420 Notes on Gardens and Nurseries. 



trees appeared to be making a vigorous growth, notwith- 

 standing the dry season. We notice that Col. Wilder makes 

 use of seaweed for mulching his bearing trees : where easily 

 to be obtained, near the seashore, it is one of the best sub- 

 stances for this purpose, as it not only attracts but holds the 

 moisture for a long time. 



Residence of Jos. Stickney, Esq., Watertown. — Strange 

 indeed is it to see how slight a circumstance may change 

 and mould a taste for objects previously of no interest what- 

 ever. Some years ago, when the taste for the culture of 

 that gorgeous flower, the Dahlia, Avas carried to a greater 

 extent than now, a gentleman, whose time was almost inces- 

 santly occupied in commercial matters, and who possessed 

 only a few square feet of garden, in the rear of his dwelling, 

 in the city, was struck with the splendor of one of the 

 exhibitions of this flower at the rooms of the Massachusetts 

 Horticultural Society, and at once made up his mind to buy a 

 few plants. Spring came and they were set out ; — they 

 flourished, — grew, — and all the autumn repaid the careful 

 attention of a zealous amateur by a brilliant display of flow- 

 ers. This was grand success for a beginner. Another year 

 came round, and the dozen sorts were augmented to fifty, 

 and still the same success. Delighted to find himself so 

 well repaid, (unaware it was entirely owing to that love 

 which spared no pains for the welfare of the plants,) the 

 newest and finest sorts were procured, and another season 

 he not only became a competitor^ for the prizes, but actually 

 carried some of them off"! 



But with a few feet of land, already over-filled, there was 

 no room for further additions to his stock, and he must add 

 more or grow a less number of plants ; the latter could not 

 be done, and another hundred feet of ground, Avorth almost as 

 many acres, a few miles from the city, was added. But now 

 other objects divided his attention. The grand displays of 

 fruit were so rich and inviting that to be a mere admirer 

 would not do : why should not success attend the growth of 

 fruit as well as dahlias ; there could be no doubt of it. His 

 resolve was made, and the corners were filled with young 



