fjortt cultural, 
MAHALEB STOCKS FOR CHERRIES. 
H. HABT. 
As tlio time for tree-planting approaches, I 
wish to give my rather unfavorable experience 
in regard to the use of the Mahaleb stock in 
propagating so-called “standard” cherry trees. 
I have several hundred trees, mostly of the 
Morello class, worked npon the Mahaleb stock, 
and in bearing—and as these aro alternate with 
similar trees worked upon Mazzards set under 
similar conditions, the comparison between 
them is a fair one. 
The Mahaleb stock is peculiarly liable to the 
attack of a worm at the root, very similiar to 
that infesting the peach tree, (perhaps our en¬ 
tomologists can tell us whether it is the same 
species) and although it is held that constant 
vigilance and the knife are the sure and only 
remedies in the case .of the poach worm, yet 
with the Mahaleb my experience seems to indi¬ 
cate that the most faithful attention one can 
give it in this respect only lessens the evil, 
without removing it. The worm rarely attacks 
the Mazzard stocks except in the close neighbor¬ 
hood of infested Mahalebs. If the latter stocks 
were in other respects muoh to be preferred, 
the disagreeable operation of careful examina¬ 
tion t wice a year might insure a fair measure of 
success. But on oar light soils, adapted to the 
Mazzard stock, I firmly believe it is folly to 
plant a tree worked on anything else than the 
Mazzard. 
I write at this season to call timely attention 
to the practice, by many reputable growers of 
nursery stock, of veeommcudiug “standard” 
trees worked npon the Mahaleb as being hardier 
and better than those upon Mazzards-or even fill¬ 
ing orders for standard Cherries with such trees 
without consulting the wishes of their patrons. 
As regards hardiness, with mo the fruit-buds of 
trees upon Mazzard stocks are injured rather less 
by cold than those upon Mahalebs. Moreover, 
the union between our improved Cherries and 
‘the very dissimilar Msbalob stock is so imper¬ 
fect that I question the expediency of its use at 
all with any varieties except those of the 
Morello class, which succeed beat upon it. 
The point of the whole matter is this : trees 
of more handsome appearance can be grown 
with less expense and in shorter time upon the 
Mahaleb stock than npon the legitimate Maz- 
zard; and so long as this is the case, growers of 
cherry-trees will try to pordcuule themselves and 
their patrons that this weakly Mahaleb stock, 
used so many years simply for dwarfing the 
Cherry—and J admit it is well adapted for that 
purpose—will sustain and nourish the life of a 
standard cherry-lroc longer and better than its 
own species, the healthy and vigorous Mazzard. 
Trees worked upon the Mahaleb stock, i f sold 
at all, should always be specified as Buch, and 
put at a lower price proportionate to their ease 
of propagation. Dealers who put off such trees 
upon their uninformed customers commit gross 
injustice npon them. 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 
- 
EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENTS’ 
LETTERS. 
“Oar View of It.” 
I think your subscribers will generally thank 
you for the opinions expressed in your article 
under the above heading. No doubt Professor 
Beau’s experiment was carefully conducted, and 
the results correctly reported, though I should 
not bo surprised to see interested parties try to 
show otherwise. The experiment is valuable, as 
it shows the reliableness of seeds as they are 
sold to dealers and planters in the open market. 
There is a demand for cheap seeds, but every 
good gardener knows such seeds are dear at auy 
price. This experiment will cause others to be 
made, and may eventually cause better seeds to 
be put upon the market; though, as I notice, 
most people sow all garden seeds too thick, even 
when of poor quality, public confidence would 
have to be regained before it would be of much 
benefit to the average planter. k. l. m. 
Tomat oes. 
Ox my flower - stand, among the Fuchsias, 
Roses and Geraniums, are two small green boxes 
of tomato plants, the seeds sown not many days 
ago. My object in keeping them there is be¬ 
cause I am sure to give them due attention w hen 
caring for tbo other plants. There is nothing 
objectionable in having Tomatoes among the 
flowers until large enough for the first trans¬ 
planting. Then, I will put them in larger boxes 
or tin cans, and keep them in the kicheri until it 
is time to set them out in the ground. Ladies 
are apt to he so given to floriculture that they 
often neglect to sow vegetable seeds of any kind 
in the houso or hot-bed. A little attention in 
this line wall pay well for the trouble. I always 
sow Lettuce, Cress, Radishes and Peppers in 
the hot-bed, but am more successful with To¬ 
matoes, treated as above. The “ Early Smooth 
Red” is an excellent variety. m. g. b. 
