128 Editor's Table. 



S. R. S. — The leaf sent is a clear case of red spider, which is one of the 

 worst of insect-pests. Moisture is sure death to them. Flour of sulphur dusted 

 over the leaves tends to prevent their increase. In the March number of the 

 Magazine, a long article will be devoted to this insect, and the best modes of 

 destroying it. 



I. W. B. — Four best hardy rhododendrons, — red, Atrosajiguiiietanj pink, 

 Delicatissi»mm ; white, Caiawbiense albii7n j purplish, Everesfiaftzim. 



Lawn Grass. — We propose to begin in a future number a series of articles 

 on lawn grasses, illustrated by figures drawn from Nature, and accompanied by 

 descriptions, together with directions for sowing, proper soil, and culture. 



Mrs. R. B. E., E. Bridgewater. — Carnations and picotees are hardy if a 

 little care be taken. They should not be wintered in a wet place, or where they 

 will be exposed to alternate freezing and thawing. As soon as the ground freezes, 

 cover them loosely with dry leaves, and lay an evergreen bough upon them to 

 prevent the leaves from blowing away. With this protection, they will generally 

 survive. The best way, however, is to layer them in July ; and in November to 

 take up the layers, which will then be well rooted. Plant them in a frame made 

 of common boards, about an inch apart. As soon as freezing weather comes, fill 

 the frame with leaves, and put on a sash, covering it with a board. Let them thus 

 remain until the first of April, when the board, sash, and leaves may be removed. 

 The plants will be fresh and bright, will at once begin to grow, and may be 

 transplanted to beds or the border about the middle of May. Care must be 

 taken that mice do not make their winter-quarters in the frame. 



Can standard pears budded last fall be transplanted the coming spring for the 

 purpose of thinning rows of nursery-trees ? Yes : though it will check their 

 growth somewhat. The land should be well prepared and highly manured, and 

 the trees transplanted early and with care, and they will do well. Should very 

 much prefer to leave them where they are, at least one year, unless very near 

 together. 



Please answer which are the best twelve varieties of standard pears for culti- 

 vation in Massachusetts, for market, early and late. 



Windsor, or Bell ; August ; poor in quality ; sells well ; bears moderately 

 young; tree hardy. Clapp's favorite ; September ; large ; handsome ; bears young. 

 Bartlett ; September ; bears young. Merriam ; great bearer ; bears young. 

 Doyenne Boussock ; great bearer ; large and fair fruit. Louise Bonne de Jersey; 

 bears young. Swan's Orange ; bears young ; fruit large ; acid. Seckel ; re- 

 quires considerable age before bearing. Sheldon ; fine quality ; bears rather 

 young. Urbaniste ; tree long time coming to maturity ; first-rate. Buerre 

 d'Anjou : there is no better variety, all things considered ; bears young ; Octo- 

 ber and November. Lawrence ; winter ; bears young ; good. 



We have received many questions, to which we have not space to reply in 

 this number. 



