APRIL, 159 



bitious. We do not mean zeal in carrying out the theory 

 of three crops in two years, but, under the old and legitimate 

 system of cultivation, growing one crop a year, but that crop 

 a good one. It is gratifying to find so much attention de- 

 voted to the culture of the grape under glass, even though 

 the best results are not attained. But will our amateurs 

 rest satisfied with this ? Will they be contented to look 

 upon the magnificent specimens which skilful growers allow 

 us occasionally to admire, yet never attempt to rival them, or 

 make any advancement over the ordinary condition of growth ? 

 We hope our remarks may awaken attention to the importance 

 of the subject, that the reputation of our grape growers may 

 be quite equal to that obtained in other departments of horti- 

 cultural art. 



DROUGHT. 



BY WILSON FLAGG. 



In every climate, it will be f)und that the indigenous 

 plants and animals are adapted to the circumstances to which 

 they are liable to be periodically exposed. Between the 

 tropics, where the year is divided into two seasons, the wet 

 and the dry, both the plants and the animals are organized in 

 such a manner as to meet these emergencies with impunity ; 

 and so inured do they become to these alternate extremes as 

 to suffer more or less when they are secured from them. 

 The leaves of the trees are tough and coriaceous, and have 

 a glossy surface that prevents the rapid evaporation of their 

 moisture, and reflects the fervid rays of the sun, without 

 absorbing too great a portion of its heat. The same smooth 

 and polished surface secures them from excessive moisture in 

 the wet season. Nature has thus provided a single expedient 

 to serve a double purpose. 



Similar adjustments, with regard to fruits as well as foliage, 

 protect them in tropical climes from extremes of heat, dry- 

 ness and moisture. While those of northern latitudes are 

 invested with a mere film, like the cherry, the raspberry and 



