in different parts of the country who from time to time make con- 
tributions to increase its income, in sums varying from $100 to $2000. 
That it may be made more useful the work of the Arboretum should 
be extended, and I hope that you will feel like helping me to do this 
and join the friends of the Arboretum in their efforts to build up a 
greater and more useful national institution. Whether you care to 
do this or not I hope that you will come and see the Arboretum the 
next time you are in Boston, as I venture to believe that every lover 
of trees can find here much of interest. 
Yours very truly, 
C. S. Sargent. 
Delphiniums 
As Delphiniums are one of the hardiest as well as the most beautiful 
of our perennials, no garden should be without them. Their varieties 
of color and form are so many that one cannot but watch with interest 
for the first bloom that tells the story. 
About five years ago, I bought one or two packets of seeds, and 
the results of these seeds show nearly forty varieties. For the hum- 
ming birds which delight in perching on the tall blue spikes and the gay 
butterflies and busy bees have carried the pollen from one plant to 
another constantly creating new varieties; and one of them is a pure 
white compact Delphinum. 
To me the making of the seed is one of the most interesting aspects 
of a flower garden. If we want to get the seed of a very pale blue 
Delphinium, we are careful to gather the first seed formed, hoping that 
the pollen which fertilized the bloom was carried from another bloom 
of the same plant. 
With one's own fresh seed taken from the pod, the Delphinium 
germinates in from eight to ten days. Last month we sowed some 
Delphinium seed at the same time as Sweet William and they germin- 
ated the same day. But any time in July is early enough to sow 
and when cold weather comes, you will have sturdy little plants per- 
fectly able to stand the cold of our winters. When spring opens you 
can transplant them to your garden. But if you wish fine bloom, you 
must have a deep rich soil to grow them in, remembering that it will 
not be long before these little plants will have immense roots, some- 
times too big for a single man to carry. 
After puddling your hole, put your manure down deep and plenty 
of it. But be sure not to let the manure come into contact with the 
roots. Firm the soil well around the plant so that no air can dry out 
the roots. 
