The past winter and spring, so exceptional in their climatic conditions, were most unfavorable for cultivated shrubbery. After a winter so unprecedently mild that the ground was unfrozen throughout, and without snow, there were heavy snow-falls later in March, followed by intense cold (10° below zero). Many things commenced growth early in March as vigorously as is usual during the latter part of April, only to be killed by the severe freezing they received. At this time the ground was well covered with snow and froze but lightly, which seems to have saved the roots of many things. The more noticeable thing was that the most severe sufferers were of Asiatic origin ; many of them were killed entirely, as the Japan Judas tree (Cerris Japonica) and Kaelreuteria paniculata. The California privets (Ligustrum ovalifolium), many of the forsythias, hydrangeas, kerria, and Japanese spireas lost all but their roots, and are now making a new growth from the ground. The Japan maples suffered somewhat, but not so severely. The shrubs of American origin that are usually later in starting into growth, as the Virginia fringe tree, Ber-beris, cornus and laburnum, are unhurt. The same seems true of the vines.

The Virginia creeper, Aris-tolochia Sipho, and trumpet honeysuckles are uninjured, while the Chinese wistaria, actinidia and Ampelopsis Veitchii suffered severely. The good old fashioned things and their improved varieties did not seem to notice the unusual season, such as lilacs, viburnums, deutzias, upright honeysuckles and mock oranges. The flowers of the Japan quince and the native red maple were alike destroyed, while the Chinese prune (Prunus Simoni), has flowered and grown with unusual splendor. Evergreens without exception have yet shown no ill effects. - H. W. D. Orange County, N. Y.