Extract from Peter Henderson's "Hand-book of Plants :"

"Cocculus Carolinus, derived from Kokkos, the systematic name of Cochineal, given to this genus because most of the species bear scarlet berries. Nat. Ord. Menispermaceae. An extensive genus of climbing shrubs remarkable for their medicinal properties. With one exception the species are all natives of the East Indies. Cocculus Carolinus, common in woods and thickets in states from North Carolina to Florida, is a very handsome climber remarkable for its racemes of white flowers, followed by clusters of bright scarlet berries that remain on the vine all winter. "This is one of the most beautiful climbers under cultivation, and will succeed well where there is not more than 10° or 12° of frost".

I feel it is presumption in me to try to add to what has been so well told; but, few comparatively, see either the plant, or, if they do, know it under its true name, or know of the extreme elegance of this altogether lovely native climber. Others can write of exotic plants and bulbs, but if I can induce my countrymen to plant and cultivate more extensively the many rare and valued (in foreign countries), plants that we have in such abundance here, I will feel that I too deserve the "nation's gratitude." Who is it says: "To the man who teaches us to grow two blades of grass where only one grew," etc.? So I hope to obtain that same nation's gratitude. I fain must add a few words to description already given above, hoping to gain for it more genuine lovers such as I am. Why is it that we all delight and exult so in the grandeur of our late Chrysanthemums? But because we know that stern winter will soon blast all of our lovely summer darlings, and only to those blest with means of keeping them protected, will they gladden our senses for many a long dreary month.

That thought enhances their value, and for this reason Cocculus Carolinianus is doubly valuable, for even the stern cold wintry blasts do not intimidate or destroy it, but the severer the frost the more beautiful do those same scarlet berries become. At first they are a pale green, then pale rose, afterwards a deep glowing scarlet; and after severe frosts the berries become transparent as glass, disclosing distinctly the seed through this transparent veil. Before me now lie long graceful pendulous festoons of this exquisite child of our forests, filled with thousands of berries in all stages, they not having yet at this date, November 3d, attained all of their full perfection. This vine is tuberous and delights in cool shady situations, with rich sandy soil. Here, in our rich bottom land adjoining water courses, it is found in greatest profusion and beauty. Often for a space of 20 or 30 feet you will not be able to penetrate into it, for it climbs up every cane and twig, and festoons them with a grace indescribable. The leaf is not its least attraction, in shape very much like Senecio scandens or German ivy, only crisp and satiny; some as long as three inches, and growing at regular distances, one inch apart, all along the stem alternate.

At every leaf is found the cluster of berries, never less than three, from that up to one hundred. In some the clusters are full three inches long, by one wide. Just imagine it if you can; facing such a thicket, with millions of these gleaming scarlet berries, and grieve as I do that all or more cannot enjoy the entrancing sight with me. I have sent many clusters off this fall to my flower-loving friends; and was told by a prominent nurseryman that it was cultivated at the North under glass - he had often seen and admired it, but had never known its name. Once I was out and found a vine growing in a wild plum tree - 6 feet high by 5 through - which was loaded with this exquisite vine in full fruit. Be assured your correspondent did not leave it there, but wended her way joyously homeward burdened with long branches, some 6 feet; and soon every vase and picture in her home were decorated for the admiration of all beholders, and loud and continuous were the praises it gained, and so well deserved. I am enthusiastic, I know, but I am not too much so, and earnestly ask our kind Editor to bear me out in it, as he is well acquainted with, and loves the many wildlings of our fair South land.

I would like to ascertain if cochineal for commerce can be obtained from it. Its local names here - two of them, both misnomers - are Bambo and Wild Sarsaparilla. I copy from "Chambers' Encyclopedia," of an East India variety - "Coc-culus indicus - name of a very poisonous seed from East Indies, used in Britain notwithstanding its prohibition by act of Parliament, to save not only malt and hops in beer brewing, giving to beer a bitter taste, but very deleterious in its effects." Spartanburg, S. C.

[This plant well deserves cultivation for the sake of its foliage and delicate habit alone. It is quite hardy about Philadelphia. The Editor has a plant in mind, that for a number of years was one of many similar ornaments on a trellis that covered the south wall of an old botanist's residence. But, as the plant is monoecious, there will be no berries from a single plant in cultivation. - Ed. G. M].