3o4 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
April 22 
THE JAPAN MAPLES. 
It must have been about the year 1875, 
that the first Japan maples were planted 
in the Rural Grounds. A eohsiderable 
time previously we saw a collection of 
the most striking species and varieties 
in the old Parsons Nurseries, of Flush¬ 
ing, Long Island, N. Y. This, as we re¬ 
call it, was before they were offered for 
sale. They had been sent to the above 
nurseries by Thomas Hogg, who wa3 
then in Japan. Never were we mere 
infatuated with the oddity and beauty 
of little trees than on this very occasion 
As soon as they were for sale, we ordered 
what seemed to us the best of the col- 
lect ; on, and planted them in the Plural 
Grounds. 
It was not known at that time just 
how hardy they were, but we now know 
that many of these strange beauties will 
not stand the climate of New York, 
though several of the best are only seri¬ 
ously injured by our severest Winters. 
Have they any economic value ? None 
that the writer knows of. They are too 
small. Long main stems are no part of 
their value, which all lies in the unsur¬ 
passed coloring of their leaves, and their 
singular shapes, as is indicated by the 
Latin names of, for example, two of the 
varieties, viz., Acer palmatum dissectum, 
meaning finely-divided leaves, and Acer 
palmatum crispum, meaning wavy or 
crispy-leaved foliage. 
Upwards of 30 different kinds of the 
Japan maples have been introduced to 
this country. Of these, we shall allude 
only to those which are the handsomest, 
and have proved themselves the most 
hardy. They are especially adapted to 
small grounds, for, at their best, they 
grow only to the size of large shrubs 
like the lilacs, tall-growing Spiraeas, 
Philadelphus (Syringa or Mock orange), 
Halesia (Silver-bell), etc. There are 
about five species of the Japan maples in 
this country, and of these, Palmatum 
(generally catalogued as Polymorphum) 
gives us the most striking varieties. 
The late Mr. A. S. Fuller, who lived 
within two miles of the Rural Grounds, 
was so delighted with those we had 
planted that he hastened to make a col¬ 
lection for himself. In his Practical 
Forestry, he alludes to them in this wise: 
“ Some of the varieties have leaves hand¬ 
somely variegated with white, green 
and yellow, and these colors are retained 
nearly the entire season. Words, how¬ 
ever skillfully applied in a description 
of these pretty little trees, would scarcely 
convey a correct idea of their peculiar 
beauty, for they must be seen to be fully 
appreciated.” 
If we could have but one of these 
Japan maples, we would choose without 
hesitation the variety shown in the 
photo-engraving, Fig. 120, first page. 
There is no other tree or shrub what¬ 
ever, known to the writer that, barring 
flowers, is so exquisitely beautiful. The 
most delicate, fern-like foliage, the 
graceful, half-pendulous form, the bright 
purple, deeply cut, shred-like leaves are 
found in no other hardy tree. It is true 
that this purple color does not hold dur¬ 
ing the hottest part of Summer. Then 
the leaves become a dark green ; but in 
early Fall, a second growth is made 
having the same delicate tint, contrast¬ 
ing conspicuously with the dark green 
of the body of the tree. Then we have a 
dark-green, compact body fringed with 
delicate, fern-like leaves of bright purple. 
Of all the visitors to the Rural Grounds, 
not one, seeing the little tree for the 
first time, has guessed that it is a maple. 
In more than one case, they were in¬ 
credulous after our assurance that it 
really is one of the Japan maples. 
The name of this is Acer palmatum 
(polymorphum) dissectum atropurpure- 
um. It is now 3% feet high and seven 
feet in diameter. Occasionally it has 
been cut back by severe Winters, but 
not so much as to destroy its symmetry. 
R ?side it, is a homemade, rustic rocking- 
chair made of Red cedar—a sort of 
chair, by the way, that harmonizes 
agreeably with its surroundings. Back 
of it, to the left, is an old specimen of 
Magnolia Soulangeana—probably the 
hardiest and the best of the Chinese 
kinds. 
Our next choice would be the Blood¬ 
leaved Japan maple—Acer palmatum 
sanguineum. Its familiar name sug¬ 
gests the color of the leaves, which are 
five-lobed. Its form is rounded and 
dwarf. Our third choice would be the 
Various-colored Japan maple (Acer pal¬ 
matum versicolor), not that it is the 
third in beauty, but br cause it is one of 
the hardiest. Our specimen is eight feet 
high. The leaves are deeply cut, and 
variegated with rose and white. The 
variegated parts are often scorched by 
excessively hot weather. 
Because of their doubtful hardiness, 
we would not advise our friends to in¬ 
vest further in the Japan maples unless 
they are willing to protect or grow them 
in pots If so, the following cannot fail 
to please: The Cut-leaved Variegated 
Japan maple (Acer palmatum dissectum 
roseo-pictum). This is an exceedingly 
delicate form, the leaves being cut even 
more finely than those of the first men¬ 
tioned, Cut-leaved Purple. Though the 
leaves show colors of rose, white and 
yellowish-white, they hold these colors 
well if somewhat protected from the 
noon sun. 
