1^< 



THE NEW CONIFERS 



those in which a small number of plants or families of plants arc well grown. Few 

 amateurs become famous as cultivators, either in this or any other country, except 

 those who confine their attention to a small number of objects. In Europe, we hear 

 of one man famous for his Roses, another for his Pelargoniums, anotlier for his Pan- 

 sics, another for Tulips, Arc, and people will travel hundreds of miles to witness the 

 perfection to which each of these has attained in his special department. It is thus 

 that all classes of plants have been improved and brought to their present state of 

 perfection. Until amateurs in this country direct their attention more in this way to 

 the culture of special objects, we shall not see very great improvement in any partic- 

 ular department, nor will we have many novel varieties of home origin. Professional 

 cultivators, as well as amateurs, with us, aim generally at too much to do it well, or 

 as it should be done. A. nurseryman or florist of small means would, we think, do 

 much better by confining his attention to some special culture, and make himself 

 famous in it, rather than to dabble in all, and do none properly. In France there are 

 Rose-growers who devote their whole attention to Roses ; and purchasers in every 

 part of the world look to them for supplies. Very large establishments only can with 

 advantage embrace a general culture, because they can make each department a special 

 one, and manage it as if it were a separate concern. 



Gardening with us is but in its infancy. Every year thousands of persons are 

 turning their attention to it for the first time, and without any guide or preparation. 

 It is not surprising, therefore, that great errors are committed, and losses sustained. 

 "We think we have touched upon one of the most prevalent errors ; and we would be 

 glad to have a chapter on the subject from some of our amateur coiTespon dents, who 

 can write feelingly from experience. The season for bedding out summer-flowering 

 plants in masses, according to th^ prevailing fashion of modern gardening, is at hand, 

 and the suggestions we now ofter may be entitled to some consideration in directing 

 the choice of plants. Those who have little time to devote to the garden, will always 

 find their pleasure and profit promoted by choosing not a great variety, but such 

 things as are easily managed. 



THE NEW CONIFERJS. 



BY HENKY W. SAEGENT, WODENETHE, FISHKILL LANDING, N. Y. 



Some three years since, I think, at the request of Mr. Downing, I sent him for publi- 

 cation in the Horticulturist some memoranda respecting the effect of our northern 

 winters upon the new evergreens. It may not be unacceptable to such of your read- 

 ers as are interested in this matter, to give them the result of my increased experi- 

 ence in the cultivation of these trees. 



I would premise, in the first place, that the past winter has been a peculiarly trying 

 pon every species of tender or half-hardy plant. There have been great an 

 alternations of temperature, and the ground being often unprotected by sno 



