558 Transactions of the American Institute. 



The tobacco, grown on fresh soil, from Cuba seed, is equal to any 

 produced in Cuba, The apple does not flourish well in Florida, 

 but peaches grow with no cultivation or care, and of the finest 

 flavor. There is no reason why any invalid in quest of balmy cli- 

 mate should go to Italy. Nor is there any need for our going to 

 Sicily for oranges. Florida will give us all the tropical fruits and 

 plants we want; and this sunny clime is only four days remote from 

 the wharves of New York. 



Dr. J. V. C. Smith said the proceedings of to-day clearly illustrated 

 the value of the American Institute Club. Here we get from the 

 lips of the most experienced and careful of observers, a condensed 

 lecture on Florida, of the greatest value to those who want infor- 

 mation about those regions; and we have aitificial incubation illus- 

 trated and explained, in the most strikiug and picturesque way, by 

 one who thoroughly understands the art and carries it on with profit. 



PLANTS AND SHRUBS. 



Mr. Wm. R. Prince, Flushing, L. I., has presented to the Amer- 

 ican Institute the seeds of the following flowering plants and 

 shrubs. They are for gratuitous distribution: Chinese Bignonia 

 Grandiflora, Amorpha Lewisii (blue spikes), Large Roseate Hibis- 

 cus, Japan Variegated-leafed Maize, Japan Blue-striped Lily, Large 

 Yellow Hypericum, Splendid Flowering Yucca, Halbert-leaved 

 Hibiscus, Purple Perennial Aster, Blue-flowered Lobelia, Colum- 

 bine (various colors). Blue and Purple Perennial Lupin, Hibiscus 

 Grandiflorus (cream colored), Starr}^ Liatris, Crimson Monarda, 

 Baptisia Cerulea, Balsamon Lady Slipper, Lythrum Salicaria, 

 Flame-colored Bignonia, Large White Hil)iscus, Chinese Pink Spi- 

 raea, Blue Blazing Star, Scarlet-flowered Bignonia, Indigo Shrub, 

 Pink-colored Asclepias, Scarlet Trumpet Flower, Large Pink-flow- 

 ered Hibiscus, Prince's Bright Crimson Bignonia. Also, Pyrenian 

 Spinach seed, enough for one thousand papers. It is a very hardy 

 perennial, will grow in any soil, and starts its leaves at the first open- 

 ing of spring, furnishing an ample supply of early greens of excellent 

 flavor. It is invaluable for the North, as the earliest of all vegetables. 



CHINESE YAM. j 



Mr. Wm. R, Prince, Flushing, L. I. — It is a native of Northern 

 China and Tartary, and will withstand the severest winters in the 

 open ground. Its flavor is between the Mercer potato and arrow- 

 root. It is exceedingly farinaceous, and may be used for every 

 purpose to which wheat flour is applied. It is the only vegetable 



