FOREST AND STREAM 
77 
I agree wltU other correspondents In the rapidity ot lie Ulght, and In 
Its tenacity ot life, as the following Incldout will show : A fewyeara 
elnce, while still huutlug deer, 1 s iw a ruffed grouse sitting on a log 
abomt fifteen rode away, and drew np and fired at bluu, when be im- 
mediately new beyond the range of my vision. On examining tho spot 
where he stood I round a quaatl y el lealhora, and taktug tho direction 
of his flight found him at » dlatauco of thirty or forty rods from where 
I shot him, stretched out upon the snow, dead. Tho ball (from a Smith 
A Wesson breech-loader, cal. 4-i) had p.ased directly through uls 
body, a little back and below tho wings. 
I think, however, that your correspondent, S. E. Burnham, who says 
that after shooting oao in the neck, ao that his head lopped down upon 
Mb breast, puts It on rather thick when he says that the bird ran nearly 
twenty rods alter being shot, If he means that the bird's neck was dis- 
located. I have practiced shooting ruffed grouse for several yoars 
with a rifle, and have, during that time, allied probably from one to two 
hundred by shooting the head or neck, and I never saw but one so 
killed that did anything more than “fly about like a hen with her head 
cut off." The exception which 1 make was In the ease of one that was 
standing upon a log, ut some ten or twelve rods distaucs from me. 
Aftor filing at him the Becond time, he deliberately walked along the 
log a short distance and disappeared on the opposite aide. I carefully 
approached to get another shot, and when near the log heard him in 
the leaves a short distance off, and after a carefal examination found 
him spread out on the leaves, dead. An examination showed that the 
ball had Jost touched his neck, removing a piece ot skin about as large 
as a wheut kernel, and opening the artery a little below the bead, and 
he had bled to death without apparently knowing he was hart. 
Yoar correspondent, “R. T. M.,”of New Haven, Conn., wishes to know 
If the ruffed grouse in Western New York commonly alights on trees 
when flushed. I can assure him that they very seldom do bo In this 
vicinity, nuless put np by a dog, and then they are as likely to alight 
the ground as on a tree. At least that Is according to my experience, 
and I have had couBllerable, having hunted a good deal for the la - 1 
t welve years, and all of that time with a rifle, without dog uutll the 
last season, from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 1877, when I hunted over a cocker 
span'el, with shot-gun, killing fifty. M. A. B, 
PoDonsEBPsig, January 23, 1879, 
Editor Forest ano Stream : 
In answer to the question propounded In your paper of 24th, by •• R. 
T. N.," as to tho partridge of Western New York alighting on a tree at 
the end of Its flight, while tho Connecticut bird seldom does so, 1 re- 
mark that maoy years' practice In shooting those birds In both States 
has brought the fact often to my notice, bat I have never heard it 
accounted for. Philip C. Rogers. 

Loss of Lrpff in Lndia Caused by Wild Animals. — Sir J. 
Fayrer asserts that in 1875 no less than 20,805 human beings 
and 46,805 head of cattle were killed in India by elephants, 
tigers, . alligators, buffaloes, boars and snakes. Snakes alone 
caused the death of 17,070 persons. It is proposed to estab- 
lish a sort of department, having a responsible chief aud subor- 
dinate officers, the duty of which shall be confined to abat- 
ing the loss of life by wild animals. It seems that the Hin- 
doos have a religious prejudice against killing snakes. 
oadland , <$arm and garden. 
THIS DEPARTMENT IS EDITED BY W. J. DAVIDSON, 8EO. N. Y. 
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
ROSES. 
A S the spring advances the thoughtful amateur looks up 
those notes on the best roses he saw last season, and, 
taking the various rose catalogues, he looks carefully over 
them to see from whom, and at what price, his selected sorts 
can be procured. In doing so he is bewildered with the num- 
ber of sorts offered in one catalogue that are not mentioned in 
another, and not being able to get the varieties he requires 
from one or even two growers, he is apt to give up the whole 
business in disgust. There are many, also, of such a restless 
disposition, that, not content with adding to their collection 
from time to time such varieties as have been tried aud found 
valuable, they rush into an auction sole and buy anything 
with a high-sounding title, or glowing description of its 
colors and merits, more especially if it have “ Une grand 
nmeaute, " or “ forme des plus parfaites " attached, only to be 
once more disappointed, and swear in their wrath they will 
never do so again. A few hints on what we have fouod the 
best of the new varieties of Roses of the last few years may 
be acceptable. First of all, the border or bed roses in which 
the roses are to be planted should, if possible, be of a good 
fresh loHin, with plenty of well decayed manure thoroughly 
incorporated with it. The colors should be arranged so as 
to harmonize when in blossom, the general effect taking the 
lead of individual preference. A good plan is to plant at in- 
tervals over the bed, some of the stronger varieties to grow as 
pillar roses, thus breaking up the uniformity and adding much 
to the beauty of the whole when in bloom. Among the new 
roses of late years great gaiu has been made both in size, 
color and fragrance, La France, delicate silvery rose color 
and Louis Van Houtte, dark crimson, being the most fragrant, 
and Paul Neron, pink, the largest varieties known. Baroness 
Rothschild is a beautiful light pink cupped variety, something 
in the way of the splendid old summer rose Coupe de Hebe. 
