proceedings of the farmers' club. 105 



Kansas "VYild Flower Seeds. 



Solon Robinson. — I have something' from the Kansas women for their 

 sisters who attend this Club — something to make them glad that they do 

 attend. Here is a lot of flower-seeds from the wilds of the West. And 

 here is a sprig of one of the most delicious odorous plants that I know of, 

 the Galium odoratum, a remarkably interesting plant which, the lady says, 

 I never saw anywhere but in Kansas on the banks of the creek. These 

 seeds are sent with the following letter from C. W. Craig, of Black Jack, 

 Kansas: 



" Please accept these few Kansas flower seeds, as a little thank-offering 

 for your kind notice of my letter last summer. I have not all the varieties 

 I mentioned, but hope to procure others during the coming summer and 

 fall. Perhaps you are acquainted with the red bud. I have no doubt it 

 would be hardy in that climate. It is beautiful at the time the lilac is in 

 bloom. 



" Perhaps the seeds need swelling in hot water. The Pentstemon is very 

 fine — flowers about the size of the Canterbury bell — the leaves very rich. 



"I think all the plants a great acquisition to a garden, and hope you 

 ■will be pleased with them. The tuberous larkspur grows in moist places, 

 but Avill flourish anywhere. It has a scape-like stem, and is a beautiful 

 plant. I have a very few seeds of a perennial Phlox, resembling the 

 drummondii in color. The ruella resembles the petunia, and is a very 

 interesting plant — blooms in the morning — perensial. I wish the Club 

 could spare more time on flowers. 



"I have not time to write any thing for the press, or I should like again 

 to ask them to pay more attention to floriculture. 



"I love to read their discussions on raising fruit, and should be equally 

 interested in reading occasionally the experience of members in the cul- 

 tivation' and improvement of flowers. 



" You give us vegetables for our repast, fruit for our dessert, and please 

 give us a dish of flowers now and then for spices. 



" I have just thought of Mr. Fuller's proposition to the Vermont lady, 

 which I read two or three weeks ago; and will, if you please, mention 

 what would, I think, be a great favor to the lovers of flowers in Kansas. 



"I think if the Club should send an agent with choice trees and shrubs, 

 or if some good gardener should commence the business in Lawrence, or 

 some other favorable locality, there would be a great demand. Gardeners, 

 if I mistake not, keep very few varieties of choice shrubs or plants of any 

 kind. 



" I have tried to get different sorts of roses, also, althea frutex, and 

 rose acacia, and others that I had at the east, but have not succeeded. I 

 have sent to friends and to two seed stores in New York, for seeds of the 

 althea frutex and rose acacia, but cannot get them. May I beg the favor 

 of a few seeds if you have them ?" 



Mr. Robinson said that he hoped gardeners or nurserymen, who wish to 

 change or make a new location, will think of what is said in this letter 

 about the opening in Kansas. 



Mr. Carpenter said that he had no doubt every one present felt as he 



