340 J^otes on Gardens and JVurseries. 



that it is capable of being made one of the most beautiful residen- 

 ces in the neighborhood. 



When we were here before, the green-house had just been 

 erected, and the vines planted out in the border. Very few plants 

 had been added to the coUection of green-house plants, which now 

 contains a good variety of roses, geraniums, cactuses, &c. &c. 

 Mr. Irish still has the management of the place, and the plants, 

 so far as their health and appearance could be judged at this sea- 

 son, gave evidence that he understands his business. 



Passing first into the green-house, Dr. Howard pointed out to 

 us the Miller Burgundy vine, some notice of which, its fruiting 

 &c., will be found in a previous page. We were certainly as- 

 tonished at its prolific character and general appearance, so al- 

 tered from its aspect when growing in the open border. The 

 vine was covered with numerous clusters well colored, to a jet 

 black, although many had been cut from it. We tasted it, and 

 found it highly vinous and sweet, and equal even to that old 

 favorite the black Hamburg. Some cultivators having doubt- 

 ed the identity of this variety. Dr. Howard sent Mr. Lowell a 

 few clusters for inspection. From the aspect of the grapes he 

 could hardly believe them to be the Miller Burgundy, a grape he 

 had been well acquainted with for twenty years; but upon tasting 

 it the true flavor was perceptible, and he pronounced it a very 

 superior grape. He had thrown it out of his collection some 

 years since, never having tried it only in the open air, where its 

 produce was not worth naming. As a forcing variety, however, 

 he considers it, beyond doubt, very valuable. We should by- 

 no means recommend it, to the exclusion of the black Hamburg, 

 but one or more vines should find a place in every forcing house. 

 The black Hamburg and sweetwater were both exceedingly hand- 

 some, particularly the former, of which we saw some remarka- 

 bly large clusters with enormous berries, which is attributable to 

 severe thinning. Considering that the vines are only three years 

 old, there is a great crop. 



In the garden, which consists of about two acres, with a sur- 

 rounding main walk, the borders looked very well, notwithstand- 

 ing the dry weather. Some of the finest asters we have seen 

 this season, we noticed here. The same insect which has rav- 

 aged the dahlias, has made sad havoc among the asters in many 

 gardens, and the general bloom promises but poorly. The dahlias, 

 which were here trained to the fence, mostly on the northern and 

 western borders of the garden, have also done remarkably well for 

 the season, and some very good blooms were open; numerous pe- 

 tunias, stocks, &:c., in the border were making a fine display. 

 Sanguinia roses, turned into the border in the spring, were now, 

 and had been through all the summer, covered with flowers; this 

 old variety is invaluable for this purpose. 