Copt. Christy is a flue delicate flesh color with deeper shaded 
centre. Comptesse do Screnye, pale rose, with carmine cen- 
tre, and Marquise do Cnstelluiue, a rich pink, very large and 
dne. Louis Van Houtte, independent of its rich fragrance, 
is one of ihe best dark crimson roses grown, though it is close- 
ly followed by Annie Wood, an Eoghsh seedling of fine color 
and a free grower. Mad. Lacharme, a seedling from Jules 
Margottin and Mad. Noman are good additions to the list of 
whites, being both of line shape and free growth Mad. 
Alfred de Rougemont is also a good white rose, blooming all 
summer, and Marquis de Morleraort, white shaded rose in the 
style of Caroline de Sansal, or Souvenir de Malmaison is the 
best in its class. All these are quite distinct from the older 
sorts, and give a pleasing variety in color and texture. In ad- 
dition to the above we would mention a few of the very best 
of the older varieties, selected not only for shape, color and 
fragrance, but for freeness of growth and good habit and con- 
stitution. 
Pmk aud Rose Color : Ernelie Hansburg, Mile. Bonnaire, 
f A More > Mad ' Thcrc8e Levet, Jules Margottin and Countess 
of Oxford. Red and Crimson : Vicompte Vigeur, Devienue 
L'Amy, Pierre Notting, Sir W. Gull, Horace Vernct, Charles 
Lawson, Prince Humbert, Camille Bernardin, Xavier Olibo 
and General Jacqueminot. In white colors we know of 
nothing better than those already named. The well known 
pure white summer variety, Mad. Plantier, should he grown 
in every .garden, and for pillars some of the older strong 
growing varieties, such as Baron Prevost, Mad. Trotter, Mrs. 
Elliott, Caroline de ounsul, John Hopper, Louis Odier, Gen. 
Jacqueminot, George the Fourth, etc., can be selected; while 
for a really beautiful moss rose nothing can surpass the old 
English moss and its lovely mate the Crested Provence. 
JAPAN LILIES. 
On fertilizing Japan lilies, O. M. Iiovey, of Boston, gives 
his experience in an English periodical. It seems to differ in 
some points from Mr. Parker’s aud Mr. Hanson’s experience 
(page 37), and will doubtless be of muchinterest to rnauy of 
our readers, as all the information we can get together on this 
interesting subject will afford some guide to those who may 
desire to extend and increase the variety of these beautiful 
plants. 
“ My first experiments of any extent were commenced in 
1846, when I had some two dozen fine plants in pots, grown 
for that purpose, many of them being seven feet high. I then 
fertilized speciosum with superbum, candidum, s. album, and 
chalcedonicum ; punctatum with speciosum, aurantiacum, su- 
perbum, and chalcedonicum ; album with speciosum, and 
some others, Three years is the usual time for the seedlings 
to bloom ; and, as they rarely make their appearance UDtil 
the second year, it was iu 1850 that they produced flowers. 
By this time (three years) many of the labels, without corres- 
ponding with the above crosses, had rotted off, and were un- 
fortunately lost. However, suffice it to say, that to us, who 
watched them with a florist's eye, every one appeared to differ. 
In some, the petals were much reflexed; in others, they were 
narrow ; some were rosy, others very deeply covered ; some 
of the spots or papillte were small, others large ; some of the 
s ots crimson, others almost black. The worst among them 
were better than the old speciosum ; but I found my hat too 
long, aud the distinctions too fine, except to those who could 
— like the true tulip fancier — readily distinguish minute dif- 
ferences ; and, after cultivating them for three or four years, 
I selected the be9t nine, and named them, as follows : Mel- 
pomene, 'l'erpsichore, Erato, Urania, Polyhymnia, Clio, 
Thalia, Calliope, and Euterpe— names under which they were 
subsequently distributed throughout the United States. I 
soon ascertained that there was a vast difference in the char- 
acter of the bulbs ; some of the latter were* increased with 
great difficulty, and when in later years I had hundreds of 
bulbs of Melpomene, I only had a dozen or so of Euterpe. 
