POT-PIE, COOKIES, &c, 
CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES, 4 
Pot-Pie.— Any kind of fresh meat will make 
good pot-pie — though chicken, beef and veal 
are preferable. Prepare the meat the same as 
for chicken-pie; drop one thickness of the crust 
all around the top of the pot. Let the pot be 
uncovered the first fifteen minutes, then cover 
it and let it boil fifteen minutes longer. Be sure 
that it doe 9 not stop boiling from the time that 
the crust is put in until you take it up; bring it 
to the table immediately, and be ready to eat it 
as soon as you can without burning your mouth. 
Cookies.—O ne cup of butter; one of sweet 
milk; two of sugar; two teaspoonsful of cream 
tarter; one of soda; mis, roll thin; cut in small 
cakes; bake ten minutes; do not seorch them. 
Use spice or carraway seed for flavoring. 
Fruit Cake.— One pound of flour, one of 
sugar, half a pound of butter, half pint of sour 
cream, one pound of raisins, five eggs, a large 
teaspoonful of ground cinnamoD, one of soda. 
Frost and trimmings. The raisins may be chop¬ 
ped a very little.—M rs. E. A. C. 
Last week we said something about some 
fine seedlings of these beautiful flowers placed 
on our table by Mr. Vick. Something was 
said about the importance of propagating the 
finest of these seedlings. And it is important 
one should know how to decide which are the 
worthy ones. To this end we publish here¬ 
with engravings of two prize flowers, showing 
the markings, and also give some of the char¬ 
acteristics of excellence, which will enable the 
reader to fix upon a standard by which he or 
she may judge of the merits of the seedlings. 
REQUISITES. 
rtlK CARNATION 
The Stem should be tall, strong, and perfectly 
erect, not less than two feet in height; the calyx 
long, firm, and entire; the petals broad, smooth, 
and free from indenture on the edge. The out¬ 
side petals should rise above the calyx and turn 
in a horizontal direction. The interior petals 
should gradually decrease in size toward the 
center of the flower, each row of petals being 
regularly disposed alike on every side, and im¬ 
bricating each other. The colors, whether 
Bizarre or Hake, should be strong, brilliant, 
and distinct throughout. Bizarres, or such as 
contain! two colors upon a white ground, are 
esteemed preferable to Flakes. The ground 
color should be a pure white, free from spots or 
tinge of any sort, the Flakes broad and bold, 
commencing at the extreme edge of the petal, 
andj|running through to the center of the flower, 
diminishing in breadth as they approach the 
center Sit the same ratio as the petal. The dis¬ 
tribution of colors should be equal. In a l’ I ake, 
not less than three divisions in each petal. In 
a Bizarre, not less than five. The form of the 
flower, when looked at from above, should be 
circular; and when viewed from the side, pre¬ 
sent a semi-globular appearance; the size of the 
flower not less than three inches in diameter, 
and should contain a sufficient number of petals 
to give it ft\bold but not too full appearance. 
Seventeen large, well-shaped petals, is the 
smallest number that a first-rate flower should 
contain, 
TIIE I’ICOTEE— REQUISITES, 
A first-rate Ficotee should present a full, 
round flower, with broad and well-formed 
petals; the color, whatever it may be, confined 
to the edge of the petal, and the lower pan of 
the petal of a pure white; the color regular, 
and at an equal dUtauee from the edge of the 
petal all round the flower, each petal exhibiting 
the game regularity of coloring throughout. 
PROPAGATION BY LAYERS. 
The proper season for layering is June or 
July. When tne time arrives for performing 
the operation, procure a quantity of small 
hooked pegs; then hike a trowel and remove 
the earth to the depth of an inch or so directly 
under the shoot to be layered. Take the shoot 
in one hand, and with the finger and thumb of 
the other hand remove the leaves from the 
body of the shoot, and shorten those at the top 
an inch or so. With a thin, sharp knife, 
cut through the strongest joint on the body 
of the shoot, cutting upward until within 
a short distance of the next joint, and if the 
joints are close it may be necessary to cut 
through more than one. The slit may be from 
ABOUT SOAP AND CHEESE FLIES. 
To make Hard Soap from Soft. — Heat 
the soap and add fine salt in the proportion of a 
pint to a gallon; let it boil half an hour, set off 
and let cool; then cut in bars and put it in clean 
soft water and boil again; then let cool and dry 
for use. 
To keep Flies from Cheese.— Steep pen¬ 
nyroyal in water, and boil up the fat that you 
grease your cheese with in the water. The 
flies will not light on cheese greased with this. 
—Ellie E. R., Boston, Mich, -- -r* §£2 
A PRIZE CARNATION 
A PRIZE PICOTEE, 
How to Prepare Straw for Braiding. 
