102 Ga?'den Topics. 



stroying Caierpillars. — An excellent remedy, which has been used on a large 

 in Southern France, consists in a dilute solution of sulphide of potassium, at 



Desti 

 scale 



the rate of about one part in five hundred. The infested plants are to be sprinkled 

 with the decoction by means of a garden syringe, and it is said that vegetation is 

 not in the least injured by its application. 



Tntj>rorenieiit.H around \Z>ivellin(/s. 



The following good suggestions are from the pen of Mr, D. Breckenridge, the 

 Floral editor of the American Farmer: 



The approaches of carriage drives to the country seats of our wealthy population, 

 are very much too narrow ; and the planting of tall growing trees, as well as of 

 those of low growing, spreading habit, too near the verge, is a serious mistake which 

 some owners of estates of considerable pretensions have found out to their cost. 

 We think it would be well if those who contemplate planting ornamental trees, 

 shrubs, etc., would observe the habit and size of trees of native growth of the kinds 

 usually so much admired in their young state. For instance, a Norway Spruce, 

 five feet in height, may have a handsome appearance when placed ten feet from the 

 walk or drive, but fifteen to thirty years hence it will be a very different affair. 

 But the Norway Spruce must always, however, have a prominent place in ornamental 

 planting, being perfectly hardy and of good habit ; and it would make an excellent 

 background for avenue planting, if planted at a sufiicient distance to allow of 

 planting trees and shrubs of lowe^ growth and distinct habit in front of them. 



Then we have Thujopsis Borealis, Hemlock {Abies caiiadeiisis) , and Cupressus 

 Lawsoniana — the last a tree of handsome growth, but having planted a great 

 many in years gone by, and having carefully observed it almost since its introduc- 

 tion into England, I am free to say that I have never seen a perfect plant of that 

 variety; they invariably have a bare place somewhere. Nevertheless, this Cypress, 

 I think, deserves a prominent place in ornamental planting. Of Arbor Vitae we 

 have two or three distinct varieties ; and, again of Yews, we have those of both the 

 erect and of spreading habit. Of Junipers, we may mention J. Chinensis, J. 

 Hibernica; and of Retinisporge, we have some hardy and pretty. In some situa- 

 tions, raised beds planted with Ivies, have a good effect ; beds also of carefully select- 

 ed hardy herbaceous plants might afterwards be introduced with much satisfaction, 

 and with a little attention would give flowers the whole summer. Many undeservedly 

 neglected plants might thus be again brought into favor. 



Garden Vetjotables, 



We condense report from committee of vegetables, of Western N. Y. Society, as 

 originally published in the R^iral Home: 



An expression of opinion as to the best and earliest tomatoes was called for. Mr. 

 Charlton named General Grant as best for general crop. Mr. Elliott spoke highly 

 of Hathaway's Excelsior as being next to Hubbard's Curled Leaf in earliness, 

 smooth, solid, and more delicate than Trophy. P. C. Reynolds, Rochester, agreed 

 with Mr. Elliott. 



