The bird cherry as found in eastern nurseries, introduced from west Europe, has not proved hardy in central Iowa, and I know of no good specimens north of the 40th parallel in the prairie states. Finding varied forms of the tree in Poland, North Silesia, and in all the Russian provinces east to the Volga in the summer of 1882, I decided to introduce a number of typical forms for trial. These have proved entirely hardy up to the 44th parallel, and some of them, I believe, are handsomer in foliage, habit and bloom, than the common varieties of west Europe. In central Russia the common form is known as Prunus Padus, macrocarpa. It is a rapid upright grower with dark green foliage and long racemes of pure white flowers that open in the season of the Persian lilac. This will prove hardy, I think, up to the 45th parallel in the prairie states, and will be liable to sun-scald of stem if trimmed up when planted south of the 40th parallel.

As we reach the provinces west of the Volga we find the most common form to be upright in habit when young, but as the tree attains size the branches become pendent. In early spring they are among the most beautiful trees on our grounds, as the pendent branches show off the pure white blossoms to better advantage than the varieties with upright habit. We were informed by Dr. Maximowicz that in central Asia, and in the valley of the Amur, the common form is known as Prunus Maacki. Beyond all doubt this is merely a variety of the bird cherry, but the tree is more spreading in habit, is denser in foliage, and it flowers more than two weeks earlier than the varieties noted above. It also - as stated elsewhere - is inclined to start its buds prematurely in winter, while the macrocarpa and pendent variety of the Volga hibernate as perfectly as the currant or Duchess apple. I was called to task for stating that the cultivated cherry was worked on Prunus Padus on the Volga. Yet, I believe it to be true, and at this time our grafts upon it appear to be doing well. - J. L. Budd.

Zinnias are among the most showy of summer annuals and deserve the careful attention of every lover of flowers. They are natives of Mexico, but are now cultivated in nearly every clime, although they belong to the half hardy class of annuals. The beautiful double specimens, of various shades of color, which are seen in the gardens during summer are varieties of Zinnia elegans which in its natural state is single and of a scarlet color.

Zinnias are among the easiest plants to grow. They will bear some neglect, and will stand a long period of dry weather without injury. During periods of stormy weather they make rapid growth but are liable to be blown over or broken off by the winds. The improved varieties are very beautiful and should find a place everywhere, as they are most valuable for cut-flowers. If the blossoms are removed as soon as they begin to fade, and the plants are not allowed to perfect seed, they will continue to grow and to produce an abundance of flowers until frost comes. The seed should be sown in a hot-bed about the end of March, and as soon as the young plants are large enough to handle they should be pricked out, and when they begin to grow again care should be taken that they do not become drawn. This can be prevented by allowing the plants plenty of air during seasonable weather. About the first or second week of June, according to latitude, the plants may be set out where they are intended to flower, setting them at least two feet apart. A neat stake should be placed beside each one for the purpose of securing the leading shoot. The zinnia delights in a light rich soil.

In this latitude the seed may be sown out-doors during the first week of March, but a garden light or canvas frame will be required to protect the bed from heavy rains until the plants come up.

Zinnias may be disposed of in the garden in a varieties of ways. A long row, if backed up with suitable plants, has a very striking effect. Or they may be used to fill beds by themselves and in this case they should be pegged down so as to cover the whole surface of the bed and to replace any gaps that may occur through the death of any of the plants. The zinnia is a sun-loving flower and refuses to thrive when shaded by trees or other large plants. The plants should be carefully hoed until they become too large. - H. W. Smith, Baton Rouge, La.