The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1893-07-13
Trees and Plants.

The will of the late VIM. Endicott,
who died in Salem, Mass, July 3rd last,
which was probated in London, has been
filed in Salem for reference. The be-
quests are all private. but the famous old
orchard at Danvers is bequeathed to w.
C. Endicott. Jr The farm is widely
known ON account of a pear tree, now in
a fairly vigorous condition, which was
planted by Gov. Endicott in 1880. Over
one bushel of fruit was harvested from
the tree last year Of all the host of
thrifty trees, the pride of the Governors
heart, whose number gave to the manor
of 300 acres the name of Orchard Farm
two centuries or more ago, this venera-
BILE tree alone remains 1t is undoubted-
ly the oldest pear tree in New England,
and it is doubtful if it has a rival in the
United States.
Gardeu-beds should be prepared with
an abundance of fertilizer and tender
annuais may be sown. For this it is
good plan to prepare litter of light
straw or some boards to cover the ground
it possible to plant seeds at least week
earlier than would otherwise be SAT :,
and the plants get just so much farth' r
advanced. There is another advantage
in this, which is that the weeds can be
kept down much more easily if the work
is begun very early in the season. When
seeds are sown late. the weeds have a
chance to get we'll established before the
tender seedlings show above ground; in
pulling the weeds then, it is almost GER
tain that many of the plants will be up
rooted. With rare and valuable varieties
this is quite an important item.
A heliotrope hedge, 200 feet long, is to
be seen on the premises of Ventura,
CAL, florist. 1t was planted several
years ago, and low posts and wires arr
ranged to support the plants, but they
have now grown to height of 6 feet
above the walk, and great branches of
purple, lavender and white blossoms
send out clouds of sweetness and attract
humming birds, bees and butterflies of
gorgeous hues.
Says G0rdef and Forest, in speaking
of the praises the English journals are
giving to the dog tooth violets at Kew
Gardens: 'There is no reason why the
various species and varieties, which are
always beautiful in form and many of
them exquisite in color, should not be
more frequently seen in American gar.
dens. They like little shade and q
good peaty soil. The border of rhode
dendrun bed is just such situation az
they desire"
Although the cut>leaved weeping birch
fairy-like in form among trees and has
so many advantages to recommend it, it
can not be used to any great extent al
an avenue or park tree, like the tuliI
tree, oaks, naples, and other trees o
large and stately growth, especially
where long and continuous lines are re
quired; but for short streets of park
like character they are admirable be
cause of the pleasing effect that may b,
produced by contrasting their beautiful
light and airy forms and foliage with TIN
dense, massive heads of heavier trees
The weeping birch as an individual tire,
is a striking object on lawn where il
has ample room for development, and
some very striking effects may be
obtained by massing the white birct
near pines and spruces in public park
and large estates, where space will ad
nit of bold treatment.