438 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
July 3 
The Actinidia Vink.— i'fce foliowirg 
note is from Mr. Benjamin Buckman, of 
Farmingdale, Ill. : 
Tiik R. N.-Y. gives its experience with Actinidia 
polygama I planted a single vine in 1891, and 
have been waiting for some one to say something 
about its fruit in this country, for mine has never 
bloomed until this year. It was said to bear 
fruit in its native country about the size of a 
small persimmon. My vine—contrary to the ex¬ 
perience of The R. N.-Y.—has been cut down or 
back by the winter twice, as I recollect, but I can¬ 
not now recall whether this was caused by the 
degree of cold or by the condition of the sap. On 
the whole, I do not think it quite hardy here. Its 
unattractive, greenish white flowers are quite 
fragrant, and bees and other insects are drawn 
to them in great numbers. The blooming period 
seems long. It is sure enough a choke, but no 
joke to the other plants growing nearby. 
We Had that our Actinidia vine came 
from Eilwanger & Barry during the year 
1883. An illustration first appeared in 
The R. N.-Y. of July 27, 1889, showing 
the clusters of flowers, the leaves and 
stems, the picture being not less than 
a foot in length. The flowers—about 12 
in a cluster—are nearly an inch in 
diameter, white, fragrant, beginning to 
bloom in June and lasting two weeks. 
This vine has never borne fruit, and we 
fancy that it is a male plant. It came 
to us as Actinidia polygama, and we de¬ 
scribed it under that name. Later we 
received a communication from Prof. 
William P. Brooks, of the Massachusetts 
Agricultural College, showing conclu¬ 
sively that this plant is not Actinidia 
polygama, but A. arguta, as a residence 
of 12 years in that part of Japan where 
both species grow, abundantly enabled 
him to prove. Kokuna (pronounced Ko- 
koo-na) is the common name of Actinidia 
arguta, and Matatabi (Mar-tar-tar-bee) 
the common name of Actinidia poly¬ 
gama. The latter plant, Prof. Brooks 
says, never stretches across ravines, or 
climbs about and entangles the tops of 
trees. This can be true only of A. arguta. 
A. polygama is a far less rampant 
grower, and usually climbs only over 
clumps of bushes. Prof. Brooks says 
that Arguta should prove valuable here 
for its fruit, but that it would be necessary 
to propagate it from cuttings of fertile 
plants, as seed would produce a large 
proportion of males. The fruit is about 
the size of a Green Gage plum. The skin 
is astringent, but the pulp, which is 
readily pressed out at the stem end, is 
delicious, as we may testify. It is readily 
made into jams, the “ skins being sifted 
out in the making.” For ornamental 
purposes, however, Prof. Brooks prefers 
the weaker grower, Matatabi, the real 
Actinidia polygama. Its peculiarity is 
that it produces snow-white leaves at 
the tips of the shoots, which add much 
to its beauty. This is the species, too, 
of which cats are exceedingly fond. 
They eat it voraciously. “ They even 
rub their bodies upon it, rolling upon 
their backs, secreting an abnormal 
amount of saliva, and seeming for the 
moment as if mad.” 
What Ruralisms would like to know 
is this : Who has a genuine Actinidia 
polygama or Mar-tar-tar-bee ? Who has 
a perfect-flowering variety ? Does it 
fruit abundantly as it does in Japan, 
and what is the value of the fruit to eat 
out of hand or to preserve ?. 
Akebia Quinata.— “ What about the 
Akebia quinata, that came from Japan 
with Actinidia polygama ?” asks Mr. 
Buckman. “ As I recollect, it was to 
have borne fruit three inches long and 
somewhat of the shape of the papaw. 
lias it done so in this country ? Mine 
has advanced no further than to show 
the chocolate-colored bloom that here 
drops without fruit. Are its flowers 
perfect? I have not examined. This is 
a graceful, dainty-looking little vine, 
and should be planted in its proper 
place, for its looks, even though it do 
not fruit.” 
