ABOUT FRUITS, FLOWERS AXD FARMING. 149 



ALTHE.V, or Rose of Sharon {Hibiscus Syriacus). — One 

 of the most desirable shrubs for yards and gardens. The 

 form of the shrub is compact and sightly ; flowei-s double, 

 and may be had of every color ; it is hardy, growing well 

 in all soils, and blooms continually from the last of July till 

 frost. It is beautiful in avenues, and, being patient of the 

 shears, it will form a fine floral hedge, a good specimen of 

 which may be seen on Mr. Hoffner's beautiful grounds near 

 Cincinnati. The single altheas are not so desirable. We 

 regard this shrub as worthy of much more extensive culti- 

 vation than it has received. Its flowers are coarse on a 

 close inspection, but at a little distance, and among other 

 plants its effect is excellent. It is very easily propagated 

 by cuttings, or from the seed. 



Sweet-scented Shrub {Calycanthus Floridus). — Chief- 

 ly desirable from the pine-apple fragrance of its brownish- 

 purple flowers. They are used to scent drawers, to carry 

 n the pocket, etc. It grows freely in any dry, ric i soil, 

 and is propagated by layers and suckers. 



Red-bud {Cercis Canadensis.) — This small tree is fami- 

 liar to every one, being the first spring flowering tree of our 

 woods. It flourishes in gardens and makes a finer appear- 

 ance there than in its native localities. 



Gooseberries. — ^Let those who are accustomed to lose 

 their fruit by mildew, drench their bushes with an alka- 

 line wash. Lime-water, or diluted lye are the most conve- 

 nient. With a watering-pot, copiously water the whole bush, 

 on the upper and under side of the branches ; wlxich can be 

 easily done, if one will lift the branches while another be- 

 stows the shower-bath. After they have done bearing, prune 

 out the head, and the lower branches, so as to give a free 

 eireidation of air under and through the bush. Spade in 

 about them a liberal dressing of leached ashes, and fine 

 charcoal if procurable. 



