OPERATIONS FOR AUGUST. 
167 
Between Albany and Lake Champlain, the ground in general is in an excellent 
state of cultivation ; and, being well watered, is rendered, in consequence, an 
agreeable situation for the settler. There it was that we first caught a sight of the 
Abies Canadensis (hemlock spruce), and the lofty white-barked American elms, in 
native stations. 
Entering another steam-boat upon Lake Champlain, from the westward, the 
course is winding and narrow. The woods on both sides, for the first sixteen 
miles, are very various, the principal trees being the wild cherry (Prunus Viv- 
giniana), elms, walnuts, sugar-maples, with the aspen poplar (Populus tremu- 
loides). The rocky grounds again abound in the arborvitee. After having fairlv 
entered upon the expanse of the lake, the appearance of the lofty white or Wey- 
mouth pine (Pinus strobus), towering above the deciduous trees, on rising grounds 
at the base of the hills, of a dark aspect, nearly destitute of branches, was 
remarkable. 
About Essex, half way along, the lake widens much, and all at once the 
wooded rocky lane by the water's edge is changed for a rich fertile country. The 
different farms having their fields laid off in squares, and a large orchard attached 
to each, render this tract, with its natural beauties, very agreeable. The soil 
around seemed a light-coloured clay, and the wood on the lower grounds was not 
very plentiful ; but the rising grounds behind were densely studded with scraggy 
pines. 
On reaching St. Johns, the northern extremity of Lake Champlain, the forests 
presented the same appearances as they did when we first entered upon the Lake, 
with the addition of the Abies balsamea (or Balm of Gilead fir), and the sugar- 
maple, which is here in greater quantities and larger than we had hitherto seen. 
Notwithstanding the great mutilation which the trees are subjected to in early 
spring, for their juices in the manufacture of sugar, they appear all in the most 
perfect state of health. 
Passing onwards to Lapraire, on the St. Lawrence river, the only tree observed 
of any interest, and deserving of notice, was the Canoe birch (Betula papyracea). 
Several dense masses of these trees occupied the lower ground ; but from their 
closeness, none had attained a great size. Till reaching this point birches were 
by no means plentiful. 
OPERATIONS IN THE FLOWER GARDEN FOR AUGUST. 
Anemones, planted in the beginning of this month, will flower about the end 
of November, or in December, and will continue to flower till Christmas. If 
planted [at the end of the month they will scarcely bloom before February ; or, if 
the season be very cold, the beginning of March. Vol. II. p. 16. 
Biennials. — Several of the hardy species, as Eryihrcea aggregata, Eutoca 
muttiflora, and FranJclini, &c, ripen their seed this month, and should be sown 
as soon as ripe ; also, this is a good time for sowing many of the more tender 
kinds. Vol. I. p. 66. 
