INVITATION TO READERS — We want short, practical 

 notes on cultural methods and devices, and sketches and photo- 

 graphs of choice plants, fruits, flowers, vegetables, garden-scenes 

 implements, etc. Therefore, for any available article occupying 

 a half-column or so of space, or for any sketch or photograph from 

 which an acceptable engraving can be made, a year's subscription 

 to this magazine will be given. Please always so specify when 

 contributions are sent in under this offer. 



I. LITTLE TWIGS. 

 After hard frosts clear up the lawn. 

 Hardy Roses. — Plant them in autumn. 

 For autumn beauty, explore the woods ; they are full 

 of it. 



Herbaceous phloxes will flower well in the green- 

 house. 



Daffodils grow well in uncultivated wild gardens or 

 in lawn-sward. 



The large bush lima beans were a complete success 

 with us this year. 



Careless leaf-burning has badly injured the bark of 

 many a fine tree growing near by. 



Bean Poles and Garden Stakes. — Put them under 

 shelter ; they will do for use another year. 



Large collections of wild-flowers will be exhibited 

 at the World's Fair by a number of the states. 



Perennial Gaillardias will be stronger for wintering 

 over if the flower-heads are picked off as soon as they 

 wither. 



Stake all Newly-set Trees. — This is always a good 

 practice, and is of especial benefit to trees planted in 

 autumn. 



Moving Ti.me for Bulbs. — Hardy bulbs should go into 

 the ground this month, and tender ones be taken out of 

 it and stored away. 



Bulbs for the Window. — People who cannot grow 

 hyacinths in the window in winter are not likely to suc- 

 ceed with any but metal plants. 



Thomas Cook, the famous originator of "personally 

 conducted" tours, died recently in England. He was an 

 enthusiastic florist, and also a rigid teetotaler. 



Fine Fruit. — A. J. Downing's old saying that "Fine 

 fruit is the most perfect union of the useful and beauti- 

 ful known to the world," seems truer every autumn. 



The Tulip Poppy. — This novelty was planted on our 

 grounds last spring. It is diminutive in flower and 

 growth, much resembling the Due Van Thol tulips. 



A young Paragon chestnut tree, planted on our 

 grounds three years ago, is this season carrying 17 fine 

 burrs. This seems to us like a remarkable showing. 



Azaleodendrons — M. Emile Radigas, of France, has 

 bestowed this name upon the new hybrids lately raised 

 between Azalea mollis and some forms of the hardy 

 rhododendrons. 



English Walnut Trees. — In various parts of western 

 New York these trees, such as we grew from seed 

 gathered in New Jersey, have thus far proved themselves 

 hardy. 



Lemoine Gladiolus. — I am surprised at Mr. Hallock's 

 declaration that the Lemoine kinds do not open freely in 

 water. They expand, with me, to the very last flower. — 

 W. E. Endicott, Mass. 



Dried Sweet-Potatoes. — Slice and dry them in the 

 sun, says Prof. Massey. They dry easily, and in winter, 

 when stewed, they have a natural flavor, and are better 

 than pumpkins and squashes for pies. 



The New Onion-Culture. — Onions grown on the new 

 plan have done well for us. All were marketed by Aug. 

 I, at f 1.20 per bushel, and the ground was planted with 

 celery. — T. M. White, New Jersey. 



A Peach Tomato. — Editor E. S. Carman, of The 

 Rural Neiv- Yorker, reports, as one result of crossing 

 tomatoes on his grounds, a variety of perfect form 

 covered with a peach-like down. He thinks it may prove 

 a valuable acquisition. 



Sweet corn cannot come upon the table too often to 

 suit the average person. We always plant Evergreen 

 about July 4, and just before frost cut down the stalks, 

 still bearing ears, and store them in the barn. Thus we 

 have a supply for a number of weeks after frost. — A. A. 



The Variegated Maple. — Why not use Acer negundo 

 L'aricgatum for summer room-decoration ? Dwarf 

 standards or bushy plants may be potted in the fall, and, 

 if kept in a cool greenhouse, will make fine plants by 

 spring. When too large for pot-culture they may be 

 planted out in the shrubbery border. 



Public Instruction in Gardening. — The Hampshire 

 County Council, England, is advertising for a public in- 

 structor in gardening, with a view of spreading informa- 

 tion on this subject among the people. No one need 

 apply who is regularly engaged elsewhere as a gardener. 

 Efficient and exclusive service is what is wanted. 



A Fine Annual. — A mass of bloom that has given as 

 much satisfaction as anything grown from seed on our 



