50 



FOREST AND STREAM, 



ing themselves lo my fresh beef. To this last performance 

 the common red beaded woodpecker is very much addict- 

 ed, often showing a strong disposition to resist your efforts 

 to protect your property." 



♦♦♦ 



Domesticated Wild G-sesb.— A correspondent sends 

 us the following interesting note — 



"The theory advanced by several of your correspond- 

 ents about domesticating wild geese holds good. Several 

 years ago a citizen residing near Eockville, this county, 

 captured in the fall of the year a male and female wild 

 goose, and tor a time kept them in confinement In the 

 spring they took "French leave," and the owner pre- 

 sumed he was minus a pair of geese. Next fall the mother 

 returned with a flock of twelve or fourteen line young 

 geese, which remained by her side until all v. 'ere captured. 

 The mother Was then allowed to depart, but never re- 

 turned, having most likely been shot. "Audubon." 



SV-*» — 



The Wixmm.— Minneapolis, Minn,, W&>., %2a\ 1877.— 



Ampelis garrulm, Linn., or the Waxwing, a winter visitant 

 here isso inconstant, appearing as last winter, in large num- 

 ber , and then failing to do Bobntitely for several successive 

 winters, it has occurred 10 me that With your extended area 

 of circulation yon might make the inquiry, "Where has he 

 been observed during lite present winter?" the numerous 

 answets to which may bc+iu the solution of the piobleui 

 of his migratory habits, hitherto essentially unanswered. 



P. L. Hatch. 



Printer's Errors. —These are most vexatious to both 

 author and editor; sumetimesthey are ex-isj eratiug; some- 

 times ihey cau-e libel suits. Here is the complaint that 

 one correspondent makes, it is altogether characteristic:— 



PotNaM, Conn. , Feb. SSfl, :Si f. 

 Boitob Forest and Stream:— 



I renieinbur reading some tune slcco in Forest and Str-ram an ell! 

 torlal rcqueat to the tuVc, ibat correspouaems Be particular to print, 

 scientific names, tonus, <&c, to guard against mistakes by the composi- 

 tor. 



I am not very "hefty" in toe use of scientific terms, bat when 1 ven- 

 Be *pb4UddRym flr.d printed it C7ie»-ict'.s, b.-li'jld your "very 

 OOB*' of a compositor made my "-lfirtotis" to read OTerlcUS, oil h on 

 the whole, I rather think an improvement, and shall adopt, it "until 

 fmnre aaes .-hall have discovered the rUht..'' Hoping you will not think 

 me a "Sassacus," thuiiLiu I may he a -'Rusticus," 1 test yours to sarve, 



A. A. M. 



P. S.-CIencus does look like O'Vericns; at any rate it's all the same 

 to Aim-riciiK, (A merry CUBS). O. V. 



Still another injured author -writes what follows: and we 

 ate lain to say that the explanation shows that teleprinter's 

 error has evoked some unfortunate criiiuis tits upon the head 

 of Rusticus, which are the harder lo bear because he is not 

 to blame: 



rKc 



, Feh. 



Amoni; a few nnimportnut miaprinl 

 the iiiK-UL;eut reader— in my little hislory published in your Ismie of the 

 loth inet., occur- one which eintply negatives the rest, of Ihe s atcment. 

 For "The Lirmell Bros, surpassed," the reader will please substitute 

 '•The Linncll Bros, witnessed, &c. By making this correction you will 

 add to the obligations of Id;.- neus. 



Zj^oodhnd, ^ntm and %ntdm. . 



Palms. — Palms have now become universal favorites, 

 anil their popularity is such that tkey are no longer con- 

 fined to extensive collections in large horticultural and bo- 

 tanical establishments, but have been introduced lo deco- 

 rate and enliven the parlors and drawing-rooms of our oily 

 and country homes. 



There is a strongly marked individuality about this or- 

 der of plants which strikes even Ihe ordinary observer, 

 and the effect produced is all the more heightened when 

 large and small specimens of the various species are 

 grouped together, and also when they are associated with 

 'Tree Mr its, Cyeuds, Bananas, Ma.ra.nias, C'atadmms, and 

 other plants of a tropical character, Their symmetrical 

 appearance, their fan-shaped or primate leaves, the charm- 

 Ming shades of green which tin y assume, the graceful 

 curve of the leaf etalks, the rugged, often prickly, appear- 

 ance, of the stems, the development of the flowering pro- 

 cess on a spadix, their intrinsic value and durability, all 

 combine to raise them iu public estimation, and stamp 

 them among the most noble as well as ornamental of the 

 vegetable kingdom. They are of early culture compared 

 with many plants of less value; yet to preserve healthy, 

 well developed specimens, care and attention are requisite. 

