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THE RURAL. NEW-YORKER. 
OCT. 27 
Lady Washington and other similar varieties of 
the Geranium family, others make it include all 
the ornamental-leaved varieties, and others, 
again, employ the word merely as if synonymous 
with, hut preferable to. the more common name, 
Geranium, and intend by its use, to Include 
the entire family of Geraniums. It would be 
well if we could have some uniform rule for the 
employment of the word. [It is hard to change 
words however erroneously used, that have 
passed into familiar use, that sufficiently well 
explain our meaning. Pelargonium, as we 
have several times explained, is the botanical 
name of those tender plants generally called 
Geraniums. Our hardy Spotted Crauesbill, 
Carolina Crauesbill, Herb Robert are true Ger¬ 
aniums. —Edh.] 
\\ itliout further preface, I will describe my 
method of wintering Geraniums with least 
trouble, and pretty uniform success. Before 
the plants are injured by frost, raise them 
carefully from the ground, us if for potting. 
Shako off the loose dirt, if any adheres ; short¬ 
en the branches by cutting off from one-third 
to one-half of their length, tie as many to¬ 
gether as may be convenient for handling, 
attach a label indicating the variety, and hang 
them, in an inverted position, closely together, 
to the beams in the cellar. 
Ranunculus, Tulips, the showiest flower that 
grows, and the grand cjueen of flowers, the Lily. 
For early Bummer flowers, we would include 
the Wallflowers, Daisy, Mignonette, without 
which no garden is complete, and Tussilago 
fragrant), only equaled for fragrance by the 
Mignonette itself. 
For late summer and autumn flowering, we 
have a few fragrant flowers which are not excell¬ 
ed by the Spring bloomers. At the head of 
theso we place the Tuberose, our favorite, the 
delicate white pips of which are uuequaled for 
fragrance; The Verbena is desirable both for 
show and fragrance; and we would also include 
Fblox Drummondii, Sweet Alyssum, and Petunia. 
We have omitted the various shrubs, among 
which are very fragrant and showy bloomers. 
From the varieties mentioned, the most fastidi¬ 
ous can complete a garden of which Flora her¬ 
self would be proud, and one which if attended 
to, will be a “ thing of beauty ” to the eye. and a 
bright spot in the memory. 
GARDENING PEN TALKS. 
BY MBS. ANNIE L. JACK. 
treating them in this manner, I have no 
difficulty in carrying a large majority of them 
successfully through the winter. Indeed, the 
loss of a single plant is an exception rather 
thau otherwise. About the time for planting 
flower seeds In the hot-bed, in the spring, I 
plaid, the Geraniums closely together iu tubs 
or boxes, covering the roots well with Gue earth 
and watering sufficiently to keep the roots moist. 
If prepared iu this manner, aTtd kept in a se¬ 
cure place, I find they will be ready for planting 
out as soon as the season will admit of it, and 
will be as forward in their bloom as those usually 
wintered in the cellar with the rootB covered 
with earth. 
It should be understood, however, that throe 
things are important to success, iu this mode 
of treatment. The plants should not bo hung 
in a cellar where there is a furnace to dry the 
atmosphere to such an extent that the brandies 
will become dried and withered, beyond resuscita¬ 
tion. On the other hand, the cellar should not be 
too moist, as in that ease, the plants are lia¬ 
ble to mold and rot: and iu the third place, 
the cellar should he impervious to frost. The 
temperature should be about Ibe same as is nec¬ 
essary for the successful wintering of fruit and 
vegetables generally. I usually winter large 
numbers of Geraniums in this manner, both 
ot double and siugie varieties—Zonaleaud orna¬ 
mental-leaved alike, with very satisfactory re¬ 
sults. 
The careful washing of the roots, when the 
plants are taken up iu the fall, as it seems 
is recommended by some, is, in any opinion, 
a useless waste of labor, and I think is rather 
injurious than otherwise, as the less the roots 
are handled or disturbed, the better. 
-—-- , 
FLOWERS FOR CITY GARDENS. ] 
- i 
BY W. 0 . L. DREW. 
A question often propounded by city residents 
is, “ What flowers would you furnish a small 
garden iu the city with, which are of a showy 
nature, and possess the agreeable quality of 
fragrance ? ” 
lo spring wo have many flowers possessing 
both of the desirable qualities Of show arid fra¬ 
grance, hut in summer and autumn such plants 
are in the minority. In preparing a small garden 
iu the city, however, we would not recommend 
the laying of It out iu flower plots ; the greatest 
satisfaction will he in a well kept lawn, small it 
may be, but if well attended to, nothing will be 
more pleasing, 1 jut if the owner wishes to lay 
out some flower plots, such should be small and 
near the walk and fence. 
