of a few years' standing; but the Comtesse de Chabrilland, though it first

DRAINING FLOWER-POTS. — No. II.

By A. VEITCH, New Haven, Conn.

THE physical properties of the soil in which plants are potted has something to do in determining whether much or little drainage-material should be used. What we mean by physical properties in this connection is the relation which one particle bears to another, and to all the rest in the aggregate, as regards bulk and specific weight. If we take, for illustration, a sample from a gravelly or sandy district, we shall find that there is great diversity as regards these particulars; which diversity gives it a shifting and unstable character. It is true, when plants are just potted in it, and for some time thereafter, all goes well; but by and by, and after repeated waterings, its whole texture and framework is changed, - changed by more or less of the finer particles being carried by the descending water to a lower level, and filling up the interstices toward the bottom of the mass. From this tendency to change, the holes in the pots are in imminent danger of being closed or partially obstructed; and when the outflow is thus retarded so as to set back the water in the pot, the whole would speedily become disorganized, and settled down upon itself, never again to be a fit medium for the transmission of water, or the development of feeding roots. By adopting the non-crocking theory while dealing with a soil like this, this state of things would not be improved, but rather made worse; and the only preventive we yet know is the old-school method of building good drains, and taking care they never get choked. These views, I believe, coincide with the experience of every gardener in and about New Haven. We are not so favorably circumstanced as regards mould for pot-culture as many are in other sections of the country. The site of this city and immediate neighborhood is a prehistoric sea-beach, traversed by river terraces and dried-up channels; and all around unmistakable evidence is afforded. of this by the large deposits of sand and gravel. It is true, throughout the ages, a sparse deposit of vegetable matter has been accumulated, varying in depth from nothing to two feet, and that in most places largely made up of the underlying materials; but, beyond the arenaceous beds, a transition takes place, and another and better quality of surface-soil becomes general.

All along the dikes which run north, and through the Connecticut Valley, the trap and new red sandstone deposit are frequently found in close proximity; the latter having been uplifted by the former at its formation. They are at rest now, and long have been; only scraped and gnawed by the various processes of disintegration. The débris thus formed constitutes a great part of the surface-soil in these localities; which is a fine, friable loam, and of much greater horticultural value than any to be got from the gravelly stretches. In character, it differs from the other in the particles being much more uniform in size; on account of which, it maintains its natural texture, and the position imposed upon it when placed in the pot, not only for a month or two, but for a year, and simply in obedience to that law which governs all solids alike. This uniformity we claim to be of the utmost value in pot-culture; and plants grown in it do not suffer so readily from excess of water as when potted in a sandy soil, owing to the fact that its capacity for water is much less than the other; which capacity, as regards every kind of soil, is just in proportion to the spaces between the particles. "The atoms only of bodies are truly impenetrable."

We feel reluctant to close these remarks without for a moment referring to the difference of climate as regards heat and moisture; more especially the latter, in relation to the subject of pot-drainage. This seems more needful, as the disposition is abroad to treat the subject irrespective of any such consideration. It is claimed by the non-crocking theorists that "plants drain from the sides, and not from the bottom, of the pots."

It would, perhaps, be more correct to say they drain off in this way the water which the mould is capable of taking up by absorption, all beyond from the bottom alone; and, if ample provision is not made for this, the side drainage will be insufficient to preserve that medium degree of moisture in the mould which every sensible gardener seeks to maintain.

But, granting the statement to be true, it would not be of universal application; for this mode of drainage is entirely dependent upon the hygrometrical condition of the atmosphere; and this, we know, varies from almost positive saturation to being very dry. If in the first state, the process would be practically suspended, but for difference of temperature within and without the pot; and all along the scale, betwixt the points of wet and dry, the passage of water through the vessel would be increased or dimin

ished, just as one or other of these extremes was approached. Now we need not hunt up statistical reports of learned societies to ascertain the difference betwixt the climates of Great Britain and the Northern United States as regards atmospheric moisture; knowing as we do, experimentally, that it is so great as to necessitate much more attention to drainage in that country than in this. I speak advisedly, having followed the profession for about an equal number of years in both; and although not able to note the difference as indicated by Saussure's Hygrometer, or the wet and dry bulb thermometers, I have not been unobservant of the same class of facts which these instruments record; in a less scientific way, perhaps, yet quite natural and true, as indicated by doeskin garments, homespun, or shoddy, as these may have been in requisition, or imposed upon me. In Britain, gardeners have to apply fire-heat for days and weeks together, to dry up the damp in their greenhouses, and water with the utmost care; while here, quite frequently, they follow a directly opposite course: and in both cases for the very best of reasons. What force or philosophy, then, is there in that "sneer" which curls upon the lip of the "smallest boy" in Jersey when he looks upon "the imported ten-dollar novelty" with a few potsherds at the bottom of the pot? This looks very much like trifling with an important subject. Still, there is hope for that boy when he gains a large experience, and understands its true readings.

If the views thus stated be correct (and, if not, let them be corrected), the inference may fairly be drawn, that any one taking upon himself the onerous duty of propounding rules for the guidance of all engaged in the cultivation of pot-plants, whether in this or other lands, and making all his deductions from his one compost-heap, and the atmospheric conditions of his own neighborhood, will be apt to arrive at false conclusions regarding the action of others who may have the best of reasons for doing things differently. We say not this by way of begging the question, or in vindication of a practice which cannot stand upon its own merits, but to state the conviction, that every man who has looked into the subject, and who does not wish to stand sponsor for a weak-kneed bantling, a peccadillo, a crotchet, or a whim, will continue to suit his action to his surroundings, and drain or not drain, as exigencies require.

"KING OF THE EARLIES" POTATO.

THIS new variety was originated in 1862, from the Garnet Chili, by Albert Bresee of Hubbardston, Vt., and has been known as Bresee's No. 4." The vines are of medium size, or a little below; leaves large. It bears no balls; tubers large and handsome, roundish, a little flattened; eyes a

little pink, and rather small; skin flesh color or dull

white, cooks mealy, and is of the best table-quality.

pinkish white; flesh

Matures very early,

ripening some days earlier than the Early Rose, and is a large yielder. It has proved, so far, very hardy.