348 The Magnoliaceos. 



THE MAGNOLIACE^. 



(Concluded.) 



11. M. Purpurea {Purple-flowering Magnolia). — Japan is the native 

 country of this unique and dwarf species. When first introduced here, it 

 was considered and treated as a half-hardy shrub. Experience has shown 

 it capable of standing the coldest of our winters. My first successful at- 

 tempt at growing it on the cucumber-tree was made last season. It took 

 both by side-grafting and budding early in May. If it can be grown into 

 a tree as large as the glauca by this plan, it will form a splendid ornament. 

 Time only seems wanting to develop it. 



The period of blooming continues through summer, and even into au- 

 tumn, when suitable rains are furnished. A few seeds are matured every 

 season. As this is the only species with red or purple flowers, it will 

 doubtless be employed to impart colors in crossing and hybridizing. 



That given points can be reached in breeding fruits and flowers, the 

 experiments of Mr. Knight and certain other pomologists and florists have 

 decided. The principles governing the results are known. The art of 

 manipulating in the best manner is not, in all instances, as well understood. 

 Mystery is, perhaps, intentionally thrown around it by experts. That it is 

 successfully and extensively practised, is evident from the number of new 

 and improved varieties of fruits and flowers annually introduced to the 

 public. A few may be the result of accident or empirical effort. The 

 larger numbers are the products of well-regulated art. 



An editor of a horticultural journal could confer no greater benefit on 

 his patrons than to instruct them in the details of that art ; and our intel- 

 ligent young people could engage in no more interesting and healthful 

 amusement than in carrying those details into practice. 



12. M. Gracilis. — Slight differences distinguish this variety from its 

 parent, the purpurea, but sufficient, perhaps, to entitle it to cultivation. 



Of the twelve species and varieties described, all, the auriculata ex- 

 cepted, are now growing near the lake shore, and fully exposed to the 

 lake influences, five miles west of the city of Cleveland, O. Their 