—First take any small stick and commence at 
the"largest”end of the straw and split it open. 
Then take a common case knife and put the 
straw on a board with the inside up and draw 
the straw through under the knife, bearing down 
hard. Lay the straw on the board and stiek 
pins in it a little distance apart and draw the 
straw through again and you will find it is pre¬ 
pared very even and smooth. You can prepare 
the straw in this way in as small strips as you 
like, by pinning it just where you would Ir^^ 
it split. Rye straw is the best for braidi-' jg aii j 
now is the time for catting it.— Mene^ vba , 
Preparing Straw for BRAD T _ s -(^_xeU J. 
0 . G. that straw for brading nee as only repeated 
scalding and drying in the sr^n,—Mrs. O. F. C. 
Preserving Flowers.— Will some one inform me 
bow to preserve flowers so as to retain tbeir colors 0 — 
Mrs. O. F. Cleveland. 
Plant for Name.— (A Rural Reader, Rathbone, N. 
y.) The leaf yon send us does not enable us to iden¬ 
tify the plant. We want the blossom too. We think 
we have seen it in gardens, but are not surd. 
The Fruit Crop in Niagara Co., N. Y.—G. W F , 
of Wilson, Niagara Co., N. Y., writes -“We shall 
have no peaches, about one third of a crop of apples, 
about the same of pears, and sn abundant crop of 
grapes and quinces. Pears and apples both set well, but 
the ctirculio and dry weather have nearly ruined them 
in Niagara Co. this season.' 1 
Skfarating Hollyhocks. — Can Hollyhocks, and 
such woody roots, be taken up in the fall and separated ? 
And when is the proper time? And can they be propa¬ 
gated by layers? If so. in what manner:'—the same as 
Picotees L. A. P., Iowa City, Iowa 
: Hollyhocks can be taken np in the fall and the roots 
divided. It should be done in October. And unless 
the plant is quite strong, If you intend to separate the 
roots It should not be allowed to blossom—at least the 
seed should not be allowed to perfect, for it affects the 
vitality of the root It is better to cut off the flower 
stem when half done flowering. The Hollyhock can¬ 
not be propagated by layering, but it may be by cut¬ 
tings from the flower stem, though for amateurs it Is 
better to divide the roots. The cuttings root readily 
under glass. 
To make Berry Pudding. — Take two 
teacups of sour cream; two eggs, well beaten; 
one tcaspoonful saleratus, a little salt; stir in 
wheat"flour enough to make quite a thick bat¬ 
ter; put half the batter in a well buttered tin, 
then put in one quart of berries, and the re¬ 
mainder of your batter. Bake one hour and 
serve hot, with sweet cream and sugar. It is 
excellent. Try it, “ Young Housekeeper.’’ The 
above is sufficient for four or five persons.—Miss 
Mary A. G., Liberty Falls, ~V. Y. 
not. i» 6 * B * 
Crown Point, Ind., April, ly&l. 
Remarks.— We do not know the name of this 
flower, and we can find no one who does among 
our florists. It has been grown here, but we can¬ 
not learn where the bulbs were obtained from 
which it was produced. Where did you get 
yours? Those who have seen it here speak 
highly of its beauty. If our readers know any¬ 
thing of it—its name, history—we shall be glad 
to hear from them. 
Since writing the above we have become pret 
ty well couvinced that this flower is the abortive 
Grape Hyacinth described in Wood's Botany, 
last edition. It has been in cultivation a long 
time. Wood calls it Muscari racimosnm var. 
plumatilis. 
Our friend’s suggestions concerning a garden 
note or sketch book are good, and it is not too 
late to make them available the present season. 
The above article has evidently—judging by 
its date—been on baud some time, but has 
escaped our notice. 
Preservin'g Currants. — Currants are 
among the most valuable and wholesome of 
summer fruits, and are, this year, very abund¬ 
ant. None of the fruit should be wasted when 
there is such great and increasing need of it in 
the military hospitals. The following is a recipe 
for dried currantsWash and dry your cur¬ 
rants, then scald them till easily mashed. To 
one pound of the juice and pulp of currants add 
a quarter of a pound of loaf sugar. Scald both 
together, then spread thin on plates, and dry in 
the sun. 
The Islands or Lake Erie.— A Canada correspon¬ 
dent writes—“ I have j os t returned from the Islands in 
Lake Erie. The vineyards are looking well, quite as 
well as could be expected after the severe weather of 
las: winter. The owners expect a full half crop on the 
old vines, and with the vines that come into bearing 
this season for the flrst time, they will have as many 
grapes as last season. The Catawba is the great grape. 
