8TOCKS FOB THE PLUM. 
The following remarks by Mr. Barry, on Stocks 
for the Plum, will answer several inquiries, and be 
interesting to many of our readers: 
“It is not a little difficult in this country to get 
good plum stocks. If seeds be taken promiscnously 
from any variety that is to be had, as is done with 
most other trees, the probability is, that of the seed 
lings not one in five hundred will be suitable for a 
stock. I have seeu bushels of seeds planted that 
were said to have been collected from strong growing 
trees, but out of the tens of thousands of seedlings 
produced from them, not one hundred were ever 
worked, or (it to be. It is not only necessary to 
obtain seeds from vigorous growing trees, but from a 
species or variety that reproduces itself from seed. 
This ia the point. 
“The Horse Piirm, an oval, purple, free stone sort, 
with vigorous downy shoots, reproduces itself from 
seed, and makes good stocks. On a suitable, well- 
prepared soil, its seedlings often attain two feet or 
more in height in one season, and are then fit for the 
nursery rows. They require a rich, substantial soil, 
„prepared as recommended for pear seeds. Other 
vigorous sorts have been recommended in various 
parts of the country, but on trial they have been 
found quite inferior to the horse plum, and as a gen¬ 
eral thing worthless. 
“The Canada, or Wild Plum, which abounds in 
Ohio, Michigan, and other western States, are dis¬ 
tinct species, and reproduce themselves from seed. 
The seedling* of some grow extremely rapid, making 
fine stoeks in one year on any good soil. They con¬ 
tinue iu a thrifty, growing state until late In the 
autumn; but they should not be worked above the 
ground in the nsnal way, as their growth does not 
keep pace with the species to which most of our 
cultivated sorts belong. The best way to manage 
them is to take the yearling seedlings, whip graft 
them on the collar, and *et them out at once in the 
nursery rows; they will make good trees for planting 
out in three years. The stock is all below the surface 
of the ground, and in time the graft Bends ont roots 
and becomes in a great measure independent of the 
stock. Where the seedlings are not large enough for 
grafting the first season, they inay be set out in the 
nursery and allowed to grow one season, and then 
ths earth can be removed from the collar until the 
graft bo inserted, and then drawn up. To procure 
strong stocks for standard trees of weak growing 
sorts, like the Green Gage, a itch thrifty varieties 
as the Imperial Cage and (Smith's Orleans may be 
grafted on this native species, and in two or three 
years they will make stocks strong enough for any 
purpose. The French use several natural sp eies 
that are produced from seed — St. Julien, large and 
small (Brussels of the English), and the Damns nair, 
large and small. Tlio first is generally used for 
•tocks for apricots and peaches as well as plums. 
We find none of these superior iu vigor to the horse 
plum, but they are worked more successfully. In 
England, the Brussels, Brampton, and Muscle stocks 
are used, propagated from both seeds and layers. 
For small sited garden trees, cither dwarf standards 
or pyramids, the cherry plum makes a very good 
stock. It is probably the same as naed by the French 
under the names of "Ccricette” and “Myrobalan.” 
8everal of our authors and even some English 
writers say that the Mirabelle is the stock used for 
dwarfing the plum, peach and apricot, but it seems 
probable that they are mistaken. In France the 
cericettc or cherry plum is used, and stock* sent us 
from England as Mirabelle, arc but the cherry. 
*' the mistake could be made is difficult to 
*ay, far the two trees are as different in habit, foliage, 
wood and fruit, as they can be. The cherry plum is 
a very low tree with bushy, erect branches, very 
straight, slender, willow-like, reddish shootB, exceed¬ 
ingly small leaves and bnds, and smooth bark. The 
Mirabelle is also a low tree, but much more spreading 
than the other; the shoots are stouter, of a gray 
color and downy, with rather prominent bnds for so 
small shoots. It ripens in September, and the cherry 
a month sooner. 
“The cherry plum is a natqral species, and can 
therefore be produced true from seed. It maintains 
a vigorous growth all summer, and may be worked 
in July, August, or September. It may also be propa¬ 
gated from layers. 
“ The Sloe is also used to Borne extent where very 
email trees are wanted, and we have no doubt some 
native Bpecies, as for instance the Beach aed dura- 
saw plums, small trees, will make good dwarf Btooks. 
