19S Massachusells Horticultural Society. 



Some (ew years ago, a fine bed of tulips cost a large sum 

 of money, as they were then purchased at so much per bulb, 

 at the catalogue prices; but by the present arrangement, of 

 selhng the bulbs in beds of from ten to one hundred rows, in 

 order for planting, and in assortments of from twenty-five to 

 three hundred varieties, ranging in price from fifteen to thirty 

 cents each, and in fine mixtures at a still lower rate, the cul- 

 tivation of this plant is on tiie increase, and will continue to 

 increase, until every lover of flowers has a bed of tulips. 



Roxbury, Jlpril 1, 1841. 



Art. IV. On gathering Asparagus. By O. 



In all the books of j^ardeninij which I have seen, the direction for 

 gathering asparagus has always been to cut it several inches below 

 the surface of the srround, as soon as the stalk has advanced a few 

 inches above it. The asparatrus generally brought to market is cut 

 in this way, the upper half being green and tender when cooked, the 

 lower half white, tough, and uneatable. The experience of many 

 years has taught me that it is far better to let the asparagus grow to 

 the height of ten inches, or a foot, and then to gather it l)y breaking 

 with the fingers, as low down as it is tender and breaks easily, which, 

 when the weather has been warm, is generally from six to ten inch- 

 es. Asparagus, thus gathered, will be found to be much finer, the 

 tchole being tender and eatable, the produce much greater, and the 

 process attended with no disadvantage whatever. Asparagus even 

 two feet high, will be found fit to gather in this manner, if at any 

 time it has outgrown the consumption, or esca|)ed attention, which 

 indeed was the occasion on which this new method of gathering oc- 

 curred to me. I have since always practised it. Let those who are 

 fond of asparagus give it but one trial, and they will never again re- 

 sort to the old system. 0. 



MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 



Art. I. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 



Saturday, Feb. 15, 1841. — An adjourned meeting from Jan. 30, — 

 the President in the chair. 



The Committee on Finance presented their report, which was read 

 and accepted, and upon motion of some member, voted that it be de- 

 posited in the trunk belonging to the Society. 