As to our subject, however, we will proceed, 
first considering such ones as possess fragrance. 
For spring flowering the Violet is a host iu itself; 
single and double they may he hao in white, 
blue, lilac and a number of shades. The Auri¬ 
culas and Primroses may bo had iu such a vast 
variety, that with them alone we could complete 
one of the finest little flower gardens our eye 
has ever been delighted with. The Myosotis 
dissitiflora, with its grand spikesof densest blue, 
should be one of our lirst selections. Then, the 
1 ansies, in such a profusion of colors, are quite 
sufficient to fill a large garden of thomselvos 
with ever-changing beautieB. 
Among tno bulbous plants, if we take time by 
the forelock and plant in the fall, we fiud some 
of our most fragrant and showy beauties, for 
instance, the grand Hyaduth, double and single 
red, white, blue, yellow, lilac, and of other col¬ 
ors innumerable. The Narcissus, which is only 
equaled by the Hyacinth, and the delicate little 
Scilla will satisfy any one. To these already 
named may be added the Crocus, Anemones, 
r > FALL precautions in the oaroen. 
In our short seasons we have no time for re- 
o flection. Winter, with its six-months’ snow, 
n gives us ample time to plan for another year, 
e but all through the other six we must perform 
r steadily the season’s appointed labor, and at no 
g time more so than in the autumn. If our house- 
I plants are loft outside to form rootlets, and be- 
s come accustomed to the change, it is a constant 
i fear that some night froBt may come and destroy 
their beauty of foliage, if no more Borious injury 
- followed. 
So it is that unceasing vigilance is required of 
1 us, and we fear frost more than any storm or 
' Wight that, comes in October. The tender flow- 
i cis fade at its lightest finger touch ; the tomatoes 
Jose their richness if it breathes upon them; even 
> the hard-shelled Hubbard squash is deeply in- 
i jured if only one Unprotected spot is subje ct to , 
its influence—and these useful vegetables must 
lie securely housed before there is any sign of a 
sharp night. Celery, if well banked up, will 
stand a few degrees, hut woo bo to the little, 
louder plants that are late and not handled. No 
amount of after-care will prevent the larger part 
of the plant from decaying, and if placed with 
well-grown stalks, it is apt to destroy the rest. 
W e have fouud it a good plan to pack in the cel¬ 
lar all tender biennials that are not wanted for 
v in tor-blooming. Treated the same as celery, 
with a little sand and earth on the floor of a 
good, cool cellar, carnation, salvia, coleus and 
other plants will take their winter’s rest in safe¬ 
ty, and come out in the spring with very pale 
leaves, but fresh at the root, and ready for an¬ 
other start. 
Very soon our garden will present ouly the 
appearance of a plowed field, with trees and 
shrubs, here and there, in line; for it is a part of 
our gardening creed to plow in autumu, instead 
of leaving that work until spring—the reason 
being that the soil resists the spriug drought 
aud is ready earlier, besides receiving all the 
benefit of the “ poor-mau’s manure, " and turn- 
iug up a crop of buried insects iu chrysalis-form, 
to he exposed to frost and destroyed. Digging 
around currant hushes unearths many of the 
cocoons of the currant w'orrn, and as the plow 1 
cuts up the hind many of these hidden enemies ' 
are brought to light, and can he seen by the ^ 
birds, or gathered by hand to be destroyed. It ‘ 
is wonderful, in these days, what myriads of 1 
insects are created to feed upon our choicest ^ 
ft nits and flowers. Aud those only are true gar- 1 
deners who can fight the good fight with renew- t 
ed courage every season. ' 
This morning the family poet seemed impress- C 
ed with our coming loss, and while gazing sadly 1 
at our half-leafless trees, gave these parting *? 
lines: * 
t of the best of our flowers for continued bloom, 
I always depend largely upon them for a good 
show. They are easily raised ; in fact, for the 
past two years, I let them sow themselves. 
In the spring, as soon as they get large 
i enough to transplant, take them up, and place 
I hem where wanted. I have on my lawn, two 
circles about twelve feet in diameter, completely 
filled with this most showy plant, the colors run¬ 
ning from the purest white to the deepest red ; 
two other beds I filled with Drummond Phlox, 
and for over three mouths I have had a brilliant 
display. The Aster la another of my favorites, 
of easy growth, most of mine coming up them¬ 
selves, though 1 usually save some seed of the 
more showy double ones. I usually transplant 
these around the edge of my circles aud along 
the borders of my flower-beds. I have one row 
about thirty feet which has made a gorgeous 
show. Coreopsis, Mignonette, Balsam, Portu- 
laoa are also well known plants of easy cultiva¬ 
tion and always sowing themselves. All or these 
annual) are known to everybody, and with a 
little care and judgment in arrangement, will 
make a fine display. Of course every one fond 
of flowers, is supposed to have some plants that 
are hardy. A few Crocuses. Hyacinths, and Tu¬ 
lips will start the season, and then will follow 
Jonquils, Pinks, Peony, Sweet Williams, Roses, 
LilitB, etc., etc., that keep np a continual bloom 
till the annuals come along. 