In so far as we are informed, the vine 
Akebia quinata, was introduced from 
China in 1844. We have had it, at least, 
23 years, and it has never been harmed 
by cold. Each plant bears the two 
sexes, the male flowers having six 
stamens and a rudimentary ovary, the 
female flowers six or nine rudimentary 
stamens. The fruit is not quite so large 
as Mr. Buckman describes it. Our vines 
have borne fruit several times only, and 
it does not fruit freely anywhere that 
we know of. 
The Japan Plums. — Many of our 
Japan plums were destroyed by the 
tornado of 1895. Of those that remain, 
the following notes may be instructive 
to those of our readers who have just 
set out trees, or purpose to do so. It 
will be remembered that our first Japan 
plum was the Abundance, planted in 
April of 1890. It bore the next year. 
This was killed by Dendrolene, applied 
during the spring of last year. So, too, 
a Burbank tree planted October, 1894, 
was killed by the use of this prepara¬ 
tion. This bore a few plums last year, 
which did not ripen. A Willard was 
planted October, 1894. The tree is now 
nine feet high, though considerably in¬ 
jured by the tornado. It has not yet 
fruited. A Satsuma tree was also planted 
in October of 1894. It is nine feet high, 
but has not yet fruited. Both trees are 
thrifty. These were received from the 
Parry Nurseries, of Parry, N J. A tree 
of the Lincoln plum was received from 
the Lovett Company, Little Silver, N. 
J., April, 1890. This is now bearing for 
the first time—only five plums, however. 
The leaves, at present, are infested with 
aphides. The claim was, and is made 
by Mr. Lovett, that it is the finest of all 
plums ; enormous in size, delicious in 
quality and curculio-proof. This, how¬ 
ever, is not a Japan plum, and we men¬ 
tion it in this connection because it is 
claimed that it is curculio-proof and 
bears very early. 
A single tree of the Ogon was received 
from the Storrs & Harrison Co., October, 
1894. The tree is now 12 feet high and 
bearing a full crop—more, indeed, thin 
it should be permitted to bear. The 
plums are at this time (June 15), three- 
fourths inch in diameter and nearly 
round in shape. There are many clus¬ 
ters of a dozen upon from three to four 
inches of stem. 
A Willard was received October, 1894, 
from the Storrs & Harrison Co., which 
escaped serious injury from the tornado. 
It is now 10 feet high, bearing a few 
plums which are nearly an inch in 
diameter, and of an oblong shape. 
Satsuma from the Storrs & Harrison Co., 
October, 1894, is now 11 feet high. This 
was less injured by the tornado than the 
tree received from the Parry Nursery. 
It is bearing a small crop, the plums at 
this time being three-fourths inch in 
length, of an egg shape. The Hale, 
which was sent to us before it was 
named as “ J,” Mr. Burbank’s letter of 
identification, was received from Mr. 
Hale in April, 1895. This, owing to its 
sheltered position, was not injured at 
all by the tornado. The tree is now 12 
feet high, bearing a few plums here and 
there. They are about one inch long, 
somewhat egg-shaped and pointed. 
Now it remains to be seen whether 
these plums will all drop, from the 
effects of the curculio, or like the 
Abundance show themselves to be cur¬ 
culio-proof. 
Magnolia hypoleuca is still a rare 
tree in the United States. And it is one 
of those rare trees that ought not to be 
rare. Magnolia tripetala or the Um¬ 
brella magnolia has long been a favorite, 
probably because it is a native ; but it is 
in several respects inferior to Hypoleuca, 
though the leaves and habit of the tree 
are not unlike. The leaves of Hypoleuca 
will average 14 inches long, of an obovate 
shape very pronounced and a stem less 
than two inches long. Beneath, the 
color is a soft, pea green, above a 
velvety medium green. They grow in 
whorls of about six, so that the tree is 
a mass of tropical foliage which, in well- 
grown specimens hides the branches en¬ 
tirely. It begins to bloom in late May, 
continuing until mid-June. The flowers 
are of a cream-white color, with three 
very large purplish sepals, and about 
eight obovate petals about four inches 
long, so that the flowers, if spread open, 
are about eight inches in diameter. 
