No. 129.] 137 



forming two branches, from which circumstance we may suppose 

 the above synonims have originated. 



" Dedicated to Professor Martyn of Cambridge, a well known 

 botanist of the last century." 



(See Gray's Botany of the Northern United States.) 



June 2d — Put out Egg Plants. 



Being very tender, and not unfrequeutly destroyed by cold wet 

 weather, they should not be put out until the weather is deter- 

 mined, and then if placed in rich ground, free from shade, they 

 will, with little attention, fruit freely, and can be as easily pro- 

 cured as the most simple garden product, with the exception 

 that, to have them early, the plants must be forwarded in a hot- 

 bed. The early purple will, however, do very well from seed 

 sown in the open ground in the month of May. 



The analysis of the fruit, giving a large per centage of phospho- 

 ric acid, potash and soda, bone-dust and ashes, on most soils, can 

 be safely employed in its cultivation, or ashes alone if the ground 

 has been previously prepared with a good supply of yard ma- 

 nure; and I have observed the good effect of guano in forward- 

 ing the plants when their growth has been retarded by exposure 

 to unsuitable weather. A few plants, incidentally procured last 

 spring, gave yellow^fruit ; whether it is a distinct variety or not, 

 I cannot say. During tlie eiirly growth, the color is light pur- 

 ple, and it may be the violet egg plant, a variety much cultiva- 

 ted in France: assuming the yellow hue as it advances toward 

 maturity. I have before occasionally had specimens of the same 

 color, and viewed it as accidental ; but in this instance, all the 

 plants obtained under the same circumstances, produced similar 

 fruit, and having no means of ascertaining where or by whom the 

 plants were grown, have placed the seed in the hands of several 

 -growers, with the view of better ascertaining its true character. 



June I8tk. — Put out Pepper plants. 



Plants forwarded in a hot-bed and put out in Jime, will with 

 little attention, produce abundantly. The fruit is conspicuous, 

 -and if not required for use, a few plants is an embeslishment to 

 the kitchen garden. 



