THE PKLARGOMUM. 



Tannic acid is adduced by Dr. Hull, as one of those substances that "is demanded 

 as an increased, correspondent and specific nutrition, that bears no proportion to the ex- 

 act analysis," because the strawberry contains but a trace of it, Avhile it seems to be so 

 largely appropriated by the plant. 



But where is evidence that tannic acid has anv thing to do with the nutiition of the 

 strawberry? Have not other cultivators produced strawberries equaling tiiose of Dr. 

 Hull, without application of tannic acid ? 



I conclude, therefore, that Dr. Hull's experiments furnisli no sati.sfactor}' evidence of 

 the truth of his closing statement, that tlie [iractical cultivator caii perfect the finest fruit 

 in abundance and richness, by selecting potash from among the inorganic, and tannic acid 

 from among the organic constituents of this delicious gift from the " Givei- of all good." 

 At the same time, abundant teslimonj' is furnislied of tlie efficacy of tan-bark as a mulch- 

 ing, and of " potash neutialized with muck," as a fertilizer. 



However valuable Dr. Hull's experiments may be, practicall\-, the}^ are entirely too 

 vague to have an}' effect in establishing theory. 



His fertilizing applications are either of very complicated, or of almost unknown com- 

 position. Necessaril}' the quantities of each are also unknown. Tlie soil is unanalysed. 

 Organic and inorganic manures are used on the same jilants. The physical and physio- 

 logical conditions of the plant are not taken into the account. In fine, the sources of enor 

 are so numerous, and so little understood, as to be incapable of elimination. 



Thus much of criticism, I have thought due to rational culture, and conclude by ex- 

 pressing a hope that I have not misunderstood nor misrepresented Dr. Hull's statements. 



Samuel W. Joiixsox. 



De(p River, Lewis co., N. Y., November, ls.5-2. 



ON THE PELARGONIUM. 



BY AN AAIATEUR FRO."\I ENGLAND. 



I am one of those who have been, of late years, in the habit of growing that magnifi- 

 cent flower, the Pelargonium, for exhibition at the Horticultui'al Societies in London, 

 where those Avho have attended them, know the engraving that you have given to 

 your readers in volume 5, page 201, of the Horticulturist, is by no means an exaggerat- 

 ed representation of the general character of the geraniums produced there. I long to 

 see this, my favorite flower, grown in the same state of excellence in this country, and 

 I bj"- no means despair of having that pleasure; for I Avas gratified to see some specimens 

 at the exhibition of the New-York Horticultural Society, at jMetropolitan Hall, in June 

 last, which, although very fiir behind the standard of perfection which I am desirous to 

 hold forth for attainment, were, notwithstanding, very fiiirlj' grown, and evinced in their 

 general appearance an acquaintance with the plant, which will, I doubt not, enable the 

 grower of them, whose name I do not now recollect, to progress to the highest excellence 

 in their cultivation. I am happy to accord him my meed of praise; and I shall also be 

 glad, if he should not happen to be acquainted with the details of English practice, if I 

 can offer him any suggestions which can further his success. 



I hope that upon those who are not aware of the beauties of this famil}'- of plants, 

 the geraniums I have just been referring to, will have the effect of creating a desire to 

 possess in their own green-houses and gardens similar specimens. For when properly 



'm^'- 



