44 
THE LADIES' FLORAL CABINET 
of them, undoubtedly sports, for it is not probable that 
so] many seedlings should be precisely like the parent, 
except in the color of tire leaf. Loudon, in describing 
one of the very dwarf forms (Abies clanbrasiliana) of the 
Norway Spruce, states that it was said to have been found 
at Belfast, but, he remarks, that to him “ it was very 
doubtful whether such a stunted variety as this was 
ever found in a bed of seedlings: we think it more proba¬ 
ble that it is a continuation by cuttings of one of those 
bird-nest-like monstrosities that are occasionally found 
on all trees:” in reality, a sport, though he does not use 
that word. As we have stated, little can be learned 
about sports in books, and we are driven to form our 
own conclusions regarding them. That they do take 
place on original plants there is no doubt, but it would 
seem that this tendency to sport is greatly increased by 
continued reproduction from seed. We have stated 
that, so far as we know, the old Double 'White Camellia 
has, in nearly a century and a half, never sported. 
Yet, when we look at that incomparable and most ex¬ 
quisite of all flowers, the Camellia fimbriata, a perfect 
counterpart of the Double White in leaf and form, ex¬ 
cept that its petals, pure as the driven snow, are as deli¬ 
cately cut as the most delicate of fair hands alone could 
cut them, throwing a charming fringe around each 
petal, we think this, too, was a sport saved by some ob¬ 
servant and enthusiastic cultivator of the Flowery 
Kingdom, and bequeathed to us as a token of the care 
which that heathen nation has ever bestowed upon ono 
of the most beautiful handiworks of the Creator. The 
Azalea is another Chinese plant which, at the present 
day, is the most “sportive" of all that we possess: in 
fact, it has become so to such a degree, that a name 
signifies but little. Sometimes the flowers of striped 
varieties are all white, sometimes red, and at others 
parti-colored, and many of our varieties are perpetua¬ 
tions of these sports, some of which continue true and 
others go back to the original. As to the cause of these 
sports we have little to say. Our only theory is that, 
having undergone so many cross fertilizations, they 
have become, as we often say, “somewhat mixed,” for 
the older varieties of the large-flowered, or rather large- 
leaved kinds, of the Phcenicea and alba type remain 
very true, and sports among them are exceedingly rare 
—indeed, we ourselves do not know of one. I trust that 
the few instances I have mentioned of the origin of 
sports will show you the importance of observation. 
No doubt many interesting additions might have been 
made to our variety of plants, had the cultivators of 
fifty years ago been as numerous or unremitting in their 
labor as those of recent years. The number now who are 
on the look out for every sport is legion, and the yearly 
additions to our catalogues show that they are not idle. 
—C. M. Hovey. 
NEW JERSEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
Annual Meeting. January, 1S83. 
To the Editor of the Floral Cabinet :—On the morn¬ 
ing of Jan. 9th the New Jersey Horticultural Society met 
at Freehold, N. J., for a two days’ session. The atten¬ 
dance of members was large, and there were also 
present a number of noted horticulturists from other 
States. 
The exhibition of fruits and vegetables was the largest- 
ever made. Apples and pears predominated. The 
specimens were large and creditable to any society. 
Niagara, Concord, and Catawba grapes were represented, 
also yellow, white and red onions, besides a specimen of 
the newly imported Spanish onion whose average 
weight was one pound each. 
Owing to the severe cold that prevailed only three 
specimens of plants were exhibited. These were water 
plants of curious habit and formation, exhibited by 
Prof. Lockwood of Freehold, who, in an interesting 
talk, explained them to the society. The evening session 
was devoted to floriculture. Numerous papers were 
read, among which was “Floriculture for the Young.” 
“ Pansies and Violets,” was read by Mrs. Meech of Vine- 
land, N. J., who received the thanks of the society for 
her kindness. “ The Clematis ” was the subject of an 
extended and valuable paper. The crowning article 
was written by C. L. Allen, of Garden City, who is a 
well-known cultivator as well as writer, consequently 
it was highly appreciated. The subject was “Lilies 
and their Culture,” a thoroughly practical and useful 
paper, full of good ideas, some of which were entirely 
new to the writer. This article ought to be placed in 
the hands of every lover of thesp beautiful flowers, 
many of whom, like the waiter, have failed in growing 
them for the want of the very information which this 
paper contains. Another very interesting topic was 
“The insect friends and enemies of the Horticulturist, 
and how can we preserve the one and destroy the 
other?” This subject was opened by a paper written by 
Mrs. Treat, of Vineland, N. J., and was followed by a 
short talk by Rev. Mr. Meech from the same place, on 
the insect enemies of the cultivators of the quince, and 
their mode of operation, and was accompanied by 
specimens of the insects. Mr. Meech has made this a 
subject of special attention for years, and is devoting 
much time and labor to this special department, and the 
growers of this valuable and much neglected fruit owe 
him a debt of gratitude for the information he gives 
them. 
The meeting was very enjoyable, and quite a number 
of new members joined. C. W. I. 
New York, Jan. 13,1883. 
Though no one seems to hear, yet every word 
That thou hast linked into an earnest thought 
Hath fiery wings, and shall be clearly heard 
"When thy frail lips to silent dust are brought. 
God’s guidance kesps those noble thoughts that chime 
"With the great harmony, beyond all time. 
There is a jewel which no Indian mine can buy; 
No chemic art can counterfeit 
It makes men rich in greatest poverty, 
Makes water wine, turns wooden cups to gold; 
Seldom it comes, to few from heaven sent, 
That much in little—all in nought—Content. 
