'--i. 



Critique on the December Number. — Seedling Potatoes. — In the rais- 

 ing of seedling potatoes, Mr. Campbell will find no rival ; he may be assured of 

 that. Si.x pounds of tubers from a single seed planted the past spring, including 

 thirty specimens, two thirds of which were of marketable size, is a measure of 

 success most extraordinary. Nothing in my own experience, or that has ever 

 come under my observation, affords any parallel. There certainly appears to be 

 something in this line of the Early Rose not hitherto attained in potato culture. 

 Successive experiments seem to conlirm the fact that there is a degree of native 

 health and vigor, or some latent property, in the " stock " peculiarly favorable to 

 the development of productiveness, and to the light, floury quality so desirable 

 in this vegetable. Mr. Campbell's seedlings I regard as highly valuable, though 

 the future alone must determine their real merits. From such a beginning, 

 however, the best results may reasonably be inferred. 



Hardy Rhododendrons and t/iei'r Cultnre. — The rhododendron is, to 

 my eye, the most magnificent of all our flowering shrubs ; and I do not see how 

 any man who has ever beheld a fine mass, or even a single good specimen in 

 bloom, can think otherwise. But it has had the drawback of being supposed to 

 be tender and difficult of culture, requiring expensive preparation of the soil. 

 What a blessing, then, to learn from Mr. Parsons that there are varieties which 

 are perfectly hardv, and will thrive in any good garden soil ! And yet I cannot 

 help asking whether his experience at New York is adapted to Boston, and 

 points still farther north, though it is most devoutly to be wished that it may 

 prove to be. Twelve rhododendrons, hardv bevond question, growing as surely 

 and as freely as a willow, wherever a lilac will, — who is tliere that would not 

 have them ? 



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