32 THE FLORIST AND P0M0L0GIST. 



berries will grow after passing through birds ; nor, what is of more conse- 

 quence to the subject, that Mistletoe does not grow exactly where it first ger- 

 minated, but creeps on a little way until it finds a suitable place to fix upon 

 permanently. I give this on credit, but it accords with the habits of the other 

 parasites already noticed. Of course, those who wish to propagate the Mis- 

 tletoe should folloAV the plan of the birds, by rubbing a few seeds from its 

 berries upon the smooth bark of the Thorn, or Apple ; and also, for more cer- 

 tainty, into the chinks of the old bark. Each berry contains but one seed 

 enclosed in viscid matter, by which it adheres firmly to the bark, and, also 

 affords protection from the weather. It may also soften the bark for the seed to 

 germinate upon. Perhaps January is the best time for the operation, but care 

 should be taken to protect the seed by netting or gauze from the keen eyes of 

 birds or mice. I have adopted this plan, and I see no reason to doubt of 

 success — in fact, my friend Mr. Hart, who wrote what I have quoted, tried it 

 successfully upon his Apple trees in his garden at Bellingford in this county ; 

 and I think that if nurserymen were to rear trees bearing Mistletoe, and fit for 

 transplanting, they would find a ready sale for them among gardeners and 

 amateurs in those parts of the country where this parasitical plant is not found 

 growing wild. 



J. Wightox. 



BELLE AGATI1E CHERRY. 



WITH AN ILLUSTRATION. 



Synonyme. — Belle Agailie cle Novembre. 



Tins valuable Cherry was obtained from seed by Captain Thiery, of 

 Haelen, in the province of Limburg, in Belgium, so recently as the year 1852, 

 and the rapidity with which it has spread is a sure indication of its merits and 

 of the estimation in which it is held. 



The fruit grows in dense clusters, and is small or about medium size, 

 roundish oval, slightly depressed at the two extremities. It is of the 

 Bigarreau character, but assumes more red on the skin than the Bigarreau. 

 The skin is thick, the stalk long and slender. The flesh is hard and crack- 

 kling like that of the Bigarreau, and when ripe is of remarkably nice flavour, 

 sweet and sugary, and of a yellow colour. The stone is large for the size 

 of the fruit. 



This remarkable variety was introduced to this country from Belgium by 

 Mr. Rivers, about ten years since. About the middle of September, when 

 Cherries are gone and forgotten, this sort commences to ripen, and as it is a 

 most abundant bearer, the trees when covered with their bright red fruit have a 

 most summer-like look, reminding one of June. In size it resembles the 

 Kentish ; its flesh is firm, juicy, and sweet, and for the season refreshing and 

 agreeable. 



At Sawbridgeworth the birds do not touch it, so that during nearly 

 the whole of October, two tall standard trees there are most ornamental. 

 Whether the birds leave it unscathed because Cherries in October are unknown 

 to the ornithological world is a question to be determined, at any rate the 

 variety is well worthy of cultivation. 



A small and very hard-fleshed Cherry called Tardive de Mans, is probably 

 the parent of the Belle Agathe. 



The tree is very hard and vigorous, and an abundant bearer. 