I am inclined to think, however, that very nice 
garden trees may be raise^ on the smaller species of 
the Canada Plum. The first year’s growth aud even 
the second are quite vigorous on them, but after that 
the vigor diminishes, and the trees become quit* 
prolific. This and the cherry plum will probably 
become onr principal stocks for dwarfing. 
“ Plums for seeds should ripen well on the tree; they 
are then gathered, the pulp washed off, and the seeds 
dried and put away in boxes of sand in alternate 
layers, a* recommended for cherries. They may be 
saved in fall or spring as circumstances already men¬ 
tioned will admit. 
“Nearly all plums used for stocks may be propa¬ 
gated by layers. Mother plants or stools are planted 
ont aud cut back as recommended for Paradise, &c.; 
the shoots of the previous season’s growth are pegged 
down in the spring flat, and two inches of earth 
drawn over them. Every bud on these layers will 
produce a shoot that, generally, will be well enough 
rooted in the fall to be separated from the stool aud 
planted out into nursery rows the following spring. 
These layered shoots are cot off close to the old 
plant, and the upright shoots produced during the 
previous season may be again pegged down. 
“ The stooL or mother plants managed in this way 
require the best treatment to maintain their vigor, 
that a supply of strong shoots inay be produced 
every season fit to lay down in the spring. Weak, 
slender shoots, unfit to layer, should bo cat out early 
in the season to aid the growth of tbosd intended 
for use. This usually goes by the name of Chinese 
Layering.” 
MB. HOVEY vs. FBUIT GBOWEBS. 
It has always been a Bouree of some regret that 
Mr. Hovey has never once honored the meetings of 
the Fruit Growers of Western New York by bis 
presence. To be sure we have been favored usually 
with the counsels of many men of experience, knowl¬ 
edge, aud wisdom, (at least we have given them 
credit for these desirable qualities,) but we have been 
taught to look to the East for light, and in this, 
according to Mr. Hovky’b notions, we are most sadly 
deficient. Although we have lacked his wise coun¬ 
sels, we have been favored with liberal criticisms 
upon our proceedings; for scarcely a meeting is held 
but furnishes, according to Mr. Hovry’s opinion, 
evidence of fickleness or folly. In copying onr 
report of the proceedings of the last meeting, in which 
is the following sentence:—“The Delaware (grape) 
was the favorite; everybody spoke in its praise” — 
Mr. H. says:—" If we recollect aright, the report not 
being before us, last year the Diana was the favorite, 
and was placed first. But this is no longer so. Per¬ 
haps another year some other sort will be the favorite. 
We fear the cultivators of that section are too fickle 
in their estimate of the grape. A grape that will 
only remain the favorite one year is hardly the grape 
for everybody to cultivate.” 
We know not how it is in Boston, but here wo are 
learning more of our new grapes every year. The 
Delaware has not long been fruited in this section; 
indeed the past winter arid summer may be said to be 
the first opportunity our fruit growers have had of 
testing fairly the hardiness and productiveness of the 
Delaware grape. Tt may be a little old fogyish not to 
jump at conclusions, and decide the merits of a grape 
upon a few specimens sent, from Ohio or the Hudson, 
or from a bunch or two, the first fruits of a nursed 
vine; but this is a habit our Boston friend will 
have to excuse. The repoita do not seem to show 
any great partiality for the Diana; hot even were it 
ao, the fact that last spring exhibited the Diana 
killed to within a few inches of the ground, and con¬ 
sequently no fruit, while every bud of the Delaware 
was sound, and prodneed abundance of fruit this 
summer, wonld be very likely to work a slight chauge 
in sentiment. The next meeting of this Society is to 
be held on the 8th day of January next, in Rochester, 
and we fear, unless we are favored with illumination 
from the East, we shall again do something foolish. 
PLANTING CHEBBY AND OTHEB SEEDS. 