---- 
SEED EXCHANGE. 
Many thankB for the seeds the Rubai, so kindly 
sent. I would like to exchange an Amaryllis or 
Jacobean Lily for a variegated Caladium, and a 
plain green Caladium or three varieties of 
Cannas for a Wigandia, or double (f) Japan Lily. 
for others. The following are the names of 
some of the seeds that I have to spare t Candy¬ 
tuft ; Pinks: Morning Glory; Sweet Peas, 
mixed ; Double Hollyhocks, mixed ; Mourning 
Brides; Clarkia; Eternal Flower; Marigold. 
Cedarvllle, N. Y. E. P. Huntley. 
I am a recent subscriber to your paper, am 
much pleased therewith, and sorry I was not 
sooner acquainted with its merits. In No. 7, 
Feb. 16th, you invite those having plants or 
Secretary’s Third Annual Report to the 
American Berkshire Association, together with 
suggestions, instructions and rules covering ap¬ 
plications for entry in the Record. 
A Guide to Southeastern Nebraska, with a 
new map of the “ wonderful Nemaha Valley.” 
Published by the Southeastern Neb. Immigrant 
Union. 
Storks, Harrison & Co., Paiuesville, Ohio. 
A trustworthy establishment, and a neat, com¬ 
prehensive catalogue of 80 pages. 
New and rare plants for 1878, including green¬ 
house and bedding plants. We have never seen 
finer nursery stock anywhere than in the exten¬ 
sive grounds of Storrs, Harrison it Co. 
Hovey <fc Co., 16 South Market St., Boston, 
Mass. Illustrated Guido and Seed Catalogne 
for 1878.—84 pages. It is a matter of surprise 
how this firm can afford to Bend a catalogue of 
this size free to applicants. The firm is too 
well known to nood any speoial commendation 
from us. 
Alfred Bridoeman, 876 Broadway, N. Y. 
There is no space lost in this excellent cata¬ 
logue, which gives the botanical and familiar 
name, bight of plaut, duration and hardiness, in 
an abbreviated form, leaving a solid listef all 
that is desirable among vegetable and flower 
seeds. A long list of rare novelties, among both 
vegetables and flowers, is given, with descrip¬ 
tions. Among theso we notice the Shell Flower 
(Molucella lavis), which will delight all lovers of 
the odd in floriculture—and Glaucium luteum, 
a plant with creamy-white foliage, which the 
Rural has lately distributed among many of its 
subscribers. 
We are pleased to commend this establishment 
and this catalogue (which is sent free to appli¬ 
cants) to our readers and friends. 
THE AUBURN HORSE. 
Last, summer I had Cannas that were eight feet 
four inches high, and Caladium leaves that were 
28 by 41 inches, standing 6 feet 6 inches high. 
Those wishing to exchange, please direct 
postal card to J. B. Yerden. 
Cochrnnton, Marlon Co., Ohio. 
The Rural being a “ medium for the ex¬ 
change of seeds,” I have the following I would 
like to exchange : Dahlia ; Pansy (best) ; Bryo- 
nopsis laciniata; Aster, sovoral sorts; Dianthus 
diadem at ns laciniatus, etc.; Petunia, several 
sorts; Marigold, new sort: Verbenas, several 
sorts; Canna, many aorta ; Colo si a, scvcrul sorts; 
Amara(films tricolor ; Balsams, several sorts, in¬ 
cluding Gregory’s “Yellow;" Gaiilardia; An- 
tirrbiuiun, several sorts; Chrysanthemum, sev¬ 
eral sorts ; Coreopsis ; Nasturtiums ; Phlox 
Drummondii, all sorts ; Columbine, different 
sorts; etc., etc. Of vegetables, I have six or 
eight sorts of Squashes; “ 100-day Tomato;” 
Sweet Corn, several sorts; Field Corn, six or 
eight sorts, including Compton’s Centennial 
Prize Corn ; Prof. Murdock's celebrated Yellow, 
76-day Corn, good size, prolific and weighs more 
than it measures. It would he trespassing on 
the already crowded space or the Rural to ex¬ 
tend the list, since I have most “ things” found 
in au amateur’s garden. 
