126 Notes and Recollections of a Tour, &^c. 



The microphylla rose is quite hardy here, as are also 

 many or all of the Bourbon roses. The fine specimen of 

 Magnolia conspicua, which is mentioned at the page above 

 referred to, had made a fine growth during the summer, 

 and was full of flower buds. [We shall be surprised if this 

 plant has not been injured by the cold weather since we 

 saw it. If it has not been much hurt, there is no doubt it 

 would stand perfectly well in the vicinity of Boston.] A 

 fine specimen of Pinus Cembra had attained the height of 

 six feet, and looked well. 



In the fruit department Mr. Downing has made many 

 additions ; and having his grounds around the house fully 

 stocked, a new spot of ground of about ten acres, at a short 

 distance, has been taken up for growing trees. Of pears, 

 Messrs. Downing have a good stock, as also of cherries and 

 plums, including among the latter Lawrence's Favorite, 

 the Columbia — and a seedling called the Emerald Drop, 

 which is said to be very fine. 



The grounds of Mr. C. Downing have been much im- 

 proved since 1842. They were now well filled with a good 

 selection of trees of all kinds. The Doyeime blanc, or St. 

 Michael pear, is cultivated here in large quantities, and the 

 fruit is produced in the greatest perfection : one purchaser 

 has planted out no less than six acres of this variety, the 

 trees having been taken from this nursery. 



Mr. Downing has given considerable attention to the cul- 

 tivation of the pink, &c., and has originated several fine 

 seedlings, which are to be found in their catalogue. 



We mentioned in our account of this place, that Mr. 

 Downing had raised a seedling variety of rhubarb, which 

 proved to be large and fine. Since then we have grown 

 this variety, having at that time been furnished with a very 

 small plant, and so far as the experience of a single season 

 allows us to form any opinion, we consider it as one of the 

 best varieties which has been raised : being of a large size, 

 with a handsome red stalk, and of most excellent flavor. 

 If it should continue to improve as the root becomes strong- 

 er, it will claim a rank equal to Myatt's Victoria. 



Every part of Mr. Downing's grounds we found in fine 

 condition ; all the trees are planted four feet apart, and the 

 whole tillage is done with the cultivator. Our visit to each 

 of the Messrs. Downing's nurseries aftbrded us much grati- 

 fication. 