Nature indicates the autumn as the time for plant¬ 
ing all kinds of fruit seeds. At that time they drop 
naturally from the tree, and this is Nature’s method 
of planting. We must remember, however, that not 
one iu twenty of the seeds that fall from onr forest or 
wild fruit trees ever produce plants. This would 
not suit the cultivator, who desires a plant from 
almost every seed. In some situations the soil is so 
retentive of moisture that the vitality of a majority 
of the seeds would be destroyed before spring. In a 
heavy soil the surface would become ao beaten down 
hy the heavy rains, and so dried and burdened by the 
spring winds, that it. would be impossible almost for 
young plants to make their way through it Tn such 
cases it is best to save seeds until spring. In a dry, 
light soli, we would plant in autumn. When cherry 
seeds are saved until spring, the llosh should be 
rotted off and the pits dried by spreading them on 
hoard*. They should then bo put away iu boxes, 
between layers of moist sand, and put away iu a cool 
cellar or out-of-doors, protected from tbe raiu. As 
they germinate very early and at a low temperature, 
they should be kept as cool, and be planted us curly, 
aa possible. Sow them in drill*, in n light soil, and 
do not use fresh manure or mnch manure of any 
kind. After one season’s growth they will he ready 
to transplant to nursery rows the following spring, 
and may be budded the same summer. 
- - -■ < - ♦ — »- 
WIN TEE PABLOB OBNAMENTS. 
Eds. Rural Nkw-Youkkr: — Allow me to recom¬ 
mend to all ladies who want a beautiful parlor orna¬ 
ment, one of living, refreshinggreen, the purchase of 
a few good house plants. If they are just eomiirg into 
(lower, all the better; hilt for winter ornament I wonld 
not sacrifice good form and lively foliage for the 
sake of the flowers. Among the plants for early win¬ 
ter flowering, there is nothing I know of like the 
Chrysanthemums, as they will give a profusion of 
bloom from now until uftert.be holidays. They hear, 
too, the heat and dryness of our rooms without seem¬ 
ing to suffer, and three or four plants of different 
colors will muke a fine display sufficient for any ordi¬ 
nary room. 
But tbe best way to keep plants in onr living 
rooms is' to have a glass case made somewhat in 
the fashion of show-cases in stores, but of tbe right 
shape to contain the plants. Place this upon a stand 
near a window, and place the plants Ju it and close it 
np. In this way they are preserved from drat, and 
need but little watering. Iudeed, If the earth iu the 
pots is covered with a little damp moss, no water 
will be required for a long time; for tbe case is so 
close that but littlo evaporation takes place. Every 
ladyoan realize how much ueater this ia than tbe ordi¬ 
nary way of keeping plants where watering every day 
is necessary, and where even tho leaves must be 
washed occasionally to keep the plants in anything 
like health and vigor. In such a case cut (lowers may 
be kept in summer for many days as fresh as when 
first taken from the plants. 
I think the case I refer to might be attached to tbe 
window in soniB manner so a* to be a fixture, and 
thus would be formed a miniature greeu house that 
would afford great pleasure at a very little expense. 
If the editors of the Rural will please tell us how 
this can be done I shall be mnch obliged, aud I think 
others also. Celia, 
In our next we will give some directions for the 
arrangement of the window cases, as requested by 
onr correspondent. 
VINE UULTUBE IN CALIFOBNIA. 
“Vine culture In California is about to receive 
important aid from the State. Under a concurrent 
resolution of the Legislature, the Governor has 
appointed three Commissioners who are to have 
charge of the matter. One of them ia to make a 
tour of all the vine-growing countries of Europe, 
for the purpose of collecting a large number of tho 
best varieties of vines and trees and taking them 
into California for distribution among the citizens. 
As all previous experiments in this department of 
horticulture have failed, because of tbe injury re¬ 
ceived by foreign plants on the voyage, it is the 
intention to employ on the steamer one or more 
gardeners, whose duty it shall )>e to watch, air and 
water the vines and trees. Very delicate plants will 
be set out in pots filled with sand, on the vessel’s 
deck. It is also the design of the Commissioners 
to make a special effort to induce and form emigra¬ 
tion companies from the vine-growing districts to 
settle in California, and also to make arrangements 
with capitalists in France In purchasing grapes 
from the producers, and making them into wine, 
brandy and champagne; to establish houses in differ¬ 
ent parts of the Golden State to purchase the grapes 
grown therein; to manufacture them into wine, and 
to erect a bottle manufactory. The plan suggested 
for raising the money to carry out the enterprise, is 
to divide the people of California into four classes, 
each person of the first to pay $500, the second 
$400, th# third $50, and the fourth $'25, in considera¬ 
tion for which subscription to the fund, every sub¬ 
scriber is to receive a designated share of the vines, 
trees and plants to be imported, the shares to bo 
proportioned to the sum paid by each. 
Each person paying $25 shall receive twenty-five 
varieties of choice vines, two cuttings of each. 
