46 SPIK^A PHUNIFOLIA AND FORSITHIA VIRIDISSIMA 



"VVe stop here for the present with the intention of returning 

 to the subject in a future number. We have shown what are the 

 author's notions as to what manure will not do — we are next to 

 see what it really is calculated to effect. 



IV. — On Spircea prunifolia Jiore plow and Forsytlda viridis- 

 sima in the United States. By John Saul, Washington, D.C. 



(Communicated November 11, 1851.) 



Some idea of the beauty and condition of these plants in this 

 country may perhaps be gleaned from the following observa- 

 tions : — ■ 



Spircea prunifolia Jlore pleno. — When this plant first made its 

 appearance in England, and in some parts of the continent of 

 Europe, it was hailed as a great acquisition. It will be recol- 

 lected that Mr. Fortune sent it from China to the Horticultural 

 Society's Garden at Chiswick, and that Mr. Van Houtte had it 

 from Dr. Van Siebold. It was let out fiom Ghent at a high 

 price, and its sale I presume must have been extensive ; for it was 

 soon scattered over England in all directions. Nevertheless, 

 how few have been successful in cultivating it ! I have known 

 parties in England who had fine plants which they never bloomed 

 well ! Now, what were the causes of failure ? Let us ex- 

 amine how such subjects had been managed, and we shall pro- 

 bably discover something like a cause. The plants in England, 

 if grown in pots, were probably placed in a tolerably shady situa- 

 tion ; if planted in the open ground, a piece of well prepared soil 

 and sheltered situation were chosen for them : under both these 

 circumstances they grew well, and apparently matured their 

 wood ; I say apparently, for Avhen blooming time came, we had 

 green abortions, called flowers. Now, if we inquire into the 

 nature of the native climate of this plant, we shall soon perceive 

 the cause of so much disappointment with it in England. If I 

 describe the climate of the Middle States of this country, I shall, 

 I apprehend, very nearly represent its natural conditions; here 

 this plant is perfectly hardy, enduring a very low temperature. 

 The springs are warm, followed by intense sunnner heat, with 

 bright light ; autumn is also bright and warm. Under these cir- 

 cumstances the wond acquires a firmness and maturity whicli it 

 never attains in England. In the latter country, when ripe, it 

 has at best a greenish hue, very different from the brown rigid 

 appearance which it acquires in America. Spring comes, and 



