EDITOR'S TABLE. 



sound knowledge disseminated. The entire field of science is covered by the yaiious questions 

 proposed, with what success it is not our province here to say. 



At the meeting on February Tth, a very important subject was on tlie paper for diseiissiou — 

 " Tlie EmbdHsloncnts of Farms and Gardens." Wii. Lawton", of New Rochelle, \Ve?tclicster 

 county, was in the Chair. Few of the gentlemeu present felt disposed to enter on the subject of 

 the day; and, at the request of the Secretary, R. R. Scotx offered the following observations: 



"K. E. Scott — The subject is not so unimportant .is may at first sight appear; and, if considered in an extended 

 sense, is worthy of more attention than some of the gentlemen present accord to it. Embellislimcnts may be con- 

 sidered in two classes; those which, while they afford oniament, are also remunerative, or at least of some utility. 

 Ornamental farm buildings may be considered as embellishments, while they may be more convenient than those 

 constructed without ornate character. A very important point may be gained by embellishing the farm. Those per- 

 sons accustomed to city life, and opposed to living in rural residences, may be induced by degrees to take an interest 

 in agriculture, tending to draw more capital into this most healthy and remunerative of all occupations. As to the 

 embellishment of the garden ; the garden, properly laid out, is itself an embellishment as a whole, but if the proper 

 taste is not displayed, and the various objects thrown together confusedly, it ceases to be so. It would appear pre- 

 sumptuous in me to occupy the Club when otliers, nmch more experienced, have declined to open the subject. My 

 purpose was to show that economy and embellishment might be united to a certain extent. 



Professor Mapes — I concur in the remark of Mr. Scott respecting the importance of the subject, and only regret I 

 am not sufHciently conversant with the details to discuss it. I am not prepared to dictate to men of taste in the orna- 

 mental department of the farm and garden. The shape of trees itself is an important matter ; for beauty in them, 

 as in all other races of vegetables and animals, is spoiled by want of arrangement The pruning-knife must 

 be used to regulate them, but with skill, and other equally important matters attended to. The eye readily detects 

 the departure from the line of beauty; and the interspersing of trees, of varied outline and figure, adds variety to the 

 landscape. No man should make his approaches by straight lines. The curved line is by all admitted to be the 

 proper one in such cases ; the letter S is a good example. The genius of Dow^■IXG was equal to this task, and 

 McXamara's system of clumping is very approfiriate. The arrangement of colors must be kept in view ; how would 

 a lady look whose head was of a color not in accordance with the remaining portions of her dress? A red head- 

 dress, yellow body, and blue skirt, would appear to be but three distinct pieces of a woman. 



The Chair made some veiy good observations on the importance of planting valuable ornamental trees; such as 

 Black Walnut. Butternut, English AValnut, Ehn, Beech (Purple and Copper), Ash, and a variety of choice hardy 

 shrubs. Cedars are very ornamental. A very fine specimen of the Cedar of Lebanon may be seen at the residence 

 of Mr. Ash, Throgs Neck, "Westchester county ; it is seventy years old. Trees grow while men sleep, and are gradu- 

 ally increasing in value. 



E. G. Pakdee — I feel a little the importance of this subject, but am sorry that I have been late in coming in. 

 Planting of trees is but little attended to ; not so much as it should be. One difficulty is that many do not know how 

 to commence, or how to plant a tree ; and must employ others who have a knowledge of the operation. One great 

 means to remove this want, is the reading of horticultural periodicals. The Rmticnlturist, for instance, when in the 

 hands of Mr. DowjiixG — and indeed, now, under the management of Mr. Barky — has effected much, and is deci- 

 dedly the most useful work of its kind in the country. ^luch information may be obtained by conversation and inter- 

 course with such men. Visit the different places, and observe the treatment adopted by men of experience and 

 taste. Eemoving and transplanting large trees is little understood by most men; all it requires is a little skill and 

 expense. 



Jlr. Pardee went on at length to show the advantage of arlioriculture. 



xV .gentleman introduced the Magnolia as a good subject for conversation; and requested in- 

 formation as to the Swamp Magnolia, which he obtained from Messrs. Mapes, Lodge, Lawtox, 

 and others. 



Mr. Lawtox had a plant sent to him by Messrs. Paksoxs, as JfaffiwUa grandiflora, which had proved quite 

 hardy. 



Mr. Lodge doubted that it was grandiflora, as that is an evergreen, and should not lose its leaves in a suitable 

 climate. Many shrubs and i)lants arc more hardy than is supposed ; my Camellias stand well during the winter, and 

 will flower at a temperature of 31= to 30= Fahrenheit, if sheltered. In reply to several gentlemen, Mr. L. stated 

 that his plants were young, and had not yet bloomed out doors. 



The CuAip. urged the importance of planting at a good distance, as trees grew nipidly and became too close in a 

 few years; take space enough at the beginning. 



Prof. Mapes allude<l to the peculiarity of the Magnolia seeds ; they hang from the seed vessel by a cord, and in 

 moist weather fall, burying themselves in the soil, lie tried to bury them by throwing them with force on the ground, 

 but did not succeed. 



The Cn^UR introduced the Grevillii, Lady Grcville's Rose, or the Seven Sisters, as it is com- 

 monly called. He entered into a minute and somewhat exaggerated description of its claims to vj 

 tion, and recommended it to all persons who were embellishing their gardens. It was soLl 



a 



