= (^^^^^^ 



OKArKS AND GKArKKIES. 



Its tloptli of coloring sometimes gives it ratlier a sombre expression. To mc that 

 verv dark green is especiiilly pleasing in tlie mi'Iting days of suninnr. In the yard 

 of Dr. I>. B. Scott there are specimens, the talh-st of which is, perhaps, lliirty feet 

 hiijh, with a close, unbroken foliage. They have been universally admired by tree 

 connoisseurs. Some specimens transplanted into my father's groiuuls in Toledo eight 

 years ago — trees twenty years old from the seed — are almost always the most admired 

 in a collection of ten or twelve evergreens. Beside them the much overrated Balsam 

 Fir shows thin and lank. The Black Spruce has been sadly prejudged by those who 

 have gone the wi-ong way to work to get it. Like the Hemlock, you greatly mistake 

 its domesticated character by judging it from its appearance in the close forest, or by 

 specimens taken from the forest. Like most evergreens, too, it must be a thin, slow 

 growing tree for many years if transplanted from its native wilds; while, if taken 

 from thrifty nursery collections, it is sufliciently thrifty, and grows thick and compact. 

 Then there is the Red Cedar, a tree that no good collection should be without. It is 

 often scrawny in its wild, native retreats ; but it is not often so with good care in 

 open culture. 



GRAPES AND GRAPERIES. 



BY C, MONTREAL, C. E. 



In looking over the December number of the Horticultur'st (a work which I often 

 re-peruse with increased interest), I notice the queries of •' C, Chicago," regarding 

 the failure of his grape vines. Having had some experience in growing grapes, I beg 

 leave to inform the gentleman that his communication bears on the face of it the 

 cause of his failure, namely, the deficient state of the vine border. It is certainly the 

 first time I have heard of a border for grai)es being constructed of " light, sandy peat," 

 especially in a country like this, where the temperature ranges so high in summer, 

 accompanied often with long periods of drouth. AYhoever was wise enough to 

 recommend such a process deserves a " diploma and a gold medal." It is a soil I 

 would use for Rhododendrons or other "American" shrubs, but never for vines. I 

 would advise " C." to remove entirely his i)resent vine border, and substitute good loam 

 of a heavy nature, rotted turf, and well rotted stable manure. Indeed, he cannot do 

 better than follow the able editorial advice in answer to a correspondent contained on 

 page 5*76 of the December number. It is there said that "stable manure should form 

 the chief fertilizing inr/rcdicnt in every vine border" — an opinion with which I per- 

 fectly concur. AVith regard to the drainage, another important item, I have used, 

 with perhaps equal success, oyster shells, lime rubbish, or any similar substance 

 containing nourishment, and at the same time answering for drainage. I would by 

 all means advise " C." not to depend on the watering which his predecessor may have 

 given the vines. I have had no experience in the shading of vines with canvass or 

 any other material, as I never saw the necessity of using it in any country. I believe ^ 

 we have it here as hot in summer as at Chicago — the thermometer frequently ranging \X, 



