The Magitoliace(2. 175 



\Vlien grown in open grounds, it assumes a regular-conical form. Its 

 lea.es are numerous, large, glabrous, and of a rich green color. In the 

 month of August, they contrast strikingly with the brilliant scarlet of the 

 carpels, or seed-vessels, numerously interspersed ; and, at the first approach 

 of autumn, suddenly change to a straw color, which pleasantly blends with 

 the more vivid and gaudy hues of the neighboring forests. 



It annually produces an abundance of seeds, which are perfected about 

 the first of September. These, falling among leaves and rubbish, vege- 

 tate freely during the spring following, and, in such situations, make only a 

 few inches of growth in the course of the season. The small seedlings 

 can be readily detected in autumn by their large, acuminate, and yellow 

 leaves, conspicuous near the surface of the ground, among surrounding 

 herbage. 



The cultivator should now secure a supply of them. Removed with a 

 ball of earth by aid of a gardener's trowel, they will suffer little from 

 transplanting ; and, if packed in moss, may be transported successfully to a 

 great distance. Unlimited numbers can be thus obtained in Ohio and 

 Western Pennsylvania, 



If their removal be delayed till the ensuing spring, not a plant will then 

 be found. All in the inter\'ening time will have been gnawed to the 

 crown of their roots by rabbits ; and in this condition, and at this age, they 

 will not send up sprouts. Hence young trees of this species are not often 

 found, even in our most secluded forests. 



The bark and young wood of all the magnolias are favorite food of the 

 rabbit ; and the trees are frequently attacked by them in gardens and lawns, 

 unless carefully protected. 



A more common method of obtaining young cucumber-trees is by sow- 

 ing the seeds. It should be borne in mind, that, if the seeds of this or any 

 other species of this genus become dry, no subsequent management will 

 cause them to vegetate. As soon as they are mature, a point decided by 

 the opening of the valves of the carpels, they should be separated from 

 their attachment, and cleansed from their oily external coat by rubbing 

 with sand and water. This coat contains an acrid principle which is 

 thought to re-act on the seeds, and impair their vitality. They should be 

 either planted immediately, in the manner hereafter directed, or may be 



