148 
SOUTHERN CULTIVATOR. 
a more interesting or useful volume than the one whose 
title we have just given. It is a book which country 
ifesidents have long needed, and which will prove most 
acceptable to all who desire an insight into the most com- 
mon objects by which we are surrounded. How often, 
in rambling through the fields or woods, is the eye arrest- 
ed by some noticeable plant or wfeed, which, like the 
‘"'yellow primrose” of Peter Bell, is to us 
a plant or weed, 
And it is nothing more; 
how much greater would be our enjoyment of such 
&ings, if we understand their names, properties and uses 1 
To teach us this, and to render Botany not a formid- 
able “science,” but a “household word” to farmers, is the 
©bject of this work. The author in his Preface, very truly 
remarks that “If our American youths, who are being 
educated with a view to Agricultural pursuits, were re- 
quired to make themselves botanically acquainted with 
that portion of the vegetable kingdom which annually 
demands their attention on the farm, the Profession [of 
Agriculture] would soon assume a new and engaging as- 
pect. The labors of the field would be blended with the 
tontemplation of facts and phenomena of deepest interest to 
inquiring minds--and agriculture, instead of being shunned 
as an irksome drudgery, would be justly esteemed as 
one of the noblest employments of a free and intellectual 
people.” 
We heartily commend “Agricultural Botany” to our 
readers Price, Si. 50, per mail, post paid. Address A, 
O. Moore & Co., as above. 
The Westeen Fruit Book ; or, “American Fruit-Grow- 
er’s Guide for the Orchard and Fruit Garden, (&c,, &?.. 
By F. R Elliott. Fourth edition — revised, enlarged 
and improved. New York: A. 0. Moore & Co , 140 
Fulton St. 1859. 
This is a new and greatly improved edition of a work 
which we hive heretofore favorably noticed. It contains 
the names and descriptions of many new varieties of fruit, 
and is in some respects well suited to our climate. The 
author says: “Having given more attention to Southern 
Fruits and their seasons, than formerly, and finding 
many succeed well South, that have been superseded 
North and East, I have introduced them throughout the 
work ; hence, I think it will be found as well adapted to 
that as to other portions of the United Sates.” 
A really good work on Southern Pomology is yet to be 
published, but while we are waiting for such an one, we 
must welcome all that promise to be of value, and we have 
KO hesitation in placing Mr Elliott’s work on this list. 
Price, SI. 25, per mail, post paid. Address, as above. 
An Historical Sketch of Slavery prom the Earliest 
Periods. By Thomas R R. Cobb, of Georgia. Phila- 
delphia: T. & J, W. Johnson & Co. 
One rarely meets with a volume of 300 pages on any 
historical subject so full of interest, both in reference to its 
matter and manner, as this “Sketch of Slavery from the 
Earliest Periods.” It is most remarkable for the extensive 
reading and research displayed by the author, and for the 
Oareful citation of nunu mas aiuhoi iiies from ''•eginning 
to end. Jt supplies a reliable- work from which all may 
derive much useful information ; and it will rank as a 
standard authority in this department of historical know- 
ledge. Every one who seeks to be well informed on the 
important principles involved in negro slavery, and the 
practice of slavery in general from the remotest times, 
should place this elaborate summary within his reach, for 
reference. It is a masterly production, which cannot fail 
to add to the fame of its distinguished author, and strength 
to the convictions of the Southern mind in favor of a 
strangely misunderstood institution. The work ought to 
have the widest possible circulation for its solid merits. 
For sale by Wm N. W hite. Bookseller, Athens, Ga. 
Price, Si .50; by mail, $1. 75. . L. 
Russell’s Magazine for April commences the fifth 
volume and third year. The Proprietors express their 
thanks for the encouragement they have received, and 
while so iciting its continuance, remind subscribers that 
the terms of subscription must be strictly adhered to and 
payments for the coming year be promptly made This 
magazine deserves the support of Southern readers, and 
should be liberally sustuined. Terms, S3 per annum, in 
advance. Address “ Russell’s Magazine,” Charleston, 
S. C. 
Character. — Were I to make trial of any person’s 
qualifications for a union of much delicacy, there is no 
part ofhis conduct I would sooner single out than to ob- 
serve him in his resentments. And this not upon the 
maxim frequ ntly advanced, “that the best friends make 
the bitterest enemies;” but on the contrary, because I am 
persuaded that he who is capable of being a bitter enemy 
can never possess the necessary virtues which constitute 
a true friend. — Fitzosborne. 
g^”Other passions have objects to flatter them and 
seemingly to content and satisfy them for awhile: there 
is power in ambition, and pleasure in luxury, and pelf 
in covetousness; but envy can give nothing but vexa- 
tion. 
Ifiiticaltuittl Itpatlintiit. 
PKUINING FRUIT TREES. 
Editors Southern Cultivator — Pruning fruit trees is 
somewhat of a periodical disease, which manifests itself 
about this time of year. The Southern planter and farm- 
er now gives his orchard a passing glance and notices his 
trees to be sadly out of order, as well as unproductive, 
and hence concludes they need pruning— a panacea for 
all their diseases. He seizes upon the first axe he can 
find, no matter whether dull or sharp, and falls to upon 
his refractory, sickly, and unproductive subjects ; he cuts 
and slashes right and left, no matter to him how or what 
he cuts, provided the limbs come down with a crash. 
Afrer going over his orchard in this way, he stops and 
take a general survey of its improved appearance to his 
eye and ideas (if one ever entered his head). He sees his 
trees towering aloft like the sky-scraper of a-raan of war, 
and huge piles of limbs lying on the ground beneath, and 
with evident self-satisfaction fancies himself somewhat of 
a hurricane. He probably never thought, while at work, 
what he was doing, whether acting rationally or as a 
lunatic; but were he to haul up to a block his horses, 
mules and caule, and chop all their tails off close to their 
