"Prospects for JF'ruit near St. Josejj?/, 3ficMffan. 237 



plants, etc., shall be planted In our rural cemeteries, so varied are the circumstances ; 

 yet one thing we must plead against, that is, planting large growing trees near or 

 among the graves. If we must have them, let them be in some portion expressly 

 devoted to them. Our views are decided in this respect, after having seen the eiFect 

 on grave and tombstone where trees have stood to shade them. Stones are perisha- 

 ble, and where water drips from trees, together with the shade, the highest polish 

 soon becomes dull, and in time the stone crumbles ; and again, when the tree gets 

 large, the branches often decay, fall, and frequent damage is done to stone, or other 

 adornments. We appreciate the beauty and majesty of trees as highly as others, 

 still we think that there are places where they may become out of place. Small 

 shrubs and low growing plants are the most appropriate for grave decorations. As 

 a general thing the soil is too poor, and unless some improvement is made by adding 

 fertilizers or better soil, the range of plants is quite restricted, which will succeed. 



For shrubs we should prefer Deutzia gracilis, Pyrus Japonica, Syringas, Calycan- 

 thus or sweet scented Spireas, Weigela, Roses, etc. Flowering plants : The Day 

 Lily, which will grow on soil not very rich, and endure our winters, generally, with- 

 out protection ; the Pansy, White Iris, and Paeonies, for hardy perennials. In less 

 hardy we would select from our house or pot plants. Ivies, Flowering Maple, Gera- 

 nium, rose scented ; Verbena, white ; Coleus, etc. 



We dislike a plant inclined to spread rapidly, or to crowd out other plants, for 

 grave decoration. Of Roses we should select only the white flowered, for hardy. 

 Tea-scented for summer decoration. Plants and shrubs with white flowers would 

 suit our taste, still other colors are not to be entirely excluded where several varie- 

 ties are planted. — iV. E. Homestead. 



Prospects for Fruit near St. Joseph, MicMgan. 



WITH the exception of peaches and blackberries, fruit in this region has not been 

 materially injured by the winter. Young and vigorous peach trees are showino- 

 considerable bloom, and in a few instances it is reported thei-e is enough for a full 

 crop. Blackberries will be very scarce. The Clark and Philadelphia raspberries are 

 looking finely. Some varieties of the sweet cherry are injured in the bud, but not 

 enough, perhaps, to lessen the crop materially. Grapes of most varieties are putting 

 forth vigorously. Apple blossoms are plenty, and pear trees are as full of promise as 

 the man who seldom pays. 



Yellows ill J'each Trees. 



I notice a New Jersey fruit grower is very sure the yellows is caused by poor soil, 

 and that good soil and good culture will prevent it. This doctrine will certainly do 

 no harm, but the facts do not seem to support it. There are instances where only 

 one limb has shown the symptoms the first year, the rest of the tree producino- fruit 

 perfectly free from disease. It would be difiicult to explain how poor soil could affect 

 a small portion of the tree only. All speculations in regard to the causes of the mal- 

 adies to which fruit trees are subject, seem to be, thus far, fruitless. Perhaps it 

 would be just as well to conclude that they are the result of the little mistake of the 

 wife of the superintendent of the first fruit garden, and let the matter drop. 



tit. Joseph, Mich. J, A. D. 



