THE VERBENA DISEASE. It is now about ten years since the verbena became subject to the disease called "black rust: and, ever since, it has suffered more or less from its effects; the result of which has been, as might be supposed, much annoyance to cultivators, and disappointment to those who have grown it as a bedding-plant. Being one of those who have felt much inconvenience arising therefrom, and anxious to obtain more correct views as to its nature, I would, with many others, thank any one who would lift the veil which now rests upon the subject. Perhaps in proper hands this might be done, or at least the question put in such a shape as to simplify the process of investigation as to its cause, but more especially how to prevent it. As minute and microscopic fungi stand closely related to many of the diseases to which plants are subject, it would be well if horticulturists knew more of their characteristics; the conditions, favorable or otherwise, to their growth and development; as it might enable them, sometimes at least, to guard against their insidious attacks. Many plants seem to have one or more parasites peculiar to themselves, which, if not actually living at their expense, only bide their time, or are conditionally restrained from entering upon a conflict too often resulting in much harm being done, if not totally destroying them. As a proof of this, we need only call to mind how much grape-vines suffered from Oidium Tuckerii some years ago, and the potato from Botrytis infesteus.

And now, since these pestiferous visitants have become greatly less destructive to these plants, the verbena is the victim of one or other of their confederates, which threatens sooner or later, if not restrained, to render it unfit to occupy the place it has so long held without a rival or successful competitor. In reference to the cause of the disease, we have assumed it to be the work

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of a fungus, although, so far as I am aware, not yet described and named. Plants infested by it manifest signs of being held in the embrace of an enemy unwilling to quit its hold so long as life remains. The parts affected have a dark and singed appearance, every way resembling fungous growth, and after a while may be reduced to powder by simply rubbing with the fingers. It generally announces its presence by first attacking the most tender leaves and delicate buds; and, as it continues to unfold itself, the whole plant becomes dry and crisp. Unlike many fungi, however, which grow upon plants, its ravages are not confined to the leaves and stems alone, but extend to the roots as well; and, from certain indications, I am inclined to believe these organs quite often are the first to become diseased. I have at least observed one or more diseased roots on almost every plant examined; and in bad cases they have precisely the same appearance as the other parts affected; but whether from aggregations of fully-developed fungi, or blisters caused by the growth of mycelium under the skin, I am unable to say. It can hardly be disputed that the fungus which causes smut in wheat "enters the plant from infested seed on its first germination, and is propagated not only by its seeds and spores, but by still smaller granules from its mycelium." If this is not so, why are farmers in the countries where this disease is prevalent at such pains in selecting their seed, and subjecting it to the process of "pickling" before sowing? Those who practise this precautionary measure do not claim for it the power of entirely preventing the disease; but experience has taught them, that, when seed is so treated, their crops are comparatively clean. It therefore seems in accordance with analogy to suppose the disease in the verbena proceeds from a similar cause, operating in much the same way, though different as regards the products which so injuriously affect the plants concerned. And further: it may be stated that diseased roots exhibit traces of dark lines running up toward the stem, and gradually assuming an appearance which indicates, that, whatever process has been at work, the cellular structure has been most hurtfully interfered with, a work which the spawn of fungi is well able to do.

But, although this view points in the direction of the poison entering the plants by the roots, it does not necessarily follow that this is the only way by which they might become infested for, even supposing this to be the case, it is just as likely that the spores carried about by the atmosphere will germinate and grow wherever a suitable nidus is found; while the conditions required might be in the ground, or on the roots, as well as on the leaves of the plant. Observation teaches that the spawn of many fungi grow and do much harm in circumstances where they do not produce spores at all, as in the case of dry-rot in timber and the fairy-rings of the superstitious; while quite a large class, “the minute pests of plants, bear spores in vesicles without definite arrangement," and these might be produced wherever the thread-like mycelium extends. For aught, therefore, we know to the contrary, as well as for reasons already stated, the verbena may receive with its food the poison which kills it; and that poison in a semi-active state may be the cause of the hardening and curling of the leaves, as is often the case even when there is no discoloration.