I will exchange any of the above for Double 
Portulaca, Ten-week Stock, Scarlet Sage. Oen- 
taurea Americana, Digitalis, Cyclamen, Datura 
Wrightii. Of vegetables, I wish Mammoth Chili, 
Yokahama, Valparaiso, Nantucket and Butman’s 
Squashes. With regard to the other seeds I 
have and those I want, if I rightly tinders!and 
the Ruual’8 scheme, we can arrange after wo 
have once been brought together by correspond¬ 
ence. My Pansy seed, in fact all, are of the best 
strains, and procured at the highest prices to 
insure the best seeds. A. 0. Williams. 
Hugo, 111. 
I shall have a large quantity of surplus Dahlia 
roots next spring, perhaps ten to twenty bushels, 
representing 300 to 400 colors, all very fine. I 
would like to exchange these for any of the bulb 
plants, any of the new colored Peonies, any of 
the Lilies except. Tiger, (double Tiger is a poor 
thing), any choice hot-hmise plants, or auy hardy 
ornamental shrubs. I should also like a three- 
cornered Cactus, tho sides full; or seeds of any 
rare plants, perennials in particular. Write what 
you have to spare and I will reply. 
A. G, Bisbee. 
Willoughby, Luke co., Ohio. 
I have 150 or 200 varieties of plants, including 
hardy shrubs and vines, green-house and bed¬ 
ding plants, bulbous and tuberous roots, which 
I would be glad to exchange for others with any 
one who will exchange lists with me. 
Mrs. Virginia S. Haller. 
Marlon, Smyth Co., Va. 
Seeing the Rdral’s offer with regard to the 
exohange of seeds and plants, I would like to 
profit by it. I have a good many different, kinds, 
and would be glad to exchange some of them 
seeds to exchange to send in lists. Herewith I 
send mine. I am in a position to supply almost 
any variety of vegetable seeds and a great many 
sorts of flower seeds. Would like some informa¬ 
tion on growing Gladiolus. [As soon as we can 
find space.— Eds.] 
Tomato Plants or Seeds: Trophy, Canada 
Victor, Conqueror, Red Smooth and Strawberry. 
Vegetable Seeds of every kind, many varieties. 
Flower Seeds; Delphinium, Drummond’s Phlox, 
Everlastings, three sorts, Eschscholtzia, Crimson 
Mignonette, Double Petunia and Portulaca. 
Ornamental Grasses, four varieties, Verbouas 
Ac. For Flower Seeds or Bulbs. Address for 
one month, Robert R. McGill. 
Day Ridge, L. I., N. Y. 
[Somf. of the persons offering Exchanges are 
known to us—some are not. We cannot vouch 
for their good faith. Readers must judge for 
themselves.—E ds.] 
-♦+♦-- 
CATALOGUES, &c., RECEIVED. 
We thank Mr. Henry M. Seely, Secretary, for 
the Fourth Report of the Vermont Board of 
Agriculture for the year 1877. 
I. C. Wood & Brother, Fishkill, Dutchess 
Co., N. Y. 
No. 3. Wholesale price-list — Fruits, decidu¬ 
ous and evergreen trees and shrubs. 
No. 5. Wholesale price-list of plants. 
No. 7. Price-list of plants by mail. 
Illustrated catalogue and price-list of the 
Whitney crates and baskets. 
Annual Report of the Connecticut Agricult¬ 
ural Experiment Station for 1877. 
Advance sheets from a work on Sheep Hus¬ 
bandry by J. B. Killebrew. 