Among them Bhall be the seedless Sultana raisin, 
the cur-ant, the celebrated Madeira and mammoth 
Palestine, two paper shell almonds, one of Smyrna 
and the other of Italy, two oranges of choice variety, 
two lemons, two olives, two figs, two large Italian 
chestnuts, two pomegranates, and a bound volume 
of the report, which will oontain full instructions 
for tho making and fermenting of wine as it is done 
in the different countries; also the manner in which 
champagne and Cognac brandy is made; showing 
the mode of curing and packing raisins, figs and 
currants, pickling olives, making olive oil, drying 
and curing the celebrated Mecklenburg fruit, and 
preserving grapes and other fruits in cans.” 
The above we find in the pipers; but before onr 
California friends undertake anything of this kind, 
we hope they will become well posted as to the best 
means of carrying plants across the ocean, as prac¬ 
ticed by Fortune and other modern botanical col¬ 
lectors. By doing so, they will be likely to save 
much cost and loss. 
HOW CHINESE MAKE DWABF TBEES. 
Wk have all known from childhood how the Chi¬ 
nese cramp their women’s feet, and so manage to 
make them “ keepers at home,” but bow they con¬ 
trive to grow miniature pines and oaks iu flower pots 
for half a century has always been much of a secret. 
It is the product chiefly of skillful, long continued 
root pruning. They aim first and last, at the seat of 
vigorous growth, endeavoring to weaken it as far as 
may be consistent with the preservation of life. They 
begiuattlie beginning. Taking a young plant (say a 
seedling or cutting of a cedar,) when only two or 
three inches high, they out off its tap-root a.i soon as 
it has other rootlets enough to live upon, and replant 
it in a shallow earthen pot or pan. The end of tho 
tap-root la generally made to rest on the bottom of 
the pan. or on a flat fetone within it Alluvial day is 
then put into the pot, much of it in bits the size of 
beans, and just enough in kind aad quantity to fur¬ 
nish a scanty nourishment to the plant Water 
enough is given to keep it in growth, but not enough 
to excite a vigorous habit So, likewise, in the ap¬ 
plication of light and heat As the Chinese pride 
themselves also on the shape of their miniature trees, 
they use strings, wires, and pegs, and various other me¬ 
chanical contrivances, to promote symmetry of habit, 
or to fashion their pets into odd faucy figures. Thu*, 
by the nse of very shallow pots the growth of tbe tap¬ 
root i» ont of the question; by tho use of poor soil, little 
of it and little water, strong growth is prevented. 
Then, too, the tap and side roots being within oasy 
reach of the gardener, are shortened by hia pronuing 
kuife, or seared with hia hot iron. So the little tree, 
finding itself headed ou every side, gives np the idea 
of strong growth, asking only for liffi, and just 
growth enough to live and look well. Accordingly, 
each new set of leaves becomes more and more 
stunted, the buds and rootlets are diminished in pro¬ 
portion, and at length a balance is established 
between every part of the tree, making it a dwarf in 
all respects. In some kinds of tree* this end is 
reached in three or four years; u others ten or fifteen 
years arc necessary. Such is fancy horticulture 
among the Celestials. 
^MtintUura! 
Vkxtilation or Auplk Bakkrls.—A Chicago fruit dealer 
urge* upon alt who pack apples lor that market the boring of 
holes in tho barrels. “ By this means,” he says, “ the boring 
of holes in the head nr the staves of the barrels will 
allow the escape of the moisture that is constantly passing 
off from the newly gathered Trait. We hazard nothing in 
the statement that one half the fruit sent to this market this 
season, so far, baa been materially injured from this cause. 
The effect of confined vapor upon the apple is not at once 
apparent. The fruit appears uncommonly blight ou the first 
opening —but &* tbe Borface dries off, the apple begin* to 
grow dull looking, and if a light skinned apple, in a day or 
two will present the appearance of half baked fruit. 
“ But this steaming from confinement not only injures tbe 
gate of the fruit, but, to the great disappointment of the 
consumer, hi* fruit d ies not keep as ha supposed it would, 
and aa tbe variety of apple he purchased led him to suppose 
it would. Premature decay is sure to follow as a consequence 
of this want of ventilation.” 
Loiiklia biooloh M^kmorata.—T his is a new and beauti¬ 
fully distinct variety, anil inurt he regarded as a valuable 
addition to slimmer blooming annuel and biennial Unworn. 
