158 



THE CANADIAN HGRT1CULTURIS2 



chard Soils." And there were demonstra- 

 tions — always intensely interesting — in 

 pruning, grafting, packing, etc. 



The president's address resumed the work 

 of the year, and pointed out the needs of the 

 times. He wants co-operation as a neces- 

 sity here where orchards are small and 

 mixed ; a subsidized line of steamers to 

 Britain ; uniformity in packages (the con- 

 vention adopted the lo x ii x 20 box) ; 

 registration for tree sellers and grafters, and 

 better transportation, with lower rates by 

 rail and water. He dilated on the value of 

 the domestic market too, and advocated the 

 jamming, pulping, evaporating of inferior 

 fruit. The matter of central councils ini- 

 tiated here was further advanced in details. 



The president and executive were heartily 

 thanked for the services rendet-ed in the 



past, and the onus of office placed again on 

 their shoulders, the government being asked, 

 by special resolution, to make some attempt 

 to recompense them. Replying, as presi- 

 dent, I acknowledged my deep obligation to 

 tiie association for the great honor conferred 

 upon me so persistently, and promise 

 faithful service, although some one else 

 might more worthily preside over its desti- 

 nies. The only new name on the board is 

 that of Edward Bayfield, Esq., a past presi- 

 dent. 



Everything points to a good year for 

 horticulture here. We extend our best 

 wishes to our Ontario co-workers, and 

 hope that every movement of our associa- 

 tions may be upward and onward for 

 Canada. A. E. Burke;. 



Alberton. P. E. I. 



FIRST FLOWERS OF SPRING 



HOW many know that one's own home 

 yard can become a wondrous spec- 

 tacle long before the shady covert of ttie 

 woods sends forth the wild bloom? So 

 early as the first of March, or even the last 

 of February, we welcome the dainty Snow- 

 drop, modestly drooping its dainty cups, 

 even while the snow lies heaped in shady 

 nooks near at hand. Then the Crocus, of 

 various colors, puts forth a plea for recogni- 

 tion. Among the earliest blooming varie- 

 ties of these bulbs are the small yellow with 

 black stripes, quite unique. Then the large 

 white, pure large yellow, purple, and a 

 novelty among them is a certain red-bloom- 

 ing variety with slender, pointed flower- 

 cups, distinct from the others. Then comes, 

 almost at the same time, our Glory-of-the- 

 Snow, a dainty white and blue flower only 



lately introduced. But chief among these 

 spring beauties, and held as prime favorites, 

 comes the marvelous bloom of a whole for- 

 est of Scillas. Then, indeed, does summer 

 seem to be upon the way, when the bees are 

 wild with delight, and the blue and white 

 mystery looks up laughingly and demands 

 whether there was ever anything half so 

 sweet or winsome, just at home. Borders 

 of these are very attractive for the garden 

 beds or set in little groups in the midst of 

 the sod upon the lawn, where they do quite 

 as well as elsewhere, and are sure to sur- 

 prise somebody. They seed themselves, and 

 increase very rapidly, and will bloom all 

 through April and May. It is well worth 

 the trial of flower lovers to invest in these 

 earliest of spring flowers, so easy of culture 

 and so delightful. — Vick's Magazine. 