Annual Report of the Entomological Sooiety 
of Ontario for tho year 1877, including reports 
on some of the noxious, beneficial aud other in¬ 
sects of tho Province of Ontario; prepared for 
the Co-mnissiooer of Agriculture on behalf of 
tho Society, by William Saunders, Rev. C. J. S. 
Betbuue, B. Gott and Joseph Williams. 
Twenty-second Annual Catalogue of St. 
Mary’s Aoademy, Notre Dame, Ind., for the aca¬ 
demic year 1876-7. 
E. B. Underhill, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Cir¬ 
cular aud price-list of strawberries, raspberries 
and currants. 
The following is a list of tho officers of the 
Americau Cotswold Association, as reorganized : 
President—T. L. Miller, Beecher, Ills. 
Vice-Presidents—John C. Snell, Edmonton, 
Ont.; Chas. T. MattoekH, rortlaud, Me.; Robert 
C, Eatill, Lexington, Ky. 
Secretary and Treasurer—Chas. P. Willard, 
Chioago, Ills. 
Board of Directors—Samuel E. Prather, Sher¬ 
man, Ills.; Chas. A. Degraff, Janesville, Minn.; 
Cbas. F. Mills, Springfield, Ills.; T. L. Miller, 
Beecher, Ills,; Chas. P. Willard, Chicago, Ills. 
Tho Cotswold Record is progressing favorably, 
the work having tho endorsement and support 
of the best breeders of the country. 
Ijorsfinan. 
THE AUBURN HORSE. 
The splendid specimen of tho equine race 
known by the name of the Auburn Horse, was 
foaled in 1858 and bred by Philip Smelzer of 
Lodi, New York. His dam was ont of a Ver¬ 
mont Hambletonian mare by a Bellfonnder 
horse, and his sire by Champion, gre&tgrandson 
of imported Messenger. He was over sixtoen 
hands high and iu color a golden chestnut. 
When two years old, he was sold for a price 
boasted to have been 8400. In May 1805 he was 
bought by Mr. Parsons or Auburn for 8550 and 
henceforth was known by the name of the town 
wherein his purchaser dwelt. It required little 
training in his case to develop great speed aud 
to give promise of marvelous powers. His fame 
rapidly spread abroad and later in 1865 he was 
purchased for 813,000 by Mr. Robert Bonner, 
and became tho stable companion of such 
famous trotters as Lantern, Lady Palmer and 
her mate, Flatbusb Maid, the beautiful gray 
mare, Peerless, and other flyers owned by the 
same liberal lover of horse-flesh. In the hands 
of his new owner lie had the advantage of the 
best care and training, and soon satisfied such 
excellent judges of equine fleetness as his 
owner, Hiram Woodruff aud others, that ho 
was tho fastest trotter on this footstool, and 
could even heat Dexter’s best time. The uni¬ 
form policy of his new owner, however, pre¬ 
vented his appearance on tho trotting track, and 
his host public performance was shortly after 
bis arrival in this city when, driveu by Mr. 
Bonner to a road-wagon which with the driver 
weighed 325 pounds, ho trotted a mile in - 
minutes 39 seconds. IIiram Woodruff, one of 
the very best judgeB of trotting stock we have 
ever had in this couutry, iu lamenting tho early 
death of this fine geldiug. declared that he was 
tho bei,t horse he had ever held reins over, not 
barring Lady Thorn or his l'avorito, Dexter. 
In appearance he was a perfect model of equine 
power, with great muscles, faultless hone, iron 
sinews, hard flesh just “placed where it did the 
most good,” clean limbs, slender neck, bony 
head, lino eyes, aud altogether a very thorough¬ 
bred form. 
®lic Baturalist, 
THE LYRE BIRD. 
Of lyre birds there are only two species 
described by naturalists, hot h of which are na¬ 
tives of Australia, aud together constitute tho 
genus Menura. Of these by far the most com¬ 
mon is the wood-pheasant, M. superba, which, 
from the form of its legs, has been placed by 
Borne among tho gallinaceous tribes, while oth¬ 
ers class it with the horubills, and yet others 
with the thrushes or tho wren family. Its length 
is about forty-three inches, of which the tail 
constitutes twenty-five inches; the bill is a trifle 
- t .__A: tieaCOCk, 