Notwithstanding these views, however, I am far from supposing that sufficient

evidence has yet been adduced fully to warrant the belief that fungi alone are the cause of the disease, although it seemingly points in that direction.

Plants have their parasitical animals as well as vegetables, and some of these are capable of doing all the mischief complained of. It may be remembered, while the potato-disease prevailed to such an extent as nearly to destroy that esculent, many maintained, and with good show of reason, that it was caused by an insect, Aphis vastater; and this inference was derived from the fact that that insect was frequently found on diseased plants: but the investigations of Mr. Berkley conclusively proved, that, though often found upon the diseased vines, they were not invariably met with, while the fungus Botrytis, infestens was never absent. So it might be in the case of the verbena ; for quite often the young leaves present an appearance as if gnawed by such creatures as have been seen upon them. But the question arises, Are those "mites" invariably met with on diseased plants? If so, then it may fairly be presumed that they are the cause of the disease; otherwise we must look beyond for something else sufficient to account for effects which we see produced. And there seems no view so much in harmony with analogy as that which refers it to the ravages of one or other of these minute fungi, which play so important a part in the wonderful economy of Nature; although, at the same time, the primary cause of all may be constitutional debility, induced by long and unnatural modes of propagation and culture.

It would be well could a remedy be suggested for the evil complained of; but this cannot be done. Our object has been rather to induce growers to give the subject that attention it deserves, and to "tell their experience," so that by the collecting of facts, and the thorough examination of these, a point may be reached whence the whole ground could be more intelligibly surveyed, and, if possible, a remedy provided.

In the mean time, growers cannot do better than propagate from healthy plants only, and, as far as in their power, provide all the conditions necessary to healthy growth; for no cure for the plague has yet been found. Sulphur or other ingredients, externally applied, can only be partial in their effects; as the seat of the disease is in as well as on the plant, and of course cannot be eradicated by mere outside applications. But perhaps it can be held in check by mixing recent-slacked lime with the mould in which they are potted, as well as dusting the plants occasionally with it over the foliage, and standing them in the greenhouse, where the roots will not be capriciously acted upon by fire-heat. NEW HAVEN, CONN.

A. Veitch.

CHINESE YAM. - We see by our exchanges that an effort is now being made to call public attention anew to the cultivation of this vegetable. We do not object to this; for we wish to have the experiment fairly tried: but we must confess that we think the writer of the following has presented its claims in somewhat extravagant terms. He says (and we quote from a correspondent of “The Working Farmer ") that "the crop, or produce of the root, is so great in China, that he does not venture to state it, but feels satisfied, that, when its culture shall have become fully understood (and surely there is none other that is more

simple), the cultivator may fairly calculate on eighteen hundred bushels to the acre, and probably on considerably more. When we consider the great excellence and highly nutritious character of this greatest of all esculents, its hardiness, its easy culture, its freedom from all rot, its combination of nitrogen, the same nourishment as in meat, its immense productiveness, by which alone more than three hundred millions of people in the most densely-populated empire in the world have been sustained free from all famine through all the past ages of the world, can we refrain from rendering homage to the beneficent Father of the universe for the greatest alimentary boon that he has ever tendered to man ?”

Fifteen years ago, we imported a few of the tubers, or bulbs, for trial. On opening the package, we were disappointed in the quantity and in the character of what had been sent us. The entire contents would not have filled a common wine-glass. In view of a product of twelve or fifteen hundred bushels to the acre, could it be that responsible seed-merchants were sending their patrons such samples for propagation? Distributed thus, the yield of a few acres would have supplied the world. But we trenched, planted, cultivated to the letter, as directed, and succeeded in raising a few of what, at the time, were pronounced fine specimens. For several years, the cultivation was continued; perhaps we should say, from motives of curiosity, as the yield was small, and the roots were so very easily broken, that scarcely one in ten was taken from the ground in a perfect condition. When cooked, the flesh had the rice-like taste and consistency it was said to possess; but in our judgment it was inferior to that of the common potato, and, we think, would generally be so considered.