Now magnolias are not celebrated for 
odor as a general thing. Certainly 
those of the Umbrella and most of the 
Japan kinds are not. But the flowers of 
Hypoleuca have the odor of pineapple 
so pronounced as to perfume the air 
about the tree while in bloom for a con¬ 
siderable distance, the same as does the 
Swamp magnolia or Sweet Bay, M. 
glauca. 
Magnolia hypoleuca is a native of 
Japan, and as hardy as any other mag¬ 
nolia in the collection at the Rural 
Grounds. 
Crimson Rambler. — Miss N. Elle- 
brecht, of Hewlett, Va., kindly sends 
the following note regarding the Crim¬ 
son Rambler rose, which we have so 
highly praised : 
I so often read your notices of the Crimson 
Rambler, that I wish to add a word of praise. 
Last spring, we bought one plant. It has grown 
at least 15 feet, and is now in a perfect glory of 
bloBsoms, having over 100 bunches with as many 
as 50 buds on a bunch. Some of the new shoots 
are three-fourths of an inch in diameter. It is the 
finest of its kind I have ever seen. 
Scrofula Cured 
Hood’s Sarsaparilla Just Was 
Needed. 
“ I have taken Hood’s Sarsaparilla for scrofula 
troubles and it has given me relief. I find it 
drives away that tired feeling and it is just what 
is needed when the system is run down. I gladly 
recommend Hood’s.” Ciiaklks A. Baker, Little 
Utica, New York. Remember 
HOOCTS S parMl"a 
Is the Best—in fact the One True Blood Purifier. 
Hood’s Pills cure Liver Ills ; 25 cents. 
DWYER’S 
SUMMER and 
AUTUMN LIST 
of Pot-grown and layer Strawberry 
Plants, Celery and Vegetable Plants, 
Fruit Trees and all Nursery Stock 
will be mailed free to all who apply 
forit - T. J. DWYER, 
CORNWALL, N. Y. 
pEAGH TREES 
75 Varieties in Stock. 
Largest stock of Peach Trees in the 
country. Descriptive Catalogue FREE. 
JOS. H. BLACK, SON & CO , 
Village turneries, JIIOHTSTO WN, N. J. 
Potted Strawberry Plants. 
100 Tennessee Prolific for $1. 
T. O. KEVITT, ATHENIA, N. J. 
WHITE POND LI LIES.—Good roots by mail. 
'* 16 cents. A. B. TAYLOR, Lawton Station, N. Y. 
CELERY PLANTS 
Produced by the oldest and 
most experienced firm in 
the business. Best plants. Lowest prices. Prompt 
delivery in good order. Following varieties: White 
Plume, Giant Pascal, Giant Golden Heart, Pink 
Plume and Golden Self-blanching. Address for prices 
and other information, THE PRAIRIE SIDE 
CELERY CO.. Drawer N, Tecumseh, Midi. 
CELERY 
PLANTS.—White Plume 
Golden Self- blanching. 
Golden Heart and Giant Pascal. First-class stock 
at $2 per 1,000; $1 50 in 5,000 lots. 
T. W. HOWELL, Port Byron, Cayuga Co., N.Y. 
CRIMSON CLOVER 
and other 
S u m in e r 
Seeds. 
(Millets, Buckwheats. Cow Peas, etc.) 
Lowest Market Prices for high-grade seeds on 
application. Large or small lots. 
A. W. LIVINGSTON’S SONS, Columbus, Ohio. 
DIBBLE 9 § NORTHERN - GROWN 
CRIMSON CLOVER 
Hardy, Vigorous, Pure. 
NOW READY. 
. EDWARD F. DIBBLE, Honeoye Falls, N. Y. 
