I notice a short article under the above heading in the October number of the Horticulturist, page 813, in which you say: "We have been not a little surprised at the statements made by some of the Western growers of the value of the Autumn-bearing Raspberry." As I am one who has been active in disseminating these sorts, and believe in their great value, you will, perhaps, allow me to take exceptions to your article in part. While I agree with you that their culture is not essential in your locality - or, rather, in those localities where peaches are a certain crop, or can be had at low rates, and by those parties who haw pear-trees in fruiting, I must strongly dissent from that article as applied to all localities and all persons, and take the ground that they are a very desirable fruit in those portions of the country not blessed with peaches or pears. You are undoubtedly aware that no peaches can be raised over nine tenths of the Northwest, New York, and the New England States; - in fact, over a large share of this country named, a bearing peach-tree is a real curiosity, and in many parts a lite peach-tree is unknown.

In our grounds, at this place, we have had but one crop of peaches in ten years, and there has been but one season that they could be had for less than $2 50 per box - small boxes at that - which puts them entirely out of the reach of a very large class of consumers. And as to pears, it is well known that the new beginner must wait for years before he can get a crop from his Standards, providing they succeed in his locality or on his soil. I speak of Standards, for it is an established fact that "Dwarfs" do not succeed well in most localities here. We have on our grounds over fifty Dwarf and Standard pear trees, eight to ten years old. From the whole number we have not obtained, on an average, yearly, one peck of fruit. . My experience with them is the experience of nine tenths of the planters north of this latitude, and as large a share in many localities south of this. Now, can you say that in such localities and with such persons " they are out of season, and not desirable," and that you are "surprised" that we should make ustatements" as to their "value" with such ? I have certainly found them - the "Autumn-bearing" sorts - very desirable in my own family, having had my table supplied with the delicious luxury for six weeks, or until the ground "froze up;" and I believe that you would have no objection to enjoy the luxury of a ushort cake" made from them, that we have so often luxuriated on, especially when peaches or pears could not be had.

It matters not, you are aware, how cold or severe the winters are, or if the buds are killed to the ground thereby, they yield their autumn crop of fruit, for this fruit is produced on the new growth. In fact, we would advise cutting off the entire top just as winter sets in, and cover over the crown with coarse litter. By so doing, the crown is protected, the roots are enriched, and the crop certain and fine. In July or August nip off the top of the leading shoots, which will cause them to branch out and yield fully double or triple the fruit.

South Bind, Ind. A. M. Purdy.

Evergreen branches taken from the forest and planted in the ground among the shrubbery and grouped low over the flower-beds, serve to give life and cheerfulness to the grounds, and at the same time are a protection and shade to the plants, bulbs, etc., etc.

Plow or dig all ground intended for planting next S3ason, leaving it as light and loose as possible for the action of air and frost. If clay ground, plow or dig it only when comparatively dry - the drier the better; if too wet, it will at once pack down and no benefit arise from the labor. If dry when the work is performed, the action of the winter's frosts will be almost or quite equal to a coat of manure.

Grapevines in cold houses should be freed from their upright position, and pruned, but their winter protection Should be deferred as late as possible.