 The soil should consist of free fibrous loam, as iargs a 

 proportion of fibre being left as practicable, inasmuch as 

 the mass wili thereby take longer to get decomposed, and 

 yet exhausted will form a better rooting medium. Keep 

 more porous, and thereby enable the cultivator lo keep the 

 roots within limit, and thus make the plants more rigid 

 and better suited for home decoralion. Water should be 

 freely giveu, and a good margin or basin be allowed there- 

 for, the indispensable condi ion of success in Palm grow- 

 ing beiug good drainage, abundance of water at 'he root, 

 and plenty of moisture in the atmosphere. If they are. 

 stunted as regards water supply during their period of ac- 

 tivity the foliage, instead of wearing that freshness and 

 lustre so pleasing to the eye, speedily assumes a parched 

 and sallow hue, the growth receives a severe check, the 

 leaves are stunted, and the chances arc that the plant never 

 recovers its pristine vigor. Another and most essential 

 provision with reference to health and color I 

 from the bright sunlight. Huring our hot, burning sum- 

 mers, if the greenhouse is shaded, eulrer Ly painting ihe 

 glass with aibin coaling of White lead and turpentine (that. 

 it may be easily rubbed off in the fall) or by temporary 

 screens, the evaporation is reduced, and a moist growing 

 atmosphere is easily retained, provided the syringe or hose 

 is applied daily. Cleanliness, of course, is absolutely nec- 

 essary. Scale and Thrip are i ! ■ enemies, and 

 (anal be watched incessantly. Plants in which the growth 



has been solidified hy a due admission of light and air will 

 winter in a minimum temperature of 45°, but where they 

 are. intermixed with a miscellaneous assortment it is advis- 

 able not to let it fall below 50°. 



Several of the more hardy varieties, such as the Sago 

 aud Hate Palms, the Palmetto, etc., are now much used as 

 single specimens on leaves, or for groups in the pleasure 

 grounds, giving quite a sub-tropical aspect to the surround- 

 ings, while for jardinieres and window boxes, for halls, 

 churches, or parlor groups, they are found indispensable, 

 lending lo all a lightness and grace that can he supplied by 

 no other plants. They have also made their mark for ta- 

 ble decoration, and no arrangement looks more lovely or 

 graceful than a pair of nicely matched Palms for end pieces 

 on a dinner or supper table, and a graceful March stand 

 with its tall, trumpet-shaped vase for the centre pieces. 

 The following are the most hardy, useful, aud cheapest of 

 the genus: — 



Leaves fan-shaped— Uhamm-ops cxcelm, C. humilis, and 

 C. Fortuna, Coryplm australis, Latania Bonloniea, and L. 

 rttiira, LivmgKlorda rotUndifolia, Thrinax argeniea and T. 

 elegans. Leaves pinnate— Pluenix, dacttjUfera aud P. syLma- 

 tris t Arr.rjt, 'mrscJuiffeltii, A. lutescens and A. rubra, Seafor- 

 thea elegans, Euterpe edule, Prilchardia filamentosa, VVelfia 

 regia, aud Kenlia Cauterburyana. 



Tue CrtiCACio Poultry Show,— Prom our Chicago cor- 

 respondent we receive the following account of the annual 

 poultry show now in progress in that city— 



"The poultry show, so far, has been a very successful 

 one, ilie'attenoauce being large and the entries more nu- 

 merous tbau last year. They number nearly 1,200, and 

 leave but Utile of the immense coop now unoccupied. -'Ihe 

 breeds shown are great in variety. The chickens on ex- 

 hibition embrace seventy-three varieties. There are 

 twenty different kinds of pigeons and several varieties of 

 rabbits. The show is iu every respect much belter than 

 mst year. The exhibitors are from every part of tire coun- 

 try. Air. W. U. Todd, of Vermillion, Ohio, has made 100 

 entries, including a great variety ot chickens, ducks, 

 pigeons and geese. His Chinese geese fill the exposition 

 building with their unearthly squawk. Dr. Euos, of Mil- 

 waukee, has a very tine lot ot fowls on exhibition. A 

 great many other prominent exhibitors arc represented, 

 Ihe visitor sees a great number of fine birds. Some line 

 black Cochins are seen, many of which, especially the 

 males, ate very handsome. U. J. Ward, of Chicago, aud 

 VV. H. Todd, of Ohio, are the principal exhibitors of 

 this kind of fond. The display of partridge Cochins 

 is very fine, and attract much attention, Hr. Home, of 

 Jancsville, Wisconsin, has several which he values at $75 

 a pair. The buff Conchins are well represented aud are 

 the most handsome bird in the show, being very large aud 

 of a golden hue. 



