32 Editor's Letter-Box. 



Mr. Editor : Can you tell me the best way to keep the winter covering of 

 my strawberries from blowing off? After using some tons of litter to protect my 

 beds, I had the mortification and annoyance to see the first high wind scatter it 

 '• over the hills and far away." H. D. M. 



We have thrown a little earth on to the litter used for such purposes, which 

 has proved quite effectual. When a heavy rain comes soon after covering, so as 

 to beat down the litter on the earth, even this will be superfluous. But it is often 

 most convenient to protect after the ground is frozen hard enough to bear up a 

 cart ; and in this case we do not see just how to secure the covering, and would 

 be glad to hear from some of our large strawberry growers as to how they do it. 



N. S. L. — The best treatise on evergreens for your wants is Mr. Hoopes's 

 Book of Evergreens. It gives full directions for their propagation and cultiva- 

 tion, with accurate descriptions of all, including the newer species. It does not 

 comprise the broad-leaved evergreens, such as rhododendrons and kalmias, but 

 only the coniferse. 



G. B., Baltimore. — The subject of Wardian cases has been very fully treated 

 in the Journal ; and though we would like to tell you again, to give full directions 

 would require more space than we can spare at present. You will find excellent 

 articles in our vols, ii., pp. 199, 283, and 326 ; vi., p. 16 ; vii., p. 341 ; and viii., p. 14. 



Can any of the readers of the Journal of Horticulture inform me what trees 

 are most eligible for planting in exposed jDlaces on the sea-coast ? I see the 

 Austrian pine recommended; and if any one has any information as to its value 

 for this purpose, I should be glad to know it. L. L. 



G. H. — The flower you saw at the liorticultural exhibition was no doubt the 

 Tritoiiia iivaria^ which, from its unique form, always attracts attention. Its 

 glowing orange-red color has gained for it the more apt than beautiful name of 

 "Red-hot Poker." Though long since introduced, it is only lately that it lias 

 become popular. It does best in a deep, rich soil ; and if tlie soil be dry, will 

 need only the protection of some litter, which should be covered with Iwards, in 

 an inclined position, to shed the rain. If the soil is at all wet, they must be pro- 

 tected in a cold frame in autumn, and replanted in May. They are most effective 

 in beds, on the lawn, about eight feet in diameter, and containing about a dozen 

 plants. 



N. B., Boston. — Your fruit is the Cydotiia japonica, or Japan quince. The 

 fruit is of no value, being entirely uneatable ; but the flowers, which are of a 

 bright scarlet, and appear early in spring, are well known as among the most 

 beautiful ornaments of the garden at that season. 



Has any one ever succeeded in cultivating that most lovely of autumn flowers, 

 the Fringed Gentian ? I once sowed some seed, but it never vegetated ; and if 

 any one has succeeded better, I should be glad to know how it was done. T. G. 



