Tobacco

The statisticians are reporting a wonderful decrease in the use of tobacco the last year or two. A Mr. James of Reed's Landing, Minnesota, probably believing this to result from a decreased supply instead of a diminishing consumption, has taken out a patent for a "substitute" as follows : Spikenard, red clover, hyson, bops, slippery elm bark, tarred rope, pennyroyal, mullein leaves, kinnikinic, wild cherry bark and ginseng, "as and for the purpose specified".

Bassett's American Plum

This native seedling plum which we have already noted as a most abundant bearer, is stated to be much less liable to suffer rot after being "stung" by the curculio than the common garden plum, which, as our readers too well know is "gone " after the curculio deposits its egg therein. This is one of the best features of the American class of plums, and we are glad to see attention turned to their improvement.

The Marshall Pear

We are glad to hear from Mr. Foster that there is inquiry for this variety, described sometime since in our magazine, as we believe it is one of the most valuable of our native seedlings.

Miner's Seedling Grapes

The late T. B. Miner, at the time of his death had about completed some experiments with grapes covering several years before. Out of 1500 seedlings Mrs. Miner has selected twelve which have been named, and will be distributed this Spring.

Haskell's Grapes

Mr. George Haskell who has been so successful in raising improved seedling grapes, has decided to put twelve of the best on the market. Mr. Haskell has spent much time and money on his experiments, and it will be a satisfaction to those who wish well to horticultural improvement, should their trial under varied circumstances result in widespread popularity.

The Gibbon's Peach

This is a California seedling, and is regarded there as of much promise. It is thus decribed:

"The leaves have uniform glands. The fruit is large and oval; the suture runs on one side, and terminates by an acute swollen point at the top. The skin is clear yellow, showing a line dark red cheek when fully exposed; flesh yellow, melting, juicy and delicious. The fruit ripens about the middle of August".

Improved Dewberries

A. C.L., Madison, Ind., says: "Much has been written concerning the Dewberry, but after careful search I have never been able to find any one who has them for sale. Do you know of such a person ? "

[Of true Dewberries no improved kinds are known under culture. The "Wilson's Early has some relation to the Dewberry."]