274 Domestic Notices. 



Large cucumber. — We have lately seen a very fine cucumber, cut from the 

 garden of Wni. Pratt, Esq., Oakley Place, which measured upwards of twenty 

 inches in length. The kind was called Walker's green ; the seed was pro- 

 cured in England hy Wni. Pratt, Jr. 



The Scailtt Trefoil is stated in Loudon's Magazine to be extensively cultiva- 

 ted and much a])[)roved of. ' Cattle are extremely fond of it ; farm horses, dur- 

 ing tiieir s|)ring work, may be kept in the highest condition u|)on it ; and, after 

 nffordingabnndant feed, the land may be prepared in time for turnips or barley.' 

 This species of clover is very little known in our vicinity; independent of 

 its value as above stated, it is very ornamental when planted in jjleasiu'e 

 grounds; perhaps many of our readers recollect a large patch of it, which 

 was planted in front of the cottage at Mount Auburn, two years since; its 

 appearance from the road was very beautiful. We hope some of our farm- 

 ers will try it, and ascertain whether, in our climate, it will prove as valuable 

 as in England. 



Roh'inia hispida. — We have lately seen, at Hawthorn Grove, the residence 

 of M. P. Wdder, Esq., a branch of the Robinia hispida in flower, grafted 

 upon the old stock of the 11. pseudacacia. The scion was put in about four 

 fee t from the ground. The flowers have a fine appearance when so grown, 

 and show to much more advantage than in tiie shrubby state it is generally 

 seen. — Conds. 



Vernal Flowers. — The doul)le Snowdrop [Galantkus nivalis) was in bloom 

 on the 8th instant, in a sheltered border, and the single snow drop a day or 

 two later ; but this was not according to the order of nature, for single flow- 

 ers are generally earlier than double floweis of the same sjjecies. The dif- 

 ference in the present case was occasioned by setting the single flowers 

 rather too deep. As the bulbs are very hardy, I hope to be more particular 

 in future, for I enjoy the first message of Spring too much to have it wil- 

 lingly deferred for a single day. 



The cup or nectary of the single Snow drop is i)ainted green on the inside, 

 but most delicately ; and slightly tipped with the same color on the outside. 

 Its three petals are of a lovely white ; and altogether it is a beautiful flower 

 — perhaps more so than the double variety which is crowded in the centre 

 with greenish leaves. It is pendent ; waits for the sunshine before it expands, 

 and closes up, as if chilled, in the shade. Its whole existence above ground, 

 indeed, is limited to a most fickle season. 



I had not searched for the Snow drop, in the open ground, for some days, 

 because the garden has been covered with snow; but this afternoon I found 

 it had melted oflf" within a few hours, and this plant, as well as Eranthis 

 Tiyemalis, was fairly in bloom. The latter was particularly mentioned in tny 

 sketch of last year. 



The leaves of the Cloth of Gold, Crocus, were protruding, and one fair 

 day will probably be enough to bring forth its flower, which (like those on the 

 borders of perpetual snow) almost rests on the ground. The white flamed 

 Crocus o|)ened yesterday in a sheltered j)lace, though it is not so early as 

 the former kind, when they grow side by side. These flowers may justly 

 rank among the loveliest ornaments of spring. 



I have no shrub so forward in its vegetation at this time as Spirfta spicatUy 

 a native of the mountainous regions of Nepaul. Last year 1 noticed the early 

 starting of the Tree PjEonia and Japan Quince, but this far exceeds them ; 

 and already its large buds are opening. As it is much of a stranger, I cover 

 it with a box every night, lest its flowers should be damaged by the severe 

 weather that seems yet disposed to linger in this (juarter. — Genesee Farmer, 

 May. 