They would not make offsets, either above or around the old 
root ; but, from want of time, 1 did not find the opportunity 
of ascertaining and recording which crosses were affected in 
this way. I continued my experiments iD succeeding years, 
in the way of cross-breeding, but kept no record of them. I 
only know that some crossed with longiflorum and others, 
completely ruined the shape ’of many of the flowers. AmoDg 
all my seedlings there is not a pure white, although album 
was fertilized with speciosum, and, as is generally supposed, 
the female parent has a prevailing influence on the progeny. 
There was not even a pink spotted one like punctatum, as one 
would have supposed there would have been. Some years 
subsequently, I raised several whites, and one loDg, large 
flower, quite distinct, but it* accidentally got thrown out of 
the pot when in a dormant state. I also raised a very dis- 
tinct variety, with flowers about half-way in size between 
these of chalcedonicum and speciosum, with stems more 
densely clothed with leaves, and the petals blush-white, with 
pale lilac-ros6 spots. This I named “Eva." It increases 
slowly, and is still rare in collections, but it is a beautiful 
variety. As regards improvement, I do not expect much 
from the yellow and red kinds crossed with each other. If, 
however, a handsome lemon, or buff, or buff-spotted could be 
produced, it would be an acquisition. The red and yellow 
are strong; but it is only the clear and delicate white grounds 
that are desirable. All may be crossed with spec.osum and 
auratum, by which the size may be increased. 
Tue Variegation of Leaves. — The variegation of leaves 
occurs so commonly that we do not often inquire into the 
cause of it. To the physiologist, however, the question of the 
origm of variegation is of considerable importance, and it 
certainly is not less so to the horticulturist, whether pleasure 
or profit be the main end of his endeavors. The normal color- 
ing of leaves, whatever it may be, does not come directly into 
the consideration. A plant may produce red, purple, bronze, 
or blue leaves, and they may be as proper to it — tlmt is to say, 
as natural aud necessary— as aoy of the tints of green that 
more commonly prevail in leaf coloring. By “variegation ” 
must always be understood abnormal coloring, the most com- 
mon forms of it being bands, blotches, edgings, and splashes 
of creamy white, or olive grey, or yellow, of several shades 
more or less intermixed with the normal green common to the 
plant when it is not variegated. 'I he variations of variega- 
tions are endless, but there appears to be a common cause i or 
them all, that cause, whatever it may be, operating in a variety 
of ways, so that in one case it results in white, gray, or 
creamy colored variegation; and in another case in amber, gold, 
yellow, or even deep orange colored variegation ; the self- 
same species of plant being, perhaps, the subject of its diverse 
operations. The ivies, hollies, and Japanese euonymus afford 
examples familiar to all, and are admig»bly adapted as material 
for the study of the subject. A vogue application of the term 
“disease’’ is commonly accepted as explaining the cause of 
variegation. Notions that pass current in the world are more 
often sound than otherwise, and there is very much to be said 
in behalf of the explanation. Still it remains to determine tho 
nature of the disease, and, if possible, give it a name. In one 
view of the case we may be disposed to regard it as a kind of 
chlerosis, and in another as unmistakable etiolation. L sually 
it causes, or is accompanied, or is followed by a diminution of 
the vigor of the plant, but some variegated plants grow as 
freely as others of the same species that are not variegated, 
and, generally speaking, the vigor diminishes in proportion to 
the degree of etiolation, so that a growth purely white cannot 
be propagated, and 60 on passes away. That the variegated 
portion of a leaf has less vigor than the green part is suggested 
by the often wrinkled appearance of it, the result of a more 
rapid growth of the green centre than the vanegated margin. 
This suggests that the defective assimilation, the result of 
debility, is the primary cause of variegation, a view of the 
case largely supported by the experience of cultivators, wh 
have often produced variegation by starving a plant, an 1 * 
effaced variegation by liberally feeding it.— The Gardener'* 
Magazine. 
which may bo procured of any florist, is one of our finest 
plants for house growiug when properly treated. The best 
method wo have tned' is to procure an earthen jar — suitably 
decorated on the outside, if desired, by painting or pasting 
on of frieze or flower pictures, or by ti paper open-work 
covering. In this place rich mould some five or six inches 
deep, and in this set the calla plant. Now put on the top of 
this mould a layer of clean, coarse sand about two inches 
deep, a and on top of this some small pebbles. Then fill the 
jar with water, and replace ns evaporated, so as to always 
have the water several inches deep above the pebbles. Place 
in a warm and sunny window, and the plant will throw up 
large, luxuriant leaves, to bo followed by the magnificent 
bloom. \\ hat is still better, the flower stalks will be sent up 
in a sucession so as to afford a nearly continuous series of 
flowers. A few minnows introduced into the water will 
usually thrive without further care, and afford a pleasing 
study.— Scientific Fanner. 