It* dwarf aud densely-branched tufted habit of growth is 
equal In compactness with the well known l minus speciosa, 
aud, like it, blossoms profusely throughout tho sunimnr and 
autumn month*. Its elegaut petal-tiuts differ from /. specious 
and other kinds by being of a pale marbled blue toward the 
center, which passes into a richer blue margin, and the entire 
llower is rendered beautiful in effect by a conspicuou* wldte 
center, which addH a brilliant luster to the mas* of bloom. 
It is admirably adapted for front margin*, or bolts to ribbon 
Bower borders, Or small bed*. By pot culture, it tn»y bo 
produced in succession-bloom throughout the late summer 
months for conservatory and green house decoration; aud 
by adtumnal sowings, it may be preserved in cold pits, to be 
gradually forced into flower in the spring month*. 
Plum, Bowhk’s Oagjl— Several friends have cailed our 
attention to this variety, go named by tbe parties who are 
growing it, through having received it from it* roisnr, Mr. 
Bower, of Philadelphia, livery cloBely resemble* Lawrence’s 
Favorite in every respect, and we think scarcely worth a 
Beparate name and distinction. I,Ike that excellent kind, it 
ia probably u seedling from tho Green Gage. Wherever it 
has been grown the past few years, it Is remarkably produc¬ 
tive, aud Uioagh the fruit is evidently a* freely “*tung” by 
the curcalio, shows no teudency to rot in consequuuue. 
However, we are forced to the conclusion that any one 
variety, when in a perfectly healthy state, will a* easily 
resist injury from the curculio a* another. A slight ten¬ 
dency to ill health evidently adds to tbe injury the insect 
does. — Gardeners' Monthly. 
Facts about Hawthorn 8kbds. — The following fact* 
about Hawthorn seeds are furnished by B. G. Wrkiht, of 
Klbridge, Onondaga Co.:—"Seeds grown the present season 
will not germinate, if planted, next summer, but may be 
prepared for planting one year hence by mixing them with 
earth In a box,—open enough at the bottom to alln,.- the 
water to rau out, — and placing it otit-of doers the coming 
season so that they may freeze. Seeds are to be planted In 
tbe garden at tbe depth onion* are usually planted, and 
tended in tbe same way. Five quarts of seed of this year’* 
growth will be required for fifty rods of fence. Plants may 
be set in hedge row at one year old. 
Fruit Printing— a German jouroai, the AgnmomUehe 
Xeitung, publishes tbe following:—" At Vienna, for some 
time past, fruit dealers have sold peaches, pears, apples, 
apricots, &c , ornamented with armorial bearings, designs, 
initials, names, Ac. The impression oi these things is 
effected iu a very simple manner A fine fruit is selected at 
the moment it ia beginning to ripen, that is, to take a red 
color, and paper, iu which the designs are neatly cut out 1* 
affixed, After a while the envelope ia removed, and the 
part of the fruit which ha* been covered is brilliantly white. 
By this invention the producers of fruit may realize large 
sum*.” 
Striking Cuttings ok Bosks — I have been in tho habit 
for some years of striking roses iu what appears to me such 
a much more simple way than is described in your paper, 
that I soud you n* account, of the method. At any time or 
the year, when they are to he procured, I take cuttings of 
any sorts or roses I want to propagate (moss included) and 
cut the half ripened wood into length* of two eye*. I 
remove the bottom leaf, leaving tho top one to rest on the 
surface of the bed, aud nourish tho cutting while It forms 
its roots. The hot bed (a very slight one) io which 1 plant 
the cuttings, is made in the following manner: On the top of 
a little dung, just enough to gi<e a slight bottom beat, 1 
place six inches of earth, moistened to the consistency of 
mortar, then cover with two Inches of silver sand. 1 have 
occasionally struck every cutting; but 90 out of 100 is an 
average result,— Gardeners' Chronicle. 
