THE NATIONAL NURSERYMAN 
407 
Hnswcrs to Correspondents 
We are thinking of buying considerable stock from Nurseries in 
France for lining out: 
After stock arrives in New York how can we arrange to pay duty, etc. 
Please give in detail necessary information: What is the duty on 
Barberry Seedlings and other small plants, roses, etc.? 
About what would be the transportation charges on approximate!}'- 
5,000 pounds? 
K. C. N. Co. 
The duty differs according to the kind of nursery stock; on 
ornamental trees and shrub seedlings it is 25% ad valorem 
but on budded roses there is a specific duty of four cents each. 
We are unable to say what the transportation charges 
would be on 5,000 pounds, as the rate differs according to the 
steamship and is fixed according to bulk or cubic measure, 
rather than weight. We rather think the simplest way for 
you to import would be through one of the New York 
Importers who would look after the consignment on arrival, 
advance the duty and ship it on to you. You will find some 
reliable houses advertising in the National Nurseryman. 
What are the special requirements to grow Rhododendrons and 
what is the difference between the native American Rhododendrons and 
the imported ones? 
M. C. H. 
Rhododendrons are not very adaptable plants, if an 
account were kept of the successes and failures, the latter 
would be greatly in excess, at the same time it is the opinion 
of all who see a lot of healthy plants in flower they are worth 
striving for. 
The one serious obstacle to growing these beautiful plants 
that cannot well be overcome by artificial means is the 
presence of lime or alkali in soil or water. If these are present, 
effort will be sure to end in failure or only very moderate 
success. 
The soil that suits them best is a peaty one, although good 
fibrous loam with a liberal quantity of sand and cow manure 
makes a good compost for them. 
The essentials are well drained position, yet where it is 
constantly moist, protection from bleak cutting winds in 
winter and hot dry ones in summer. 
They are not a deep rooting plant, but very fibrous and 
near the surface, so that cultivation should be avoided. In 
its place a mulch of decaying leaves or other light material 
will serve to prevent the weeds growing and conserve moisture. 
The native American Rhododendrons are R. maximum 
and grows wild through the Alleghanies from New York to 
Georgia and is even found as far north as Maine and as far 
west as Ohio in favored locations. It blooms in July and is 
pale rose color or nearly white. 
R. Catawbiense is a Southern species growing in the 
Alleghanies from Virginia to Georgia, it flowers a little earlier, 
does not grow quite so large and the flowers may be described 
as a lilac purple. . 
The imported ones are garden varieties or hybrids of 
R. ponticum. They have a great range of color, bloom early 
in the spring. 
Some varieties are much hardier than others and on this 
account better adapted for planting out of doors, while others 
are only suitable for greenhouse culture. 
There is undoubtedly a future for some enterprising young 
nurseryman who would make a study of these plants and a 
success in growing them and their allies as the demand is 
unlimited. 
THE TEXAS NURSERYMEN’S ASSOCIATION 
The Texas Nurserymen’s Association held its twelfth annual session 
at Marlin, Texas, on September loth and nth. The attendance was 
not large, yet the Convention proved a very interesting and profitable 
one. 
The annual address of President J. R. Mayhew was a splendid plea 
for harmony and brotherly love in the Association, as well as for high 
class production and lofty aspirations among the members. The 
addresses all were timely and full of inspiration. 
A general feeling of hopefulness and satisfaction as to present condi¬ 
tions and prospects of the fall trade activities prevailed. There is 
reported a good general stock on hand and the improved conditions 
throughout the country are having a stimulating effect on trade condi¬ 
tions. 
A motion prevailed to ask the next legislature to revise the Nursery 
and Orchard Inspection Law, so as to eliminate the clause requiring the 
State Inspection of shade trees transplanted from the forests. 
An entirely new set of officers were elected as follows: O. K. 
Phillips, Rockdale, president; M. G. Black, Mt. Pleasant, vice-presi¬ 
dent; J. M. Ramsey, Austin, secretary and treasurer. 
The citizens of Marlin were thanked by the Association for many 
courtesies extended, also the retiring officers for efficient services. 
Jno. S. Kerr. 
“THE NEW EDITOR” 
The Editor sits in his sanctum 
With dozens of letters to scan 
Hush; don’t you know he is editing 
The National Nurseryman? 
And Willie his private Sec. is there 
And Bill, the office boy too. 
While the world outside in wonder waits 
To see what they can do. 
With sleeves rolled up and spectacles on 
And everything looking “bum” 
While cigar smoke rolls around in clouds 
They are going to make things “hum.” 
The click, click, click of the Remington’s heard 
The Editor speaking low 
While Willie, the secretary, is up to the neck, 
The office boy thinks it slow. 
The Editor’s wife she dreams by night 
Of letters and papers and dust 
And in the day-time looks askance 
At waste baskets ready to bust. 
His youngsters wonder what’s gone wrong 
And what’s the matter with Pop 
He never plays at “chu-chu” now 
Never has time to stop. 
The Editor’s sister goes inside 
To have a look at the den 
But he fixes her with his eagle eye 
And chases her out again. 
Good luck to the National Nurseryman, 
The Editor, Sec. and Boy, 
Good luck to his wife and youngsters too 
We wish the whole crowd joy. 
M. H. 
