THE NATIONAL NURSERYMAN 
49 
complain that the variety was not as represented.” This 
is indeed a record to be proud of. We cannot refrain from 
remarking, however, that it was our recollection that we 
did hear murmurs to the effect that the “wonderberry” 
was merely black nightshade, and that the spineless cactus 
was not a Burbank creation at all. 
Among the new fruits listed are the Standard Prune, a 
free-stone, the Burbank cherry, a number of new hybrid 
plums, among which is one christened ‘‘Gee Whiz,” which 
no doubt is of startling characteristics, and a number of 
crosses between the apricot and the plum. These are Mr. 
Burbank’s plumcots introduced some years ago. In addi¬ 
tion, there are a number of introductions from various parts 
of the country, among which we notice the Canadian bar¬ 
berry, which raises the question as to what it is and how it 
differs from other barberries. The catalogue suggests the 
work of an exceedingly industrious horticulturist, and is 
presented in very attractive form to the interested public. 
HARDY SALVIA 
Baker Bros. Co., of Fort Worth, Texas, send a specimen 
of hardy salvia of the perennial type. 
Comment: We were very much interested in examining 
the specimen of hardy salvia which you forwarded under date 
of Oct. 27. The plant certainly bears an attractive appear¬ 
ance. We have spent some time in attempting to identify 
it, and to the best of our ability it would seem to be Salvia 
Greggii. This plant is a native of Texas and Mexico. It 
grows about three feet high, and is distinguished from the 
common red flowered kinds by the fact that only the lower 
part of the lip of the corolla is strikingly showy. In the 
specimens received, this was bright red to carmine, and the 
remainder of the corolla dull purplish color. This plant is 
recorded as being nearly hardy at Washington, D. C., by 
the late noted horticulturist, John Saul of that city. It would 
seem to be a shrub entirely worthy of cultivation for the Gulf 
region, and as far north as Virginia, at any rate.— Editor. 
SEEDLING BLACK WALNUT 
In today’s mail I am sending you a few average samples 
of Black Walnuts produced on a tree owned by a friend of 
mine in this county. This nut so far surpasses in size the 
common Walnut grown in this section, where the Walnut 
is a native tree, that as a specialist in hardy trees, I wanted 
you to see the nut and advise me what you think of it. Is 
there to your knowledge any variety of Black Walnut known 
and propagated that equals this nut in size and quality? 
If this nut appears worthy of dissemination, would you 
be kind enough to explain to us the best method of propaga¬ 
tion? If budded or root grafted, what time of the year would 
be the best to do the work ? 
We shall value an expression from you most highly, and 
appreciate greatly your advice regarding the i^ropagation 
of the trees, should it seem desirable to introduce them to the 
trade. 
Thanking you in advance for your consideration of the 
matter, and a reply at your earliest convenience, I am 
Prudential Nursery Co., 
Mich. 
Comment: This nut is peculiar in size and shape. It is 
not a typical black walnut in fonn, and it would appear to 
us that there is a strong probability of its being a cross be¬ 
tween a butternut and a black walnut. This surmise is 
further strengthened by the flavor of the nut. The flavor 
suggests the butternut. The flavor is excellent, but the 
principal objection to the nut is the thickness of the shell 
and the lack of good cracking quality. It is defective from 
the commercial standj^oint in both of these particulars. 
We would think it highly desirable to plant some of these 
nuts with a view of raising seedlings. Should you wish to 
propagate it, the best method to employ would be to use the 
black walnut seedlings and crown-graft there in the ground. 
The cions should be inserted in the root at that point where 
it is markedly swollen. This would be two or three inches 
below the surface of the ground. The grafting should be 
done in early spring before signs of growth are apparent.— 
Editor. 
Obituary 
VICTOR LEMOINE 
The name of Lemoine is a familiar one to nurserymen 
of this country who are in any wise associated with the hand¬ 
ling of ornamental and herbaceous stock. Victor Lemoine 
lived his long life at Nancy, France,, where he labored 
indefatigably as an improver of plants. As a hybridizer, 
he has done remarkable work in the gladiolus group, in 
syringas, lilacs, spiraeas, and many other plants. He came 
from a race of gardeners, and his love for horticulture was 
innate and hereditary. He was a modest worker, and 
introduced his new developments without flourish of trumpet 
or claims which the behavior of the plant might or might 
not uphold. Not only in France, but in Europe generally, 
as well as in England and America, his fame as an originator 
and discriminating plantsman was thoroughly established. 
He died at his home on December twelve, 1911. When the 
life record of Victor Lemoine is completely recorded, he will 
stand as one of the great originating horticulturists of the 
century. 
Our exchanges 
The annual review number of our worthy contemporary, 
the California Fruit Grower, for December 30, 19ii, is a 
sumptuous edition in red and white covers. A main feature 
of the issue is a statistical review of the output of California’s 
orchards and fruit factories. The number also reviews the 
deciduous fruit season of 1911 in California, contains an 
important article on the history of the vine and its develop¬ 
ment in California by George C. Husmann, a sketch of the 
olive industry, general review of the canned goods trade, 
together with various papers on miscellaneous horticultural 
topics. Altogether the issue reflects credit on the editors, 
and ^will be received with great satisfaction by the 
speakers. 
