Charles Alden

Possibly one of the greatest of all benefits to American fruit growers, came in with the invention of the Alden Fruit Driers. Alden made some $60,000 by his invention. He subsequently lost all, retired to the almshouse in Randolph, Mass., where he committed suicide on the 26th of June. He was in his 76th year.

Combination Force Pumps

Mr. P. C. Lewis, of Catskill, New York, sends one of these. It serves the many purposes required in the use of liquids in the farm or garden, whether as a simple syringe, or garden engine. In trying it we found it sent a stream 50 feet high. For spraying poison over fruit or ornamental trees that are attacked by insects, it is a very timely invention. Owners of gardens will all find good use for them.

Public Park At Newburg

Arrangements are being made for a public park at Newburg, N. Y. The American Garden suggests that Downing Park would be an appropriate name for it.

Calycanthus Occidentalis

The Western Sweet Shrub does fairly well in the Atlantic States, and is useful for flowering in July, after the native Eastern species has gone out. But the odor is not of strawberry and cream, rather of an apple that has seen its best days.

Tufted Pansies

This is the name given to a new race of Pansy, by the London Garden. It has been produced by crossing the Pansy with some species of Alpine Violet. The plant grows in tufts like some species of Violet. Judging by the colored plate, the new race will be welcomed by flower lovers.

Fine Tiger Lily

"G.," Ardmore, Pa., writes: " I went to a neighbor's garden lately, one who prides herself on having as nice plants as you might see any day, and there was a Tiger Lily with a stem seven feet high, and bearing nineteen flowers. I promised to write to you to know if any of your readers could beat it".

It is certainly very fine, but we have no record of the largest we ever saw. Do not think we have seen one the equal of this.

Steam Heating In The Old World

We have occasionly noted how strange it seemed that English florists continued to almost wholly ignore steam heating of greenhouses in view of its rapid advance in the New World. Mr. Falconer has at length roused them to attention, and when he tells them that eight tons of coal with steam will do as much work as sixteen with hot water, they begin to think there must be something in it.

Public Sales Of Floral Produce

The London Garden still favors the plan of regular city public sales of flowers, and florists' products, instead of depending on commission sales as now conducted.