If l were to buy but a few plants each spring, 
they would be the brilliant Pelargoniums and He¬ 
liotrope. Most lovers of flowers will house these 
in the winter aud the little care required will re¬ 
pay the trouble. 
The hardy Phloxes are among the best plants 
for summer blooming, and are very handsome, 
either in groups or single specimens. Get two 
or three different varieties, if you have never 
tried them, and you will be surprised what a show 
they will make, and how rapidly they increase. 
On© should also have a few foliage plants to 
complete an assortment, some of them rivaling 
our flowers in their brilliant colors. Nor should 
the vines be overlooked, among which are the 
Honeysuckle, Wistaria, Clematis for hardy, and 
the Cypress, Maderia, Nasturtiums etc., for an¬ 
nuals. 
I have only spoken of some of the more well- 
known plants, and those within reach of every 
one ; perhaps another time I will tell you about 
the more tender plauts. j. w. b. h. 
Larclunont, Westchester Co., N. Y. 
All! Roses dear, your leaves are red, 
And soon we lose you from our sight; 
The last gay flower will droop its head, 
And we must bid you all " good night." 
My darling little Mignonette, 
And Heliotrope, so sweet and fair, 
The bright-eyed Phlox, and Pansy true, 
We’ve loved with such a lender care. 
Dead lie the leaves on Bbrub and lawn, 
The birds have loft us long ago. 
And with a sad, unuueationlng gaze. 
We wait the advent of the enow. 
The brown, fresh earth ouce more is turned, 
Yet still our thoughts will fondly cling 
To garden talks and garden toil, 
While waiting for another spring, 
- - « ♦- 
EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENTS’ 
LETTERS. 
I would like to tell your readers how they can 
have a continual show of flowers and at trifling 
expense. 
This year being a particularly hard one and 
e\ ery item having to be counted, I made up 
my mind to Bpeud no money to speak of, 
on my flowers. As I consider Petunias one 
RAISING ASPARAGUS. 
Being a young Now Yorker much interested in 
horticulture aud flowers, I thought I would en¬ 
deavor to tell all the Rural family how to suc¬ 
ceed iu raising a flu© bed of Asparagus ; for unless 
it is parsnips and vegetuhle oysters, which may 
he left in the ground all winter, there is 
nothing so generally liked, so early in the season, 
and yet so little raised by the farming class gen¬ 
erally. I have known farmors, living several 
miles from a village to buy their Asparagus of 
the grocers, when, by very little labor, they 
might have been enabled to have had an abund- 
•* CG of ^ for their families aud perhaps to sell; 
for it always has a good market in any large 
village. But about the culture of it; the seed 
should be gathered any time in the fall, after the 
seed-pods have turned brown, and saved until 
the following spring when it should b© sewed 
in l he garden. Do not think the seed is not 
good and dig it up and sow radishes instead of 
it, because it is not up in a few days ; for it will 
probably he several weeks before it makes 
its appearance; at least it was so with mine. It 
will, the first year, probably grow about six inches 
high in common garden soil, as it requires very 
rich ground for it to grow larger. The next 
spring, it should he taken up and placed in a bed - 
which should be made as rich as possible. I 
do not thiuk the soil can be too rich for it. If 
the bed is placed near a drain or has plentv of 
slops and water thrown upon it, it will grow 
twice as last as without this treatment, for it 
needs a great deal of water. After about the 
third year, it may he cut until it shows signs of 
growing small, and then should be left to go to 
seed. Even then an Asparagus bed may be made 
to look beautitul by planting Morning Glories 
or some hardy climber aronud the edge and 
training them over the Asparagus. The blossoms 
and pretty red hemes lorm a pleasing contrast 
with the green. E. Elmer Keeler. 
Dauby, Tompkins Co., N. Y. 
L paper of seeds only a few plants grow, five or six 
“ at most." 
Now, let me tell you how to manage a Ver¬ 
bena bed. The last of October or first of No- 
vember, make a nice, rich seed-bed, with plenty 
10 of sand mixed with the soil ; in this, sow your 
<J seed. Next spring, when the warm days come, 
y your seeds wifi come np nicely. Transplant 
1 where you wish them to bloom, setting three or 
1 four feet apart. A thrifty Verbena plant covers 
’ several feet of gronnd. and they do better not to 
1 be crowded. Now you have a bed started the 
’ second spring; scrape off an inch or two of the 
dirt from your old bed, spade up a new one and 
' scatter this dirt evenly over it; rake it in nicely, 
1 smooth off, and you will have Verbena plants for 
* yourself, and some for your friends. 
