MAY. 255 



Mr. Hancock was well known as an extensive nurseryman throughout 

 the country, and more particularly in the Middle States. Our earlier vol- 

 umes contain a full account of his grounds, and the variety of plants and 

 fruits which he cultivated. Latterly he had given much attention to trees 

 and shrubs, and had formed a fine collection of the newer sorts of evergreen 

 trees : he was constantly making additions, and anticipated the increase of 

 many new sorts, as he informed us on his visit to us last autumn. 



The Burlington Gazette contains a brief notice of his death, from which 

 we learn that he took a very deep interest in agriculture. He was one of 

 the originators of the Burlington Co. Agricultural Society ; a member and 

 constant contributor to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. He was 

 also a Trustee of Schools, and Surveyor of Highways in his native County, 

 and a Director of the Merchants Bank of Burlington. 



As an enterprising nurseryman and honest and upright man, a kind 

 friend, and zealous promoter of horticultural taste, his loss will be severely 

 felt and his death deeply lamented. 



FRUIT DEPARTMENT. 



The warmer weather of April has been mild and favorable, and without 

 any severe frost. Vegetation has advanced rather rapidly, and unless se- 

 vere cold occurs, the season will be as early as last year. 



Grape Vines will now be ripening off their fruit in the earliest houses : 

 continue to light fires in cool, moist weather ; and keep the house dry and 

 well aired. Vines in greenhouses will begin to swell their fruit, and should 

 be kept in a good temperature, with plenty of moisture ; top the laterals as 

 soon as tliey become crowded. Vines in cold houses will soon be in bloom, 

 and will require considerable attention until the fruit is set. 



Fruit Trees of all kinds should be transplanted. Pruning may be con- 

 tinued during the whole month. 



Strawberry beds may be made this month; clear and put in order old 

 beds. 



Insects should be attended to ; if the canker worm is taken in season, they 

 may be readily destroyed by a strong dose of whale oil soap. 

 flower department. 



Greenhouses will need more attention to watering as the season 

 advances ; syringing should be done every fair evening, and insects 

 should be destroyed by fumigating with tobacco or sulphur. Geraniums 

 in bloom will continue in beauty a long time by whitening the glass. Give 

 abundance of air to harden off the plants. 



OxALisis, &c. now done blooming may be placed away under the stage, 

 to ripen oflf. 



Chrysanthemums should now be propagated by cuttings or suckers. 



