CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SEASONS. 
177 
.During three seasons we have noted, and called the attention of observing 
p 30ns to these indications. In 1849, 1844, and 1846, the Oaks were the earlier, 
a those summers were hot and dry. In 1845 a wet season succeeded to the 
e ier leafing of the Ash. Let us now retrace their course during the late spring. 
£ ^withstanding the rigour of the weather, which extended far into April, the Ash 
g'e indication of speedy expansion ; the Oak was more tardy: hence a showery 
s son was anticipated. As warmer temperature approached, the expansion of the 
1 v r es of both trees promised to be simultaneous. So soon, however, as the mild 
r is came, that is, as before shown, about the 7th to 10th of May, the race was no 
l| ger equal ; the Oak took the lead generally, and although it was evident that there 
V } great irregularity, some trees being a week or more in advance of others, yet 
t : Ash was effectually distanced. The admirers of woodland scenery, especially 
tfse who have studied the characters of trees, will be able to retrace the circum- 
g nces just related, and therefore can recollect the prevailing weather of the entire 
ring and summer. Certain it is that rains and showers have fallen opportunely, 
t iugh scantily ; but as a whole the year has been dry. With the exception of a 
tinder storm, July has been a prodigy of splendour; and thus the only month of 
4 twelve which admits the term periodical , as applied to its meteorology, has 
messed a complete exception to the rule. 
As a great deal has been said in all publications on horticultural and rural 
; airs, upon the prolificacy and abundance of the Aphides or green-flies, it is but just 
■ observe, that the Roses appeared to suffer in no degree so severely by them as 
3y did in 1846 : then not a bud fairly expanded in the spring— all were disfigured, 
le infliction has fallen most severely upon currant-trees and beans ; the latter 
ve been smothered by the black Aphis or dolphin ; the only entire exceptions 
tnessed by the writer were found in two large field-breadths, in rows 97 inches 
inder, kept sacredly clean by unwearied hoeings till, in due season, turnips were 
wed between the ranks : these beans were beautiful, and have been harvested with 
rich and most abundant crop on them. 
There is no particular rule without exception ; but there are many valuable 
neral rules which admit of little deviation : thus, tillage to a great depth secures 
aple moisture to counteract the effects of aridity in the driest seasons; good 
ainage acts in accordance, although it removes superfluous water ; cleanness not 
ily promotes vegetation by destroying intrusive weeds, but it disturbs grubs and 
e larvae of insects. All the operations of high, prolific gardening, of surface 
dture, and of order, depend upon these general principles. 
We are the less scrupulous to introduce these general remarks, although they 
iviate from the strict floricultural character of the Magazine, because they bear upon 
le philosophy of scientific culture, whatever be its object. 
In no one thing is the astonishing variation of conditions more apparent than in 
te thermometric readings off and registers of different local establishments. As a 
latter of curiosity, and also with a view to encourage comparative experiments, the 
VOL. XIV. NO. CLXIV. 
A A 