Many have no others planted yet. The Delaware is to 
be the leading grape as soon as vines can he had: at 
present they are too scarce and dear, I saw some flue 
Delawares In bearing, however. The wine stands * No. 
1 . • I did not visit Kkli ky's Island — only called a few 
moments as the steamer was putting off freight. I was 
several days on Put in-Bay and North Bass. Landis 
selling from $3W to $500 per acre without improve¬ 
ments—some ass more — and from $500 to $1,200 per 
acre with improvements. I am informed that it is 
much higher on Kelley's Island, as it is much more 
improved.'—w. e. s. 
A NEW FLOWER-FLORISTS’ NOTE BOOKS 
Eds. Rural New-Yorker:—C an you give 
me the name of a flower, of which, from the 
nature of it, I am unable to furnish you either 
a specimen or a correct botanical description ? 
I will venture upon some kind of description; 
it is from a bulb resembling that of the Grape 
Hyacinth in size and form, but having a slight 
tingo of flesh color. They also look alike when 
coming up out of the ground in spring, except, 
perhaps, that the plant in question has a little 
more grassy appearance. And now for the 
flower, which it is that particularly baffles the 
power of description. The time of the perfec¬ 
tion of the flower is June; but it makes ap - 1 
peanince, shooting up through the ground, sev¬ 
eral weeks earlier, and at first resembles slightly 
in form the cone-shaped seed-stalk of pie-plant 
when it bursts its covering. It is, at this time, 
of a bluish color. When it reaches its perfec¬ 
tion, it is about ten inches high, branching, 
craggy, of bright blue color and most singular 
appearance—haviug no distinct botanical parts 
in common with ether flowers. What, shall we 
call it? I have searched botanies, catalogues of 
bulbs, and every other source of information 
within my reach; all these having been dumb 
on the subject, 1 appeal to the Rural, whence 
all our wants in this line are supplied when 
other sourees fail. 
Is it too late to suggest to floral cultivators the 
propriety of keeping a garden sketch-book? 
Much has already been said about the proper 
arrangement of gardens in reference to proper 
contrasts of color, suitable positions for differ¬ 
ent plants, Ac. But that which is of most im¬ 
portance in governing the position of flowers in 
reference to each other, is the time, of flower¬ 
ing. Hence the value, In one particular, of a 
garden sketch or note-book, In which to enter 
each week in the season all flowers, with their 
height, habits and color, which may be in 
bloom at the time of entry. This would be for 
each Individual a ready and reliable reference 
in future planning, or in aiding their friends 
who may be only beginners in flower-g&nlen- 
ing. Such a book might also contain various 
Save your Cob-webs.— We just called at a 
neighbor’s, where a lad cut his thumb. The 
wound bled profusely. While we were in the 
act of tying it up a bit of cob-web was brought, 
with the request that it be tied on. The appli¬ 
cation was no more than effected before the 
blood stopped. We never saw a prompter ac¬ 
tion. We then learned that the application was 
in common use, and always efficacious. Save 
the webs. 
HOW THE CHINESE MAKE DWARF TREES. 
We have all known from childhood how the 
Chinese cramp their women’s feet, and so man¬ 
age to make them “ keepers at home;” but how 
they contrive to grow miniature pines and oaks 
in flower-pots for half a century, has always 
been much of a secret. They aim first and last 
at the seat of vigorous growth, endeavoring to 
weaken it as far as may consist with the preser¬ 
vation of life. They begin at the beginning. 
Taking a young plant (say a seedling or cutting 
of a cedar) when only two or three inches high, 
they cut off its tap-root as soon as it has other 
rootlets enough to live upon, and replant it in a 
shallow earthen pot or pau. The end of the tap¬ 
root is generally made to rest on the bottom of 
the pan, or on a flat sloue within it. Alluvial 
day is then put into the pot, much of it in bits 
the size of beans, and Just euotigh in kind and 
quantity to ruruish a scanty nourishment to the 
plant. ‘Water enough is given to keep it in 
growth, but uot enough to excite a vigorous 
A Wonder op Nature —There is a rose tree now 
in full bloom, with a delicate pink rose, specimens of 
which I herein send you. Tne original bearing of said 
tree was tor years yellow. The present bearer is not a 
sprout Crom the original, bnt the very plant that was 
formerly the bearer of the yellow rose. It is also at 
the distance of at least fifteen feet from any other rose 
The above facts arc indisputable, as the said rose be¬ 
longs to Sir Ira Green, one of year patrons—whose 
farm and residence is some four" miles South-west of 
Kush village. Is this freak of nature something new 
under the sun ?—Josiru Chapman, Hush, .V. T. 
We Cannot explain it—never knew of such a sport. 
We cannot positively identify the species sent ns, but 
should think it ifoca Q imlir.a. 
