RKBP-089

Newburgh March 12~ 1856

Messrs Kennicotts

Your catalogue came to hand last evening for which I am obliged & will be further obliged if you will send me in a letter one[underlined] scion of Baltimore or cables Gilliflower apple, that is, if it is distinct from Gloria [Mun?] [di?] or Monstrous pippin which is called Baltimore by some. also one scion of Handfords orleans Plum if of good quality - - one large scion of each is enough.

You want "Myatts Linnaeus" Rhubarb to complete your collec tion. it is the best flavored of all that I have tried (which are many) the stalks are not quite as large as some but more of them & the

flavor much milder - - I thought my collosal the best untill the Linnaeus was proved - I saw an acre of it at Parsons &c, they said it brought 20 per cent more in N.Y. Market thay any other variety - -

From what I have seen of the west, they will have to give up the most of the Heart & [Bigameau?] cherries & take the Dukes & morel los - - I observe only one Duke in your catalogue - & think you would do well to get more of this class

Royal Duke - Arch Duke - Vails August Duke - Reine Hortense Plumstone Morello - English Morello Carnation & some others are valu able & will (I think) suit your climate best - & believe also the [Mahalek?] stock best for you -

There is a new Quince called Rea's seedling which is one half larger than orange & equally as good - can send you buds if you wish in the season -

Can you not send me when the Spring opens a small piece of [Aconiture sieboldii?] in a newspaper?

How can you sell plants so cheap as 50 cts per doz - or $2 per 100-? it would not here pay for the time of putting them up -

Winter still hangs on - Sunday moring last the Therm. was 2 below zero - & monday the 10~ 6[degrees] below - snow 10 or 12 inches deep. hard & solid & from pres ent appearance it will be a long time before spring opens - it has been steady cold weather since Christmas the coldest morningw as 12[degrees] below zero - none of the fruit is injured

except a few Peach buds

I cannot see how Mr. Elliott can pronounce Knights Large Red & Black English currants worthless - the former is one of the largest & best currants we have & it will be a long while before the public will pronounce Black English worthless - it generally brings one half more in the New York markets than red or white currants, not for eating, but for culinary purposes

Kind regards to all the good folks

Very Respectfully Chas. Downing