Gone to do Likewise in SnREF.— Rabelais tells a story 
about Panurge's sheep ; how one sheep in the flock led tho 
whole of them. The Boston Commercial Bulletin tells a story 
how a leading merchant of_ Boston was dissatisfied wilh his 
eon because he had G. T. T. to raise sheep. “I shall scud 
my secretary after him to bring him hack." But after wait- 
ing a six months the secretary Dcver returned at all. The 
fact leaked out that the secretary, a most trusty and far- 
sighted man, had become so fully satisfied with the business 
of sheep-raising that he remained in Texas, joiniug his patron's 
son in the maDOgemeut of a sheep and cattle ranch. 
— ■ §> — 
—To kill worms in soil containing house plants, slice pota- 
toes thinly, and lay on the soil. In a few hours the worms 
will accumulate on the slices on tho side next the soil, when 
they may he carefully removed and plunged in boiling water 
and the process repeated. 
Poison for Vermin,— A California State university pro- 
fessor has been poisoning the troublesome squirrels, which are 
a great pest there, with bisulphide of carbon. This fluid is 
obtained by burning charcoal in vapor of sulphur ; aud when 
poured out evaporates rap idly and forms a vapor heavier than 
the air, and which consequently is forced down into the 
f round. When poured into the mouth of n hole it is forced 
own, thus strangling everything which inhales it. The 
roots of plants may be destroyed in the same way. 
fo Correspondents.— Those desiring as to (ireHorlbo for ttielr dogs 
win please take note of and describe tho following points In eaoh ani- 
mal : 
1. Age. 2. Food and medicine glvon. 3. Appearance of the eye ; 
of the coat ; of the tongue and lips. 4. Any changes In the appearance 
of the body, as bloating, drawing la of the flanks, etc, 6. Breathing, 
the number of respirations per minute, aud whether labored or uot. 
6. Condition of tho bowels and secretions of the kidneys, color, etc. 7 
Appetite ; regular, variable, etc. 8. Temperature of tho body as (ndl 
cated by the bulb of tho thermometer when placed between the body 
and the foreleg. 9. Give position of kennel und surroundings, uotlook, 
contiguity to other balldlngs, and the uses of ihe latter. Also give any 
peculiarities of temperament, movements, etc., that may bo noticed, 
gas of satTorlag, etc. 
FIXTURES FOR 1878-BENCH SHOWS. 
Boston Kennel Club Show, Boston, Mass., March 26, 27, 28 and 
29. Dr. E. J. Forster, Secretary. 
Baltimore Kennel Club's Show, Baltimore, Md., April 23, 24, 25 
and 20. L. It. Cassard, Secretary. 
The Westminster Kennel Club (New York) Bonoh Show. Gil- 
more's Garden, May 16, 17, 18 and 19. Dr. W. Seward Webb, 
Secretary. 
For Forest and Stream and Rod and Cun. 
ACROSS COUNTRY AFTER THE 
HOUNDS. 
S ATURDAY morning, March 17, 1877, wus the most beau- 
tiful for the chase that huntsman ever witnessed. Its 
temperature was mild ; tho dew full and heavy ; the sky 
cloudless ; the sun bright ; the atmosphere still and spring- 
like. We were up and rendy for tho sport by early dawn, and 
had scarcely breakfasted before up rode a couple of fair 
Dianas, splendidly equipped, and splendidly mounted : one 
rode an imported Warminster, the other an Exchequer— two 
finer animals never before engaged in 6uch sport. A brunette 
and blonde, just emerging from sweet sixteen, were the grace- 
ful and faultless riders, tuking more delight in sporting over 
the hills than ever Darian maid. Their escort was superbly 
mounted on a lineal descendant of imported Fly-by-Night, and 
the famed hunter, Lord Elgin, gracefully pranced in advance. 
Just os the sun arose we moved off and mude for the grounds 
most even and best adapted to the sport for female enjoyment. 
We rode several miles before we struck, when at last Brodnax 
and Lance gave mouth. The trail was cold, too cold to be 
followed by united efforts, and each dog breasted wide in 
earnest search for it. We patiently followed the hounds, and 
after a while the trail improved, leading us to the Roanoke, 
four miles from Gaston, and the whole pack closing in, alter a 
mile's beautiful working, off they burst with an electric 
vim, extending fo our fair riders. I stood still for a 
moment to witness the leaping of a fence close by. It was 
approached in advance by tbe graceful brunette, and cleared 
by her horse without hitch or pause ; closely followed her 
bloDde companion, whose horse had partaken too freely of the 
excitement, had become rather hard to manage, leaped at an 
adjoining pannel in fine style, slightly disconcerting the rider. 
She sood, however, recovered, und dashed up to her fair com- 
panion, taking position by her, and |vying with her through 
an open field of half mile" breadth. This space was between 
