102 Calls at Gardens and Mirseries. 



have no doubt but that the stigma of a flower may be impregnated 

 with two or more kinds, and that the seedhngs will partake more 

 or less of the varieties from which the dust was taken. 



Hitherto in this country very few individuals have attempted 

 to produce new varieties by impregnation, and these attempts 

 have been confined to a very few classes of plants. The prac- 

 tice may therefore be considered as yet but in its very infancy 

 with American cultivators. Mr. Floy, nurseryman, of New 

 York, and Mr. Harrison, have probably done more than any 

 others; but their efforts have been chiefly confined to the ca- 

 mellia: indeed, if we except these individuals, we know not of 

 any other attempts to produce new varieties, worthy of note, the 

 results of the experiments of which have yet been made known 

 to the public. Within two or three years many seedlings of ca- 

 mellias, amaryllises, and of various plants, have been raised, but 

 few of them have yet attained to a flowering state; we may an- 

 ticipate soon, however, a display of new varieties obtained in 

 this manner. 



It is with a view to call the attention of amateurs and cultiva- 

 tors of plants to the importance of raising new varieties, by cross 

 fertilization, that we have at this time thrown out these few de- 

 sultory remarks. Many species and varieties of various plants 

 are now coming into bloom, and more particularly the rhododen- 

 drons and azaleas, and the present spring should not be suffered 

 to pass by w^ithout saving a few seeds. Many cultivators never 

 make a beginning, for to look forward four or five, or more, years 

 seems too long a space to wait to see the result of their labors. 

 We would say to those who adopt this opinion, make a com- 

 mencement, sow every year, and after those of the first planting 

 begin to bloom, a succession will constantly follow, affording, in 

 the anxiety to see the blossoms, and the continued display of 

 new forms and colors, a varied and constant source of pleasure 

 and gratification. 



Art. VI. Calls at Gardens and Nurseries. 



Belmont Place, Watertown, J. P. Gushing, Esq. — February, 1837. 

 With the exception of last autumn, when we walked hastil}- through the 

 garden, we have not visited this fine place for above a year; since 

 which time there has been many new plants added, and others, 



