An Apple Story

The Middletown (N. Y.) Press launches forth the following item for the benefit of studious horticulturists: "An apple tree on the premises owned by John Bransfield has attracted considerable attention during the past few days. The fact that it has come in for more than its ordinary share of attention is from the fact that there is a single blossom on the tree. On one side is the blossom as fresh as the first breath of spring and on the other ripe fruit. A further peculiarity of this tree is the fact that since it was large enough to bear fruit it has blossomed regularly three times a year".

Appreciation

The lady took the flowers brought by the child, She felt her heart in deepening pleasure bound, She kissed the flushing cheek, happy and round, Again the offering praised, and sweetly smiled: "You hunted long for those rare blossoms wild".

1 hen, with eyes growing sad, fixed on the ground, "Would that my Ralph with woodland love were crowned -

From planes and saws he ne'er is reconciled!" The child made answer, drumming on his cheek, For well he knew his parent in that hour Was praising Ralph for good work he could do, "Please, that's the way I heard my mother speak About my love for each wild, pretty flower, And so I brought these blossoms straight to you".

Charles N. Sinnett.

Apricot

A seedling apricot which is entirely hardy and very productive is said to have been raised at Geneva, N. Y. The fruit ripens ten days earlier than the Early Golden. The variety known as the Harris apricot, and promises to have great value.

Apricots #1

So far we have not tested any Russian apricots that will be likely to prove valuable on our soil or in our part of the west. The Shense apricot, from northwest China, is the most valuable variety yet tested, but this is not hardy enough to prove profitable north of the 42d parallel; where it is hardy it is likely to prove of considerable importance.

J. L. Budd. Iowa Agricultural College.

The Graph Station at Villefranche.

Aquilegias

Two species from the Rocky mountains are very fine. Aquilegia caerulea has large white or blue-tinted flowers, and must have a warm well drained soil to produce the best blossoms, and be well protected in winter. A. chrysantha has large* golden-yellow flowers, with long spurs. It does not seem to be so particular about soil or situation as A. coerulea, and increases in size and strength.

All New Englanders who like the fields or woods or mountains are acquainted with the wild columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis). It flowers from April to July, and is met with in our rambles in the moist meadows, the upland pastures and along the mountain cliffs. It seems to adopt itself to any situation in which it may be caught and find a bit of leaf-mould and moisture for nourishment. It may not be the most beautiful or showy flower, but for us it has a hidden charm.

Hampden Co., Mass. E. Gillett.