Editors' Letter- Box. 127 



Is the Downing Mulberry-tree hardy ? and has it generally succeeded in New 

 England and the Nortliera States ? A few weeks since, I saw a fine thrifty tree 

 in the grounds of Hon. Albert Fearing, at Hingham, Mass., which, I was in- 

 formed, had never been injured by the winter, and had made an uninterrupted 

 growth from the time of transplanting. It was filled with fruit. If this instance 

 is not exceptional, it seems to me that the tree deserves more attention than it is 

 just now receiving. Will the editor give the readers of the Journal his opinion 

 as. to its real merits ? B. 



We have had no experience with the Downing Mulberry, and do not think 

 it has been generally planted in New England. It is certainly most desirable 

 that its hardiness should be tested ; and we trust that any of our readers who 

 have information in regard to it will communicate it. 



To the Editor of "Tilton's Horticultural Journal : " — 



I HAVE made several attempts to grow New-Zealand Spinach, without suc- 

 cess. First I planted the seed as it came from the seed-store ; it did not ger- 

 minate. Next I soaked the seed in warm water before planting ; nothing 

 grew from it. This season, I procured seed of Hovey & Co., Boston, and soaked 

 it twenty-four hours ; the water being very warm when poured upon the seed. 

 This seed was planted just a month ago ; but there is no sign of plants growing 

 from it. What shall I do to succeed in an attempt to grow New-Zealand 

 Spinach ? Amateur. 



Worcester, June 21, 1869. 



The seeds of New-Zealand Spinach, even when fresh, vegetate slowly ; and 

 old seeds are almost worthless. With seeds in the best condition possible, and 

 under the best management, quite a percentage will often fail. We have gener- 

 ally obtained all the plants needed by sowing new seeds under glass, in April, 

 on a moderately-heated bed, and giving plenty of water. About the middle or 

 20th of May, transplant to the open ground, two feet and a half apart. 



Our correspondent is also referred to an article on this plant in our " Notes 

 and Gleanings." 



Editor of Tilton's "Journal of Horticulture : " — 



I have forty dwarf peach-trees in eleven-inch pots. Will you please to advise 

 me through the Journal how to winter them so that I may obtain a full crop ? 

 Do I need to put them in larger pots next season ? I f so, how large ? and at what 

 time in the season should they be reset .'' R. V. D., Thompsottville, Conn. 



If intended to fruit in the open ground, the trees may be wintered in a cold, 

 dry cellar, or any place which will afford slight protection from extreme cold. 

 If the pots are plunged in a cold frame, slight frost will be a benefit rather than 

 an injury to the tops. For winter-forcing, the trees may be brought in at any 

 desired time after a brief rest, giving them a very gradual start at tlie first. The 

 tree will not need repotting the first season, provided the soil was of good quality, 

 and well packed in. A size larger (twelve-inch diameter inside) would, however, 

 have been a preferable pot. The end of the season is the best time for repot- 

 ting:. 