D. M. Johnson. 
s -— _ 
KITCHEN GARDEN-FALL WORK. 
To have a successful garden, it is necessary to 
3 begin work a year before hand. The fall is as 
1 essential as the spring work. Strawberry beds 
1 should bo made in August or September ; beds 
1 already made should be weeded and worked, so 
L that they may start at once in the spriug, and, 
moreover, the vines hear better for not being 
r disturbed at that season. 
Asparagus beds should also be made now. 
i Stake the bed the size desired, and dig down two 
or three feet or more. This makes a good re¬ 
ceptacle for cast-off shoes. If you have uo old 
shoes, put a layer of stones, than till up with 
well-rotted manure, and cover this with light, 
rich soil. Now the bed is ready for the plants 
which should be set as soon as possible after 
the bed is prepared. 
The beds should now be made for onions also, 
as well as for thyino, sweet marjoram, summer- 
savory and parselj’, and the seeds sown. Pre¬ 
pare beds now for spring sowing or peas, lettuce, 
spinnaoh, pepper-grass and beets. Fill a barrel 
with mold for starting seeds indoors in the 
spring, aud place it in the cellar or some equally 
convenient place. 
Save all fruit cans as they are emptied, store 
away in a box or barrel where they can be had 
when wanted. Gather seeds, label and store 
away, secure from rats and mice. 
Lane Co., Wisconsin. L. S. Winterbotham. 
Orleans, Neb., Oct. l. 
Green Gage Tomato (seeds from Rural 
Grounds) were the earliest to ripen for us, and 
are favorites. B. h c. 
-- 
CATALOGUES, &c., RECEIVED. 
Arkona Nurseries.— Price List of Nursery 
8tock, Fruit aud Ornamental Trees and Plants, 
Flowering Shrubs, Bulbs, etc. B. Gott, Arkoua, 
Ontario. 
The Monthly Bulletin of the American Jer¬ 
sey Cattle Club, edited by George E. Waring, 
Jr., Secretary of the Club. 
Seed Trade Report of the Lawson Seed and 
Nursery Company, Edinburgh and London. 
Dinrprfr, 
SOME GRAPES AND OTHER MATTERS. 
BY s. B. PECK. 
Gowanda, n. Y., September 24 . 
For a long time I have had a wish that I were 
capable of writing a short article on the Ver¬ 
bena. Not for the rich who have their green¬ 
houses and hot-beds, with plenty of money to 
buy all tiie floral beauties their hearts desire, and 
time aud help to care for them; but for the poor 
farmers’ wives who, like myself, have little to 
do with, aud every thing to do, but still have a 
longing desire for a bed of Verbenas, with their 
every shade of color, from the darkest and 
brightest maroon, crimson, scarlet, etc., to the 
purest white. Ladies say to me, “ I don’t have 
any success with the Verbena. When I buy a 
The principal crop of the region of country 
which I represent as a correspondent of the 
Rural, is saw-logs, which crop, thus far, is quite 
short. Several saw-mills, for this reason, have 
been obliged to shut down several times during 
the season. One firm say they have, in all, been 
idle forty days. This crop, like the crops of corn 
and potatoes, has suffered severely by the 
drought, not so much for the want of a due 
quantity of rain, as for the lack of it when most 
wanted. 
Our crop of logs is gathered into the main 
Muskegon River from its numerous branches, 
from 5 to 150 miles up, by several companies 
aud individuals, and when thus gathered, the 
Muskegon Boom Co,, take charge of them and 
float them into Muskegon Lake, an arm of Lake 
Michigan, where they are assorted according to 
their registered marks, aud delivered at the thirty 
mills which surround Muskegon Lake. There 
being a lack .of water to clear the branches at the 
usual date, has caused a delay up to the present 
time. This “Big Drive," as it is called, usually 
reaches here in July, aud in the mean time 
there are usually enough that float down of 
their own accord to keep up a supply: but this 
has not been the case tUiH eeasuu. As to the 
minor crops of this immediate vicinity, they are 
mainly strawberries and grapes, whioh have 
been bountiful crops, aud brought fair prices. 
Among these the Monarch Strawberry, and the 
Salem and Merrimac Grapes, have made their 
first appearance iu our market, aud made a sen¬ 
sation by their monstrous size and peculiar 
flavor. Other small fruits have been a suc¬ 
cess and paid well. Peaches have been a good 
I 
