May 9, 1894.] 



Garden and Forest. 



187 



flowers which normally should have appeared about six 

 months earlier. 



The blossoms which appeared upon the Asters were fully 

 one and a half inches in diameter, but later ones were smaller. 

 The color appeared to be practically of the same tint as that 

 produced by plants growing under normal conditions. The 

 number of blossoms produced was smaller, and although the 

 largest plant made a growth of practically thirty inches, it pro- 

 duced only nine flowers. Several stems which should have 

 borne failed to do so, probably from want of sufficient 

 nourishment. 



The Golden-rods gave by far the best results. The strongest 

 plant was twenty-eight inches high and had eight flower-bear- 

 ing stems. This plant is practically a weed in many cases 

 when it takes possession of entire fields. In the fall it is so 

 abundant that its beauty is overlooked, and perhaps the strange 

 treatment it received somehow brought out all its possible 



described above, although, perhaps, more successful methods 

 could be devised. 



It may be added that cuttings of the common White Willow, 

 the Victoria Currant, and of Stark and Sweet Bough Apples 

 were packed in the moss with the Asters and Golden-rod, and 

 treated in the same way. Without giving details here, it is 

 sufficient to state that many of these were quite dead, and 

 those which survived generally showed greatly impaired vi- 

 tality. The living ones showed interesting differences, which 

 may be worth describing hereafter. 



Cornell University. E. G. Lodeinail. 



The Chinese Quince. — This beautiful small tree is now flow- 

 ering here, although rather more sparsely than usual, since 

 many of its flower-buds were injured by the frost. Its leaves 

 on the upper side are smooth and shining, as if varnished, but 

 while young are pubescent on the lower surface. The bright 



Fig. 34. — Prunus orthosepala. — See page 104. 



charm. But, whatever may have been the cause, the plant 

 gave us a surprise that was almost startling. Rarely can one 

 see such rich coloring as was brought out when the deep yel- 

 low of the flowers was seen among the other flowers in the 

 greenhouse. Contrary to all expectation, the element of 

 coarseness seemed to be entirely removed when the plumes 

 of yellow blossoms were brought in close contrast with even 

 the most delicate of foliage or flowering plants. It seemed to 

 have the power of blending harmoniously with nearly every 

 plant grown. 



If Asters and Golden-rods can be forced, it is probable that 

 few flowers now grown can equal them in beauty and attrac- 

 tiveness in late winter or early spring. This is particularly 

 true of the Golden-rod. From the success attending this at- 

 tempt it would seem that with better preparation of the plant 

 the work could be even profitably carried on in the manner 



pink blossoms are about half the size of those of the common 

 Ouince, and are scattered along the larger branches of the 

 tree. They have very short flower-stalks, and appear a few 

 days before those of the common Ouince. It is somewhat re- 

 markable that this tree is not more generally cultivated, for, in 

 addition to its neat habit and attractive flowers, its large and 

 beautiful fruit is singularly fragrant, and in autumn its foliage 

 turns to most brilliant colors. The partial failure of the tree 

 to flower is unusual, but this is a year when many bright 

 things have suffered. The lovely form of Pyrus dorings, 

 known as P. Parkmanni, has lost every tlower-bud. 

 Shepherdstown. W. Va. Danske Dandriiige. 



The Onion Maggot. — We fought a losing battle with this 

 enemy forseveral seasons until kerosene was tried, and we have 

 had good crops ever since. Half a pint of kerosene is well 



