AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 237 



pears is the Moullle Bouche, very abundant in our markets in the fall. It 

 is sometimes called the Vert Longuc, or Long Green. We have also com- 

 mon the Gros Martinsec. 



The name of Washington is imposed on a plum showing its American 

 origin. But whatever may be said of it, it cannot compare with the Queen 

 Claude, which it resembles. 



As to Pomological Conventions, we think there are too many. A union 

 convention of all is very much wanted — for no one can make law for the 

 whole. The Horticultural Society of Lyons has begun the goodly work. 

 A programme, signed by all its officers and its able Secretary, General M. 

 Willermor, calls for one in September. 



The Abbe Moigno says that a rich amateur horticulturist lived on his 

 own domain in the north of Belgium, all alone, no family at home, con- 

 centrating all his affections upon his garden. He died. His son, who lived 

 in great style in Brussels, sold the plants on it to Paris for 20,000 francs ! 

 And this brilliant collection, worth 300,000 francs, was transported to 

 Paris. It was unique in Europe. 



CHEAP PROTECTION OF PLANTS. 



Fix posts at convenient distances from a south wall, with suitable ropes 

 to support movable light canvass, so that some plants requiring some pro- 

 tection from bad weather may be sheltered. It works well with apricots, 

 peaches, nectarines and many other fine fruits. 



THE LADIES AND THE GARDEN. 



M. Louvin appeals to the ladies to cultivate fruits and flowers. He 

 touches a great question. Deprived as they are of exterior influence in 

 society, they can cultivate the gardens and dispense gracefully the chari- 

 ties of the domain, while the lords of creation, persecuted by ennui, fly to 

 clubs, theatres, halls, for change of faces and places, looking for that hap- 

 piness in this chase, when the real good is at home with her. The ladies 

 have always shown an almost insurmountable fondness for the home and 

 the garden, instead of the futile city pleasures pursued by the men. 



The Prairie Farmer, of Chicago, gives a drawing of a mammoth pear 

 tree growing in Knox county, Indiana, one mile east of Busseron station, 

 on the Evansville and Crawfordsville railroad. It is supposed to have 

 been a riding switch given by Mrs. Small, near Vince'nnes, to Mrs. Ocle- 

 tree, about fifty years ago. 



It is now 60 feet high. Branches, 118 feet in diameter. Trunk 11^ 

 circumference, but only five feet long. Some of the lower branches 5 feet 

 circumference. One hundred and twenty-five bushels of pears a season. 

 Two hundred head of cattle can find shelter under it. 



FAWKES' STEAM PLOW. 



His exhibitions at Lancaster and Philadelphia were perfect triumphs. At 

 Lancaster a lady presented him with a rich and elegant wreath, woven 

 with excellent taste, and bearing the inscription, " Presented to Mr. 



