BOTANICAL INDEX, 
15 
RECE.A T PUBLIC A LIONS. 
One of the greatest pleasures of our times is the abundance of valuable reading 
matter placed before the people, adapted alike to all classes of readers and all varieties 
of occupations ; but as our interest is chiefly with the horticulturist and floriculturist, 
we can only notice those especially adapted to our department. On the pages imme- 
diately following this, we give a list of magazines, journals, and papers, published 
in different portions of the world, some one or more of which should be regularly 
subscribed for by every family, even if they have only one window in which to grow 
plants. The subscription price is within the reach of all ; and for those whose money 
is of no value except for the good they receive from it, the more expensive publica- 
tions are certainly a source of great enjoyment. Asa rule, the most expensive are 
the largest, consequently contain the most information — not always, however, of the 
most value to those in any special line of study, for a large number of the less pre- 
tentious publications are of full as much value to the general reader as the more 
expensive ones. In addition to the list of papers given on page 16, we have before us — 
The Aquarium , (monthly, 50 cents a year,) Cincinnati, O., devoted to the interests 
of the Aquarium and its wants. Each number contains several original, instructive 
and practical articles, of great value in the management of a fresh-water Aquarium. 
The Western Horticulturist , (monthly, 50 cents a year,) Ainsworth, Iowa, is a 
deserving periodical of sterling qualities, and promises to be to the horticulturists of 
Iowa a valuable medium of communication with each other, and those interested in 
the development of the rich and fertile State of Iowa, in other portions of the country. 
It is one of that class of papers that all can afford to subscribe for, and we would be 
glad to know that all our friends in Iowa, especially, were its patrons. 
The Valley Xaturalist , (monthly, $1.00 a year,) St. Louis, Mo., is particularly 
designed to collect facts and information pertaining to natural history in all its 
branches, but more especially in the Mississippi Valley. None of the sciences are 
given a preference, and its columns are open to correspondence from all who may 
take an interest in diffusing and obtaining a knowledge of nature, as exhibited in 
this region. 
All the old established publications, such as the American Agriculturist, Gardener's 
Monthly, Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, Botanical Gazette, and Vick's Monthly 
Magazine, are too well known to need any comment from us. We take pleasure in 
saying that they are indispensable to any one interested in plant culture. 
Among the new books are some of special merit, and a valuable acquisition to the 
horticultural library : 
How to Destroy Insects, (H. F. Williams, New York city, paper, 30 cents,) is a 
compilation of receipts and directions for destroying all kinds of insects on house 
plants; while Part 2d gives much valuable instruction for treatment of insects in the 
flower garden (including the rose) as well as the vegetable garden. Part 3d contains 
many receipts for ridding the house of noxious insects, which are a source of much 
annoyance and no little inconvenience. It is a book well worth the money. 
Winter Greeneries at Home, (E. A. Johnson, D. I)., Pittsburgh, Pa., $1.00,) is full 
of suggestions and information for those who delight in growing plants in a window 
during winter; and as it is the result of the experience of a plant-lover in growing 
plants, its practical value will be of interest to all. 
Perhaps no subject is claiming more attention from the horticulturists of the 
present time than the cultivation and improvement of fruit. Recognizing this great 
fact, Rev. Henry Loomis, of San Francisco, has prepared for publication a neat little 
volume, beautifully illustrate.d with eighteen chromo-lithographs, on the Japanese 
Persimmon. (Price of book, $2.00.) Mr. Loomis has perhaps paid more attention to 
this fruit than any other American, consequently is better prepared to tell all about 
the history, quality atid culture of it than any one, which he has done in a clear and 
comprehensive style. 
Grape Growing Made Easy, (A. F. Hofer & Son, McGregor, Iowa, paper, 50 cents,) 
is a neat little manual of practical information for the successful culture of a very 
delicious fruit. 
For those whose fancy may run to curiosities, perhaps one of the most entertain- 
ing books lately issued is “ The Agricultural Ant of Texas,” (Rev. Henry C. McCook, 
Philadelphia, Pa., $4.00.) This monograph lias been prepared with great care, and 
is illustrated by twenty-four, plates drawn from nature, illustrating the ant, their 
habits and mode of living’. 
