26 
ORGHRRD 
GARDEN 
February, 1890. 
and beyond that the region may be soon 
reached where no valuable tree fruits will 
endure the severity of winter’s cold. It 
is now being found necessary to limit and 
define the use of this term, by connecting 
with it a local definition. Thus, it is much 
more satisfactory to know of a variety that 
it is “iron-clad in Northern Maine,” while 
another is iron-clad in Northern Dakota. 
This territorial definition and limitation is 
also important in connection with the fact 
that other climatic conditions than mere 
low temperature are concerned. — such as 
the dryness of climate, the presence or ab- 
sence of snow, and various atmospheric 
conditions favorable or otherwise to the de- 
velopment of tree diseases. I therefore sug- 
gest the general adherence of all pomolo- 
gists. nurserymen, etc., to this method, 
clearly designating where a particular va- 
riety has proved itself to be “Iron-clad.” 
lu'4; FLOWER/ 
GARDEN 
ntrpT' 
The Wajener Apple. 
The last catalogue of the American Po- 
mological Society is more carefully printed 
than some of its predeces- 
sors: but I find this apple ap- 
pears in the list as“ W agner,” 
— though correctly printed 
in preceding lists. It would 
be an advantage, if so im- 
portant an organization had 
a permanent secretary, who, 
with other necessary ac- 
quirements. was also a good 
proof-reader. Some of them 
have not given sufficient evi- 
dence, in their work, of be- 
ing even good pomologists. 
The Wagener is an apple 
quite widely distributed over 
the country; and it has ar- 
dent admirers in many sec- 
tions; yet it has never had 
much prominence as a mark- 
et fruit, and in the Society’s 
list is double starred in only 
one State, — Indiana. It has, 
however, a single star in eighteen States. 
What, then, is the matter with Wagener? 
It has a fault, — not of quality, appearance, 
or other adaptability for market. — but a 
fault so far almost always held to be fatal 
with commercial growers in America ; — it 
needs careful thinning on the tree. 
The Wagener is a native of Yates Co., N. 
Y. The tree has about every requirement 
of a good orchard tree, — thrifty, upright, 
hardy, (but not iron-clad in the Northwest,) 
and an early bearer. In size it is a full me- 
dium, round in form, a little flattened, 
smooth, with a yellow ground color, well 
covered with crimson. It has a long and 
strong stalk, and hangs well to the tree; and 
this, with its clustering habit and produc- 
tiveness, results in small, imperfect and poor 
fruit, unless thinning is resorted to. There 
fore, as a market apple, the Wagener is not 
suited for careless cultivators. In the hands 
of a careful orchardist it is capable of being 
made very profitable. — T. H. Hoskins, M.D. 
Decorative Palms. 
It is singular that Palms, perhaps the 
noblest of decorative plants, do not find a 
place in the collections of amateurs who 
grow plants in rooms. The size of most of 
them has doubtless had much to do with 
this, and the high prices of many probably a 
good deal more. There is no special diffi- 
culty, however, in growing some of them. 
A selection could be made from the medium- 
sized, slow-growing species that would not 
overtax the abilities of a person somewhat 
experienced in window gardening. Some 
of these make their growth in the summer, 
and are mostly dormant in the winter, ex- 
cept when forced in a high, moist temper- 
ature. 
It is said of ilie Palms that, after the 
Latania Borbonica. Fig. 
« 
Grasses, they are the most useful of all plants. 
The reader will think so too when it is stat- 
ed that they furnish food, clothing, oil, wax, 
sugar, material for building and making 
rope, mats, fans, and so on to the end of a 
list too long for an article like this. The 
boys and girls will be interested in learning 
that Plantains, Bananas, Dates, and Cocoa- 
nuts are produced by Palms, as is also the 
Ratan, with which some of them become 
familiar at school. The Ratan sometimes 
grows five hundred feet long, and the bad 
boy seldom gets beyond its reach. 
Palms are largely used for decorative pur- 
poses by florists, who devote extensive glass 
houses exclusively to their growth. For re- 
ceptions, church festivals, and similar oc- 
casions, they are now thought to be indis- 
pensable, and constitute a most interesting 
and instructive feature. They are admira- 
bly adapted for vases and for use on the 
lawn in summer, and charming effects 
are often produced in this way. It is not 
necessary that the lawn should be large. A 
small one will answer the purpose well, or 
even a front door-yard; and it is just this 
that we want to encourage. 
To aid the amateur we will name a few 
that are easily grown, and that may be kept 
within comparatively small bounds. We 
place first the dwarf Cocos Weddeliana, the 
gem of Palms, in our estimation. There 
are others of nobler aspect and grander 
proportions, but none with such an expres- 
sion of grace and beauty. It has such an 
air of refinement that an artist at once falls 
in love with it. And then, too, it grows in 
such a kindly sort of way that it should be 
the amateur’s pet, if not every body’s. Be- 
gin with a plant six to ten inches high, and 
let it glow up with your love. Phoenix 
rupicola is somewhat in the style of the pre- 
ceding, but of larger growth, and is in all 
respects a beautiful plant. Cycas revoluta, 
often called Sago Palm, is a low-growing 
Palm of much beauty, and is easily cared 
for. Latania Borbonica is the Palm most 
generally grown for decorative purposes, 
and is the one generally seen 
around hotels in our large 
cities, usually jammed, or 
rather rammed, in a vase 
with a dozen or so of other 
plants that have no business 
there. It may be known by 
its large, fan-shaped leaves. 
It grows large, but may be 
kept comparatively small 
and in fairly good condition 
for a number of years by re- 
stricting it in pot room. Oth- 
er Palms might be added, 
but the above will do for a 
beginning. The accompany- 
ing illustration, Fig. 78^, is 
an excellent portrait of La- 
tania Borbonica. 
The amateur should begin 
with small plants. They 
not only cost less than large 
ones, but are more readily 
adapted to his purpose as they grow. They 
all do well in the open air in summer, and 
may be kept during the winter in almost 
any room where only a moderate tempera- 
ture prevails; but they should not be allow- 
ed to freeze. We have often kept them in 
good condition in a cool, light cellar during 
the winter. They should be washed thor- 
oughly clean before taken in. — P. B. Mead. 
Floral Nolen. 
Now is agoodtimeto think of what plants 
are to be propagated and seeds sown. Lists 
of these should be made, and pots, boxes, 
sand, soil, etc., got ready before they are 
needed. These things often become a seri- 
ous vexation when put off till wanted. 
Next month will be a busy month, and it is 
wise to be forehanded. 
The amateur often errs in growing the 
pretty little, sweet-scented Roman Hyacinth. 
He puts one bulb in a small pot simply be- 