— Since writing the above Prof. Dewey informs ns 
that he knew a rose bush in this city, Introduced here 
from V irginia, which bore, for years, a single yellow 
rose. Finally the petals became tinged and striped 
or splashed with purple. No cause for it was discov¬ 
ered, though it was supposed it might have been caused 
by the application of some of the salts to the soil 
about it, 
Remedy against Moths. —An ounce of 
gum camphor and one of the powdered shell of 
red pepper are macerated in eight ounces of 
alcohol for several days, then strained. With 
this tincture the furs of cloths are sprinkled 
over, and rolled up in sheets. Instead of the 
pepper, bitter apple may be used. This remedy 
is used in Russia, under the name of Chinese 
Tincture for Moths.’’ 
care and attention to insure success. Prepare 
a small bed in some partially shaded part ol the 
garden, composed of the same . 
materials as that recommended I v 
for the seed bed, but with a j \ \ 
larger portion of sand. Select 111 l 
the strongest short-jointed I l it j 
shoots, and cut them off imme- I llil j 
diattdy below the second or l lUH u 
third joint from the top of the % vfll/ B 
shoot, and they will present the ‘ 
appearance shown in the en- S 
graving. 
As fast as prepared in this M 
manner, place them in a pan of 
rain water to prevent flagging. 1 
L Plant these shoots, or pipings, 
A as they are called, as soon as a 
sufficient quantity is prepared in the bed, an 
xM inch and a half asunder; water slightly through 
J A a fine rose, and after the leaves are thoroughly 
! | dry, cover with a hand glass and shade from 
i»vq the mid-dayjnm. Pipings may be prepared in 
B July or August, and if closely covered with a 
hand or bell gins*, and shaded from the sun, 
will scarcely require any water until rooted. 
i : Y. If they should need water, it will be found, in 
DOMESTIC INQUIRIES. 
Ice Cream.— Will some of the Rural readers give a i 
recipe for making farmer's ice cream? and oblige— I 
Hattie. 
Dora Hamilton's Cheese —I would like to inquire I 
of Dora Hamilton how to make the cheese she speak9 I 
of in Rural, page 199. We understand the doughnuts 
and pickles, but that “ cheese ’’—will she please inform j 
us how to make it? and oblige —Mrs. D. 0. I , Prince¬ 
ton, Minn. L 
Tomato Wine.— Be good enough to give me a recipe [ 
for Tomato Wine. I am going to make a large l 
quantity, and shall depend altogether upon the Rural 
for instructions.—B, G. K. S.» iJrfjfol, IT. P. I 
Dora Hamilton's Doce snuts and Chsese--WU1 | 
Dora Hamilton please inform me through the Rural j 
how to make those delicious don claims, and the cheese 
which needs no pressing.—A Fameb's Wive, B’asA- v 
iiujton, Wi*. jf 
Gooseberry Catsup — Rose-water. — Will some p 
of the Rural readers please inform me how to make ^ 
gooseberry catsup? Also, give a recipe for making | 
rose-water, and oblige—A Subscriber. 5 
me [,u-u awn one arm of the Ur-mu rrairie w acre the soil 
is out ot the question; by the use of i‘ wrv iuh, a black, loose ‘.oaro- t\ ill -ome gentleman 
and little of it. and little water, anv please infOim me through Uie medium of the Rural, 
>wth is prevented. Then, too, the top the number <n\& va.‘cries of standard apples in an 
roots ltoimr within case roach of thi orchard of 1.200 trees A.so. In nutting out one ban- 
'TIT > ... x .Hi • - , °,\. Uie died Dear trees, what varieties ud number r-SaiitreL 
are shortened by Ids pruning knife or M. D. 
h his hot iron, bo the little tree, And- , , „ . . . . , 
headed on everv side, gives up rite idea "*e be vtry glad to hear from 50me of ^ up¬ 
growth, asking only tor life, and just telUgent Illinoisans on this subject. Meantime we 
lough to live and look well. Accord- recommend Dr. F. to mail oue dollar lo W. C- Flagg, 
h new set of leaves becomes more and Monk III-, Corresponding Secy of Illinois State Uort. 
ited, the buds and rootlets are duuin- **o^--<:ty, which will make him a member of said Society, 
>roportion, and at length a balance is ailli entitle him to receive the proceedings of the same 
t a dwarf in'3?rKetL 'in Sm for ^ wU1 tod 4 "***** * e Secretary 
rees this end fit reached in three or wh5ch “d him m arriving at a conclusion, we 
tj in others ten or fifteen years are ne- think The Society's published transactions are vain- 
Such is fancy horticulture sonong the able, and should be in the hands of every Western fruit 
»— The Technologist. grower. 