Sprayer and Sprinkler 
STUDEBAKER “Little Gem 
SIMPLEST 
and BEST 
DEVICE 
For use at Country Seats, 
Large Estates, Manufac¬ 
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Lawns, Private 
Grounds, Yards 
and Drives, Ceme¬ 
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One Horse Farm, Garden, Flower-Bed and Lawn Sprink¬ 
ler (Capacity 150 gal., 4 in. tires). Most practical device 
for tlie distribution of liquid manure, Paris Green or 
other liquid matter; for use of seedsmen, florists, nur¬ 
serymen, farmers, celery and cotton growers. Can apply 
the stream directly on one or two rows at a time. Will 
not clog. Easy to operate. Flow of water regulated 
from il rl ver'x scat. 
Sprayer, Pump, Hose and Nozzle 
For Spraying Fralt Trees, Vines and Shrubbery. Goes 
greatest amount of work at smallest cost. Least labor. 
Get our Illustrated catalogue. Mention this paper. 
STUDEBAKER BROS. MFC. CO., 
South Bend, Indiana. 
(The Largest Vehiole Works in the World.) 
fhe Way To Spray 
NOVELTY FORCE 
AND SPRAY PUMPS 
Plenty of force and little labor* 
r (i required. Neat, compact, light 
“ and economical. We deliver 
sample for only $ 1.50. Agents , 
wanted everywhere. 
The Berger Mfg. Co., Canton, Ohio. 
THE 
PUMP 
THAT 
PUMPS 
Pumps 
Force, Tank. Lift, 
opray, and all kinds o 
iS Hay Toils 
Valve 
C»ulopue fre®. 
F. E. MYERS &BR0.. 
AihUad, Ohio. 
FUNGIROID A DRY BOR DEAUX MIXTU RE 
Add Water and it's ready to Spray. 
ASK FOR LKOGETT’S WIlAl.E OIL SOAP. 
LEGGETT & BROTHER, 
Circular Free. 301 Pearl Street, New York. 
crimson Clover 
Descriptive Circular on Application. 
HENRY A. DREER, Philadelphia,Pa 
2^500 
BUSHELS 
CRIMSON CLOVER 
ALL TESTED SEEDS. 
Send for Samples and Prices. 
II. W. DOUUHTEN, MOORESTOWN, N. ,J. 
Delaware-Grown 
Now ready. 
BROWN SEED CO. 
Wyoming, Del. 
New Crop 1897 Crimson Glover. 
READY NOW. Sample for 2c. stamp. My own 
growing. E. G. PACKARD, Dover, Del. 
Crimson Clover Seed. 
DERBY’S GROWS. Pedigree dates back to 1887. 
Crop of 1897 for Sale. Address 
SAM H. DERBY, Woodslde. Del. 
PrimefVn riflFAT Thomas McElroy. European Seed 
vlllHjuil vlUYCI couj. Merchant, Mercantile Ex¬ 
change Bldg., Harrison St., N. Y., continues the largest 
importer of high grade reliable stock of Crimson Clover 
seed in this country. Prices to dealers on application. 
Crimson Clover Seed. 
My crop just hulled. Pure, clean and bright, $3.00 
per bushel, including bags; 10 bushels or more at 
discount. Cash with order. 
E. H. BANCROFT, Camden, Del. 
Crimson Clover. 
Reasons why every farmer should plant it, sent 
free. HOLMES & MacKUBBLN, Harrisburg, Pa. 
NEW CROP CRIMSON CLOVER SEED 
Bright and thoroughly recleaned. For sample and 
price address the grower, Chas. Barker, Milford, Del. 
50,000 Peach Trees 
FREE FROM DISEASE, for Fall and Spring. 
Crawford Early, Crawford Late, Stump, 
Triumph, Chair’s Choice, Smock, Mt. Rose, 
Oldmixon Free, Greensboro, Crosby, Hill’s 
Chili, Elberta, Sneed, Alexander, Champion, Globe, Beer’s Smock, Salway, Troth’s Early, Wheatland 
and lots of others. CHEAP. Catalogue Free. ARTHUR J. COLLINS, Moorestown, N. J. 
For Honest Trees for Honest Farmers 
—WRITE TO— 
Rogers, Dansville, N.Y. 
