Notes and Gleanings. 297 



good deal suffused with coppery-red, — a color quite distinct from that of any 

 other plant in cultivation, and which contrasts finely with other ornaments of 

 the hothouse. The plant belongs to the Urticaceous order, and is the Caturus 

 htspidjcs of some botanists. It was obtained by Mr. J. G. Veitch during his 

 visit to the South-sea Islands. 



This plant is, as yet, rare ; having been only disseminated during the past 

 year. The chances are that it will, like Coleus Verschaffeltii, prove an acqui- 

 sition for summer-bedding. 



Soil for Raspberries. — Sorts. — The Horticultural Society of Lawrence, 

 Kan., has queried, What is the best soil for raspberry-plantations ? 



With the query comes an answer obtained from Mr. Doolittle, who says, 

 "A light, sandy soil that never had a particle of manure, and was so light that 

 it had never been fully sodded over with grass, was selected, and produced the 

 best results." And further he added, that "he would never manure highly nor 

 subsoil for this crop." 



Now, what is to be said ? The question is already answered by one authority. 

 In its native habitat, the Black-cap Raspberry is often found in light and gravelly 

 and stony soils, on hillsides, and even on cliffs. The red raspberry is found in 

 stony places in mountainous regions ; and both these native species are observed 

 to be thrifty, and to bear abundantly in such situations : but they are also found 

 to do still better in heavy and rich soils, on lower and moister grounds. 



Under high cultivation, and with heavy manuring, the sands of New Jersey 

 have been made to yield most abundant crops of these fruits ; but on poorly- 

 farmed, and arid, sandy, thin soils, the crops are not found to be remunerative. 

 Therefore our Kansas friends are advised to prepare for the droughts of their 

 region by deep cultivation of their soil, which is rich enough without manure ; 

 they are urged to adopt careful and thorough cultivation of their plantations, and, 

 where convenient, to use heavy mulching, even with coarse manure or corn-stalks, 

 in the future years of their raspberry-patches. 



With regard to the soil, the recommendations do not accord with those quoted 

 above ; but a rather heavy and retentive but mellow and sandy loam would be 

 preferred to sand, unless that was so underlaid by a stratum of water that abun- 

 dant moisture could be brought up by the capillarity of this material. 



As to varieties, tiie following may safely be planted : — 



Black-caps. — For abundant yield and long carriage, for sale. 



Plirple-cane. — For productiveness and richness, for family-use and culinary 

 purposes. 



Philadelphia. — For productiveness and market. 



American Red. — For abundance, high flavor, and fine color. 



Kirtland. — For earliness and abundance ; firm enough tor a near maiket. 



Clarke. — Promising for beauty and flavor. 



The foreign varieties and their seedlings are all large, handsome, and delicious; 

 but they are tender, and can only be recommended for amateurs who will give 

 them winter-protection. * » # 



VuL. III. 38 