The Golden-leaved Japan maple (A. J. 
aureum) bears foliage of green and yel¬ 
low. The Reticulated Japan maple (A. 
palmatum reticulatum) is a beauty. Its 
growth is nearly as fast as the species, 
the leaves being deeply cut and of a 
faded straw color reticulated with green¬ 
ish veins. 
Rosk-mabgined European Beech, 
Fagus sylvatica purpurea rosea margin- 
ata. It was about five years ago that we 
first called attention to this fine novelty. 
Writing during the middle of June of 
1894, we said that it was the most beau¬ 
tifully variegated tree we had ever seen. 
The main part of the leaf was deep pur¬ 
ple like that of the ordinary Purple 
beech, while the margins were marked 
irregularly with pink or light crimson— 
almost a light purple. This tree was 
injudiciously planted in a hot, dry posi¬ 
tion, and we then expressed a doubt 
whether the delicate variegation could 
stand the heat of midsummer. The fear 
was confirmed. The leaves were badly 
scorched, and the little tree during the 
next Winter died. Nevertheless, we 
would commend this tree for trial if a 
partially shaded, moist place be selected. 
Pissard's Purple-leaved Plum. —We 
have had this plum since its first intro¬ 
duction, something like 12 years ago. 
We do not hesitate to say that the leaves 
retain their purple color during the en¬ 
tire season. This cannot fairly be said 
of any other purple-leaved hardy tree 
or shrub. When first unfolded, the 
leaves have a tender, rosy-purple tint, 
changing later to a dark purple which 
is permanent until the leaves drop in the 
Fall. The blossoms are small and of a 
white color ; the fruit is small, purplish 
and of low qualify. Prunus Pissardi is 
exceedingly hardy, growing to the size 
only of the average plum tree. 
A South Dakota farmer is said to 
have solved the problem of cheap fuel 
in a treeless district. Daring Summer, 
he hauls soil from a creek bottom, and 
dumps it into his cattle corral. After it 
is thoroughly tramped and dried, it is 
equal to the peat burned in the Old 
World, and better than low-grade coal. 
Farmers in well-wooded localities, or 
within easy access of cheap fuel, can 
scarcely realize the deprivations of those 
in some western States, where coal is 
costly, and wood practically non-ex¬ 
istent ; corn cobs are often used. 
The climbing roses and ramblers are 
propagated by budding or cuttings, or 
by layering. There is practically no 
difference between the climbing roses 
and the ramblers. 
Several eastern readers ask whether 
the Australian Salt-bush is worth plant¬ 
ing. We doubt it—east of the Rocky 
Mountains. We may try many things, 
but come back to the old truth that 
Indian corn is our most useful forage 
plant. 
The R N -Y. has grown the Bromus 
inermis or Brome grass for four or five 
years. It will grow almost anywhere, 
and grows vigorously. We cut the grass 
twice each season, and find it very hardy, 
with blades like Timothy, only more 
vigorous. 
English farmers report good results 
from the use of a mixture of soot and 
kainit as a Spring dressing for clover 
The soot contains a small amount of 
nitrogen, and gives the ground a dark 
color, which appears to make it more 
capable of retaining heat. Whether it 
is the nitrogen or the extra warmth 
that benefits clover, remains to be de¬ 
termined. 
A reader at Shortsville, N. Y., who 
says he is a tree agent, does not like 
what we said about this being a golden 
year for men in his business. He thinks 
mo t farmers will do better to wait until 
Fall before planting. The 17 year locust 
is due in his neighborhood this year, and 
farmers will wait until it goes to sleep 
again, before setting out fruit trees for 
its dinner. 
CHOICEST FRUIT 
<t’Ornnmental Trceii, Shrubs, Roses. 
IMitnts, Uiilbs. Seeds. Mall size post¬ 
paid, Bafe arrival and satisfaction guaran¬ 
teed, larger by express or freight. Direct 
deal saves money. Elegant catalogue free. 
45th year. 44 greenhouses. 1000 acres. 
THE STORRS A. HARRISON CO., 
BOX 554. PAINESVILLE, OHIO. 
EVERGREENS 
Largest stock in Amer¬ 
ica, including 
Colorado Blue Spruce 
and Douglas Spruce 
of Colorado. 
Also, Ornamental, 
Shade and Forest Trees. 
Tree Seeds , Etc. 
R. DOUGLAS’ SONS 
Waukegan. III. 
KIIITQ Cf|D DDfltlT - Contains 157 pages on the 
ll U I O rUn rnUril propagation and cultiva¬ 
tion of Nut-Hearing Trees, describing varieties best 
adapted to various sections: harvesting and marketing 
their fruits, with recipes for cooking them. Sixty 
illustrations, carefully engraved from nature, show¬ 
ing sizes, forms, etc. Price, postpaid, 50c. Circular 
of contents and testimonials free. JOHN R. PARRY, 
P. O. Address—April 1 to December 1, Parry, N. J., 
December 1 to April 1,ORLANDO, Fla 
THE READING NURSERY 
and Its Illustrated catalogue, to be appreciated, 
should be patronized. Price-List Free. 