Making Outitnks ok Fruit. — The Country Gentleman 
giv.-H the following method of making outlines of fruit: 
“Cut tho fruit through the middle, a little before it is fully 
ripe, atid it will dry slightly in a few minutes, so as tn Impart 
hut little juice to the paper. Tho application of hlotting 
paper to the cut surface will also assist lu removing tbn 
juice. Then, with a pen and lok, lightly touch the edge, 
inking the stem rather heavily; press it well upon a sheet of 
soft, smooth, unsized paper, and a perfectly accurate impver- 
sion will be made. Tho stem must be separately aud baldly 
pressed. By using reddish-brown ink for red and russet 
fruits, ami greenish brow* for green fruits, the effect will be 
fine. Any defect* in tho impression are easily corrected wUh 
a pencil or pen. A littlo practice will enabte the operator 1o 
apply just nuch n quantity of ink a* will give with a single 
impression a clear outside line and a soft »had« within.” 
Pkntstkmon spkctA 111 M 8 (3howy Pkntstkmon.) — Nat. 
(•rd., Scrvphulariacnv. I.inu., Didynamia Anginspemiia 
“ A lovely Californian specieB.” Flowers numerous, In a 
panicle, ou a stem nearly two feot high. Introduced by 
Messrs I.ow, of Clapton, where it (lowered last May.— /Man¬ 
ual Mugaeine. 
Choiok Gkai-ks. — We are Indebted to Mr. IT. N. Lano- 
WOktmy, of Greece, well known as an amateur cultivator of 
superior Horticultural product*, for a supply of choice Grapes 
Tor Thanksgiving. Thanks, Friend L., in addition to those 
enjoined by the Governor and our conscience. 
Graph Chop in Franck. —The French journals say tho 
grape crop this year is abundant, and of excellent quality. 
The mildew, which has linen so destructive, seems to have 
been chucked by the use of sulphur. 
Convolvulus tricolor monstrosus.— A variety or the 
well known O. minor, having a dwarf diffuse style of growth, 
with exceedingly rich and dark purple blossom*. 
gjtyttirUsi and gUtpim. 
PLANTS FOR NAMES. 
Wk are obliged to many of our readers for the fine speci¬ 
mens of plants which they send, when desiring ns to a*cer 
tain and publish the names; but some give ns very imperfect 
specimens, and in such case* we are often very much in the 
dark, unless the plaut is one with which wo happen to be 
familiar. Our correspondents will plenso send us, as fur ns 
practicable, entire plants in (lower, when small, and of large 
plants, main branches in flower, with leaves from different 
part*, especially from the main stem. 
M 
Till* 
w^M 
Early in October, “C. M. M., Meridian, N. Y.,” forwarded 
us a specimen of a leguroinou* plant in flower, which we at 
once recoguized a* a familiar friend of our early days, but 
could not remember or ascertain its name, The German 
gardeners here said it was a common flower iu that country, 
where it was known by tbe common name of Wiekeu, and so 
we Stated in the Kurui. of October 5, page 309. Not satisfied 
with this, we pursued our investigations, and worn finally 
rewarded by ascertaining the true name of tho plant, which 
i* Tetrayimolobus pu.rpurf.us, or Bark Crimson Winged I’ea, 
It is a curious plant, with dark crimson flowers and large, 
flat pods, which are so deeply winged that they appear sur¬ 
rounded by a flounce. To old times, It w«s a great favorite 
In English flower gardens, but Is now seldom growu. There 
are several varieties, differing principally id the color of the 
flowers. It i» said to be a native of Sicily, where tbe seed* 
arc used us a substitute for coffee. We give an engraving, 
showing the form of flower, leaf, and winged pod. 
As it geein* to be thn general opinion of people that yon 
know everything worth knowing and after they have learned 
all they can everywhere el."*, they turn to you, and expect 
you will tell them the rest, I thought I would act upon tbe 
mme principal, ami send you lliis flower for name. The b*ed 
wan obtained at the Patent Office, At Washington. I have 
had it growing in my garden two years, and have asked a 
great many to give me the name of the flower hut no one 
has been able to do so. 1, of course, expect a name—the real 
Yankee name.—K , Medina , tV. Y.. 1301. 
Tho flower sent na by oar Medina friend is a Phacdia, but 
what variety we cannot snv, TVS It doe* OOt correspond exactly 
with any we cultivate. It in very much like I’ conyctla, but 
the latter has purplish flowers, while those received are 
blue. P tmacelifvlia ia one of the beat or the Phacebias, 
and though it cannot he called a pretty plant, having a some, 
what coarse and weedy look. It* flower* are rtne, and qnito 
striking from the singular manner in which tho racemes 
unroll a* fast as the blossom* open. P. vinifolia Is much like 
P. amyesta, but the flower* are light blue. 
The plant sent u* some time since by II. Smith, of Wales, 
St. Clair Co., Mich., !h Artemisia Canadensis, or Canadian 
Wormwood. 
