22 
THE FLORIST AND P0M0L0GIST. 
its original discoverer and describer, thus writes of it:—“ The deep rich 
blue of its numerous flowers, and their long succession from the lateral 
branches, combine to render this species well deserving of cultivation, pro¬ 
vided it can be brought to flourish in the drier climate of our gardens. It 
will require a loose peaty or sandy soil, careful shading from the midday 
sun, and frequent sprinkling with water ”—Mr. Watson adds, “ and to be 
covered with a glass in hot, dry weather,” but experience has shown that 
this is not necessary, for it thrives perfectly in a greenhouse amongst 
Heliotropes and Pelargoniums, where it ripens its seeds plentifully. The 
play of colour in the many-tinted flowers and flower-buds, it has moreover 
been observed, is scarcely rivalled by anything in cultivation. 
We trust we have now established the threefold claim on the sympathies 
of lovers of flowers, in behalf of the Myosote family, to which we invited 
attention at the outset. 
FEARNOUGHT CABBAGE. 
As the destruction of crops of Broccoli seems general, and as many other 
members of the Brassica family have suffered so severely from the late severe 
weather, that it is doubtful whether they will prove worth saving, it is well 
deserving of note, that with me at least, that very useful and hardy hybrid 
Cabbage, the Fearnought, has been unscathed; and having used it somewhat 
largely during the frost, I can from experience affirm that it is exceedingly 
tender and delicious. Three years ago I obtained a packet of the seed, 
sowed seed from it, and planted out the plants which were produced in the 
following winter, when they began to display their real character. I found 
that not more than one in twelve was true to description, but I saved a few 
of the stems of the very best for seed, and from them my stock this season 
has been perfectly correct. Fearnought Cabbage is dwarf, with foliage 
somewhat curled, and of a purplish hue. It begins hearting-in about Christ¬ 
mas, and may be safely relied upon as a most useful vegetable during the 
depth of winter. I would advise everybody to grow it. 
A. D. 
REMARKS ON FRUIT TREE CULTURE.—No. 17. 
Do not let me be misunderstood, I am not desirous of throwing cold 
water on our modern systems of pyramid culture, root-pruning, tree lifting, 
and all connected with the restrictive system of management. I admire 
them all, practise them with satisfactory results, and consider the necessary 
operations as amongst the most interesting of any that a gardener has to 
deal with; but I cannot ignore the belief, that by interfering so much with 
the functions of the trees we materially shorten their existence, and that 
the true character of the tree, both as to its capability for productiveness, 
and the size and flavour of the fruit, can only be obtained where it is 
allowed to develope itself more in accordance with natural conditions. At 
the same time, let me observe, that when I say free development of growth, 
I do not intend to affirm that all the growth which the tree is inclined to 
throw out is to be allowed to go on unchecked; on the contrary, from the 
earliest stages the hand of the pruner must be upon the tree to guide and 
encourage, or restrain, as the case may be, or otherwise bend it to his will. 
