Russian Horticultural Journal

There is but one journal published in the Russian language devoted to horticulture, The Westnich, organ of the Imperial Horticultural Society at Petersburg. It is edited by M. Wolkenstein, and publishes freely wood-cut engravings and colored illustrations.

The Russian Pine. Pinus Rigensis

This is a variety claimed by some writers to be so like unto the Scotch Pine - P. syluestris - as not to be worthy of rank as a species. Trees, however, that we have imported and grown are so entirely different from that variety, that we must claim it deserving a special rank. The tree is of about as rapid growth as the Austrian, with its limbs and branches more loose and open or longer spaced, while its foliage is more in tufts, much longer than the Austrian, and of a lighter more yellowish green, very bright and clear. It is nearer to Benthamiana than any other variety with which we have had opportunity to compare it. In groups or masses with the Scotch, Corsican, and Austrian, it forms yet another shade, and we have found its use a valuable addition in producing effect.

Rustic Supports For Climbing Plants In The Garden

THE designs on the opposite page are from the pen of L. D. Snook, who has prepared them specially for the help of ladies in training their roses and climbing plants. He states in his remarks in the Country Gentleman, where the designs appeared some months since, that "the proper height is from four and a half to five and a half feet. The centre piece of each support should be at least three-quarters of an inch thick, and from an inch and a quarter to an inch and a half wide. Attach the lower end to a sharpened strip of cedar or chestnut, which can be driven in the ground, and when decayed replaced by a similar piece without injury to the support proper. Supports for climbers of the character here shown are universally painted white. To relieve the monotony and sameness, a pleasing and permanent effect may be produced by painting certain portions of them green on the side only, leaving the other parts white. Any farmer handy with tools, of any carpenter, can make them easily".

The Rutter Pears

Mr. Satterthwaite in his remarks about Pears at Chambersburg, Pa., last January, commends specially the above Pear. It is one of which fruit cultivators generally have heard very little, and hence we quote Mr. Satterthwaite's remarks in full. "A splendid, large and exceedingly productive pear of first-rate quality, very remarkable for bearing enormous crops from the time the tree is first planted, and the tree all the time is making the most vigorous growth. It is also an excellent keeper. I consider this a fruit of great promise".

The Rutter Pear For Canning

Specimens of this pear have been canned the past fall by Richardson & Bobbins, of Dover, Del., which were obtained from the trees of Mr. Satterthwaite. We judge, from the tests and specimens placed at our disposal, that the pear is a success for this purpose. It cooks all through firmly, does not soften, is white, sweet flavor and large size. It is not as handsome in appearance as the Bartlett when canned, but is more sweet. Neither of them, however, can compare with a canned Lawrence. The test we consider a satisfactory one, and fruit growers may plant the Rutter freely, knowing that it is desirable both for market and canning. The more we can have of such sorts, the greater the value of each variety.