Sulphitk ok Limb —Is it true that sulphite of lime —I 
mean that invented or recommended by Prof. iloitsroKl)— 
will prevent fermentation in cider, aud keep it sweet!—T. S., 
November, 1861. 
Sulphite of lime will arrest fermentation and keep tbe 
cider from becoming acid. Sulphite of limo is sulphurous 
acid and limo. Long before Prof. Hokkpoiu) recommended 
snlphite of lime for th« purpose, we were in the habit of 
taking older from the barrel a week or two after it* manufac¬ 
ture, tillering It, and restoring it to the barrel, which was 
first filled with the fumes of burning sulphur. This process 
I* more troublesome, but the effect is nearly the same *« Ibat 
obtained from the use of the Hulphlte. We do not know that 
Prof. HORSKORD 1* entitled to the credit he la receiving, for 
sulphite of lime was recommended more than twenty years 
ago as “ one of the best substances that could be added to 
liquor* to arrest fermentation.” Any one who baa the 
Cyclopir.dia of 0,000 Recipes, republished by APPLiiTON A Co., 
New York, in 1845, will find proof of this fact on page 305. 
IIokrk-Ciikhtnuts an I) Mountain Ash Skbds.— When 
should Horse-Chestnuts and Mountain Asti seed* bo planted 
—this fall or next«pring?— AUG. H. Raymond, Oshkosh, Wis., 
Ninimnbrr, 1861, 
Horse Chestnuts maybe planted at once, or preserved ie 
boxes of sand until next spring Tho fall, however, i* the 
best time. Mountain Ash seeds should be placed in boxes of 
* md, and allowed to remain until next autumn, or the spring 
of 1863. They will Bot germinate the first year. They are 
in thi* respect like tho seeds of Hawthorn. 
'WBfStif $wmm. 
HOMINY CAKES. 
One pint of small hominy or Carolina Brits, one 
pint of white Indian meal, sifted, oue saltspoonful 
of salt, three large tublcspoonfuls of fresh butter, 
three eggs or three tablespooufuls of strong yciiBt, 
one quart of milk. Having washed the small hom¬ 
iny and left it Boaking all night, boil it soft, drain 
it, and, while hot, mix it with the Indian meal, 
adding the salt and the buttpr. Then mix'it gradu¬ 
ally with tho milk, and set it away to cool. Beat tho 
eggs very light, and add them gradually to the mix¬ 
ture. The whole should make a thick hatter. Then 
bake them On ft griddle in the manner of buckwheat 
cakeB, greasing or scraping tho griddle always before 
you put on a fresh cake. Trim off their edges nicely, 
and send them to table hot. Eat them with butter. 
Or you may bake, them In mnffiu rings. If you prefer 
making these cakes with yeast, you must begin them 
earlier, ns they will require time to rise. Tho yeast 
should be strong and fresh. If not very strong, uso 
four tablespoonfuls instead of (wo. Cover the pan, 
set it in a warm place, and do not begin to bake till 
it is well risen and the surface of the mixture ia 
covered with bubbles. 
-- « » ♦ ■ <- 
Bo8e Water.— As I have not seen a response to 
the inquiry for a recipe to make Rose Water, I send 
the following, hoping if any one knows a better they 
will communicate it for the benefit of the readers of 
Rural:- Fill a bottle half full of good brandy, then 
add tvs many fresh rose leaves, — the cabbage rose ia 
preferable, —as the vessel will hold, cork light and 
keep in tt cool dry place. At the expiratlou of a few 
months it will be ready for use. 
Rose Butter, —Put down in a jar a layer of good i 
sweet butter, then a layer of rose leaves. When 
wanted for nse; melt and strain the butter, and use 
for cake ia the usual way. This will keep a year.— 
Frankie, Maple drove, N. V., I8(ii. 
4 • ♦ ft 4 ■ 
For Blkacuino Woolen Yarn, Etc.— Take a 
stone or iron, which is hollow in the center, and heat 
it very hoi. Place it in the bottom of an old barrel. 