Up to the present time, its cultivation cannot be considered a success; and we see little encouragement for the future, except in the introduction of new varieties, or the discovery of some better method of raising and harvesting.

F. B.

NEW VEGETABLE. The Phytolacca decandra, mentioned in the February number of the Journal, is the common native pigeon-berry. It is an herbaceous perennial, and, in some localities, is found growing in great abundance. Though the young shoots, early in the season, are said to form an acceptable substitute for spinach or asparagus, we are not aware that the plant has ever been considered of much value as an esculent, and probably is nowhere in general use. The root, which attains a large size, possesses important medicinal properties.

The "new vegetable to which the note calls attention is evidently the P. esculenta, or edible phytolacca. Ten years ago, through the kindness of the late M. Vilmorin of Paris, we received a sample of the seeds for trial. The plant is a hardy annual. The seeds were sown early in May, in rows two feet apart, and thinned to twelve or fifteen inches in the row. The foliage is similar to that of the species first mentioned; but the plant is more slender, and, in its general character, shows little of the stocky, robust manner of growth seen in the common pigeon-berry. The yield is small, its cultivation is more difficult than that of asparagus or spinach, and it is inferior to these vegetables as a table-esculent.

Descriptions of both species, with directions for culture and use, will be found in "The Field and Garden Vegetables of America."

F. B.

FRUITS OF EUROPE AND AMERICA COMPARED. Your readers must have been interested in the suggestive letter of your esteemed correspondent, Hon. Joseph S. Cabot, contained in the January number of your Journal. I wish to draw attention to points in his letter, which require to be received cum grano salis, as affecting our judgment of the comparative merits of the two continents. And, first, Mr. Cabot places the products of Massachusetts in one scale, and then piles into the other the successive fruits of England, of France, of Belgium, and of Germany, until our good Commonwealth can do nothing less than kick the beam. This can in no wise be said to be a comparison of the continents. We may admire the pluck of the man whose motto is, "The Hub against the Universe;" but this, plainly, is putting the case somewhat too strongly. And I submit, that we ask too much of Massachusetts in asking her to rival all the countries which are named. It would be a more equal comparison to include New York and all the intervening States to the south line of Virginia as an equal extent of territory. Passing from the consideration of the difference in soil. Mr. Cabot notices the extreme fluctuations of our climate, both in summer and in winter; the excessive heat and excessive cold; extreme dryness, followed by floods of rain; and contrasts this with the mild, equable, moist, but not wet climate of Europe; and he comes to the conclusion, à priori, that the productus of our "harsh and severe "climate must be inferior. At first sight, this seems to be a reasonable conclusion; and undoubtedly there is force in this view. There can be no doubt whatever that the extremes which we sometimes experience are often seriously injurious to our crops. All plants best develop their normal vigor upon the nearest approach to the mean temperature which they require, both during the season of growth and of rest. Some plants require tropical heat, and others demand a low temperature; but there are none which are benefited, except indirectly, by extreme fluctuations. We do know that the heat and drought of our summers and the extreme cold of our winters oftentimes kill our plants outright. Plainly this earth (and in this comprehensive embrace we are willing to include Massachusetts) is not a paradise of fruits, whatever may have been the original design. And yet it is by no means safe to conclude, that, for the purpose of raising fruit, a country having slight climatic variations is consequently superior to a country subject to changes; for Nature makes provision for her necessities. Oftentimes these provisions are so ample, as, for example, in an abundance of clear sunlight, or in favoring periods for rest or for maturity, that the balance is thrown clear over to the other side. It used to be said that a Northern man would suffer more in our Southern States than at home during winter; and for the simple reason, that, at the South, no provision was made against the cold. The house was open, the wood was green, the fireplace was smoky, and the discomfort was general. A temperature of ten or twenty degrees below zero is not conducive to animal vigor; and yet the vigor of our Northern people is equal, at least, to that of any other portion of the globe. We find similar facts in the vegetable kingdom. Take the fruits which will endure the cold of New England, and we do not conclude that they will show more vigor, and be more productive and superior, in the temperate and more equable climate of Virginia. You may say that our extremes, our storms and