ASPARAGUS PLUMOSUS NANUS. 
This plant, the subject of our illustration, is one of 
the most beautiful climbers of recent introduction; in 
fact, we have nothing to compare with it in point of 
usefulness, combined with its graceful form aud habit 
of growth, in any of our greenhouse plants. It is a 
native of Bogota, jvliere it was found by two English 
collectors, each of whom supposed he had secured a 
treasure which no other one possessed. Nature, how¬ 
ever, is an anti-monopolist, aud allows no “comers” in 
any of her gifts, giving freely to all who seek. This 
exceedingly graceful evergreen is a rapid grower, 
furnishing its sprays in the greatest profusion; these 
are admirably adapted for floral decorations in what¬ 
ever form they may be desired. The fronds rival the 
finest Adiantums in beauty, and far surpass them in 
points of usefulness on account of their retaining their 
freshness so long after being cut. The writer was pre¬ 
sented with number of them, which he kept for more 
than four weeks, on his table, apparently as fresh as 
when first taken from the plant. This plant, in the 
habit of growth, somewhat resembles the Snnlax, 
(Myrsiphyllum Asparagoides) first throwing up a num¬ 
ber of sterile fronds about two feet in height; soon 
thereafter a second growth commences, which is of the 
most rapid character, growing from ten to twelve feet 
in a little more than a month. We were invited to 
visit the establishment of Messrs. Hallock & Thorpe, of 
Queens, N. Y., and inspect a bed of this remarkable 
climber, and we are free to say that it far surpasses, in 
point of beauty, anything we have ever met in the way 
of a climbing plant. 
This plant is so little known to plant growers that they 
dare not speak advisedly as to its cultivation. Mr. 
Thorpe appears to handle it in a most satisfactory man¬ 
ner, and promises the readers of the Cabinet, at an 
early day, its history, and full cultural instructions. 
NEW YORK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
April Meeting. 
The exhibition of Flowers at this meeting was equal, 
if not superior, to that of any previous meeting, and 
was duly appreciated by the vast crowds that filled the 
hall during the afternoon. The display at the March 
meeting was of such a character, that all who came at 
this meeting, came with the expectation of a rare floral 
treat, and they were not, in any respect, disappointed. 
Upon entering the room, Woolson & Co.’s charming 
display of early spring flowers bade us welcome; and 
we more than doubly welcomed them, because they 
were the wild-flowers of our childhood, the only ones 
we had then, or would have now, if we consulted our 
tastes instead of our business interests. The blossoms 
of our much-loved wild-flowers, it is true, are often¬ 
times so delicate, so small as to be scarcely noticed. 
But are they less beautiful than those of larger growth ? 
Far from it. But what is a wild-flower? It is that 
simple and unheeded little plant which grows indige¬ 
nous in its native soil. The exotic, cultivated flower in 
the garden or conservatory may be an exquisite one, but 
it does not carry any impression home to the heart like the 
simple wild-flower that springs directly from the bosom 
of Nature, needing no foreign aid or care to protect and 
perfect its development. In this collection we noticed 
Houstonia in variety (Bluets); Viola Pedata, alba and 
bicolor; Trillium (Wake Robin); Anemones, Hepaticas, 
Phlox, Primulas in great variety, and many other species 
of equal interest. One of the features of this exhibit 
was twenty or more species of Narcissus in the sim¬ 
plicity of their native homes. 
As usual, the Orchids were an attractive feature of 
the exhibition. Conspicuous among them was the ex¬ 
hibit of Geo. Such, Esq., South Amboy, N. J., which 
consisted of Dendrobiums, Cymbidiums, Angrsecums 
and Cypripediums. One plant in this collection deserv¬ 
ing special notice, the Dendrobium thrysiflorum, a large, 
well-grown plant with five long drooping panicles of 
golden and white flowers, one of the finest specimens of 
Dendrobium ever shown in this country. Jno. S. Bush, 
Esq., of Tremont, N. Y., showed several fine plants of 
Cattleya’s Dendrobiums and Odontoglossums, all in 
good condition. In the amateur class there was a fine 
display, made by Geo. S. Bennett, gardener to Wm. 
White, Esq., White Plains, N. Y.; the most varied and 
interesting collection of Orchids on exhibition, consist¬ 
ing of LyCaste, Oncidium, Dendrobium, etc., etc. 
One of the prominent features of the exhibition was 
the contribution of Wm. Bennett, Esq., of Flatbush, 
N. Y., consisting of Rare Ferns, Palms, Dracaenas, 
Crotons, Anthuriums, Azaleas, and other green-house 
plants. The Anthuriums were in the best possible con¬ 
dition of growth and bloom. Mr. Bennett’s exhibits 
always attract attention, from the well-known fact, that 
whatever comes from his establishment, comes in as 
great a degree of perfection as it is possible for a plant 
to reach. Mr. Keller, of Bay Ridge, one of our most 
successful growers of plants for market purposes, 
showed a collection of Azaleas, Roses, Lilies, Gloxinias 
and Hydrangeas, all well grown, and furnished with 
flowers. 
The display of cut flowers was very large, and mostly 
remarkably good. In the professional list, Peter Hen¬ 
derson, Esq., of N. J., and John Henderson, Esq., of 
Flushing, were the principal exhibitors of Roses, and 
their exhibits were remarkably fine. Roses shown in 
pots did not compare at all favorably with those shown 
at the previous meeting. In miscellaneous cut flowers, 
Messrs. Hallock & Thorpe, of Queens, N. 5T., and Thos. As- 