There is a large variety of game cocks on exhibition; 

 some very fine ones. The speckled Hondaus attract the 

 attention of all visitors by reason of their singular appear- 

 ance. Todd, of Ohio, makes the principal txhibit. The 

 display of black Spanish is large and tine. There are sixty 

 coops of them. Mr. Todd, of Ohio, exhibits what he 

 thinks the largest goose iu the world. It weighs thirty 

 pounds. There are a great many other varieties of birds 

 on exhibition noted for their hearty and good qualities. 



The finest displays arc made by "Dr. Bnos and 8. H. Lea- 

 man, of Milwaukee, and W. H. Todd, of Vermillion, 

 Ohio. 



The show will last until Tuesday night of next week, 

 ana will be varied by a baby exhibition, which will pre- 

 vail from 2 to 5 o'clock on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, 

 headquarters to he the art gallery. To foster this branch 

 of industry prizes wiil be given — a silver cup to the hand- 

 somest and healthiest, intant, irrespective of sex, under 

 eighteen months, and $10 in gold lor the secoud prize. 

 The show, so far, has been a success. Kovek. 



•»•-*. 



THE BOSTON PINE. 



Montreal, Canada, Feb. 21st. 1877. 

 Editor Fohkst and Stkeam: — 



YV ill you be kind enough, in the Answers to Correspond- 

 ents of FOBEST and Stream lo tell me the specific name of 

 the enclosed Lycpodmm — i hat is to say, it you can do so 

 from the very meagre and imperfect specimen (the best 1 

 can get, however,) which I send. It is imported to this 

 country trotn the United States, in large quantities for 

 Christmas decoration, and is sold here under the name of 

 the "Boston Pine." 



Also, can you tell me what Saskatoon berries are? They 

 come from the western country, aud the name is probably 

 of Indian derivation. lNQtiiut.it. 



Undoubtedly Lycopodium complanatum var. Sabinaffo- 

 lium, Willd (L. ehamajcyparissus, Braun). The typical 

 foim is common in shady woods and among evergreens 

 throughout Mew York, Kew Jersey and southward, while 

 northward it passes gradually into the variety as above; 

 The stems are creeping, with scattered, awl-shaped leaves, 

 the branches erect and repeatedly forked, the brauehlels in 

 the variely being much narrower and more erect than in 

 the type. Can our corrospondent send a sample of the 

 berriesV-Eu. 



Qdert— To Raise Lapugena. — How should I proceed to 

 raise a few seedling L.ipagerias?— Alpha. 



Sow in pots or pans filled with light soil; place them iu 

 a temperature of 60° to 65°, and keep them well watered. 

 They will germinate in about a month, and will then not 

 require so much water. Pol off singly as soon as the plants 

 are fit to handle, and look carefully for thrip on them dur- 

 ing the hot weather. — Ed. 



— Owing to the continued aosence of rain, the supply cf 

 grapes was uearly as great at Christmas time in San Fran- 

 cisco us at :ne height of their season.. Oranges from further 

 south were plentilul, as were alsoother tropical liuits, seen 

 as bananas, piueapp.es, limes, etc. Strawberries weie yet 

 in market, aud ras-pserrter. just passing away. Apples, 

 pears, green peas, siring beans, new potatoes, asparagus, 

 sweet potatoes, and the usual winter vegetables were in 



abundance. One of the features of this market at mid- 

 winter is the prevalence of beautiful flowers Hoses, pinks, 

 violets, mignonetts, fucias, heliotrope, pahsies and gerani 

 urns, iu bouquets, etc., are cheap and plentiful. The dis- 

 play is a horticultural exhibition in itself; 

 i «^» 



— Curtis & Cobb, seedsmen and florists, 11 Avon street, 

 Boston, write, Feb. 23d: — 



"We appreciate your department of Horticulture, that, 

 I invariably read carefully. It is an improvement ou pre 

 vious years, ana trust it will do great good." 



££e» mid §iver egishitfg. 



FISH IN SEASON IN FEBRUARY, 



SOUTHERN WATSR8 



I'ompimo, TyacA rQlimts. Grouper. Epipt 

 Drum— two ipeofes. ' &a Piou (triads Mass) Catfl 



nhukv. 







