Editors Lcttcr-Box. 383 



M., Nantucket. — The "cactus" you send as hardy, and growing wild, is the 

 prickly pear {Oputitia vulgaris). The habitat where you found it is almost its 

 northern limit. We have it in our garden, where it does well. There is a long 

 article upon it in the number of the " Revue Horticole " for April 16 ; a large 

 patch of the plant having been found growing in an obscure village, vvhtre it had 

 been from the earliest remembrance of the oldest inhabitant. O. Rafinesquii'x?, 

 a western species, and is far handsomer. 



Tyro, Manchester, N.H. — The following magnolias are hardy in the vicinity 

 of Boston : M. tripetala, cordata, actuninafa, auriculata or Frasen', glatica, do. 

 longifolia, conspicua, Soulanoiana, and all the hybrid species {purpurea, gra- 

 cilis, and macrophylla) after they attain age. 



Of these, cordata, acuminata, and glauca would certainly be hardy with you ; 

 tripetala, conspicua, Soulangiana, and auriculata would probably stand the 

 winter if not in too exposed a situation, and niacrop/iylla 2iX\d purpurea would 

 probably prove tender. 



Annie Laurie. — The berries found on a tree are evidently those of the 

 nettle-tree, Celtis occidentalis. It may be popularly described as "an elm bear- 

 ing cherries." Certainly it is worth transplanting. Sow the berries at once for 

 young plants. 



Inquirer, Southborough, Mass. — It is as difficult to name a plant from the 

 petal of a flower as from a leaf We may be able to give a name in both cases ; 

 but the chances are against it. When writing for information, give us the benefit 

 of all the knowledge you have, and we may assist you to a correct conclusion. 

 The editors have no time to puzzle out your difficulties, but, if the case is fairly 

 stated, do all they can to impart information. 



Your letter and the enclosures are unworthy of one honestly seeking infor- 

 mation. 



Beacon Street. — The flower sent as an amaryllis belongs properly to the 

 sub-genus Hippeastrum. If a seedling, which we somewhat doubt, it is too near 

 many of the old varieties to be of special value, and yet is a very good flower. 



" Caterpillars." — Certainly destroy nests of the tent-caterpillar wherever 

 you can find them. An effort was made for several years past to procure the 

 enactment by our legislature of a statute for the destruction of insects injurious 

 to vegetation. Our most prominent agriculturists appeared before the legisla- 

 tive committee to urge the bill ; but, probably, as there was no " axe to grind" in 

 the matter, and no chance for lobby interest, the petitioners had leave to with- 

 draw. 



Ornamental Bush. — Your "bush" \% Acer negundo fol. var., and is the 

 best variegated tree we have. It does not, however, continue as beautiful all 

 summer, as the sun injures the foliage. 



