The larjrer increase in bulk near the roots etiahles tlic tree to withstand the accu- 

 niiilatcd force of the winds, in conscciuonce of an increase of its top. 



One circnnistance nia}' be noted that has been broup;ht forward as a strong 

 argument for the downward flow of sap, and that is the fact that amateur cultiva- 

 tors sometimes practise what is called ringing a branch to induce fruitfulncss — 

 that is, cutting a ring of l)ark out of a limb, say a quarter of an inch wide, or 

 more, during summer. The effect is, that while the growth of leaves and smaller 

 branches is retarded, that part immediately above the incision will increase faster 

 than the part just below. And if we admit that the sap rises to the leaves through 

 the sap-wood, and descends beneath the bark, carrying with it matter ready pre- 

 pared for growth, the fact might be accounted for on the princii)le supposed. ]Jut 

 by admitting electricity as the decomposing agent, the fact can be as readily ac- 

 counted for. The carbonic acid gas imbibed by the roots and by the leaves, if 

 decomposed by electricity passing either upward or downward, would deposit its 

 carbon nearest to the place of entrance — that is, that what was received by the 

 roots would form wood nearest the roots, and that nearest the leaves would form 

 the wood of the upper branches. Hence the carbonic acid gas, in descending 

 from the leaves through the sap-water (the largest part of which lies immediately 

 beneath the bark), and meeting with an obstruction by the incfsion and removing 

 a portion of the bark, would accumulate and be decomposed there, thus adding a 

 larger portion of organizable matter to a less vigorous circulation, thereby inducing 

 greater fruitfulness ; for it is a wxll-known fact among orchardists, that a rapid 

 growth in wood is opposed to fruit bearing, and vice versa. 



The writer, having long felt an objection against the theory of the downward 

 flow of sap, as never having seen any facts in sup])ort of that view, was gratified 

 in reading the article on " Electro Culture," as the explanations on assimilation 

 and growth of vegetables in that article appeared more reasonable, and more in 

 accordance with known facts, and was entirely free from the difficulties of the 

 old theory. Claiming the right of every individual, however humble, to give his 

 views on any subject of inquiry, and wishing to see candid investigation promoted, 

 this essay is submitted to the readers of the Horticulturist. 



DESCRIPTION OF A COUNTRY HOUSE. 



DESIGNED BY FREDERICK C. WITHERS, ARCHITECT, NEWBURG, ON THE HUDSON. 



We have engraved for this month a country house, which is to be built on a 

 site where a fine view of the Hudson River, with the Highlands and West Point, 

 can be obtained from the windows of all the principal rooms. 



The entrance porch is made (as it should be in every house) a marked feature, 

 and is so arranged that it can be inclosed in the winter by hanging doors to the 

 archway. 



Upon entering the hall, the visitor finds himself directly opposite the door of 

 the drawing-room, which communicates with the dining-room on one side, and 

 with the library on the other, the three rooms thus forming an elegant and con- 

 venient suite. 



The outside angles of the library are cut off, and the windows and chimney are 

 placed in such a way, that a person sitting by the fire may, at the same time, enjoy 

 the lovely prospect whidh this room commands. In the opposite angles of this 

 room, book-cases take the place of the windows ; there are also book-cases at the 

 sides of the door leading to the drawing-room. The walls of the library 

 be panelled, and the floor inlaid with oak and black walnut. 



