192 Domestic Notices. 



some most excellent remarks upon the proper season and method of 

 planting evergreens, by our valuable correspondent, Mr. Downing, of 

 Newburgh, N, Y. As this is just the time, we would call the attention 

 of our readers to his remarks as they may almost be considered as the 

 ultimatum of what can be said upon the subject in so few words. In 

 looking over Mr. JVab, on " Planting Evergreens,''^ however, we noticed 

 the following paragraph which contains some hints upon the importance 

 of speediness in performing the operation : — " In planting evergreens in 

 winter, a dull, calm day answers very well ; but in autumn or spring, a 

 moist rainy day is best. Whether planting be done in a dull day, or a wet 

 day, or a dry day, it is very necessary to keep in view the expediency of 

 keeping the plants for a short time out of the ground as possible ; if only 

 a few minutes, so much the better ; and, in all cases when it can be 

 done, where great numbers are to be planted, we should, if possible, 

 have some men stationed to take up the plants, others to carry them, and 

 a third set to put them into the ground. In all seasons, situations, and 

 soils, the plants should be well soaked with water, as soon as the earth 

 is put about the roots." More than one half of the evergreens which 

 are yearly set out, die from a neglect of watering alone ; but if the above 

 directions are followed, we are certain that we should not hear the mii- 

 versal complaint that we now do, of the difficulty of making evergreens 

 live. — Conds. 



Variation of Foliage. — A beautiful instance of a not unusual occurrence 

 of the variation observable in the leaves of the Red Cedar (Jvmiperus 

 virginiana) is now lying before me. The specimen comprises the usual 

 imbricated leaves, an abundance of abnormal ones, becoming acerose, 

 elongated, and the gradual transition back to the original form on the 

 same branch. Those leaves which have undergone a mutation, are al- 

 ternate and opposite, perhaps, in fact, produced by the rapid elongation of 

 the axis of the slmot. The upper surface of each leaf is of a very percep- 

 tible glaucous hue. Whenever such a change takes place on a tree of 

 this species, it may be observed at a considerable distance, on account of 

 its peculiar and dissimilar form. — J. L. R. 



Pentstkmon campanulatus and atropurpitreus. — Ai'e these two beautiful 

 species perennial? If perennial, are they hardy.? We had several 

 species in our garden last fall, and all are alive now, and growing vigor- 

 ously, except these two which were destroyed by the winter. In Lou- 

 don's Hortus Britannicus, they are enumerated as frame perennials ; have 

 any of our readers ever had them live through our long winters ? — 

 Conds. 



The Aeif Zealand Flax, Phoi-mium tknax. — This plant, which is said, in its 

 native habitat, to furnish a very strong and durable fibre, which is manu- 

 factured into cordage and coarse linen, is worth at least the attempt at 

 acclimatizing in the Southern States, where it might offer a new staple 

 for cultivation. It has been stated that it is sufficiently hardy to bear the 

 winter of Cork, Ireland. We wish some spirited cultivator who would 

 give the experiment a fair trial, would attempt it in a favorable site south 

 of the Potomac. We are authorized by a gentleman of this neighbor- 

 hood, who has plants in his possession, to say that he will place the 

 JVeiv Zealand fax in the hands of any gentleman of the Carolinas, Geor- 

 gia, or the more southern States, who will engage to test the experiment 

 fairly, and make known the result. — Jl. J. Doivning, Botanic Garden and 

 JVu7-sery, JVewburgh, JV. Y. 



Sanguinaria canadensis. — This truly beautiful vernal bloomer should be 

 introduced into every garden. The flowers make their appearance 

 almost as soon as the snow-drop (Anemone), and continue in bloom for 

 several days, during which time they are the most showy ornaments of 

 the border, but few plants putting forth their flowers at such an early 



