286 THE FLORIST AND 



Mr. Editor : — There is a large tree of Magnolia conspicua now in full 

 bloom in the garden of Mrs. Eliza H. Burd, at the S. W. corner of Chest- 

 nut and ninth streets; it was purchased from Mr. James D. Fulton, for ten 

 dollars, two years ago last February, and then transplanted ; it was full of 

 buds, which all expanded well at its regular time of flowering, (the end of 

 March and beginning of April,) the following spring it had only half a 

 bloom, last spring a full bloom, and now a full bloom again. I never heard 

 of such a thing before. The tree has been left to nature ever since it was 

 planted. I sent you two flowers yesterday, which I suppose you got. 



There is, also, a large bush of Laurestinus now in bloom in the garden of 

 Dr. Charles D. Meigs, Walnut street; it .was planted a year ago last spring, and 

 a glazed frame or case placed over it during the winter ; it lost eight inches 

 of its top the winter before last, but pushed out vigourously again the fol- 

 lowing spring, but did not bloom ; last winter it did not lose a leaf and yet 

 did not bloom ; about the first of June last, it began to form flower buds, 

 and now there is a cluster on the point of every shoot over the whole bush ; 

 many have expanded, (one of which I sent you'along with the Magnolia) 

 and in about a week it will be in full flower, this too, is also singular, as 

 April is the natural month for Laurestinus to flower in. . 



If you think these notices worth giving to your readers, you are at liberty 

 to do so, if not you may light your segar with the paper. 



Respectfully, Walter Elder. 

 Phila. Aug. 24, 1853. 



We couldn't think of being so disrespectful — we received the flowers, they 

 were very good blooms. Would it not be advisable to shade the Laurestinus 

 while in bloom to prevent the sun burning the flowers ? 



Judging from the preparations being made, the annual exhibitions of the 

 New York and Philadelphia Horticultural Societies, will this, year surpass 

 any former ones. In New York they have chosen a new place for holding 

 their show, Niblo's garden — and their committee are doing all in their pow- 

 er to have a good collection of flowers and fruit. The crowd attracted by 

 the Crystal Palace will be an inducement to them to endeavour to make as 

 good a show as possible and we hope that their endeavours will be crowned 

 with success. The exhibitions of the Pennsylvania Society have always 

 been successful ones in a greater or less degree. We cannot hope to have 

 such large collections of fruit as were brought last year by the Pomological 

 Society, still we will have enough. The plant room will as usual present a 

 brilliant display ; but we may venture to hope that the rare plants may be 

 more visible than formerly. The crowding together the collections to pro- 



