



