174 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



The Secretary read the following translations and extracts from the for- 

 eign and domestic works received by the Institute since the last meeting, 



[Journal de la Socicte Imperiale pt Ccntrale d'HorticuUure — Napoleon 3d, Protecteur, 

 Paris, September, 1868.] 



HYBRID RHODODENDRONS. 



"We owe to John Standish, of England, many fine varieties, and his Per- 

 fection, Minnie and Mrs. Standish. His first hybrids were obtained from 

 the least flower bearers, the Maximum and the Arboreum. They stand hot 

 weather better than others. Their flowers are very compact and of the 

 most beautiful shades of color. That able English Horticulturist says : I 

 have always found that a hybrid produced from tv:o other hybrids are much 

 more flower bearing than one from two different species. To produce vig- 

 orous hybrids, it is indispensible to use two species or on two hybrids 

 which have great affinity to each other. He says that he has hybridized 

 the Sikkim and the Bhotan Rhododendrons, and expects flowers not only 

 very beautiful, but also possessing odour. 



TREES FROM SEED. 



The celebrated Belgian, Van Mons, says that the fruit of all seedling 

 trees is degenerate, and after the second and third generations, &c., the 

 fruit improves. He recommends planting seeds of the ivorst fruits, which 

 will continue to ameliorate for several generations. 



SETTING OUT YOUNG PEACH AND PEAR TREES. 



[Monatschrift fur Pomologie, March and April, 1858.] 



Mr. Fischer, of Kaaden, transplanted many thousands of pear trees, of 

 one. year's growth, from seed sown in an asparagus bed. He pruned one- 

 half of them at transplanting, the other half not. The latter succeeded far 

 better than the former. He thought the cause of this was clear, (viz :) be- 

 cause at this first stage of growth, the growth of the roots predominates, 

 and the terminal root (tap-root,) always best and most perfect of the roots ; 

 the others being feeble in comparison. 



WASHINGTONIA GIGANTEA. 



This great tree, of California, has been grown from the seed very success- 

 fully by Mr. Fuller, of Williamsburgh, Long Island, who has exhibited 

 them at our Farmers' Club, last summer. We are glad to see that Phila- 

 delphia has planted some in Independence square, a few days ago. Also 

 some of the Franklinias — the fine tree of our forest, so called by the cele- 

 brated John Bartram, long ago. Also, Magnolia Conspicua, Dog-wood, 

 and the Silver Bell tree. This new planting was done by William Saun- 

 ders, of Germantowu, well known as an able landscape gardener, under the 

 direction of the committee on public lauds, of which Mr. Cuylcr is chair- 

 man. 