,TA COB W. MANNING, Prop., Reading, Mass 
Trees Live 
If bought of us. because they are so often 
Transplanted, to make roots thrifty 
RARE Evergreens our specialty. 
HENRY E. BURR, 
Ward Place, South Orange, N. .1 
Telephone 2004 Orange. 
Trees and Plants. 
Japan Plums. Quinces, Kieffer Pears and other 
leading kinds. Choice Peach Trees, Osage Orange; 
full line of Shade Trees and Evergreens. 
Strawberry Plants, Currants, Gooseberries and 
other small fruits. Write for prices, stating wants 
Satisfaction guaranteed. Address 
RAKE8TRAW & PYLE. Wlllowdale, Pa. 
The President 
Wilder Currant 
heads the list as a producer and 
a money-maker. Plant no other. 
Prices given on application. 
S. D. WILLARD, Geneva, N. Y. 
NOVELTIES 
_ Iri Hardy vines & cumbers 
n R0St5-WATER LIHES-ALLCOLORS, 
Prize winning dahlias-3oo varieties, 
THE BEST THAT BLOOM-STRAWBERY 
AND SMALL PRUIT PLANTS- rnrc 
Illustrated catalogue sent rUtt 
C.S.PRATT.READING.Mass 
nr I Oil TRFEQ 4 to « ft. at 3^c.; 3 to 4 ft. at 
PKfiljH * ■*EE0 2)^c.; all lyr. from bud, healthy 
1 and thrifty; no scale. Official certificate 
accompanies each shipment. Sample by express if 
wanted. Can ship any time. Trees kept dormant 
till May 10. R. S. JOHNSTON, Box 4, Stockley, Del. 
I ADA M PLUMS, PEAR and QUINCE, S5 per 100. 
JMlnll Peach, Be. All kinds of stock CHEAP. 
Cat. free. Uklianck Nurskry, Box 10, Geneva, N.Y. 
ABUNDANCE PLUM 
R. 8. JOHNSTON, Box 4. Stockley, Dei. 
IA DAM Dl IIAIC Large stock. Best varieties. 
ilArAli rLUIriO prices low. Free catalog. The 
Geo. A. Sweet Nursery Co.. Box 1,005, Dansville, N. Y. 
READER 
'"S' RARE FLOWERS 
'choice only. Address Ellis Bros.. 
Keene, N. H. I will astonish and please. IT^"FREK 
TrOOC ® 4:0 ^ **—Collection best varieties. Total 
I I CC0 38 $3 50. Freight paid. To close out stock: 
7 Pears, 7 Plums 3 Cherries, 4 Peaches, 2 Quinces, 
8 Currants, 4 Gooseberries, 3 Grape Vines. 
G.C. STONE'S WHOLESALE NURSERIES, 
Send for circular giving varieties. Dansville, N. Y. 
have a 74-YR. Record. Fruit Book Fre« 
ISK # S PAY FREIGHT 
Fruit Trees, Plants and Vines. 
Prices lower than eve-. Catalogue free. 
SOUTHERN VERMONT NURSERY. 
North Bennington, Vt. 
“STRAWBERRY PLANTS THAT CROW.” 
Why pay fancy prices for plants, when you can get just as good or better at from $1.50 to $2.50 per 1,000. 
My FREE, 1899 Catalogue lists all the later introductions and standard sorts at right prices. 
Send for it. C. 15. WHITTEN, Bridgman, Mich. 
□ 
Business Trees Best Trees 
ROGERS TREES are BUSINESS TREES. Remember the name and the 
place to buy. THE ROGERS NURSERIES, Dansville, New York. 
n 
«**B BARTLETT PE w, BALDWIN APPLE"™ 
Finest Stock we ever offered. Ask for Bulletin No. 1. Don’t delay now. Catalogue 
free. CHOICE SEED POTATOES—all in cellar ; no frosted stock. 
Cayuga Nurseries Estab 1847. WILEY & CO., Cayuga, N. Y. 
MONEY 
CROWS 
If it is invested in the new Excelsior Strawberry. 
They will make big money for shippers in the 
markets of ’99. We have over 21,000,(.00 straw¬ 
berry plants, all healthy, well-rooted, ready to 
grow big crops. In our nurseries are over 1,000,000 
Peach Trees up to the high standard of the Har¬ 
rison’s Nurseries, free from insect pests, or disease of any 
kind. Columbian Asparagus Roots are f ortune-build- 
ersforthose who cultivate them. Write for catalogue of all 
our specialties to-day. HARRISON'S NURSERIES, BERLIN, MD. 
Best Fruits for Profit! Best Fruits for Pleasure! 
We have a large and choice stock of both classes. Our Illustrated and 
Descriptive Catalogue names the varieties This Book we will mail free 
at your request. When writing for it, advise us of your wants and pur¬ 
poses ; you will receive the Catalogue and Information by return mail. 
s "C‘ h T. J. DWYER & SON’, Orange Go. Nurseries, Box I, Cornwall, N.Y. 