Have your yarn washed in clean, soft suds; then take 
a piece of brimstone the size of a walnut and put it 
on the stone in your barrel, hang in your yarn and 
cover immediately with ruga or something which will 
prevent the smoke from escaping. If you have any 
flannels which need bleaching, place those first over 
the barrel. I have seen a crape shawl, and silks, 
white ribbons, Ac., blcaohcd beautifully in this man¬ 
ner. Everything should bo first rinsed in the suds. 
No washing Is necessary after bleaching. — Mary 
French, Dodge's Corners, It tv., 1861. 
Rick Custards.— t Sweeten a pint of milk with 
loaf sugar, boil witli it a stick of cinnamon, stir in 
sifted ground rice till quite thick. Take it off the 
lire, add the whites of three eggs, well beaten; stir it 
again over the fire for two or three minutes, then put 
it into cups that have lain In cold water; do not wipo 
them. When cold, turn them out, and put them into 
the dish in which they are to be served; pour round 
them a custard made of the yolks of the eggs and 
little more than half a pint of milk. Put on the top 
a littlo red currant jelly or raspberry jam. A pretty 
supper diBh. 
A Beautiful Dyk. — Gather tho faded leaves of 
the dark maroon-colored hojlyhock, single or double 
tlowers, place a large handful iu about a quart of 
water, with a piece of alum about the size of a filbert; 
let it simmer down to about the quantity; dip rib¬ 
bons, caahmcre, woolens or silks, Into Live liquid, and 
you will obtain tho fushionablo and elegant tint 
called “mauve.” Ribbons should be wrapped in a 
piece of white calico or linen, so as to dry gradually 
and evenly. The shade of color may bo lessened by 
adding water, if the tint should be considered too 
high. 
-♦— - -A- 
Rice Waffles. — Take a teacup and a half, or 
a common sized tumblerful and a half of rico that 
has been well boiled, and warm it in a pint of rich 
milk, stirring it till smooth and thoroughly mixed. 
Then remove it from tho tire, and stir iti a plot of 
cold milk and a small teaspoonful of salt. Beat four 
eggs very light, aud stir them into tho mixture, in 
turn yvith sufficient, rice Hour to make a thick batter. 
Bake it in a waffle-iron. Bend them to table hot,, 
butter them, and eat them with powdered sugar and 
cinnamon, prepared in a small bowl for the purpose. 
To Extuact Ink Stains from the Covers of 
Cloth Books.— Many of the preparations for remov¬ 
ing Ink spots not only entirely remove the said 
stains, but tho color also. The following, however, 
will be found perfectly harmless: To half an ounce 
of oxalic acid put a fluid ounce ot distilled water; 
when nearly dissolved, add half an ounce of citric 
acid: this will he a saturated solution, and will 
entirely remove ink without injuring or discoloring 
the substance, whether silk, cottou, linen, cloth, 
velvet, &c. 
- » « * 
Sweet Potato Pudding. — Beat to a cream one 
pound of sugar and one pound of butter; boil and 
pound line two pounds of potatoes; beat the potato 
by degrees into the butter and sugar; add five egga > 
beaten light, one wineglass of wine, one of brandy, 
and one of rose-water; two teaspoonfuls of spice, 
and half a pint of cream. Bake it in a crust. This 
will fill seven puddings. 
A few drops of any perfumed oil will secure libra 
ries from the consuming effects of moldiness and 
damp. Russian leather, which is perfumed with the 
tar of the birch-tree, never molds; and merchants 
suffer large bales of this article to lie in Ihe London 
Docks in the moat careless manner, knowing that it 
cannot Bustain any injury from the damp. 
To Clean Bi.ack French Crake Vails. —Will the 
Rural please let some of its many readers inform 
me, through its columns, how to clean a black 
French Crape Vail? Also, how to make nice tomato 
chowder, and oblige, — Young Farmer’s Wife, 
Cuba, N. Y., 1861. 
... - - - - ■» ■ m ^ »- 
Soda Cake. —Five eggs; two cupfuls sugar; one 
cupful butter; one cupful sweet milk; four cupfuls 
flour; two teaspoonfula cream tartar; one tcaspoon- 
ful soda. 
[SUKUIAL NOTICK ) 
Again, wo say, have you triad D. B, Du Land ft Co.’8 
Chemical Saleratu*? If not, get a paper at once, and bo 
astonished at it* happy results. It i* for Hale hy all reliable 
wholesale and retail dealers, and at wholesale by the manu¬ 
facturers, at Falrport, Monroe Co., N. Y. 
