Editors Letter- Box. 255 



P. I. T., Wilkins, near Pittsburg, Penn. — Annuals are not fitted for bouquets 

 such as you wisli. They fade too soon, and remain in bloom too short a time. 

 Bedding-plants, such as verbenas, salvias, heliotropes, do better for such pur- 

 poses. The following annuals are very pretty, however, and do well to make a 

 variety : — 



Abronia Jimb:;Uata, Ageratnm in sorts. Asters in sorts, Brachycome iberidifo- 

 lia, Browallia etata, Canary-bird flower, Clinlonia, Didiscus ca;nileiis. Sweet 

 alyssum, Candytuft, Larkspurs, Swcet-pc'ase, Mignonette, Lobelia gracilis and 

 erinus, Nasturtiums in variety. Phlox Dnimmondii, Dianthiis Heddcwigii, Salpi- 

 glossis. Ten weeks' stock. 



We learn from an esteemed correspondent, and have also seen noticed in the 

 daily papers, that Hon. Marshall P. Wilder has presented to the Massachusetts 

 Agricultural College a large collection of choice greenhouse-plants. 



Mr. Wilder has ever taken the deepest interest in the prosperity of this insti- 

 tution ; and indeed it is to his exertions that much of its present success can be 

 ascribed. The present collection shows that he feels no lack of interest, em- 

 bracing as it does some thousand plants, many of them large specimens of choice 

 camellias, among which are specimens of all of Mr. Wilders seedlings, — both 

 those which have been before the public, and many others which are not yet in 

 the market. 



In addition to the greenhouse-plants, Mr. Wilder has also given many hardy 

 herbaceous plants and bulbs for the use of the gardens appertaining to the 

 college. 



The greenhouses are a credit to the State of Massachusetts, elegant in de- 

 sign and appointment ; and, when fully completed according to tlie original 

 design, will be among the finest in the country. 



Other gentlemen have also contributed to this object ; but there is still room 

 for the reception of choice plants. 



Idem. — Glo.xinias, achimenes, and gesneras are not generally suitable for 

 parlor-culture. They may, however, succeed in a Wardian case with free venti- 

 lation. If grown in a greenhouse, and brought into the house when just coming 

 into bloom, they remain long in perfection. For general culture, see Rand's 

 " Bulbs." 



F. M. T., Aylmer, Ontario, U.C. — Camellias are propagated by grafting or 

 inarching in the usual way. They are also raised from seed, and increased 

 by leaves with a bud at the base, inserted in silver sand, and covered with a bell- 

 glass. The soil for camellias is well-rotted turfs and silver sand. Attention 

 must be given to secure good drainage. 



M. O'Keefe, Son, & Co., Rochester, N.Y. — Communication mislaid. What 

 you call the " California Rock Rose, or Semper Vives^'' is Lycopodiu/n lepidophyl- 

 lum. Thorburn of New York has a quantity of the dry plants : the living you 

 can obtain of any one growing ferns and mosses. 



