editor's table. 



beautiful summer and autumn flowering plants in cultivation ; there is a neatness in the 

 glossy green foliage and compact habit of well managed plants of it, that is at all times 

 pleasing. And if we add to this the large, round, dark purple flowers which are produced 

 on every branch in great abundance, we shall find that we have few plants more attractive. 



Peach Culture. — It is with much pleasure we present our readers, in the present number, 

 with an account of the mode of culture of the peach, written by Samuel T. Jones, Esq., to 

 whose eminent success we have repeatedly alluded. Its simplicity alone will recommend 

 it. The largest tree in Mr. Jones's garden failed last spring ; the trunk, at this moment, 

 measures, at the surface of the ground, four feet in circumference ; a man's body averages 

 three feet only ; at six or eight inches above the ground, it measures three feet, and was, 

 doubtless, something more when distended with sap. Other trees in the vicinity measure 

 as follows : — 



In circumference, at the surface. In circumference, six to eight inches above. 



Three feet, Two feet, seven inches, 



u u « « eight " 



Two " seven inches. 



Three " two and a half inches. 



The lamentations respecting the peach are all gammon, to use a vulgar phrase. We have 

 seen them at Mr. Jones's, and in his vicinity, as well as at Mr. Liirman's, near Baltimore, 

 this season, as fine and as fruitful as ever. All they want is proper treatment, and it is well 

 to know what that consists of. 



Grapes. — The season is prolific in new varieties of grapes ; from J. Fisk Allen, Esq., we 

 have received a box of specimens of his new hybrids. The Rebecca, all our correspondents 

 agree in praising very highly, and, by the report of the Pomological Society, it will be seen 

 that new seedlings, raised by Mr. Raabe, of Philadelphia, are exciting attention. 



Our specimen of " Allen's Hybrid," a white gi'ape, ripening in August, is highly satisfac- 

 tory — indeed, we pronounce it the best yet produced ; if it prove hardy, which is hoped, it 

 will be a most desirable acquisition, and it is equal to any in flavor. 



Allen's No. 8, raised under glass, is a black grape, which it is hoped will also be hardy ; 

 about the size of Isabella, and excellent. 



No. 3 is larger than Isabella, but not being ripe we cannot characterize. It has a good 



appearance. Mr. AUen is entitled to great credit for his exertions in this department. He 



says : — 



Salem, Mass., Oct. 6, 1856. 



J. Jay Smitu, Esq. — Dear Sir : According to my promise, I now send you specimens of 



Allen's Hybrid, a white grape, and a Black Hybrid, No. 8. Tliese were raised under glass, 



but not forced, and on an eastern exposure, where but a few hours' sun fell upon the house 



or vine. The white grape flowered on the 7th of May, and was ripe the 15th of August, and 



has hung upon the vine since, during all the excessive rains of the \)S.&i two mouths, 



amounting, in my garden, to sixteen and a half inches, witliout decay of any amount. Tliis 



grape is as early (if not earlier) in maturing as any European variety of any value. In 



quality, equal to the Cliasselas in its best condition. Tlie vine has stood the last winter in 



the open air, and, I have no doubt, will prove sufficiently hardy for open culture on walls of 



houses, and, I hope, will even be suitable for field culture. No. 8 is not so good or so 



as the white, but it is free from pulp and the foxy flavor. Several other vines of the 



