164 ^ ^Prussian Seed I^arm. 



of double blossoms. In one enclosure, we noticed a large wheel had been recently 

 introduced for the purpose of forcing water to an elevated tank, whence it was dis- 

 tributed all over the grounds ; thus one man can now irrigate as much surface as in 

 former times three men accomplished with buckets. 



The garden of four acres devoted to testing vegetable seeds is unique in its way. 

 Here were specimens of 3,400 varieties growing, each in its little division, carefully 

 labelled with name and date of sowing, so that customers could not only have an 

 opportunity of making the acquaintance of each, but also ascertain the germinating 

 quality of the seeds, and the percentage that grow. 



About eight acres are covered with Balsams (Lady-Slippers, my elderly friends), 

 of almost innumerable shades of color, as well as a great diversity in height. These 

 were set about eighteen inches apart, and the ground preserved scrupulously clean. 

 They require, possibly, more water than any of the so-called "florist's flowers," and 

 consequently the surface of the soil had been daily drenched. An exceedingly pretty 

 Feverfew, named Mabricaria eximium grandiflorum, was here in perfection, with pure 

 white flowers, neatly quilled. Phlox Drummondii, grown in four-feet beds, was of 

 course a leading feature (ten or twelve acres covered), and the striking difference in 

 color was especially remarked. A variety — William the First — was very distinct, 

 maroon ground, with a white stripe on each petal. In the vast collection of pinks I 

 was particularly struck with the showy Dianthus laciniatus, occupying about one acre, 

 These were not only double (only one-fifth single originally), but very brilliant in the 

 various shades. This strain is said to be the finest in the market. Other kinds of 

 pinks were here in endless profusion, and well worthy of notice, as, for instance, the 

 D. Hcddewegii, covering one acre, and the Diadem Pink, about half an acre. The 

 pansies and larkspurs richly deserve mention, but the excessive drought had told 

 severely on their flowers. Enough remained, however, to tell the tale of beautyj 

 and we could well imagine how attractive they must have appeared early in the sea- 

 son. As we approached the marigold department, embracing two acres, one must 

 see to understand the rich golden color spread out before us. Tinted like the rays 

 of the setting sun, from a pale lemon to a bright yellow, and then changing to a 

 brilliant orange, no work of art could possibly equal it. In the distance, skirting 

 the outer edge, we could see the striped French varieties, forming an agreeable frame, 

 as it were, to the picture. I had previously been prejudiced against this simple, old- 

 fashioned flower, but I must confess my feelings underwent an entire change before 

 leaving this gorgeous sight. Equally as brilliant, and embracing a greater diversity 

 of tints, was the immense collection of tropoeolums, perhaps better known as nastur- 

 tiums. Several acres laid out in beds, with each kind pure and uncontaminated, side 

 by side, produced an effect that was really grand. Could «ar old-time florists step 

 into these grounds, and take a glance at the wonderful impr.oy>ement made in this old- 

 fashioned garden vegetable, they would undoubtedly be at least slightly astonished to 

 see " 'sturtions " so very attractive. 



The Scarlet Tom Thumb was probably most brilliant, and King Theodore the 

 deepest in color. Twenty-five acres of asters was next visited, but unfortunately the 

 flowers were only just commencing to expand, and consequently w.e were not able to 

 enjoy their beauty as we could have wished; but enough were ,out to judge of their 



