Remarkable Rose Bushes

The oldest of all rose bushes is said to be one which is trained upon one side of the cathedral of Hildesheim, in Germany. The root is buried under the crypt, below the choir. The stem is a foot thick, and a half dozen branches nearly cover the eastern side of the church, bearing countless flowers in summer. Its age is unknown, but documents exist which prove that a Bishop Hezilo, nearly a thousand years ago, protected it by a stone roof, which is still extant.

The largest rose bush is a white Banksia - so called after Lady Banks - in the Marine Garden of London, which was sent there, the first of its kind, in 1812, by Bonpland. Its numerous branches, some of which measure eighteen inches in circumference, cover an immense wall to the width of nearly sixty feet, and at times, in early spring, as many as fifty thousand flowers have been counted on this queen of all roses.

A Remarkable Testimonial

The practice of giving testimonials to manufactures of implements and fertilizers, has received a capital hit by the following, concerning a remarkable manure: "Dear Sir - The land composing my farm had hitherto been so poor that a Scotchman could not get a living off it, and so stony that we had to slice our potatoes and plant them edgeways; but hearing of your manure, I put some on a ten acre field surrounded by a railroad fence, and in the morning I found that the rocks had entirely disappeared, and a neat stone wall encircled the field, and the rails were split into firewood and piled up systematically in my back yard."

A Remarkable Vine

Mr. L. A. Hardee, of Honey Moon, Florida, tells the following tall story about a vine of his: In June of 1867, I layered a few vines of the Scuppernong in a lot I owned in Jacksonville. In July, of the same year, I sold this lot, reserving these vines. In the fall of 1867, I planted these vines, one of which was near the well; this vine covers a lattice work 54x64, and will bear this season 100 bushels, I think."

Remarks On Flower-Gardening

A plain, practical article, full of hints and directions for the unpracticed cultivator. It may well be doubted whether the use of fancy forms for flower-beds has not marred rather than beautified many an otherwise pleasing lawn or pleasure-ground. He who without study and practice in the harmony of forms, color, and habit of flower, etc., desires to create pleasing results in garden improvements, had best keep to the plain primitive rules as far as possible.

Remedies For Cabbage Lice

The best remedies for this garden pest come from men who have actually experimented. We give two, which have proved successful, by gardeners. If any know more, we would like to hear of them.

A Kentucky gardener sends the following:

No. 1

As soon as the plant begins to head, or as the louse makes its appearance, open the leaves carefully with the fingers, and sprinkle common salt between them. This is said to be an infallible remedy. We have used it with entire success. Plants used in this way produce larger and more solid heads than those left to themselves.

A California writer sends the following:

No. 2

Two tablespoonfuls of kerosene mixed with a pint of water, and applied'by rubbing it on the outside leaves. A couple of applications is usually sufficient.