THE RED ASTRACHAN APPLE. 



houses, the naked, solitary appearance of the house is unrelieved. Few things give 

 importance and consequence, and even variety to a mansion as the accompaniment 

 or attendance of the inferior parts in their different gradations. Even the stables 

 may be made to contribute to the beauty of the whole scene, and to raise, not de- 

 grade, the principal part. The "cellar kitchen" in the country is only tolerable 

 where the house is situated on a declivity; the expression of purpose is here pal- 

 pable and even agreeable, as we know at once the object, and do not feel that the 

 inmates are troubled with the dampness which more or less accompanies all under- 

 ground rooms, and is so needless where space is abundant in the country. A terraced 

 garden on a steep declivity has the expression we are enforcing, in the same degree 

 as a covered walk from the house to the conservatory j or a covered porch for the 

 carriage to drive under at the door; they may even be somewhat out of keeping 

 with the architecture of the place, but the expression of purpose satisfies the mind ; 

 the utility is at once apparent. An ambitious tower, too high for the mansion, has 

 evidently a purpose, but we never see one without reflecting on the toils of the resi- 

 dent, and of how very soon his ascending steps to obtain the view, give way to 

 ennui and fatigue; a view to be thoroughly enjoyed must be within reach without 

 fatigue; indeed, should present itself when the enjoyment of repose after needful 

 toil inclines to rest and contemplation. A high tower, after a certain number of 

 ascents, is apt to be only a part of the exterior aspect of the mansion and is then left 

 to its own enjoyment. The purpose was a cherished one to the builder; the view 

 is exhibited to visitors, and then forgotten ; whereas if it occurred in a stroll through 

 the grounds, or was the accompaniment of a bower in the garden, it would be a per- 

 petual source of delight. We have known a site selected purely because a great 

 city could be seen from the roof, and the owner has confessed that he goes wp on an 

 average but once a year. 



THE RED ASTRACHAN APPLE.* 



Among the most beautiful of Apples are a few varieties which it is said are of Rus- 

 sian origin. 



These are the Red AstracJian, Duchess of Oldcnhurg, Borovilski/, Alexander or 

 Emperor Alexander, and Tetofsky, all summer apples. 



None of. these can be classed as first rate table apples, but their great beauty, vi- 

 gorous habit and early and great productiveness, render them well worthy of attention. 



The Red Astrachan is by far the most popular of them all, and the most widely 

 disseminated, indeed we believe it stands next to the Early Harvest. It has proved 

 successful through all the Northern, Middle, and Western States. The tree is sound 

 and vigorous, with stout dark shoots, and broad dark green foliage; no apple tree 

 can be more ornamental. It succeeds particufarly well on the Paradise stock, 

 making a large, luxuriant and prolific bush. We have seen specimens this season 



* See Frontispiece. 



