Lockport, N. Y.

Gentlemen: - We are sadly perplexed by the conflicting statements and opinions of nurserymen and dealers in fruit trees. We purchased, this fall, of one party, Grape roots, (Delawares,) one year raised from one eye, in pots, under glass. There was a mass of small fibrous roots, and but few of any size. The vines are three or four feet long, small, and long jointed. These were claimed to be, and sold for, A No. 1 Delaware roots of one eye, under glass, and as being far superior to a larger, longer, and less fibrous root We also purchased, of another party, Delawares one year old, raised in a novel (to us) manner - in an elevated bed, or border, of ordinary soil, without any forcing or manuring. These roots are large, and average from one foot to three feet in length. The vines from eight to twelve feet in length, and wood well ripened. These are also claimed to be superior to the small fibrous-rooted vine. Who shall decide, when doc-dors disagree? It is claimed by the latter grower that the small, fibrous roots decay when transplanted, and that new fibrous roots are reproduced each year. There is still another point of difference.

Some contend that a root raised from a tingle eye is better than a layer; and again, that those under glass are superior to open, out-door culture.

Will you be so kind as to give us your opinion on these points of difference among grape growers, through your columns?

We intend to set out a large number of Delawares - probably several thousands - when we can learn definitely what kind of roots to buy. Our Pear orchard, in the spring, will be about 1,500 of Dwarfs and Standards.

In this department, also, new beginners are subject to indecision in selections, so many varieties are recommended as best. Some say that Dwarfs are a failure - for fruiting for profit, and that Standards are the best and only reliable, and vice versa. We have, however, confined our varieties mainly to Duchesse, Louise Bonne, Seckel, Bartlett, and Flemish Beauty.

Yours truly, J. S. Walter.

P. S. - I should have said that, in the elevated border, the whole was under glass, and hot water was the medium of heating or warming the Grape house. But no forcing other than this was used. W.

[A general demand for a plant, consequent forcing and use of bad wood, and indifference to his reputation on the part of the propagator, are very much in the way of procuring really good plants; we might add, too, an indisposition on the part of the purchaser to pay a fair price for a well-grown plant. The first plants you describe we should not have selected, though we had not seen the roots: the canes plainly indicated that the roots were not in the best condition: the vines had probably been forced and crowded too close together. A vine duly furnished with fibrous or secondary roots is, beyond all peradventure, better than one not so furnished; but then, fibrous roots, to be good, must have size and substance. As to a choice between a vine from an eye, duly furnished with good fibrous roots, and a layer with long primary roots and few fibres, we have made too many experiments in planting to leave a doubt on our mind. When an experienced planter receives a vine with these long roots, he cuts them in, and his object in doing this is to produce fibrous roots. There are a multitude of reasons why a vine of the first class is better than one of the second.

It is true, if not perfectly natural, that each propagator claims his own vines to be best; but we have never experienced the least difficulty in deciding between them, when we could make an examination of their vines. In the sense in which your second doctor manifestly puts the case, it is hot true that the fibrous roots decay when the vine is transplanted; neither is it true that they are reproduced every year. We can easily explain what really does take place, but we leave the case thus broadly put in order that our readers may discuss the point, if so disposed. In regard to vines raised from eyes and layers, we have no doubt at all that the first are by far the best, except for a few special purposes. The best kind of vines can be grown under glass, provided they are not forced or otherwise improperly treated. Sonic native vines can hardly be raised in the open air, and success there is much less certain. Our advice to you, is to purchase vines from eyes, well furnished with strong fibrous roots, bright and healthy: do not misunderstand us as meaning a mass of small, weak fibres. The canes should be stout, (according to the kind,) short-jointed, and well ripened. With such vines, you can not help succeeding, unless you make some very sad mistakes.

We think you have done wisely in planting a Pear orchard. If Dwarfs are properly selected as to kinds, well planted, and properly treated, you will find them profitable, unless there are some peculiarities about your soil which unfit it for this kind of culture. Your selection is good, but the Duchesse must be grown only on quince. - Ed].

MR. Editor, - Has a lady a right to make a suggestion to the Horticulturist? I think I hear your prompt reply, Yes, and proceed to put it. I am cultivating a few house plants, which give me a great deal of pleasure, but have come to the conclusion that I don't know all about it, and should like to know more of the exact when, and where, and how. I have such a magnificent Calla in bloom now," by following your instructions, that I am anxious to profit further. I feel quite sure that there are others of your nine thousand readers in a similar condition, so when you answer my questions, for there will be more than one, you may be \ doing much good to others, especially to new beginners, of whom I conclude you will have many among your subscribers. What I want is something practical, and applicable to the every day culture and management of parlor plants at this season, and also of those that grow in flower beds in the open air, which a lady prefers to attend to in person, for the pleasure it gives her, I have often purchased fine plants from the florist, and on taking them home, found that I could not manage them; they would perish in spite of all my care; were too hot, or too cold; too dry, or too wet; required new earth, or a fertilizer, or something else, which I could not find out until too late, for which reason I have lost much enjoyment; but I have learned much by experience, though I know there are many who would be discouraged by such bad luck.