S«a Oa.-B, Sciamaptec&mu». 



bheepehcad. AicAouirgus probata- Tu lorfieb, Pm 



eepiutlw,. Black Bass, it , . 



Snapper, Lutjanus caxxt. M. hujrtcam. 



Frsttnfr Market.— Notwithstanding the season 



prices of fish remain remarkably low owing to Ihe abund- 

 ance of the supply. Our quotations for the week are as fol- 

 lows:— Striped bass 20 to 25 cents per pound; smells, 20 

 cents; bluefish, 15 cents: salmon (frozen), 80 cents-, shad 

 (southern), 75 cents each; mackerel, 80 cents; white perch, 15 

 cents; Spanish mackerel 75 cents; green turtle, 

 terrapin, $15 per dozen; frost fish, S cents per pound; hali 

 but, 15 cents; haddock, 7 ceuts; codfish, 8 cents; black- 

 lisli, 15 cents; herrings, 6 cents; flounders, 12 cents; sea 

 bass, 20 cents; eels, 18 cents; lobsters, 10 cents; slieeps- 

 head, 20 cents; turbott, 20 cents; sc ' per gallon; 



whitefish, 20 cents per pound; pickerel, 18 cents; sunfish, 

 10 cents; yellow perch, 10 cents; salmon trout, 

 hard shell crabs, $3 00 per 100; soft crab.- -k\:2', per 

 red snappers, 15 cents per pound. 



— All the Long Island spring ponds and their on 

 clear of ice, and auglers are hoping for propitiot 

 until the season opens on the 15th of March. Should no 

 snow or severe weather occur, tin 



ter condition for the rod lhan at any time Within the 

 memory of an old inhabitant. 



Fishing Rods. — We have recently had Ihe p- i 

 examining a remarkably handsome c imbined Gri en lieu 

 and split bamboo rod, with German silver mounting , mat 

 for Mr. E R. Howes, of San Francisco, bj 

 Bissett & Mallison, of this city. This linn, as will be seen 

 hy their advertisement, are now making a specially of (bis 

 line of work, turning out split bamboo fly roi 

 guaranteed quality, at prices far below anything at which 

 they have previously been sold.. 



The Ouvis Flies.— Mr. Chas. F. Orvis 

 Vt., who makes most excellent Trout and Bass I 

 au Improved Reel, as well, which 

 by anglers, has recently turned his atti ■. 

 artificial flies. Home specimens of his handicral 

 our table before us. They com prise se n-u pal ten 

 flies, in gaudy colors, and nine of trout Q 

 bound to say that they ought to satisfy the most : 

 One of the bass flies has its winj 



pattern; the others are flat. Three of the trout flies are 

 new studies, which Mr. Orvi3 thinks are nearer to nature 

 than the usual styles. He claims to dress his flies on best 

 selected gut, and tie to any size of hook. One plan he 

 adopts which all dealers would do well to iimlsti 

 taches to each kind of 11 y sold cither the name of the fly, 

 or a number, so that parties can duplicate their orders 

 with certainty, and also learn the names of artificial flies, 

 which many wish to do. Lest some pel 

 that Mr. Orvis is only a tyro in tying, and don't know as 

 much about the art as some other men (which may, or may 

 not be a fact,) we wish to say that we 

 something of the effort and expense to which i 

 vering gentleman has put himself to act:" 

 skill in Ihe profession, aud to aid that if all pei 

 dertaking a new business would take i 

 qualify themselves, more general satisfaction would be en- 

 joyed by purchasers. Mr. Orvis, in his far-ofl 

 New England, will be able to supply a IfM 

 felt, and to till avoid whirl 

 "ihe world could never fill." 



—Messrs. Holberton & lieemer wish to call Ihe attention 

 of anglers to their splendid stock of trout anil 

 just received from Miss Sara .1. MeBrid 

 also a fine assortment of fly rod 

 Leonard, and olhermakers. 



THE OLD QUESTION— DO BLACK BASS 

 TAKE THE FLY? 



X DEinorr, Feb. 17th, 1877. 



EmioK Forest and Sthe.vi:— 



"VV. VV. M-.V article on "Angling for Black Bass" in 

 your issue ot the loth leads me to g ve mylb I 

 with the fly, hoping to aid in solving this queston a^ to 

 whether they "do or do not lake" it. 



This appears to be a. much vexed qm 

 rive at a conclusion one way oi ihe o hai 

 the habits of the fish, and condition 

 them must be considered iu their, true relation. 1 have 



always thought my SUCC6S! 



conditions, and not upon 1L Be fish to take a 



fly; lor that, would be an E - rule my CXpefi- 



