Editors^ Letter- Box. 313 



EDITORS' LETTER-BOX. 



The Editors much regret being obliged to delay the conclusion of Dr. Kirt- 

 l.md's able and valuable article upon the magnolia until next month. The 

 favors of our correspondents have been so numerous, and the interest felt in the 

 success of "The American Journal of Horticulture" so great, that we are scarce- 

 ly able to reply to the many communications, and to express our thanks for 

 the kindly greetings we receive. Articles on cypripedia and Wardian cases, 

 prairie-flowers, orchids, the vegetable-garden, lawn-grasses, new apples, hardy 

 clematis, strawberry-culture, wild-flowers, and lilies, are on hand, and will appear 

 during the summer. 



I. L. R., Taunton. — Please name some of the best currants. — Red and white, 

 Dutch, La Versaillaise, Dana's transparent. 



E. B., Providence, R. L — Does the Concord grape keep well after it is 

 plucked from the vine ? — No : it soon loses its flavor. Then, as its skin is thin, 

 many berries crack in handling, and soon decay. 



Pyrus, Norwich, Conn. — Would you advise severe trimming or pruning of 

 pear-trees ? and at what season of the year should you prefer to prune ? — I would 

 not prune severely. Take out all branches that cross or interfere with each 

 other, and head in the leading shoots where they have made excessive growth ; 

 thus keeping the tree compact and symmetricak Would much prefer to prune 

 in June ; but would do it any time until October. Some do it in March ; but we 

 do not regard it as a favorable time. 



Young Gardener, Marion, Mass. — Does it injure grape-vines to bleed .'' — It 

 is generally supposed to be injurious to trim grape-vines so late as to cause them 

 to bleed ; but we have known vines to meet with accidents by which they bled 

 profusely, and we could not perceive that they suffered in any degree in conse- 

 quence. 



B. B. M., Bellows Falls, Vt. — How deep should grape-vines be planted at the 

 North ? — Not more than three or four inches deep. If planted very deep, the 

 lower roots decay. The roots of grape-vines run near the surface ; and they 

 should be so planted, especially in the Northern States, that they may get the 

 full benefit of the heat of the sun. 



A Friend, Newton, Mass. — How shall I keep my cherry-trees in a healthy 

 condition ? They now burst the bark, causing the gum to exude. — Manure less, 

 and grow them slower. If the land is very rich, sow it down to grass, and check 

 the growth of the trees. Many cherry-trees have been lost by forcing them. 

 The cherry-tree will not bear high manuring. 



VOL. I. 40 



